NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION Kourion lies near the port of Limassol in southern Cyprus
DATE OF CONSTRUCTION
12th century BC to 4th century AD
DAYTIME TEMPERATURES
Jan: 54°F (12°C); Apr: 63°F (17°C); Jul: 81°F (27°C); Oct: 69°F (21°C)
Ancient Kourion, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, emerged as a major Mycenaean settlement in around 1200 BC.
The city remained a flourishing center until the Middle Ages, when a massive earthquake destroyed many of its buildings and drove away its inhabitants. Despite this catastrophe, a remarkable array of Hellenistic, Roman, and early-Christian monuments still stand here.
There’s a stunning theater, which is still in use, beautiful floor mosaics, a basilica, public baths, and an enormous amphitheater, which boasts fantastic views. Nearby is a shrine to the Hellenistic deity Apollo dating from the 7th century BC.
Practical Information
Getting There There are plenty of international flights into Larnaca airport, and from there you can drive or catch a bus to Limassol.
When to Go The island’s beautiful Mediterranean climate makes a visit possible at any time of year, although you might want to avoid the peak summer months (Jun–Aug), when temperatures are high, accommodations are pricy, and the city is at its most touristy.