Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lemesos is the only town in Cyprus with a full-blown carnival atmosphere, enjoyed par-
ticularly by children. The 11-day carnival, held 50 days before Easter, starts with the
'King of the Carnival' entering town, escorted by a motley parade. There's also a chil-
dren's carnival parade; the festivities close with a fancy-dress extravaganza.
Kataklysmos Festival
RELIGIOUS
(Flood Festival)
Lemesos is one of the best places in Cyprus to experience the Kataklysmos festivities
which commemorate both the Biblical flood of Genesis and the Greek myth of Deukalion.
Celebrations take place in June on the seafront and include boat races and folk dancing.
Lemesos Wine Festival
WINE
Held in the Municipal Gardens annually from 30 August to 11 September, this festival
provides a chance to sample a wide range of local wines. As you might predict, the festiv-
al is extremely popular with young, fun-seeking tourists, here for the Cypriot food, tradi-
tional music and dancing, and did we mention the wine?
Musical Sundays
MUSIC
(
h
Feb-May & Nov-Dec)
Throughout spring, autumn and winter the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) organise
a series of free concerts every Sunday at the Seaside Theatre in the tourist area. It's a great
way to experience traditional Cypriot music.
5
Eating
Eating in Lemesos equals a culinary combo of variety, quality and modern cuisine, partic-
ularly in the old town (most of the tourist area's eating options are fairly forgettable). The
aesthetically restored Old Carob Mill, next to the castle, is home to several restaurants and
bars sharing a cool, sophisticated vibe. For quick bites head for the pedestrian Plateia
Salabuli next to the refurbished municipal market, which is surrounded by inexpensive ke-
bab houses, traditional coffee shops and similar.
o
Syrian Arab Friendship Club
MIDDLE EASTERN
(SAFC; Iliados 3; full meze €15;
h
7-11.30pm;
v
)
A delight for all lovers of Arab cuisine; the SAFC puts on some of the best meze in
Cyprus. Have a nargileh (water pipe) afterwards for the full experience. To find the Syrian
Club (as it's known), head east of the centre via the coast road for around 3.5km. The res-
taurant is located just behind the Apollonia Beach Hotel.
