Limassol,[a] also known asLemesos,[b] is a city along the southerncoast ofCyprus, on theMediterranean Sea. Limassol is the most populated municipality in Cyprus, with a population of 108,105[4] and is the second-largesturban area in Cyprus, afterNicosia, with an urban population of 195,139.[3] It is the capital of theLimassol District with a population of 262,238.[3]
In 2014, Limassol was ranked byTripAdvisor as the third most up-and-coming destination in the world, in its Top 10 Travelers' Choice Destinations on the Rise list.[7][8] InMercer's Quality of Living Ranking, the city was ranked 90th in 2023,[9] and 89th in 2017.[10] In the 2022GaWC ranking, Limassol was classified as a "High Sufficiency" city,[11] dropping one category from "Gamma−" (lit.'global city') in 2020.[12]
The name "Limassol" derives from theancient Greek word "Nemesos" (Greek:Νέμεσσος,romanized: Nemessos), meaning "one found in the middle". This likely refers to the city's location between the ancient towns of Amathus and Kourion. Over time, the name evolved into "Lemesos", which is known in English as "Limassol."[13][14]
Limassol is situated between the ancient city-kingdoms ofAmathus, founded around 1100 BC by Greek settlers, andKourion, founded around the same time. Settlements in the modern area of Limassol were most likely founded after the decline and destruction of Amathus, around the 7th century AD. The area around Limassol shows evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period (around 7000 BC). Sites likeChirokitia, although not directly in Limassol, indicate the presence of early farming communities. During the Bronze Age, the region saw the development of more complex societies, with evidence of trade and cultural exchanges with neighbouring regions. Ancient writers and geographers mention nothing about the foundation of the town.[16][17][18]
According to theCouncil of Chalcedon which took place in 451, the local bishop as well as the bishops of Amathus and Arsinoe were involved in the foundation of the city, which would be known by the names ofTheodosiana andNeapolis.[19] BishopLeontios of Neapolis was an important church writer in the 7th century. The records of the 7th Synod (757) refer to it as the bishop's see. The town was known asLemesos by the 10th century.[20]
View ofKolossi Castle built in 1210 by the Frankish military.
The history of Limassol is largely known by the events associated with theThird Crusade. The king of England,Richard the Lionheart, was travelling to theHoly Land in 1190.[21] His fiancée,Berengaria, and his sister,Joan, were also travelling there, but on a different ship. Due to a storm, the women's ship arrived in Limassol.[21]Isaac Komnenos, the renegade Byzantine governor of Cyprus, invited the noblewomen ashore, with the intention of holding them for ransom, but they refused. So he refused them fresh water and they had to put out to sea again or yield to capture. When Richard arrived in Limassol and met Isaac Komnenos, he asked him to contribute to the crusade for the liberation of theHoly Land.[21] At first Isaac agreed but later on refused. Richard took him captive; the entire island was taken over by theAnglo-Normans, bringing the long Byzantine dominion of Cyprus to an end.[22] Richard celebrated his marriage with Berengaria who had received the crown as queen of England in Cyprus. Richard destroyed Amathus and the inhabitants were transferred to Limassol.[21]
A year later, in 1191 Cyprus was sold for the sum of 100,000bezants to theTemplars, rich monks and soldiers whose aim was the protection of theHoly Sepulchre inJerusalem.[21]
The knights imposed high taxes, in order to get back the money they had paid for Cyprus. This led to the revolt of the Cypriots, who wished to get rid of the bond of promise. Richard accepted their request and a new purchaser was found:Guy of Lusignan, aRoman Catholic fromPoitou, who handed Cyprus over to the French dynasty of the house ofLusignan, thus establishing the medievalKingdom of Cyprus.[23][24]
For a period of about three centuries (1192–1489), Limassol enjoyed remarkable prosperity. Cyprus had a great number of Latin bishops, which lasted until the occupation of Cyprus by theOttomans in 1570. The Latin battalions established monasteries and settled down there. The settlement of merchants in Cyprus and particularly in Limassol in the 13th century enhanced the welfare of its inhabitants. Its harbour became a centre of transportation and commerce, contributing greatly to its financial andcultural development.[16]
Cyprus was sold in 1489 toVenice by the Cypriot QueenCatherine Cornaro.[25] The Venetians were not interested in Cyprus. They only wanted to tax and exploit the island’s resources. All the inhabitants were enslaved by the Venetians, and were obliged to give a third of their income, including products of the land. Travelers who visited Cyprus in the 16th century commented on the poor condition of the local population in the towns of the island.[16]
In 1538 theOttomans captured the city and theLimassol castle. The Venetian governor of Cyprus, after recapturing the castle, decided to demolish it in order to avoid its possible seizure. This destruction was completed in 1567-68. Two years later the Ottomans recaptured the city.[26]
TheOttoman Empireinvaded Cyprus in 1570–1577 and occupied it.[27][28] Limassol was conquered in July 1570 without any resistance. After theOttoman acquisition of Cyprus in 1576, the remains or parts of the remains of the Limassol castle were incorporated in the new Ottoman fort, completed in 1590, which was considerably strengthened. The underground chamber and the first floor were transformed into prison cells and remained in use until 1950.[26]
Some neighbourhoods, primarily to the east of the city, were predominantly Greek, while those to the west were mainly Turkish, with a mixed area around the castle. Christians lived in small, low houses that required one to bend to enter, a deliberate design to prevent Turks from riding horses into the homes. During the period of Turkish rule, Cyprus experienced a general decline. The Turks did not contribute to any development, and Greeks and Turks lived in separate neighbourhoods. The intellectual standards of Cypriots declined due to the lack of interest from the conquerors, oppression, and high taxation, which hindered the intellectual development of children.[16]
The church played an important role in the education of Greeks during the years 1754–1821. During those years, many new schools were established all over the island, most notable in Limassol being theGreek School (modern-day Laniteio Lyceum).Greek history, Turkish and French were taught at schools.[16]
Limassol Old Town with British colonial architecture
In 1878, theBritish had administrative control over Cyprus after theCyprus convention. The first British governor of Limassol was Colonel Warren.[29] He showed a particular interest in Limassol and even from the first days the condition of the town showed an improvement. The roads were cleaned, the animals were removed from the centre, roads were fixed, trees were planted and docks were constructed for the loading and unloading of those ships that were anchored off-shore. Lanterns for the lighting of the central areas were also installed in the 1880s. In 1912, electricity replaced the old lanterns.[29]
From the first years of the British occupation, apost office, a telegraph office and a hospital began to operate.[29] In 1880, the firstprinting press started working. It was in this printing press that the newspapersAlithia andAnagennisis were published in 1897. The newspaperSalpinx was published at the same time.
At the end of the 19th century, the first hotels began to operate. Among these were Europe and Amathus. These changes that the British brought about contributed to the development of an intellectual and artistic life. Schools, theatres, clubs,art galleries,music halls, sport societies,football clubs etc. were all set up and meant a great deal to the cultural life of Limassol.[16]
Due to theTurkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 theTurkish Cypriot inhabitants of Limassol were transferred to the north of Cyprus. Accordingly, manyGreek Cypriots refugees settled down in the city. WhenFamagusta was occupied by Turkish troops, Limassol experienced rapid growth fuelled by the large population increase and the need for housing. Many luxury hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues were built, making Limassol the new commerce centre of Cyprus, the role which had been filled by Famagusta.[16]
Limassol has become the second largest city in Cyprus and hosts the island’s main port. It is renowned for its extravagant annual events, attracting numerous visitors from both the island and around the globe.[30]
This section needs to beupdated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(September 2024)
Limassol has ahot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification:Csa), closely bordering a hotsemi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification:BSh),[31] with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters, which are separated by short springs and autumns which are generally warm and sunny. From December to March, the weather is unsettled and can be rainy and windy. Sunshine averages around 6 hours a day. During this season there are a few days when the daytime highs might not exceed 12 °C (54 °F) and the night time lows might be as low as 2 °C (36 °F) but usually the temperature ranges from 16 °C (61 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F) in the day and from 7 °C (45 °F) to 12 °C (54 °F) in the night. Rain tends to be heavy this time of the year and thunderstorms occur often though they usually do not last for a long time.
Snow in Limassol is a very rare occurrence and usually falls mixed with rain every 7 to 13 years. Snow mixed with rain fell in February 2004, in January 2008 and in February 2012. In January 2022 Limassol registered a record low temperature of −0.8 °C (31 °F).[32] In spring the weather is mild to warm and pleasant. It is sunny almost every day and the temperatures are around 19–20 °C (66–68 °F) in the day and 9 °C (48 °F) in the night. Rain showers and thunderstorms are common especially in late March and April. Sometimes during the spring dust comes from theSahara desert which degrades air quality in the city. Summer for Limassol is the longest season of the year, and lasts about six months; it begins in May and ends in October. At this time of the year, the weather is sunny every day and rain is rare. The temperatures range between 19 °C (66 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F) in June and September and 22 °C (72 °F) to 40 °C (104 °F) in July and August. In June, sea mist can sometimes occur, usually resolving early in the morning.[citation needed] Autumn is warm and usually sunny. It begins in the end of November and in December. During this period of the year, temperatures range from as low as 12 °C (54 °F) to as high as 20 °C (68 °F).
This season the weather differs from year to year and it can be very wet with violent thunderstorms sometimes (October 2009 rainfall was around 90 mm (3.5 in)) or very dry (October 2007 rainfall of 2 to 5 millimetres (0.079 to 0.197 in)). Limassol receives around 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain each year but this varies from year to year and sometimes droughts do occur (every 3–5 years).[citation needed] The rainy season 2009–2010 was a wet one with precipitation being as high as 515 mm (20.3 in) in some areas whilst the rainy season of 2007–2008 was dry with only 300 mm (11.8 in) of rain.[citation needed] Hail is rare and usually falls between October and April.[citation needed]
Limassol is the 2nd most populousdistrict in Cyprus, with 262,238 residents as of the 2021 Cyprus census, while the city itself has 198,558 residents. Thedistrict population’s citizenships in 2021 was 77.7% Cypriot, 8.6%EU citizen, 13.1% Foreign citizen, with 0.6% not stating their nationality. Between 2011 and 2021, the district gained 26,827 residents.[35]
Since the 1960s, internal migration and the influx ofdisplaced persons after1974 have significantly increased the population of Limassol and its suburbs.
The city has also become increasingly popular with Russian and other post-Soviet nationals and expatriates, earning the nickname “Limassolgrad".[38] Today, about 17% of Limassol’s population is Russian-speaking, and 8% are Russian citizens.[39]
Historically, Limassol had a mixed population ofGreek Cypriots,Turkish Cypriots, andArmenian Cypriots. Most Turkish Cypriots moved to the north in 1974-1975. Consequently, many Greek Cypriots from the north, who became refugees following theTurkish invasion, settled in the city. In the 1990s, several CypriotRomani people (considered Turkish Cypriots according to theconstitution) returned from the north to the Turkish quarter of Limassol. Armenians remained in Limassol, residing around theSourp Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church and maintain theNareg Armenian School (Armenian:Նարեկ Հայկական Վարժարան). There is also an Armenian village in the Limassol district calledArmenochori (Greek:Αρμενοχώρι).
The populationbirth rate rose by 70% during the late 19th and 20th centuries (1878–1960). The number of inhabitants increased from 6,131 in 1881 to 43,593 in 1960. The Greek Cypriot population was estimated at 37,478, while the Turkish Cypriot population was at 6,115.[16]
Monument of Fighting Youth, a work dedicated to the student warriors of Cypriot Hellenism[40]
Limassol has a comprehensive educational infrastructure, encompassingprimary,secondary, andtertiary education. There are over a hundred public educational institutions in the city, with instruction primarily in Greek.Laniteio Lyceum, the oldest lyceum in the city and the largest on the island, was originally founded in 1819 as the "Greek School" and played a leading role in advancing education during periods of limited public provision.[41]
In recent years, Limassol has emerged as a significant education hub, particularly forprivate andinternational secondary education. The city hosts sixteen private secondary schools,[42] offering instruction in English, Greek, Russian, Ukrainian, French, and other languages. Notable institutions include The Grammar School, Foley’s School,The Heritage Private School, American Academy, Pascal International Education, The Island Private School, IMS Private School, Silverline, and Trinity Private School. These schools offer a variety of curricula, including the British curriculum (IGCSE/A-Levels),International Baccalaureate (IB),Waldorf education,Montessori, and other international programs.[43][44]
Several new campuses have been announced or are under development. Pascal International Education is expanding with two new campuses in Limassol, one of which will offer theIB Diploma Programme starting in 2025.[45] The Island Private School, an IB Continuum school, is expanding to include a boarding facility.[46][47] In 2025, construction is expected to begin on a €50 million Jewish educational campus in the area of Polemidia, funded by the Yael Foundation and set to open in 2027 as a flagship international school for up to 1,500 students.[48]
In addition to the various Greek and English speaking schools, theNareg Armenian School also has a campus in the city, one of three on the island.[49] Another notable example is Saint Mary's School, aCatholic institution founded in 1923 by theFranciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, offering primary and secondary education to students of all religions. Its curriculum places strong emphasis onmodern languages—including English, Greek, French, and Italian—while gradually integrating science and commercial subjects.[50]
Columbia Plaza in the Old City centreFasouri Watermania, Cyprus' biggest waterpark
Tourism in Limassol began to flourish after 1974, following the occupation ofFamagusta andKyrenia, the principal tourist resorts of Cyprus, during the1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Limassol has many beaches, suitable for sunbathing and swimming. A bathing beach with all the necessary facilities, provided by theCyprus Tourism Organisation, operates in the Dasoudi area.
In 1974, thePort of Limassol became the Republic of Cyprus’s mainseaport.[53] Prior to that, the role had been filled by the port ofFamagusta, now located in thede facto state ofNorthern Cyprus, which is not recognised as a legal port by any country exceptTurkey.
Limassol is home to many of Cyprus’swine companies, which cater to the wine-growing regions on the southern slopes of theTroodos Mountains, includingCommandaria. Notable companies such asKEO, LOEL, SODAP, and ETKO produce award-winning wines andbrandies (cognacs) in international exhibitions.[54][55][56][57] These products are highly consumed by both locals and tourists, with significant quantities exported to Europe.
Limassol is the largest industrial centre in the district, hosting around 350industrial units with 90 industry wares.[citation needed] These industries include dressmaking, furniture, footwear, beverages, food, printing, metalwork, electrical devices, plastics, and more.[citation needed]
Limassol is a key trade centre in Cyprus, partially due to the presence of theUK sovereign base atEpiskopi andAkrotiri, and the population displacement following the Turkish invasion in 1974. The main trade markets are located in the town centre and the coastal tourist area, stretching from the Old Port to the Amathus area. This area is home to most of thehotels,restaurants,confectioneries,discos, and entertainment venues. Major global retail shops can be found onAnexartisias Street andMakariou Avenue, the city’s primary shopping streets,[58] as well as atMYMALL, the largest mall in the district.
Limassol has two ports, commonly known as theOld Port (Limassol Marina) and theNew Port (Port of Limassol). The New Port handles the majority of commercial and passenger traffic and is one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean transit trade and is the largest port in the Republic of Cyprus.[53] With a depth of 11 metres (36 feet) and breakwaters extending 1,300 metres (4,300 feet), can receive about ten ships, depending on their size. The Old Port, with a 250 metres (820 feet) breakwater, can accommodate only three small ships at a time and is primarily used by fishing boats. These ports facilitate the export of grapes, wines, carobs, andcitrus fruits, as well as the import ofcereals,vehicles, machinery, textiles, agricultural medicines,fertilisers, and iron.
TheLimassol Marina, built in 2014, is located 500 metres (1,600 feet) west of the Limassol Castle, on the Old Port. This new development allows berthing of ocean-going yachts, having hosted its first yachts in 2013.[59] The marina has a capacity of 1,000 vessels.
Since 2014,[60] Limassol has experienced a construction boom driven by the tourism sector and increasing foreign investments. Public projects, such as the redesign of the one-kilometre (0.62-mile)Limassol Molos promenade, have enhanced the quality of life and the city’s image as a cosmopolitan destination. Infrastructure improvements, partly funded by European programs, have addressed traffic issues with new highway flyovers and roundabouts.
Columbia Pier at Akti Olympion, 2012
The same location in 2024
Limassol has become a major centre fortourism,trade, and services. The city offers numerousmuseums andarchaeological sites for visitors. It attracts a diverse range of tourists, especially during the extended summer season, accommodated within a wide variety of hotels and apartments available.
The Limassol coastline, known as “The Limassol Riviera”, is undergoing a significant construction boom that began in late 2013 with new legislation encouraging development; becoming Europe's newest riviera.[61][62][63] Since then, hundreds of new housing units and mushrooming businesses are introduced to the community annually.[64] Currently[update], over 70 buildings taller than 50m are proposed or under construction, including 32skyscrapers. Among these is “ONE", Cyprus’stallest tower and Europe’s tallest seafront residential building.[65][66][67] Another notable project is the “City of Dreams Mediterranean (CoDM)”, the first and largestintegrated resort in Europe.[68][69] In 2023, CoDM received theSeven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Award for “Best New Luxury Casino Resort in the World".[70]
Amathus is an ancient city-kingdom, located about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) east of Limassol, dating back to 1100 BC, with a rich history with various influences by various civilisations. The most notable ruin is considered to be the Temple ofAphrodite, a major centre of worship and a sacred place for ceremonies and offerings, sitting atop the Acropolis of Amathus. Many tombs dating to theIron Age can be found, as well as remnants of public baths and other buildings in the ancientAgora. One of the most remarkable finds from Amathus is a largelimestoneamphora, now housed in theLouvre Museum inParis. This vase dates back to the 6th century BC and weighs 14 tonnes (14,000 kg).[71][72]
Kourion is another ancient city-kingdom, situatedapprox. 19 kilometres (12 mi) west of Limassol, with a rich history dating back to theNeolithic period, with significant developments during theHellenistic,Roman, and Early Christian periods. The centerpiece of Kourion is theGreco-Roman theatre, originally built in the 2nd century BC and expanded in the 2nd century AD. It has been restored and is still used for open-air performances, overlooking theMediterranean Sea. TheSanctuary of Apollo Hylates was dedicated toApollo Hylates, the god of the woodland. It includes the remains of atemple, a bath complex, and apalaestra (wrestling school).[73][74]
ThemedievalLimassol Castle is one of theten castles of Cyprus, constructed by theByzantines around 1000 AD. A chapel was also built on the site during the same period. It is believed thatRichard the Lionheart married his fiancée, PrincessBerengaria of Navarre, at this location in 1191 after her ship was grounded nearby while she was accompanying him to theThird Crusade. The castle served as a prison from 1790 to 1940 and now functions as a medieval museum. The museum’s collection spans from 400 to 1870 AD, showcasing a variety of exhibits includingcannons, 17th and 18th-centurywood carvings, paintings,tombstones, statues, suits of armor, coins,terracotta, metalware, pottery, glass, andmarble artifacts.[75][76]TheKolossi Castle, located about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) west of Limassol, is amedievalfortress originally built in the 13th century by theKnights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. The current structure, rebuilt in 1454, features a well-preserved three-story keep and an attached rectangularenclosure. The castle played a significant role in the production of sugar from localsugarcane and is also associated with the famousCommandaria wine.[77]
Folk Art Museum
TheFolk Art Museum is located in a preserved historic house and features a collection of Cypriot folk art from the past two centuries. The collection includes national costumes, tapestries, embroidery, wooden chests, waistcoats, men’s jackets, necklaces, various light garments, town costumes, and rural tools. Established in 1985, the museum houses over 500 exhibits across six rooms. It was awarded theEuropa Nostra prize in 1989. Visitors can explore Cypriot culture through these handmade exhibits.[78][79]
The Archaeological Museum offers a fascinating collection of antiquities discovered in the district, spanning from theNeolithic Age to theRoman period. Among the notable artifacts are stone axes from the Neolithic andChalcolithic periods, pottery and objects from the ancient cities ofKourion andAmathus, as well as Romanterracottas, gold jewelry, coins, sculptures,columns, vases, earrings, rings, necklaces, and marble statues. The museum was originally located within the Limassol Castle before being relocated to a site near the Public Gardens.[80][81][82]
Since 2024 the non-profitPSI Foundation established in an old carob warehouse located in theindustrial area of Limassol hosts exhibitions of modern and contemporary art as well as history of Cyprus. First exhibition dedicated to 50th anniversary of theinvasion, “Casts of an Island 2024”, was proclaimed “Cultural Event of the Year” by Thoukis awards.[83][84]
TheLimassol Public Gardens, located along the coastal road, boasts a diverse array of vegetation, including eucalyptus trees,pine trees, and cypresses. Within the garden, visitors can explore theLimassol Zoo that housesdeer,moufflons,ostriches,pheasants,tigers,lions,monkeys,vultures,pelicans,flamingos and various other animals and birds.[85] The Patticheio Municipal Museum and an open theatre, which has been renovated to host international performances, can also be found within the gardens.
TheLimassol Molos, a multifunctional seaside park fromreclaimed land that spans one-kilometre (0.62-mile), is one of the city's largest hotspots, as well as one of the largest parks on the island.Fishing,kayaking and many otherwatersports can be done off the piers of the park.[86][87] The Limassol Sculpture Park, commissioned by the Limassol Municipality, can be found at Molos.[88] The sculptures were created by Costas Dikefalos,Thodoros Papayiannis,Vassilis Vassili and Kyriakos Rokos from Greece, Helene Black from Cyprus, and more.[89]
Limassol is renowned in Cyprus for its vibrant festivals, most notably theCarnival andWine Festival. The Limassol Carnival, a ten-day event filled with joyful and amusing masquerades, has ancient roots tracing back topagan rituals. Over time, it has evolved into a purely entertaining spectacle with widespread popularity. The festivities kick off with the entrance parade of the King (or Queen) Carnival, followed by a children’sfancy-dress competition. The Grand Carnival parade onMakariou Avenue attracts large crowds from across the island, who come to watch the floats,serenades, and various masqueraded groups. Each night, numerous hotels host fancy-dress balls and parties.[90]
In early October, the grandWine Festival of Cyprus takes place in theLimassol Public Gardens, running every evening from 08:00 to 23:00. During this festival, visitors can sample some of the finest Cypriot wines free of charge. The event also featuresfolk dancing performances by groups from Cyprus and abroad, as well as choir performances and other entertainment.[90]
Additionally, Limassol introduced its firstBeer Festival in July 2003. This three-day seaside dance festival in the city center offers a variety of Cypriot and imported beers. The festival is free to enter, with beers sold at low prices and a mix of international music providing the soundtrack.[92]
TheAlphamega Stadium, also known as the Limassol Stadium, is the second largest football only stadium on the island. With a capacity of 11.000, it is the home base of the city’s three major football clubs in the city,AEL FC,Apollon FC andAris FC. The two former ones are the largest sport clubs in Limassol, which havefootball,basketball, andvolleyball teams, as well as other sports. In football, all three teams play in theFirst Division.AEL FC andAris FC were two of the eight founding members of theCyprus Football Association (CFA). There are also many other teams inathletics,bowling,cycling, and other sports.
TheTsirio Stadium with a capacity of 13.331, was the home base of the three aforementioned football teams of Limassol as well as theCyprus national football team in the past. It is also used for athletics. Other than the two previously mentioned stadiums, many others also exist in the city.
TheLimassol Marathon is part of an annual race series which takes place in Limassol. It was first run in 2006 and is still organised to this day. 2024 was a key year for the marathon since the participation record was broken with over 17.000 runners from more than 70 countries around the world participating.[30] There are various races including a marathon, a half marathon, a 10-kilometre (6.2-mile) Energy Race, a 5-kilometre (3.1-mile) Corporate Race and a 1-kilometre (0.62-mile) Youth Race.
Rowing and canoeing are rapidly becoming very popular in Limassol,[citation needed] due to the three nautical clubs in the city of Limassol. TheGermasoyia dam is the place for both practising and competitions.
Limassol is one of the island's main transportation hubs. The city is home to the largest port on the island, which handles almost exclusively all passenger traffic inbound and outbound the island.[94]
EMEL (Limassol Passenger Transport Company) (Greek:Εταιρεία Μεταφοράς Επιβάτων Λεμεσού, ΕΜΕΛ), is the main operator of buses in Limassol. As of 2024[update], its network consists of around 53 bus lines, spanning the Limassol district, making up a fleet of approximately 150 buses, 35 of which are electric.[95] National and regional bus links are provided by InterCity Buses from the Limassol Port passenger building.
While Limassol is not home to any airports, the city is close to two international airports;Larnaca International Airport (situatedapprox. 60 km (37 mi) north-east from the city) andPaphos International Airport (approx. 50 km (31 mi) north-west). Bus links connect both airports with the city, served by Limassol Airport Express from Chavouzas station.
TheEuropean People's Party held an extraordinary party summit in Limassol in 2013. The list of participants in the summit includedEuropean Council members, government representatives,European Commission representatives, opposition members and leaders, andEuropean Parliament representatives. The summit's agenda included topics such as the EU's multi-annual financial framework for the period 2014–2020 and the preparation for the2014 European elections.[97]Notably,Andreas Christou, anAKEL member, was re-elected mayor of Limassol in December 2011 to serve his second five-year term.
The table below lists the new municipalities and the previous authorities from which they are composed, which now become municipal districts with deputy mayors.[98][99]
District
New Municipality
Municipal District
Pop 2021
Pre
No.Cllrs(*)
Limassol
EAST LIMASSOL
TOTAL
42,936
24
Limassol
East Limassol
Akrounta
521
C
1
Limassol
East Limassol
Armenochori
211
C
1
Limassol
East Limassol
Ayios Athanasios
16,563
M
8
Limassol
East Limassol
Ayios Tychon
4,413
C
2
Limassol
East Limassol
Foinikaria
460
C
1
Limassol
East Limassol
Mathikoloni
200
C
1
Limassol
East Limassol
Mouttayiaka
3,243
C
3
Limassol
East Limassol
Yermasoyeia
17,325
M
7
Limassol
LIMASSOL
TOTAL
124,106
30
Limassol
Limassol
Limassol
108,105
M
24
Limassol
Limassol
Mesa Yeitonia
15,949
M
5
Limassol
Limassol
Tserkezoi
52
C
1
Limassol
POLEMIDIA
TOTAL
26,650
20
Limassol
Polemidia
Kato Polemidia
23,231
M
16
Limassol
Polemidia
Pano Polemidia
3,419
C
4
Limassol
WEST LIMASSOL
TOTAL
34,752
20
Limassol
West Limassol
Akrotiri
933
C
1
Limassol
West Limassol
Asomatos
893
C
1
Limassol
West Limassol
Episkopi
4,111
C
3
Limassol
West Limassol
Erimi
3,156
C
2
Limassol
West Limassol
Kantou
412
C
1
Limassol
West Limassol
Kolossi
6,478
C
3
Limassol
West Limassol
Sotira
234
C
1
Limassol
West Limassol
Trachoni
4,569
C
3
Limassol
West Limassol
Ypsonas
13,966
M
5
Note: Column "Pre" indicates previous status: M (municipality), C (community) or S (settlement)
^Neocleous, G., Apostolou, M., & Spaneas, S. (2015). Misleading perceptions with ethnic minorities: the case of Pontiac Greeks in Cyprus.European Scientific Journal,11(8), 77-87.
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