If you’ve got as far as choosing Cyprus as the destination for your next holiday, well done – you’ll have an amazing trip packed with culture, history, fine dining and beautiful natural attractions. However, the next step is to decide which of Cyprus’s cities to be based in (or near).
Paphos and Limassol are two of the most popular options, so how can you decide between the two? We’ve put together a bit of information about both to help you make up your mind!
Paphos
Located on the south-west coast of Cyprus is Paphos – the island’s former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you can probably imagine, there is a lot of history and culture to uncover here, with the impressive Tombs of the Kings and the imposing Paphos Fort being among the must-visit attractions.
To the south of the city there is a natural site with strong links to Greek mythology – the Rock of Aphrodite. According to legend, this is where the goddess rose out of the sea and came ashore to stand on the aforementioned rock. Aside from its interesting cultural connections, the beach here is a real beauty spot and a lovely place to spend a day.
Another thing that makes Paphos stand out as an excellent place for a holiday in Cyprus is its proximity to the breathtaking Akamas Peninsula. This unspoilt area to the north of the city is wonderful for hiking and cycling, as well as being home to secluded stretches of sand.
Limassol
Limassol (also known as Lemesos) is situated on the south coast of Cyprus and is a fantastic city to base yourself in if you’re looking for plenty of amenities in one place. There are numerous high-end hotels located right next to the beach, while a long promenade runs behind the sand making it easy for you to explore away from your accommodation.
Even though Limassol hasn’t been recognised by UNESCO, it is still home to numerous historical treasures – such as Lemesos Medieval Castle, which is where Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre were married in the Middle Ages.
From Limassol it is also easy to reach one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the island – Kourion. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, this complex is home to the remains of numerous buildings, including homes, bath houses, temples and even a stadium.
Both Limassol and Paphos have outstanding attractions, so you can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose to visit – it’s best to read up on the various sites you can explore from each and decide which most appeals to you and your particular holiday interests.
