location

Limassol; A south coast city and the second largest one in Cyprus. It offers a wide range of things to see and do. It is ideal for connoisseurs of wine and fine cuisine, lovers of history and culture and those just wanting to soak up the Mediterranean sun.

Limassol is especially known as the home of Commandaria wine and the place where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria and crowned her Queen of England in 1191.

Today it is the main trading port of Cyprus and its long seafront hosts a myriad of shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants and clubs. It is a bustling place with something for everyone, from water sports to music events. It is renowned also for its annual Carnival and Wine Festival.

For all beach lovers, Limassol is blessed with a beachfront of 17 kilometres long. These extensive sandy beaches include areas with exceptional facilities and clear waters. The most well-known beaches are The Lady’s Mile Beach, Pissouri Beach, Governor’s Beach, Akti Olympion Beach, Dasoudi Beach and Danala Beach.

The city is notably famous for its historical and archaeological sites like Amathus Archaeological Site and Limassol Castle, which are located short driving distance from the hotel. For all wine lovers, a tour of the local wineries surrounding Limassol is a must see and should definitely include a visit to the Castle of Kolossi. The Castle is the birthplace of the famous 'Commandaria' wine, the oldest named wine in the world that is still in production.

Curium is one of the most spectacular archeological sites in Cyprus and is just 20 km from Royal Apollonia. It boasts a magnificent cliff-top Greco-Roman amphitheatre dating from the 2nd century A.D. as well as the ruins of stately villas with superb mosaic floors, and a 5th century Early Christian basilica. On-going excavations continue to uncover new treasures and the amphitheatre is still used today for open-air theatrical and musical events against a stunning Mediterranean backdrop.

On the Eastern outskirts of Limassol,10 km from Royal Apollonia, lie the ruins of the ancient city of Amathus. Amathus, which dates back to 1100 BC, was one of the most significant ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus. Mythology has it that it was here that Theseus left the pregnant Ariadne to be cared for after his combat with the Minotaur. An important place of worship in the Aphrodite-Astarte cult, it was in Amathus that the world’s largest stone vase, now on display in the Louvre Museum of Paris, was found.

The site overlooks the sea and a clear day you have the impression you can see forever.

The areas around Limassol offer a wide variety of activities; you will never run out of things to do. Spend the day sun-bathing on the beach or choose to do an adventurous water sport such as water-skiing, wind-surfing, scuba-diving, sailing, fishing and more. The long promenade along the coastline is popular amongst cyclists and runners, while nature lovers can enjoy a walk to Troodos Mountains natural trails and some of the waterfalls of the area like Caledonian or Millomeris near Platres Village.

Limassol’s vibrant nightlife offers active and various choices for everyone as there are many bars, cafes, pubs and clubs. The cosmopolitan city of Limassol is also popular for its all-year round (street) parties, traditional and cultural celebrations and crowded festivals. These festivals are held to celebrate important days in the Cypriot calendar as well as for the enjoyment of all locals and tourists.

Traditional Cypriot gastronomy is one of the finest in the Mediterranean. There’s no better place to enjoy its fresh, alluring flavours than in one of the taverns of Limassol. Traditional local cuisine contains the well-known meze. Royal Apollonia is within a short walking distance from various restaurants, bars, coffee shops and shopping shops. The Limassol centre is 4.8 km and can easily be reached by local bus or by taxi.

Due to the city’s cosmopolitan nature, there is also a mouth-watering choice of international restaurants for you to discover such as French, Spanish, Chinese and many others. It does not matter what you choose, a warm welcome and memorable atmosphere are definite.