Limassol

About

Limassol was an inconsequential market town until 1191, when Richard the Lion-Heart landed here, married Berengaria of Navarre, and claimed the island for the Anglo-Normans. The city enjoyed a few centuries of prosperity, but fell into decline following the Ottoman invasion of 1570, and only had 150 inhabitants by 1815. Like much of Cyprus, the British administration revitalized the city, and today, it’s the second-largest on the island and the chief port of the Republic of Cyprus. While Limassol​​ is known as the “party capital” of Cyprus, with sandy beaches giving way to countless bars and nightclubs, there are still quiet corners to discover. Next to the Old Port, Limassol Cast, which Richard I was wed, now houses an interesting archaeological museum, and the surrounding streets are dotted with restaurants and shops housed in historic buildings. Saripolou Square in particular is the best place to stop to refuel.