Summarise this page 11 key points · 1 minute
- The 10 at a glanceThe ten day trips range from Kourion and wine villages to Troodos trails, Kykkos, Paphos, Nicosia museums and Larnaca with Stavrovouni.
- 1. Kourion and the Cyprus Wine MuseumPair sunset at ancient Kourion with the Cyprus Wine Museum in Erimi, about 13 km west of Limassol, where entry costs 5 euros.
- 2. Krasochoria and Commandaria villagesVisit several wineries in one day on the Troodos wine routes, but call ahead, as some need an appointment, and arrange a driver.
- 3. Platres and the Kalidonia waterfallThe Kalidonia trail is 3 km, grade 3 (difficult) and about 1.5 hours, leading past the waterfall to finish near Platres.
- 4. Mount Olympos: Artemis and Atalante trailsArtemis is Cyprus's highest trail, 7 km and graded easy, while Atalante is 14 km, grade 2 and takes 4–5 hours.
- 5. Pitsilia and the Madari ridgePitsilia offers quiet mountain villages, Kyperounta's three museums and winery about 50 km from Limassol, and grade 3 ridge walks to Madari.
- 6. Kykkos MonasteryKykkos Monastery, the island's wealthiest, is free to enter, while its museum of icons and manuscripts costs 5 euros.
- 7. UNESCO churches near LagouderaA 7 km, grade 3 trail of about 3 hours links two UNESCO painted churches, and dogs, bicycles and motorbikes are not allowed.
- 8. Petra tou Romiou and PaphosCombine Aphrodite's legendary birthplace at Petra tou Romiou with Paphos Castle, where entry costs 2.50 euros.
- 9. Nicosia museumsSpend a museum day in Nicosia, starting at the free Cyprus Museum, which is closed on Mondays.
- 10. Larnaca and StavrovouniLarnaca Salt Lake hosts thousands of flamingos from November to March, and nearby Stavrovouni Monastery is free but closed to women.
Quick answer
The best day trips from Limassol are Kourion and the Cyprus Wine Museum in Erimi to the west, the Krasochoria and Commandaria wine villages, the Troodos Mountains (Platres, the Kalidonia waterfall and the Artemis trail on Mount Olympos), Pitsilia and the Madari ridge, Kykkos Monastery, the UNESCO-listed churches near Lagoudera, Petra tou Romiou and Paphos, the Nicosia museums, and Larnaca with Stavrovouni on the way.
- The Artemis trail near the summit of Mount Olympos is the highest nature trail in Cyprus, reaching 1,850 m.
- Kyperounda Winery, about 50 km from Limassol, stands at about 1,400 m and says it is the highest winery in Europe.
- Kykkos Monastery, at about 1,318 m, keeps one of three icons attributed to Saint Luke; entry to the monastery is free.
- The Cyprus Wine Museum in Erimi is about 13 km west of Limassol; entry costs 5 euros as of October 2026.
- Stavrovouni Monastery is 9 km off the Nicosia–Limassol road; women are not allowed inside.
From Limassol you can reach ancient sites, wine villages, the Troodos Mountains, Paphos, Nicosia and Larnaca in a day. We chose ten day trips with something different on each, with opening hours, prices and trail details where they are published. For things to do in town, see our 10 best things to do in Limassol.
The 10 at a glance
| # | Day trip | Area | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kourion and the Cyprus Wine Museum | Episkopi and Erimi | History, sunset | Wine museum about 13 km from Limassol |
| 2 | Krasochoria and Commandaria villages | Southern Troodos slopes | Wine | Several wineries need an appointment |
| 3 | Platres and the Kalidonia waterfall | Troodos | Forest walk | 3 km trail, grade 3 |
| 4 | Mount Olympos: Artemis and Atalante trails | Troodos | Mountain hiking | Highest trail in Cyprus |
| 5 | Pitsilia and the Madari ridge | Pitsilia | Mountain villages, views | Kyperounta about 50 km away |
| 6 | Kykkos Monastery | Marathasa | Religious heritage | Monastery free, museum 5 euros |
| 7 | UNESCO churches near Lagoudera | Troodos foothills | Painted churches, walking | 7 km trail between two churches |
| 8 | Petra tou Romiou and Paphos | Paphos district | Myth, harbour, castle | Castle entry 2.50 euros |
| 9 | Nicosia museums | Nicosia | Museums, old town | Cyprus Museum free |
| 10 | Larnaca and Stavrovouni | Larnaca district | Salt lake, monastery | Monastery men only |
1. Kourion and the Cyprus Wine Museum
What it is: The ancient site of Kourion near Episkopi, paired with the Cyprus Wine Museum in Erimi.
Why it's on the list: All About Limassol, the official Limassol guide, says the Kourion hill has been a famous viewpoint for more than 2,500 years and is a good place to watch the sunset; the ancient theatre hosts performances and concerts in summer. The Wine Museum traces the island's winemaking history.
Where: The Wine Museum is at 42 Pafos Street, Erimi, about 13 km west of Limassol.
Practical details: As of October 2026, museum entry costs 5 euros, entry with a glass of wine 10 euros and a tour with tastings 15 euros. It opens daily 10:00–17:00 (closed on Sundays in August). Read our Kourion guide and Erimi area guide.
Who it suits: A half-day outing, or anyone new to Cypriot history.
2. Krasochoria and Commandaria villages
What it is: The wine villages on the southern slopes of the Troodos. The Krasochoria of Lemesos route covers 20 villages, and the Commandaria route runs through 14 villages starting at Koilani.
Why it's on the list: You can visit several wineries in one day. In Koilani, Ayia Mavri opens Tuesday to Sunday 11:00–16:00 and Vlassides runs tours and tastings by appointment (Monday to Saturday, 11:00–16:00). Ktima Gerolemo, in the hills outside Omodos, generally opens daily 10:00–15:30, and Zambartas in Agios Amvrosios opens daily 10:00–17:00, preferably by appointment.
Practical details: Call ahead and arrange a driver. Full details are in our 10 best wineries to visit in Cyprus and our Commandaria guide.
Who it suits: Wine lovers and groups of friends.
Map it · Driving route
A wine day in the Limassol hills
- Zambartas
- Ayia Mavri
- Vlassides
- Ktima Gerolemo
Opens Google Maps with every stop in order. Opening hours can change, so check before you go.
3. Platres and the Kalidonia waterfall
What it is: A forest walk from near Troodos Square down to Psilo Dentro (the "Tall Tree") above Pano Platres, along the Kryos Potamos river, which flows all year.
Why it's on the list: It leads to the Kalidonia waterfall and ends close to Platres, so it combines nature with a village stop. Nearby, the short Millomeris waterfall trail starts in Pano Platres.
Practical details: Kalidonia is 3 km, grade 3 (difficult), about 1.5 hours, dropping from 1,571 m to 1,238 m. Millomeris is 1.2 km and about 30 minutes. See our Platres area guide and Troodos waterfalls guide.
Who it suits: Walkers who are steady on uneven ground.
4. Mount Olympos: Artemis and Atalante trails
What it is: Two circular trails around Mount Olympos (Chionistra).
Why it's on the list: Artemis is the highest nature trail in Cyprus, passing two black pines around 500 years old and the ruins of Venetian-era fortifications. Atalante, from Troodos Square, passes an 800-year-old juniper and a chrome mine tunnel inactive since 1982.
Practical details: Artemis is 7 km, grade 1 (easy), 2.5–3 hours, at 1,835–1,850 m. Atalante is 14 km, grade 2, 4–5 hours. Read our Artemis trail guide.
Who it suits: Hikers of most levels; Artemis is graded easy.
5. Pitsilia and the Madari ridge
What it is: The Pitsilia area of the Troodos, including Kyperounta, which Visit Cyprus describes as the third-highest village on the island at about 1,300 m, and Pelendri.
Why it's on the list: Kyperounta has three museums (Natural History, Folk Art and the National Liberation Struggle) and Kyperounda Winery, about 50 km from Limassol, which says it is the highest winery in Europe. Tsiakkas Winery near Pelendri opens Monday to Saturday 09:00–16:00. From Kyperounta, the Doxa soi o Theos trail climbs to the Madari fire lookout, and the Teisia tis Madaris loop has cliffs and views over the Mesaoria Plain and Morfou Bay.
Practical details: Doxa soi o Theos is 3.8 km one way, grade 3, about 2 hours; Teisia tis Madaris is about 1.5 hours, grade 3. See our Kyperounta guide.
Who it suits: Those who prefer quieter mountain villages.
6. Kykkos Monastery
What it is: A monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary at about 1,318 m in the Marathasa area, 13 km from Pedoulas. Visit Cyprus calls it the wealthiest on the island.
Why it's on the list: It keeps one of three icons attributed to Saint Luke, and Archbishop Makarios III served there as a novice. The museum holds icons, manuscripts and antiquities.
Practical details: Open 10:00–16:00 from November to May and 10:00–18:00 from June to October. The monastery is free; as of October 2026 the museum costs 5 euros. Read our Kykkos visitor guide.
Who it suits: Visitors interested in Orthodox heritage.
7. UNESCO churches near Lagoudera
What it is: A 7 km linear trail between two UNESCO World Heritage churches: Stavros tou Agiasmati (1494), 8 km from Platanistasa, and Panagia tou Araka (1192) in Lagoudera.
Why it's on the list: It combines frescoed churches with pine forest and vineyards. The trail is part of the E4 European long-distance path.
Practical details: About 3 hours, grade 3 with a steep start. Book ahead for a guided visit of Stavros tou Agiasmati. Dogs, bicycles and motorbikes are not allowed on the trail. See our painted churches guide.
Who it suits: Fit walkers with an interest in Byzantine art.
8. Petra tou Romiou and Paphos
What it is: The rocks of Petra tou Romiou on the south-west coast of the Paphos district, then on to Paphos harbour.
Why it's on the list: Petra tou Romiou is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. In Paphos, the harbour castle is a 1592 Ottoman restoration of a Frankish tower. See our sunset guide.
Practical details: Paphos Castle opens 08:30–19:30 from 16 April to 15 September and 08:30–17:00 the rest of the year. As of October 2026, entry costs 2.50 euros.
Who it suits: First-time visitors.
9. Nicosia museums
What it is: A museum day in the capital.
Why it's on the list: The Cyprus Museum is the island's largest archaeological museum, with free entry. The Byzantine Museum, inside the walled city, and the Leventis Municipal Museum in Laiki Geitonia complete the day.
Practical details: The Cyprus Museum opens Tuesday to Friday 08:00–18:00, Saturday 09:00–17:00 and Sunday 10:00–13:00, and is closed on Mondays. Full details are in our 10 best museums in Cyprus.
Who it suits: Rainy days and history lovers.
Map it · Walking route
A museum walk in Nicosia
- Cyprus Museum
- Leventis Municipal Museum
- Byzantine Museum
Opens Google Maps with every stop in order. Opening hours can change, so check before you go.
10. Larnaca and Stavrovouni
What it is: Larnaca Salt Lake and the town, with the hilltop monastery of Stavrovouni on the way, 9 km off the Nicosia–Limassol road.
Why it's on the list: The salt lake is a protected Ramsar and Natura 2000 site where thousands of flamingos stay from November to March, with a 4 km nature trail to the old Kamares aqueduct.
Practical details: Women are not allowed into Stavrovouni, and cameras are not permitted. It opens 07:00–11:00 and 14:00–17:00 from September to March, and 07:00–12:00 and 15:00–19:00 from April to August; entry is free. See our flamingo guide and 10 best things to do in Larnaca.
Who it suits: Birdwatchers in winter.
Map it · Driving route
Stavrovouni and Larnaca Salt Lake by car
- Stavrovouni Monastery
- Larnaca Salt Lake
- Kamares Aqueduct
Opens Google Maps with every stop in order. Opening hours can change, so check before you go.
Heading into the mountains? Our hiking routes finder lists the Troodos trails, and the rest of the island, by area, length and difficulty, with directions to the start in Google Maps.
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GetYourGuideFrequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Limassol?
It depends on what you enjoy. For history close to town, Kourion; for wine, the Krasochoria and Commandaria villages such as Koilani and Omodos; for nature, the Troodos trails and the Kalidonia waterfall above Platres.
Can I visit the Troodos Mountains in a day from Limassol?
Yes. Platres, the Kalidonia waterfall trail, Mount Olympos and the wine villages on the southern Troodos slopes all work as day trips. Kyperounda in Pitsilia, for example, is about 50 km from Limassol.
What can I do near Limassol on a rainy day?
Museums are a good choice. The Cyprus Wine Museum in Erimi is about 13 km away, the Cyprus Medieval Museum is in Limassol Castle, and Nicosia has the Cyprus Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the Leventis Municipal Museum.
Is Kykkos Monastery free to visit?
Yes, entry to the monastery is free. The museum on the grounds charges 5 euros for adults as of October 2026. Opening hours are 10:00–16:00 from November to May and 10:00–18:00 from June to October.
Can I do a day trip from Limassol without a car?
Check current bus routes and timetables in our public transport guide before planning a car-free trip. Several of the trips here, such as the mountain trails and wine villages, start from trailheads or wineries outside town centres.
Useful links
Sources (17)
- All About Limassol (official guide) – View point from the Curium hill
- The Cyprus Wine Museum – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Cyprus Wine Museum – Contact, opening hours and tickets
- Limassol Tourism Board – Wineries
- Fast Forward – Exploring the 7 wine routes of Cyprus (9 June 2024)
- Hiking Map – Nature Trails (2026) – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Kalidonia (Linear), Troodos Forest Nature Trail – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Artemis (Circular), Troodos Forest Nature Trail – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Kyperounta village – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Photos Photiades Group – Kyperounda Winery
- Kykkos Monastery – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Nature Trail Stavros tou Agiasmati – Panagia tou Araka (leaflet) – Department of Forests
- Birthplace of Aphrodite – Petra tou Romiou – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Pafos (Paphos) Castle – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Cyprus Museum – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Stavrovouni Monastery – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
- Larnaka (Larnaca) Salt Lake – Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com)
