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Introduction
Limassol District is one of the six districts of Cyprus. As of 2011, it had a population of 235,330, 77% of which was urban. Its main city is Limassol. Part of the British Overseas Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia forms an enclave on the Akrotiri Peninsula, under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom. Limassol District forms much of the southwestern-central part of Cyprus. The Kouris River rises in the southern slopes of Troodos mountains, which lie in the northern part of the district towards the centre of Cyprus, and flows to the sea near the ancient city of Kourion. This river has been dammed by the Kouris Dam, which has caused the near drying up of the river in its lower reaches. Limassol, to the northeast of the Akrotiri peninsula lies on Akrotiri Bay, while Pissouri, to the northwest of the peninsula, lies on Episkopi Bay. Episkopi Bay is a nesting ground for green and loggerhead turtles, both of which are on the IUCN list of endangered species. Amathous Beach and the Dassoudi Beach are also situated in the district.
History
The buried ancient city of Amathus is 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) from Limassol. Archaeological excavations have unearthed ruins of the Byzantine period and a tomb of the 7th century BC. The ancient Kolossi Castle, which is located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) to the west of Limassol, reflects the fall of Acre and history of the Templars and their confiscated property allotted to the Limassol District for cultivation of wine and sugarcane.
Modern Limassol
The city of Limassol (Lemesos) plays a vital role in the economy of the Republic of Cyprus. After the illegal occupation of Famagusta and Kyrenia by the Turkish invaders in 1974, Limassol became the major port of Cyprus which in turn led to the growth of the tourism trade developing the city further. The city of Limassol has many beautiful sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Additionally, it offers a wide selection of accommodation built within walking distance to local amenities such as restaurants, confectioneries, clubs, bars, places of entertainment and festivals which attract many tourists.
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Landmarks & Attractions
Limassol, as the regional capital and a major centre for European tourism, contains many of the administrative and cultural buildings, and a large number of hotels along the seafront. The city is known for its wineries, and revelry and nightlife. The Limassol District Archaeological Museum, located in Limassol, has historical artefacts from the towns of Kourion and Amathus. The collections cover several periods, including Preneolithic (Akroteri culture), Early Neolithic (Shillourokambos culture), Neolithic I, Neolithic II (Sotira culture), Chalcolithic, Erimi Culture, Early Bronze Age, Μiddle Bronze Age, Late Bronze Age, Cypro-Geometric period, Cypro-Archaic period, Cypro-Classical period, Hellenistic period, Roman period, and Late Roman/Early Christian/Early Byzantine period. The Painted Churches in the Troödos Region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the churches, Timios Stavros (Holy Cross) is situated in Pelendria, Limassol District.
Economy
Limassol is the home for many of the island’s wine companies. Famous companies like KEO, LOEL, SODAP and ETKO produce wines and cognacs (brandies), with an excellent level of quality grapes grown in the countryside. Also a large quantity of the total production is exported all over Europe. Limassol is the trading hub of Cyprus, that has several industrial units and industry wares. These industries include dress-making, furniture, shoes, drinks, food, prints, metal, electric devices, plastic goods, as well as many other traditional industries. Inhabitants of rural areas are typically associated with agriculture, stock breeding, tourism and handicraft industries but with the majority involved in the fishing trade. Now-a-days, a large percentage of the total population is linked within the tourism industry which the economy heavily depends on, as it is primarily the island’s main source of income.
Climate
In Limassol, in the period January–February, the average maximum temperature is 17–18 °C (63–64 °F) during the day and 8–9 °C (46–48 °F) at night. In other coastal locations in Cyprus, the temperature is generally 16–17 °C (61–63 °F) during the day and 6–9 °C (43–48 °F) at night. In March and December in Limassol the average is 19–20 °C (66–68 °F) during the day and 10–11 °C (50–52 °F) at night; other coastal locations in Cyprus are generally 17–19 °C (63–66 °F) during the day and 8–11 °C (46–52 °F) at night. The middle of summer (July and August) is usually hot, with an average maximum coastal temperature of around 33 °C (91 °F) during the day and around 23 °C (73 °F) at night. In the centre of the island – the highlands – the average temperature exceeds 35 °C (95 °F)). In June and September on the coast the average maximum temperature is usually around 28–30 °C (82–86 °F) during the day and around 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) at night. While large temperature fluctuations are rare on the coast, the centre of Cyprus has more variations – typically colder winters and hotter summers.
Transport
Like the rest of Cyprus, there are no trains, so to get around involves either walking, a bicycle, a private car, taxis or using local buses. EMEL operates the public transport service in Limassol. Buses from Larnaca airport to Limassol and Limassol to Larnaca airport, operated by Limassol Airport Express are also available.
Hospitals & Medical Centres
Limassol District has one main municipal hospital, Limassol General Hospital. Residents possessing a Government Hospital Card are able to use its facilities for a small fee. There a number of excellent Private Hospitals, posssessing modern up to date facilities and equipment, in particular the Ygia Polyclinic Hospital and Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus.
Education
Limassol distict has apart from the state run primary and secondary schools, a number of private American, English and Russian private educational establishments. These include the American Academy, David Green Language Institute and the the LITC Russian English Private School.
Arts & Culture
Within Limassol District there is a wealth of Art and Culture, ranging from the Archaelogical Site at Kourion to the annual Limassol Wine Festival. The wine festival has become one of the great events in Limassol, Cyprus’s wine capital, since 1961. It takes place at the Municipal Gardens, just across the Olympion promenade, in the beginning of September and lasts for 12 days. Along with the wine festival, Limassol hosts an annual Beer Festival. The festival takes place at Molos Waterfront in July, and the entrance is free. The European Dance Festival, is also an annual highlight on the European arts and culture scene, takes place in Limassol in May. Dance groups from many European countries come to Cyprus to compete with the Cypriot dance troupes. Each June the ancient amphitheater of Kourion is transformed into a stage for performances of the Shakespearean plays. The open-air Kourion theater occupies a dramatic cliff top location and creates a perfect environment for staging the works of the famous English poet and playwright.
Sport & Recreation
Limassol offers a variety of options to keep you fit and in good shape. Experience something different by choosing alternative ways of entertainment that can offer you an unforgettable experience. Activities available within the Limassol area include: Climbing; e.g. at Diarizos between Limassol and Paphos, contact the Cyprus Mountaineering, Sport Climbing and Orienteering Federation, Τel. 22-449682; Hunting; is particularly popular among the male population of Cyprus; The main season lasts from November until December and is suitable for the hunting of hares, partridges and black francolins, while the months of January and February are aimed mainly for song thrush hunting; e.g. contact the Game and Fauna Service, Τel. 25-351617, 22-664606 Shooting; Cyprus permits the establishment of private shooting ranges and as such, there are high-standard facilities operating, which are open to hunters to practice and not only to those wanting to just have a go at skeet or trap shooting. Shooting is an Olympic Games event and so far several prizes have been awarded to Cypriot athletes; e.g. Limassol International Shooting Range, Τel. 25313580, Constantinides Shooting Club, Tel. 99-638639; Ice Skating; e.g. at the Adventure Mountain Park rink in Kyperounta; Microlight Aircraft Flying; the Cyprus Microlight Aircraft Club makes it possible for those interested in experiencing Cyprus from above to be passengers on a flight starting from the New Port of Limassol until the area of Akrotiri.  Skiing; in spite of the Mediterranean climate, there is snowfall on the mountains of Troodos during the winter months and as such, winter sports enthusiasts can ski on the professional tracks available in the area. And, of course, we are not going to claim that the Troodos tracks are comparable to those in Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy, but they are perfectly fine for skiing purposes.
Shopping
The best shopping areas in Limassol (Lemesos) include Makarious III Ave and Anexartisias & Agiou Andreou Streets. These shopping areas provide the full range, from ultra-modern to traditional items and souvenirs. In addition to these well known shopping areas, tourists can also find plenty of clothes, footwear, leather accessories and also some superb jewellery stores spread throughout the town. Limassol Town is home to My Mall, the largest shopping complex in Cyprus.
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