Tucked away in Europe’s southernmost country lie some of the sunniest beaches you’ll find this fall along a vibrant stretch of golden shores.
The Mirror’s travel experts “across the pond” have revealed one of their favorite fall getaways, but don’t allow England’s boring food choices to deter you from trusting their judgment of this gorgeous getaway — it has the Travel Off Path stamp of approval.
While many travelers splurge on an adventure through Italy, Greece, or even trendy up-and-comers like Albania, there’s no shortage of paradisal dreamscapes speckled across the Med.
One that’s overlooked far too often is the stunning island of Cyprus, and even when travelers do finally make the trek here, they tend to go for Paphos and Larnaca.
Those resort towns are all fine and dandy, but Limassol is where you swap sleepy, cookie-cutter resorts for buzzy nightlife, authentic tavernas, and a city that actually feels alive after sundown.
Best of all, it’s as if summer never ended when spending your days seaside on one of the city’s numerous Blue Flag-certified beaches.
Who Said Summer Has To End?
Limassol didn’t get the memo. Leaves are supposed to be transforming into wondrous shades of amber and crimson.
And let’s not tell them!
Not to go full Al Roker on you, but if I had a green screen behind me, I’d be happy to point out Limassol as one of your best bets for a flawless, sunny vacay abroad.
Temps are dropping quickly across the U.S, and many rustic mountain towns are embracing hordes of visitors to enjoy the cozy vibes.
But some of us prefer to keep rockin’ t-shirts over flannels, never wanting summer to end (except to send bratty kids back to school, amirite?).
Even as the calendar has flipped to October, Limassol is still seeing steady 80-degree days, which are expected to last until December.
What makes Limassol stand out as one of Cyprus’s most underrated locales is that there’s a plethora of attractions to enjoy outside, not just beautiful beaches.
There is a charming Old Town nestled between the towering skyline, perfect for perusing quaint cafes, shops, and cheap, locally sourced wine bars and hole-in-the-wall eateries.
Perhaps even more notable are Limassol’s ancient ruins, ranging from staggering castles to crumbling temples, yet still preserved enough to be truly wowed.
Discover Limassol’s Pristine Beaches
If you’re a seasoned traveler, you may have come across picturesque shores marked by a blue flag.
If you’re unaware, this simply symbolizes that the beach you’re visiting is pristine as can be, having met rigorous environmental and water-quality standards. It’s been said that it’s harder to keep the flag than it is to earn, so you know you’re vacationing in a world wonder.
That’s the case for Limassol.
According to the Limassol Tourism Board, this lesser-known slice of paradise offers visitors 16 Blue-Flag beaches to choose from.
But don’t let that overwhelm you — we got you covered!
You certainly can’t go wrong with any of them, but Protaras and Ayia Napa are the most sought-after.
During summer, it’s nearly impossible not to feel cramped for space. In the fall, the vibe is entirely different, yet so much more enjoyable to swim, snorkel, or simply even out your farmer’s tan or catch up on your new favorite book.
Ayia Napa has a unique attraction too that most tourists visiting Cyprus skip — the Greek mythology-themed WaterWorld.
But for the real deal, you’ll want to hit up Kourion’s ancient ruins overlooking the sea, or Kolossi Castle and Amathus, perhaps the least known.
Is Visiting Limassol Worth The Far-Flung Journey?
Limassol boasts gorgeous beaches, offers phenomenal cuisine reminiscent of Greece, fascinating historical landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and affordable luxury — what’s not to like?
Well, to be honest, the long journey here.
Truth be told, if you’re willing to visit Greek islands, the Turkish Riviera, Albania’s trendy beach towns or any other Mediterranean stunner, in terms of air travel, Cyprus isn’t that much further.
There are no nonstop flights to any U.S. airports, but given its connectivity across Europe, it’s very feasible to reach with just a single layover.
Given Cyprus’s lax entry requirements for Americans, don’t expect to waste any time at the airport either.
The closest airport is the aforementioned Larnaca, just an hour away. Here, you’ll find easy hops from popular European hubs, such as Athens, Amsterdam, Munich, Paris, and London’s major airports, among others.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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