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Removals to Limassol with Hamiltons Removals
The Cypriot port of Limassol is one of the most popular destinations for expats – particularly British ones, thanks to the combination of sun, sea and sand. Another big draw is the fact that most local residents speak English either as a first or second language. It’s a popular destination for commercial removals too and is a principal hub for international businesses in Cyprus.
Here Hamiltons Removals, who offer commercial and domestic removals to Limassol, take a closer look at the city and how we can help you move there.
The History and Heritage of Limassol
The city has passed through many hands over the centuries – it’s been ruled over by the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians. It was an important strategic stronghold in the Mediterranean and has always been an important trading port since its conception.
Richard the Lionheart conquered the city in 1191 as part of his Third Crusade; the English influence doesn’t end there, as Limassol was leased to the British Empire in 1878. However, the country of Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960 – although most people there still speak English.
Limassol is the second largest city in the country (after Nicosia, the capital), and has a population nearing the 200,000 mark. As Cyprus is part of the European Union, if you are moving from the UK, it may be more complicated post-Brexit, so make sure you do your research. It’s also important to know that Limassol is part of the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus, and not the Turkish part to the north.
Getting There and Getting Around
Cyprus has two international airports, one in Larnaca and another in Paphos. Both are around 40 minutes’ drive away from Limassol (and there are buses there from both airports).
Another way in is by sea – as well as being the country’s largest trading port there are also facilities for cruise ships (note there’s an Old Port and a New Port – the latter is more modern and larger).
Cyprus doesn’t have a rail network, given its small size, but there are three main roads – The Beach Road Makarios Avenue and Griva Digen – you can either drive yourself or travel by bus (or hire a scooter or bike).
Three motorways (the A1, A5 and A6) link the city of Limassol to the rest of the island. Be warned, though, as some local drivers only have a sketchy understanding of the Highway Code when it comes to the rules of the road.
The Main Attractions
The Beaches – Limassol is blessed with plenty of golden, sandy beaches. Lady’s Mile Beach and Kourion Beach are the most popular if you don’t mind going a few miles out of the city, but they can get very crowded thanks to the tourists.
The Events –the Limassol Carnival lasts for 10 days, usually spanning both February and March. There are plenty of parades, a ‘King’ and ‘Queen’, and lots of parties.
The city also hosts a wine festival every September. There are plenty of local wineries which are open for tours all year round. The local climate helps vineyards grow local Cypriot grapes and those imported from overseas, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
For historians, Limassol Castle is worth a visit – it lies above the Old Port – originally from the 12th century, it was rebuilt in the 16th century.
For lovers of nature, the Municipal Garden on the coast road contains plenty of Mediterranean vegetation (eucalyptus trees and pine trees) as well as a small zoo.
Shopping Around and Eating Out
Ayios Andreas and Anexartisias Street in the Old Town offer old, cobbled path lanes, away from the modern city, with lots of independent shops and eateries.
Several western-style supermarkets are spread across the city and warehouse-style shopping centres have mushroomed on the outskirts of the city; MyMall is the biggest precinct with plenty of restaurants as well – it lies to the west of the New Port.
Remember, most shops shut between 1-3pm for afternoon siestas due to the sun’s heat but are generally open later because of this.
If you are eating out, why not try souvlakia instead of the local kebabs? The dish features pieces of pork grilled on skewers and served in warm pitta bread with salad. Alternatlively, order some sheftalia, sausage-like minced meat with herbs.
For dessert, try a spoon sweet – fruit is boiled to create a syrup, then sugar is added. As the name suggests, they are quite small.
What is the Cost of Removals to Cyprus?
In common with all our deep-sea removals, we offer the choice of a dedicated service, a groupage or part-load option, and air freight removals.
The first option gives you exclusive use of your own shipping container; the second, cheaper option (groupage) will mean the container will be shared with other people’s belongings; and the air freight option is ideal for small valuables and important documents.
In the longer term, although Limassol is one of the more expensive cities to live in in Cyprus, it should still work out cheaper than living in most UK or US cities. Accommodation and the price of food in Cyprus are both lower in particular; and given the Mediterranean climate you shouldn’t have to spend as much money on heating your home.
If you would like to know more about our removals to Cyprus, follow this link. You can also call us on 01379 855203.
Overseas Removals to Rome with Hamiltons Removals
Rome is known throughout the world as ‘The Eternal City’ – so-called because its citizens (and particularly some of its poets) felt that it would last forever, unlike some of the Empires and governments which ruled over it.
These days, thousands of Britons have chosen to make the city their home, attracted by the warm climate and the job opportunities, particularly in the fields of medicine, engineering and teaching, as well as Rome’s cultural history.
Hamiltons Removals can offer overseas removals to Rome; here we look at the history of the Italian capital, how to get there, and how much it is likely to cost to move and live there.
History and Heritage
One of the myths surrounding Rome is that it was built by Romulus and Remus, a pair of twins; the former is said to have killed the latter after an argument and the city took its name from him in the mid-8th century.
The reality is rather different – the area was a series of smaller settlements (evidenced by various discoveries of Bronze and Iron Age artefacts) and grew gradually after that. It became the focal point of the Roman Empire, which stretched across Europe (including into England). After the Empire collapsed, due largely to various revolutions and wars in occupied countries, Italy was fragmented into various city states. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the unified country of Italy was formed.
However, the evidence of the historic importance of the city can still be seen today in the vast array of ancient Roman structures still standing, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Castel Sant’Angelo and the Arch of Constantine; all of them are incredibly popular tourist destinations in the city.
Getting There and Getting Around
There are two international airports in Rome – Fiumicino International Airport (aka Leonardo da Vinci airport), which is the main one, 30km (18miles) to the south of the city – you can get to the city proper via a shuttle bus, train or taxi. The smaller airport, Ciampino, is closer to the city but is largely used by budget airlines for local and short-haul flights.
While all roads lead to Rome and getting there is quite easy, driving in the city itself isn’t. There is a motorway around the city, known as the GRA, but driving in the city centre is not for the faint-hearted. Driving can be rather chaotic (even for locals), as can finding a parking space.
As with the case with many other metropolitan cities around the world, it’s much better to rely on public transport – if you buy a Roma pass you get access to all forms of public transport in the city, and reduced admission prices to some museums and attractions as well.
There are six tram lines and three metro lines to choose from; many people opt for the bus, although these can sometimes be crowded depending on the time of day. There’s also a suburban overground railway network; the main station in the centre is the Roma Termini.
Cycling is an option, but there isn’t a large network of dedicated lanes and the behaviour of motorists (not to mention the cobbled streets which can be uncomfortable to ride on) mean bike riding isn’t as popular as it is in other European cities.
Traveling on foot may also be an option if you don’t mind avoiding the traffic (and some streets are so narrow, vehicles can’t get down them all anyway) but some of the attractions may be a long way away.
The Main Attractions
Rome is usually divided into a series of districts and, although the Old Rome district does boast the Pantheon, plenty of beautiful squares and several cathedrals, and plenty of evidence of the Renaissance influence on its art and architecture, it’s not home to all the historic buildings in the city.
The Vatican is another district (and Vatican City is actually an independent country, as well as being the home of the Catholic Church); the district also includes the surrounding areas of Borgo, Prati and Monti Mario.
The Colloseum (the famous amphitheatre, pictured) is in the Colloseo district, which also includes the Forum (the ruins of the city’s former seat of Government).
The Modern Centre includes the Piazza della Republica and the Trevi Fountain (which people still throw coins into for good luck) but is now just as well known for its shopping, nightlife and restaurants.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Italy?
As well as the cost of the moving package, you also have to consider the cost of living in the city and the country.
The websites Statista and ThinkPlutus state that the average wage in Italy is slightly higher compared to the UK and the cost of living is lower too – particularly for items like public transport (although there may be local variations depending on where in Rome you settle down).
How expensive is Rome? In terms of rent, it’s generally less expensive than Milan, but more expensive than cities such as Turin and Florence; and you can expect to pay more for your meal or shopping if you are close to the various tourist attractions.
Overseas Removals to Rome with The Moving Partnership
At Hamiltons Removals we can help you if you are interested in house removals to Italy; as well as Rome, we also offer European removals to Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo and all the major cities.
We offer a variety of packages to fit your needs and budget – for instance you could have a dedicated service (sole use of the vehicle), or a part-load or groupage which is shared with other consignments; we can also pack and unpack your items for you
If you click here, you can receive your own free online removal quote by completing the various forms; you can also call us on 01379 855203.