I had been planning to write this post for a long time. Since we moved to Limassol (May 2021), we have travelled a lot in the area. Each time we travelled, I wrote a post about a specific place. This one combines all the places we have been to in Limassol and, in general, in Cyprus.
So, the time has come to write a post with friendly and easy trips to do in Limassol and the surrounding area, including recommendations for villages we like within up to half an hour’s drive from Limassol (some of them are in the Larnaca district, but the distance from Limassol is short). Here, you will also find recommendations for good restaurants and taverns in the places where you stop by.
Let’s start with the villages and trips in Limassol
Recommendations for villages in Limassol and the surrounding area
Fasoula village
A village located at a 15-minute drive from the Limassol district. The village is small, so there is not much to do, but it is still adorable to walk around. There is also a beautiful church and an excellent tavern that we liked, so I think it is worth getting to—the name of the taverna is Stoa Aristotelous Directions. The taverna has only one Cypriot Meze meal, but it is excellent. The atmosphere in the yard is enjoyable, with music and lovely waiters.
Tochni village
The village of Tukhni is located in the Larnaca province but it is just a 25-minute drive from Limassol. This village is very different from the other ones we have seen. Its architecture is not as colorful as Balfacra and Calabasos but more reminiscent of a medieval-style, with mostly brown tones and occasionally a bit of azure which is why we got excited about it. It has many narrow alleys and stunning views. There is also a coffee cart and a tavern that looks like a postcard because of its design and its view. You can also find some accommodations in this village. We plan to spend the night there at some time, so I will update you when that happens.
The recommended tavern is Tochni village Taverna. We ate a handmade chicken suflaki and ravioli dish with spinach and ricotta, and both were excellent—arrival instructions.
Another tavern that we really loved is Nostos Restaurant. Located in the heart of the city near the church, this cozy, family-run tavern offers an excellent meat meze. The service was very good, and the family that runs the restaurant was incredibly charming. Definitely a recommended spot for anyone looking for an authentic local culinary experience.
Zygi village
This village is also in the province of Larnaca, though it is just a 25-minute drive from Limassol. The village of Zygi is a fishing village located by the sea. The village is famous for the fish taverns and the fresh goods that come from the fishers in the area. Because of the taverns, the village has become more touristy in recent years. It’s lovely to walk around along the promenade and its various alleys. In addition, there is also a beach and a strawberry farm where you can pick and buy strawberries and some other locally-made products.
We also really liked a cafe there which is a coffee truck with grass and places to sit- Grizo Cafe
Recommendations in the village: Q gardens Shaelos plants, a huge place with lots of pots, trees, flowers and spices. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, the nursery is really an attraction in itself. Maya felt like she was in a maze of plants and really enjoyed walking around there and in addition there is an animal corner with peacocks, geese and ponies and next to it there is a small playground.
Highly recommended fish tavern: KARAOLISea
We ate a Meze there, which is a Cypriot meal where many salads and many fish dishes are served and it was really successful. Highly recommend her.
Kalavasos village
This one is a village we were excited about because of the colorful architecture. We slept in a boutique hotel with a light breakfast, a magical courtyard, and an excellent tavern. There is a stunning B&B / apartment, Kalavasos View Traditional Apartments, with seating areas facing the view. It has a comfortable bed and magical rustic design.
We had breakfast at The Library Hotel Wellness Retreat. A basic buffet breakfast costs 8 euros, but the courtyard of the hotel is simply wonderful and the meal also includes a hot and light drink so I really recommend going there even just for an afternoon coffee.
There are 3 taverns in the village and we decided to eat at the George restaurant taverna. We saw good recommendations about the place and we were not disappointed. Sitting outside in the square with trees and in front of the beautiful umbrellas hanging outside.
A picturesque village in Cyprus: Kalavasos
Recommendations for trips to Limassol and the surrounding area
Germasogeia Dam
The dam was built in 1968 and is an ideal destination for a picnic, hike, or swimming in the water. We have gone there a few times. We loved the stunning view revealed from the dam and how calm and peaceful it was there.
We took a short walk there on a hiking trail that reached the water. We were the only ones there. I recommend driving around the dam, and then on the way you will see both stopping places for observation and markings for walking routes and short routes with a drop into the water. I recommend bringing snacks and water with you because there is no place to buy food and drinks—arrival instructions.
The White Cliffs Limassol
We came to this place by chance and were fascinated by it. This is an area of natural white cliffs with small bays from which you can enter the water. In addition, nearby, there is a large tavern called Agios Georgios Alamanou Fish Tavern. It is suitable for families and groups because there are large platters of meats and fish and a great variety of dishes, and there is an area with trampolines and some games for children.
The white cliffs have become a famous place for photography, especially for bride and groom photos. When we were there, I saw two couples who went for filming. We also saw a couple who brought folding chairs and sat on them on one of the cliffs to watch the sunset. There is no doubt that sunset is the recommended time to be there—arrival instructions.
Prastio waterfall
A waterfall that is half an hour’s drive from the center of Limassol towards Paphos. I think this is the closest waterfall to Limassol. The others are about an hour’s drive away in the Troodos Mountains.
The waterfall itself is not very big but it is in a really beautiful area and we really enjoyed walking around there with Maya. There is water in the waterfall only after a few rainy days, so if you go there in a non-rainy period, chances are the waterfall will be dry.
When there is water at the waterfall, there is usually also a sandwich van in the parking lot of the waterfall with a really delicious meat sandwich and an ice cream van.
Polemidia National Forest Park
A charming forest with an area with picnic tables, a small playground, and a nice cafe. You can see a beautiful view of the whole city and the sea. We loved hanging out there with Maya. For anyone looking for a place to have a picnic, this is definitely a recommended place. Arrival instructions
Limassol Promenade
The Limassol Promenade stretches for 15 km of fun paths by the sea and consists mostly of bike paths. There are stunning restaurants, cafes, and beaches along the way. We like to bike ride along the promenade and get as far as the marina area, which is also very nice to walk at. You can also cross the road and stroll in the old city from the marina. There are bike rental stations along the entire promenade at a few euros. It is an excellent trip for those who like to pedal or walk.
The Molos area is near the marina with juice stalls, large playgrounds, and a large area to walk around. Arrival instructions.
Bonus for blog followers
If you are planning to come to Cyprus and are looking for someone to plan an itinerary for you that you can do independently with a car (minimum for 3 days) or if you want to do a private trip with a driver (also suitable for large groups) then I recommend contacting Rony Schwartz. We met not long ago and I was very impressed by his knowledge of Cyprus (he has been living here for 5 years in Paphos) and beyond that he is really charming and has been planning trips for many years.
Link to Roni’s WhatsApp for contact
If you book a “private trip” for a family, or a small group, Roni will make for you a “detailed plan for a sightseeing day, with a culinary emphasis”, in Paphos, or Larnaca, or Limassol, including warm recommendations! Such a program costs 50 – 40 euros normally, but you will get it for free.
If you order a trip planning you will get one day at my expense, pay for three days planning and you will get four.
If you book a trip for a group of over 7 participants, you will receive a shuttle to the airport and back at an attractive price or a detailed culinary trip planning for an independent trip for free.
In conclusion, the Limassol area in Cyprus is full of villages and beautiful places. I will continue to
update recommended locations in my blog.
More posts I wrote on that
Great day trips in Cyprus
Vacation in Limassol – where to stay and what to do
The most recommended breakfasts and brunches in Limassol, Cyprus
Recommended hotels and resorts in Limassol
What to do in Cyprus in winter
Recommended restaurants in Limassol
Recommended things to do in Limassol
Cyprus with kids