Lemesos, the successor to two ancient city-kingdoms, is often referred to as the venue of a royal wedding in the Middle Ages. The 14th century fort, which is built on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle, is where Richard the Lionheart is said to have married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England in 1191.

Today, apart from being Cyprus ' second largest town after the capital Lefkosia, Lemesos is the island's main seaport, and by extension a major business and trade centre in the Mediterranean . At the same time, long sandy beaches are responsible for its popularity as a bustling summer resort. With a string of 5-star hotels along the coast, Lemesos presents itself as a destination that combines high-standard accommodation, business services and resort facilities all in one - a fact that has not escaped conference organizers and business travellers who are always keen to identify opportunities to combine business and pleasure. And with extensive vineyards covering the hills just outside Lemesos, the town is home to the island's main wineries, which add yet another facet to the town's complex role and potential.

Quick and easy access to Troodos makes it possible to enjoy both the pine-scented mountain air and the mild Mediterranean waters within just a couple of hours.

It is therefore not surprising that Lemesos is developing rapidly, to accommodate expatriates from east and west who are choosing Cyprus as a base for international business, and others who have made the island their second home, coming for regular holidays, often several times a year.

Highlight
City of Merriment
Spend more than a few days in Lemesos and you will experience what everyone knows: that this is the island's city of merriment, with a population that is always ready to party! In fact, every season comes with a firm set of celebrations. Carnival time sees the island's most extravagant parade. Spring starts with Easter and gives the signal for the colourful flower festival. By summer, the coast is transformed into one big beach party, and there is nothing on the island like the Wine Festival in September which attracts thousands of local and visiting guests. Like elsewhere, only more, the party calendar ends with lavish Christmas and New Year festivities…

Explore Lemesos area on foot…
(free of charge guided walking tours)

Walking Tour of the City
During this tour, a licensed guide will point out the main attractions of the city of Lemesos , beginning with the open-air sculpture park on the seafront.

Moving into the city, the 13th century Medieval Castle is the most prominent landmark, and a reminder of the Crusaders' presence on the island. On the other hand, the Great Mosque, which was built during the Ottoman rule on the ruins of an earlier church, represents another long phase in the island's history. Other attractions include the Cathe-dral of Agia Napa in the heart of the residential and shopping area of Lemesos, the Municipal Market, and a number of listed buildings such as the old Court of Justice, the Post Office and Town Hall. Finally, for a pleasant shopping spree, the pedestrian Agiou Andreou Street is not to be missed.
Duration: about two and a half hours.
Starting/Ending point:
CTO Information Office
115 A' Spyrou Araouzou Street.
For information and bookings 25 36 27 56.

Germasogeia – A Village Blessed with Water
Water has always been the most important element in the development of Germasogeia. The village borders on the sea in the south, and on a water dam in the north.

This tour takes you for a stroll through the narrow streets of the peaceful, picturesque village, 15 minutes away from the beach. Here you can discover Germasogeia's special architecture, visit its churches, and experience rural life. You will also visit the Germasogeia dam, which is fed by the river Amathos coming from the Troodos Mountains .

Discover the Natural Environment of Germasogeia
This tour takes you away from the village to the unspoiled hills of Germasogeia. It begins with an enjoyable ride on an old Bedford bus, partly on dirt roads. The actual walk, some of it uphill, is along the Phinikaria nature trail. Walking for over half an hour you will enjoy a beautiful sample of the Cyprus countryside and a magnificent view of the water dam and river. In the wintertime colourful flowers and shrubs cover the valley, which is filled with the scent of wild herbs, flowers and tree blossoms.
Starting point: CTO Information Office, Georgiou A' 22, (Eastern
entrance of Dasoudi Beach area) Germasogeia.
For information and bookings 25 32 32 11.