SOAKING up the sea views from the top of Limassol Castle, I could see why this was the hottest destination wedding venue of 1191.
None other than King of England Richard the Lionheart tied the knot with Berengaria of Navarre in the walls of the imposing Cypriot battlement.
8
8
The wedding prep alone must have cost a fortune. Before the ceremony could start, Richard had to conquer the entire island and rescue his fiancée, who was held hostage by Cyprus’ ruler.
And what did the taxpayer get for their money? Not so much as a single “how-do-you do” or ribbon cutting — Berengaria went down in history as the only English Queen never to set foot in England. A tour of Limassol Castle certainly puts all this Harry and Meghan fuss into perspective.
I was in Limassol for a long weekend of sensible sun in “shoulder season”. October through November, and April through May are the best times to make the most of what this island, on the south-eastern edge of Europe, has to offer.
With daytime temperatures hovering around 26C, you can holiday in comfort — whether that is lazing on a sun lounger or exploring the historical city centre.
8
In summer, temperatures are regularly ten or more degrees higher, making it uncomfortable to do anything but spend time near your air-conditioned hotel or villa.
The base for my trip was fit for a king. The Royal Apollonia, ideally located on the shoreline of Limassol, is close enough to the old town and marina to enjoy those attractions, but far enough away that the beach it backs on to is pretty much your own.
The 5* hotel recently underwent a major redevelopment, resulting in a modern luxe feel with a relaxed atmosphere.
Plush touches include sun loungers with pillows, sparkling poolside toilet and changing facilities and UK plug sockets in the rooms. A fitness gym, indoor pool and luxury on-site health spa ensure pretty much everyone is catered for.
8
I enjoyed a 55-minute massage on my first full day to help banish the lingering stresses of home. There was no rushing you out for the next customer either — giving me chance to spend time in a relaxation room afterwards.
The hotel is about two miles from the more touristy Old Port and the new Marina sites. Simply hop on the number 30 bus from the stop just outside for 1.50 euros (£1.25) or 5 euros for a day pass. Or grab an electric scooter from 15 cents a minute on the URentBike app. Electric scooters may be a death trap in busy cities, but rattling along the promenade on my battery-powered push-scooter was a real joy.
As the low orange sun glistened off the calm waters of the Mediterranean, families on the beach were still enjoying themselves while others enjoyed a bite to eat or drink in one of the countless open-air bars and restaurants.
It was just an ordinary November evening in the Cypriot city, while the UK was being lashed by high winds and rain only a four-hour flight away.
8
8
Plenty of bars and restaurants along the seafront offer daytime deals to eat and drink for between 10 and 12 euros. this is ideal when you are exploring the architectural sites of the old town. Eating out at night costs similar to UK prices, but most hotels now come with dinner plans included and the Apollonia was no different.
The main restaurant was buffet style, with daily themes such as carvery, Italian or Mediterranean, always with plenty of choice, including an opportunity to sample local cuisine every night.
Special mention has to go to the hotel’s two a la carte restaurants. Meze offers traditional Cypriot and Greek food with a modern twist — a meal for two with a bottle of wine is around £75.
Then there is Akakiko, with Japanese cuisine ranging from sushi to meat dishes. Here, the prawn tempura was to die for, and if you’ve ever tasted a better duck ramen, I want to know where. Away from Limassol, a trip to the mountains is a must, especially the picture-postcard village of Lefkara.
8
8
Narrow cobbled streets house buildings all made from the same white and silica limestone. Locals still hand-weave lace and hand mould silver.
Just make sure you don’t visit on the same day as the cruise ships to avoid flocks of other tourists.
On the way back, stop at the Ktima Christoudia winery, one of dozens of vineyards on the island. You will see wine being produced and get the chance to taste it once the tour is complete.
By the end of my weekend in Limassol, soggy England seemed less appealing.
I was tempted to follow Berengaria’s lead and give it a miss. How is Canada this time of year?
