Sun, sights, and seriously tasty food. The hidden gem in Cyprus you need to visit
While other Mediterranean spots are starting to feel the chill of winter, Limassol is still basking in sunshine, making it the ideal place for a winter escape (or honestly, any time of year.) Cyprus’ second-largest city is just a quick drive from both Paphos and Larnaca airports, making it a convenient base for exploring the island. Whether you’re hopping between nearby towns, wandering through charming streets, or diving into Limassol’s vibrant food and wine scene, everything’s right at your fingertips.
Some say the city’s magical vibe is thanks to it being the birthplace of Aphrodite, but I think it’s more likely the result of jaw-dropping views, delicious food, and a laid-back charm. Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend or a romantic getaway, Limassol has the perfect mix of culture, fun, and relaxation. So without further ado, here’s your guide to this hidden gem…
Where to stay
Hello, luxury! Every now and then, we all need to hit pause on reality, and AMARA is the perfect little slice of luxury to do just that. This ultra-luxe resort opened in 2019 and is perched on a pristine beachfront just outside Limassol, offering modern sophistication with a splash of ancient history. Built beside an archaeological site dating back to 1100 BC, the hotel seamlessly blends the past with its sleek, contemporary design – most notably in the spa, which feels like stepping into another world (one with a lot more peace and no emails.)
Designed by SB Architects and David Rockwell (yes, the guy behind Nobu New York), the interiors are effortlessly stylish and brimming with carefully curated artwork. Every corner feels considered, glamorous, and totally swoon-worthy.
The hotel has 207 rooms, all with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The rooms are spacious and bright, with huge glass doors. There’s a bathtub that practically begs for a long soak (and of course, I obliged!) and a rain shower where you can wash away the day. The grounds are just as impressive, with a massive infinity pool, terraced gardens, and a Blue Flag beach just a few steps away.
Pascal Reynaud
What to do
Sightseeing
Paphos is just a 40 minute drive from Limassol, and is well worth the trip. We kicked off our adventure at the Paphos Mosaics, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Kato Paphos Archaeology Park. These mosaics are some of the best-preserved Roman artworks around, originally adorning grand villas from the second century. The House of Dionysus, dedicated to the god of wine, is a highlight, with its lively depictions of ancient parties and celebrations. I’d recommend giving yourself a couple of hours to fully soak it all in.
Next, we made our way to the Tombs of the Kings, which, despite the name, surprisingly doesn’t actually have any kings buried here. You can wander through an underground maze of tombs dating back to the fourth century BC, with some of the original columns still standing. Tip: skip the sandals and go for trainers – those steep, uneven steps are no joke!
Kirill Makarov
Walking
I’m usually all about doing as little movement as possible on holiday, but with views of the crystal-clear sea, I couldn’t resist getting out and exploring. For the perfect stroll, just head to the beach from the hotel and turn right. You’ll walk along a bridge with gorgeous views, passing traditional tavernas that might just lure you in for a bite. Honestly, it reminded me of coastal walks I’ve done in Australia (and if you’ve been, you know how breathtaking they are.)
A highlight for me as a certified cat lover was also stumbling upon a cat hotel (yes, a shelter complete with little beds, food, and plenty of adorable kittens.)
Spa
And of course, how could I not mention the spa? After all that sightseeing, I couldn’t resist diving into the AMARA spa. A blissful back massage kicked things off, before I headed straight into the huge sauna and, wrapped in my towelled robe topped everything off with a leisurely dip in the outdoor saltwater pool. Sure, cultural exploration is a must, but honestly? I could’ve stayed in that spa all day.
Where to eat
The AMARA isn’t just stunning to look at – it’s a food lover’s paradise too. With five fantastic restaurants, including spots from culinary legends like Michelin star chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Giorgio Locatelli, it’s pretty hard to leave when the dining experience is this good.
Matsuhisa Limassol
The Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu goes above and beyond. Standout dishes include Yellowtail Jalapeno, Wagyu Beef with Wasabi and the iconic Black Cod Miso, which will have you wishing you could taste it all over again. Also don’t forget the chic bar next door, where you can keep the party going with a nightcap or two.
Ristorante Locatelli
From Giorgio Locatelli comes a more laid-back venue that still manages to ooze luxury. Off the back of the success of his Mayfair restaurant, he brings that same finesse to Cyprus. We dove into the White Truffle menu, and let me tell you, the truffle and bread-and-butter pudding combo was a surprisingly delicious twist.
Beef Bar
Famous in Paris and Monte Carlo, I was curious to see if this steakhouse lived up to the hype. Spoiler alert: it did. The menu is full of bold meat dishes and creative street food. The rock corn (crispy, battered corn balls) are a must-try and *seriously* addictive. Pair them with a mango-spicy margarita, and you’re all set. Whether you’re staying at the AMARA or not, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Pascal Reynaud
For something a bit more relaxed, we popped over to PlusSea beach bar, which is just a stone’s throw away. It’s the perfect spot for an Aperol Spritz at sunset, with loungers and an all-day menu. Definitely a vibe if you’re looking to chill.
We also explored Paphos and stumbled upon some charming local cafés by the marina, like Pingouino, which served the best iced coffee with incredible sea views. For something more refined, we had a lovely lunch at the Elysium Hotel’s Mediterraneo, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant set in a beautiful flower-filled courtyard.