The Perfect Limassol For Families
Text: Teo Hatzis
1. Grown ups relax and children have fun
Eucalyptus, fir, pine and palm trees laced with exotic animals and rare birds. A multicultural environment ideally set for relaxation and fun is waiting to be discovered on the coastal road of Limassol, where the Municipal Park and the city Zoo are located. If you are a young parent getting around with a stroller, the park is an ideal destination as it guarantees easy access, has swings and slides, picnic areas and an open theatre. Following your visit at the zoo don’t miss out on a cup of coffee at the Flamingo café, overlooking the sea where the feathered pink visitors of Cyprus gather. Next stop, the Limassol Marina or, as Condé Nast said, the “most stylish resort of its kind in the Mediterranean”. Modern architectural design, luxurious yachts, famous cafés and a high end spa open up the gates to the good life!
2. Adrenaline rush!
Being awarded the 3rd best waterpark in Europe and ranking amongst the best in the world, Fasouri Watermania rightfully boasts being a top destination for tourists worldwide. The Limassol waterpark has a vast variety of themed attractions for children and adults, pools and waterslides surrounded by pool bars and restaurants, while also offering other services and is an attractive and enjoyable summer destination. For more daring children over the age of 8, Sayious Adventure Park offers cart racing, while those who love traditional amusement parks will have a blast at the Oasis Luna Park located in the centre of the city.
3. Is anyone up for shopping?
In Anexartisias street, Makariou Avenue and Ayiou Andreou lies the shopping kingdom of Limassol, that caters to everyone’s tastes and wallets. If you want to combine window shopping and keep the kids busy, no need to look further than My Mall. You’ll love the stores as much as the children will enjoy bowling and the video games.
4. Visiting the Museums
At the Museum of Classic and Historic Automobile one can admire collectible cars that span a century of the automobile industry. Here, you can see the famous green Mini of “Mr Bean” and one of the cars used by the “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher herself, a 1973 Rover P5. If your child is more interested in theatre rather than science, you should visit the Cyprus Theatrical Museum to discover theatre in Cyprus from then ancient times until today.
5. All time classics
If you identify with those who daydream inspired by sights and history, then you should definitely include in your schedule a visit to Limassol’s Municipal Market and wander there, taking in the scents of the products and the lively activities of the merchants. Take a stroll in the narrow little streets near the old port, snap some pictures of the elegant neoclassical buildings of the Old Town and travel in time by visiting the Medieval Castle, a real gem that according to Etienne de Lusignan was built in 1193 by the founder of the Lusignan dynasty, Guy de Lusignan. Legend has it that King Richard Lionheart married Queen Vereggaria of Navarra here, thus crowning her Queen of England.
6. Dive in the deep blue!
Most Limassol beaches are organised and fully suitable for families with children. However the ideal choices for safe swimming are Aoratoi, a beach with lifeguards, Dasoudi with a wonderful playing ground, and Lady's Mile, with crystal clear shallow waters.