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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.
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