Limassol

　　　　Limassol is situated on the southern coast of Cyprus, by the Akrotiri Bay, boasting picturesque scenery and is the island’s second-largest city. Today, Limassol is a modern coastal city, primarily known for its historically renowned wine and grape products, with the island’s two largest wineries based here. It also houses the largest fruit canning factory in the Middle East. Over the past 20 years, Limassol has developed rapidly, handling over half of the island’s exports and 90% of its imports. It has replaced Famagusta as the main hub for import-export trade and maritime shipping, becoming Cyprus’s gateway to the sea.

　　　　Historically, Limassol was located between two ancient city-states: Amathus to the east, now in ruins, and Kourion to the west, home to a large open-air Roman semi-circular theater that still hosts performances during the summer. In 1191 AD, during his campaign to Jerusalem, King Richard the Lionheart of England made an unscheduled stop here due to bad weather and married Princess Berengaria of Navarre in a castle nearby. Since then, the area has flourished and its name was changed from Amathus to Limassol.

　　　　Limassol features beautiful scenery and numerous modern hotels. To attract tourists and meet cultural needs, the city hosts a variety of cultural and entertainment events annually, including the Limassol International Festival, Wine Festival, Flower Festival, Carnival, and Fruit Festival. Among these, the Wine Festival is the largest and most popular.

　　    The Wine Festival is usually held in late September to early October at the Municipal Gardens. During the event, the venue buzzes with activity as producers and wine merchants showcase and sell their products in individual booths. Visitors can purchase a single entry ticket to sample a wide range of wines for free.

　　Limassol Reason to Visit: Cyprus’s second-largest city Continent: Asia【Asia】 Country/Region: Cyprus[Cyprus] Province/State: Limassol District [Limassol District] City: Limassol [Limassol]