2nd – 11th September 2011
“Drink Wine, It Gives You Life”

The Limassol (Lemesos) Wine Festival in Cyprus takes place every year for two weeks from late August into September. The festival which

Limassol Wine Festival Entrance

attracts thousands of visitors takes place in the Limassol Municipal Gardens which are located on the east side of the town by the sea. Entrance to the festival is via three entrances. The south entrance has a giant statue of a Cypriot winegrower in traditional costume. The festival kicks off with the traditional pressing (treading) of the grapes which is a spectacle not to be missed on your direct holidays to Cyprus in September.

Cyprus has been producing wine for over 4000 years hence the festival, which dates back to ancient times, is dedicated to Dionysos, the God of Wine and to Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty and Love.

Scores of Limassol wineries and vineyards display their locally produced wine which can be sampled free of charge. Theatrical performances, folkloric dances and songs are performed to visitors by local and international artistic groups. And of course there is plenty of sampling of the local cuisine and wines such as Muscats, pine-flavoured Retsinas and the renowned dessert wine Commanderia. Other entertainment includes orchestral performances, magic and comedy shows. Visitors on their bargain holidays to Cyprus will not be disappointed by this friendly atmospheric festival.

Limassol

The Limassol (or Lemesos) Carnival takes place every year at the start of Lent.

Limassol Carnival

The Carnival celebrations in Limassol originate from Greek mythology and the Dionysiac festivals, dating back hundreds of years. During the carnival period Limassol celebrates with 10 days of parties, parades and music. The streets where the festivities take place are magnificently decorated, particularly around the Medieval Castle which was the site of a royal wedding in the Middle Ages between Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre.
The arrival of the Carnival King heralds the start of the celebrations (4th February), followed by a children’s parade on the first Sunday (7th February), various music shows and finally the Grand Carnival Parade which takes place on the last Sunday (14th February) of the Carnival season.
Serenaders, traditionally called ‘Cantadori’, travel the streets during the day on floats, playing guitars and mandolins. At night there are fancy-dress parties take place all around the city at night and around the Medieval Castle.
The first week of Carnival is called the Meat Week (Kreatini), as it is the last week for eating meat before Easter. The second week is known as the cheese week (Tyrini) as this is when cheese and other dairy products may be eaten. The Pentecoste, which is the period of 50 days of fasting before Easter, commences with Green Monday right after the end of the Carnival.

Direct holidays to Cyprus are available throughout the internet.

Limassol

Limassol is located on the south coast of Cyprus, 9 miles east of Kourion, 43 miles southwest of Larnaca airport and 31 miles east of Paphos airport.

The resort overlooks the wide Akrotiri Bay and long stretches of sandy beach. It is backed by residential suburbs and the Troodos Mountains.

Limassol is one of Cyprus’ liveliest cities, boasting a charming old town, a palm-fringed promenade backed by long and thin sandy beaches and cooling water parks. The warren of streets around the seaside strip are crammed with cafes, trendy bars, lively nightclubs and shops selling everything from souvenirs to the latest fashions.

The best time to visit are from May to October when the days are hot and sunny, and the sea warm. During July and August the midday sun can be too hot for some, it can reach 34°C.

Pissouri Beach

Limassol’s waterfront is dotted with hotels and public beaches. For the best beaches head away from Limassol to Ladies Beach, Curium Beach or Pissouri Beach.

In Limassol’s old town you will find centuries-old architecture, the city’s medieval fort, an archaeological museum, the folk museum and a natural sea sponge exhibition. Here you can enjoy a pleasant leisurely lunch at The old carob warehouse or one of the other eateries that flank the fort.

Fasouri waterpark

Away from the beaches the Wet ‘n’ Wild and Fasouri waterparks can be found. In Limassol’s old harbour, there is the Reptile House and the Time Elevator which takes you back through Cyprus’ history.

Limassol offers a diverse range of international eateries, including Cypriot tavernas, Italian restaurants, pizzerias, British cusine, Lebaneses fare and fast food outlets. Dining in the old city is becoming increasingly eclectic with traditional meze served alongside first-rate seafood and simple grilled dishes. Open for over 40 years Neon Phaliron is widely considered one of the city’s best restaurants. Here fine wine and good service accompany first-rate Mediterranean cooking.

In Limassol’s old harbour, Ladas serves up mouth-watering fish dishes in an atmospheric stone taverna. Only fresh seafood is served here, with the catch brought in from the adjacent port.

Limassol’s nightlife is probably the liveliest in Cyprus, with stylish cocktail bars, Irish pubs and nightclubs.