One of Cyprus' oldest royal cities, its acropolis, marketplace and seaside basilica scattered along the coast at the eastern edge of Limassol.
Amathus was one of the most ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus, founded by around the 11th century BC and inhabited for almost two thousand years. It clung to the coast just east of modern Limassol, with an acropolis on the hill and a town and harbour by the water.
The city was an important centre of the cult of Aphrodite and Adonis, and legends linked it to early Cypriot dynasties. Over time Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines all left their mark before the city was finally abandoned in the early Middle Ages.
Today the excavated ruins make an easy, atmospheric visit right beside the tourist coast — the agora with its columns, temple remains on the acropolis, and an early Christian basilica looking out to sea.
The city's marketplace, with re-erected columns and the remains of public buildings and water systems.
On the hill above, the foundations of the Temple of Aphrodite command views over the coast.
Seaside church remains marking the city's Byzantine-era Christian community.
Parts of the ancient port now lie just beneath the sea, visible to snorkellers in calm conditions.
One of the easiest ancient sites to reach, set among the hotels at the eastern end of Limassol.
The combination of columns, hillside and open sea makes for memorable photos.
Morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and the best light over the sea.
About an hour to walk the agora and climb to the acropolis.
Sun protection and shoes for the uphill path to the acropolis.
Its location in Limassol makes it an easy add-on to a city day or a beach afternoon.
Right in eastern Limassol — only about 10 minutes from the city centre.
Because Amathus sits within Limassol, it's the easiest ancient site of all to fold into your day — a quick, rewarding stop between the beach and the Old Town, with us handling the short hops.
Amathus was one of the oldest royal city-kingdoms of Cyprus, on the coast at the eastern edge of Limassol, with an acropolis, an agora and a seaside basilica among its ruins.
Yes — it's an atmospheric and easily reached set of ruins right by the Limassol tourist coast, ideal as a short cultural stop alongside the city's beaches and Old Town.
Amathus lies within Limassol itself, at the eastern end of the tourist area, only about a 10-minute drive from the city centre.
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