Limassol: The Heartbeat of Cyprus

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνεις;
  [Ti kanis?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσύ;
  [Kala. Esi?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάς Αγγλικά;
  [Milas Agglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Υγεία!
  [Ygeia!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosou, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε για γιατρό!
  [Kaleste ya yatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Eimai arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kiitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Boreite na meiosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (dekα)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dyo]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Poia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Boreite na mou deksete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για το ....);
  [Ena isitirio (ya to ....)?]

Limassol's history dates back to antiquity, with evidence of human settlement as early as the 2nd millennium BC. The city is believed to have been built between two ancient cities, Amathus and Kourion. These ancient cities were significant centers of culture and commerce, influencing the development of Limassol.

During the Byzantine period, Limassol began to grow in importance. It was known as Neapolis during this time. The city was strategically located, which made it a pivotal point for trade and military activities in the Mediterranean. Byzantine churches and fortifications from this era still stand as a testament to its historical significance.

In 1191, Limassol gained historical prominence when Richard the Lionheart, King of England, arrived in Cyprus during the Third Crusade. Richard married Berengaria of Navarre in Limassol, and she was crowned Queen of England there. This event marked the beginning of a period of Western European influence on the island.

Following the Crusades, Limassol came under the control of the Lusignan dynasty, who ruled Cyprus from 1192 to 1489. This period saw the construction of many Gothic structures, including the Limassol Castle. In 1489, the Venetians took control of Cyprus, and their rule lasted until the Ottoman conquest in 1571. The Venetians fortified the city, leaving behind architectural legacies that can still be seen today.

The Ottomans ruled Cyprus, including Limassol, from 1571 to 1878. This era brought significant changes to the city's social and economic structure. The Ottoman influence is evident in the architecture, including mosques and public baths. Limassol became a melting pot of cultures, with Greek, Turkish, and Maronite communities coexisting.

In 1878, Cyprus was leased to the British Empire, and Limassol underwent modernization under British rule. This period saw the development of infrastructure, including roads, schools, and administrative buildings. The British influence is still visible in the city's architecture and urban planning. Limassol evolved into a significant port city, boosting trade and commerce.

Cyprus gained independence from British rule in 1960, and Limassol continued to grow as a major economic and cultural hub. The city became known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Limassol Wine Festival and the Limassol Carnival. Today, Limassol is a bustling metropolis, blending its rich historical heritage with modern development. It is a center for tourism, commerce, and cultural activities in Cyprus.

Limassol is easily accessible by air through Larnaca International Airport, which is approximately 70 kilometers away, or Paphos International Airport, about 60 kilometers away. From either airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use shuttle services to reach Limassol. There are also intercity buses that connect Limassol with other major cities in Cyprus.

Limassol has a well-developed transportation network. Local buses are available and cover the main parts of the city. Taxis are also widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. For more flexibility, car rentals are a popular option. Cycling is also a viable means of transportation, with several bike rental shops available within the city.

The official currency of Cyprus is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Limassol, and contactless payment methods are increasingly popular. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets and smaller establishments.

Limassol is generally a safe city for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Limassol does not have specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, petty theft can occur, particularly in busy tourist areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Limassol has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available and can provide over-the-counter medications. For police assistance, you can also dial 199.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid beachwear outside of beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove hats and cover shoulders when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respectful. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake or a friendly nod. More formal greetings may involve a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept hospitality graciously. Don’t refuse food or drink without a polite explanation, as it may be considered rude.

To experience Limassol like a local, visit the old town and the Limassol Marina. Explore the local markets like the Municipal Market for fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and eager to share their culture. Don’t miss the annual events such as the Limassol Carnival and Wine Festival, which offer a deep dive into Cypriot culture and traditions.