The castle, old town, Molos and marina are all within a 20-minute walk. Kourion (about 19 km west) and Kolossi (about 14 km) are best combined in a half-day by car or tour; Amathus is on the coast road east of the centre.
1 The old town
A grid of narrow streets between the castle and the cathedral of Agia Napa (not to be confused with the resort), with restored shopfronts, cafés, the covered municipal market and the Grand Mosque (Kebir Mosque). Saripolou Square is the evening hub.
Practical: Free to wander; best in the evening when the bars and tavernas fill.
2 Limassol Castle and the Cyprus Medieval Museum
A stout stone castle on the site of earlier fortifications — tradition says Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre in a chapel here in 1191. Today it houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum, with tombstones, armour and Byzantine treasures, and a rooftop view.
Practical: Ticketed; allow about an hour. In the old town, near the old port.
3 Limassol Marina and the old port
The modern marina has yacht berths, restaurants and shops in a waterfront village. The restored old port next door, with converted warehouses, has more restaurants and is a good place for an evening drink.
Practical: Free to walk; busiest at dinner time.
4 The Molos promenade
A palm-lined seafront park running east from the old port, with sculptures, playgrounds and a cycle path. It continues for kilometres along the coast as the city’s favourite walk.
Practical: Free. Lovely at sunset; bikes can be hired along the seafront.
5 Kourion (Curium)
One of the most spectacular ancient sites in Cyprus, on a bluff above the sea. Highlights are the restored Greco-Roman theatre, the mosaic floors of the House of Eustolios and the House of Achilles, the early Christian basilica and the views down to the beach. The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates lies a short drive west.
Practical: About 20 minutes west of Limassol. Ticketed; allow 2 hours. Little shade — go early in summer.
6 Kolossi Castle
A three-storey square keep built in the fifteenth century by the Knights Hospitaller, who ran sugar and wine estates here — the sweet wine Commandaria takes its name from their Commandery. The remains of a sugar factory stand alongside.
Practical: About 15 minutes west of Limassol. Ticketed; allow 30–45 minutes.
7 Amathus
One of the ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus, on a hill by the sea east of the city. Remains include the agora, a basilica and the acropolis; part of the lower town lies underwater.
Practical: On the coast road among the hotels, about 11 km east of the centre. Ticketed; allow an hour.
