The Limassol Tourism Board is a partner in the project ANDIKAT “Diving routes in marine protected areas of the Eastern Mediterranean – Development of diving tourism network”, aiming to upgrade and further promote diving tourism. The project is co-funded by the European Union and national resources of Greece and Cyprus (Interreg VA Greece – Cyprus Program 2014-2020).

In the context of the project, the Limassol Tourism Board has invited bloggers/journalists to visit Limassol to promote diving and more specifically the two artificial reefs in Amathus and Dasoudi. A few days ago, the company hosted a Greek Travel blogger Evita Voutsina ‘Evita Travels the World’, below the article that she wrote.

Discovering Limassol’s diving routes

Cyprus, one of the most beautiful islands in the eastern Mediterranean, a famous destination for those looking for quality, youthful vibes and a variety of holiday activities. Its high temperatures make it a place that you can visit all year round, and swim in the blue waters of the Mediterranean until November. Ideal destination for water and diving sports lovers, since the whole country is surrounded by crystal clear and warm waters. Somehow I found myself, in May, getting off the plane, discovering Limassol’s diving routes

Welcome to Cyprus

The name of the country comes from the Latin “cuprum” which means copper and it is an island with a great geographical location, between three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa. The strategic position of the island has played a huge role in considering Cyprus as a very popular tourist destination and an ideal location for attracting international businesses. So this is a multicultural place, where the inhabitants enjoy a high standard of living and this becomes apparent from the first moment you arrive on the island.

Limassol city

A city focused on the future, a modern city that never stops developing, Limassol is considered the capital of the Cypriot summer. The beautiful beach of Limassol (and the largest port of the island), with a length of 15 km is an oasis for both locals and visitors who flood it all year round. Really a beautiful seaside road, full of green, outdoor gyms, cafes and restaurants that lead you to the new highly developed marina, is worth your walk before getting lost in the alleys of the historic center.

My first impression from Limassol was that it is a high tech city and frankly I did not expect to see important historical remains in its center. A short tour changed my mind, since in its alleys one can admire many historic buildings and of course the Castle, the most famous attraction and trademark of Limassol, which now houses the Medieval Museum.

Diving activities and routes in Limassol

Who can deny that the sea bottom is the most mysterious and unexplored part of our planet and that our every contact with the sea gives rise to a feeling of almost nostalgia and return to the place from which we emerged in the course of our evolution? Being at sea, let alone below its surface, is undoubtedly a unique experience and that is why so many activities now take place at the bottom.

Between the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Dasoudi Beach is the Limassol Water Park. The ancient port of Amathouda, the two shipwrecks that have been at the bottom since 2014 and the breakwaters that are located along the coast, function as artificial reefs and now host a wide range of aquatic life, waiting for you to discover. Limassol, but also Cyprus in total, enjoy one of the longest diving seasons in the Mediterranean thanks to the warm waters, whose temperature ranges between 16 – 27 degrees Celsius all year round. So what are you waiting for?

Since the wider area is protected, fishing of any kind is prohibited and the whole area is full of life. If you are lucky enough you can see turtles but also the “permanent” resident of a shipwreck, the famous rookie. The area is ideal for those who have no previous experience in the field of diving but also for experienced divers.

Day one: Snorkeling at Amathouda

On this very hot morning, I met the instructor and owner of the Free2Dive school, Mr. Savva Savva, a certified Freediving instructor with long experience and many awards, in order to get to know the beauties of the seabed and the history of the sea area of ​​Amathouda. Amathouda was one of the most important ancient cities-kingdoms of Cyprus. Part of the ancient port of Amathouda which began to be built around the end of the 4th c. BC, is submerged in the sea area in front of it, and the whole area is now included in the Marine Protected Area of ​​Artificial Reefs.

Snorkeling as an activity is accessible and easy for everyone, whatever their relationship with the sea, but in all cases, the instructor is by your side for your constant safety. Extremely fun, I highly recommend it!

Day two: Free diving in Limassol shipwrecks

The next day, I got on the boat, this time with free diving divers (beginners, intermediate and advanced level), with a lot of enthusiasm to watch and try free diving for the first time.

Free diving is the most natural and simple method to visit the underwater world. The diver who sinks with apnea holds his breath as he leaves the surface and sinks until he returns to the surface.

Of course, reaching depths of more than 10-15 meters is not something that is achieved from day one, it needs “training” and guidance, but even if your stay in Limassol is short, you can try and get acquainted.

At the bottom of the marine park, there are two shipwrecks, which were sunk in 2014 in order to create a “home” of aquatic life. The boat Lady Thetis is located at a depth of 12 – 20 meters and is 22 meters long, while the fishing boat Konstantis reaches up to 25 meters deep, with a length of 27 meters.

My dive may not have reached more than 4 meters, however I felt very excited, having tried something new and watched the other divers to reach 10, 15, even 30 meters.

The magic of the Limassol Marine Park area is that it is full of life and people with a love for the environment and the sea. Getting on the boat, you will see free divers, swimmers, scuba diving divers, people snorkeling and you can not stay out of this sea “traffic”. Whatever your tastes are, I am sure you will find the activity that will fascinate you.

The trip was founded by Limassol Tourism Company and the European Program Interreg V-A Greece – Cyprus 2014-2020 for the promotion of diving routes in marine protected areas of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Limassol Tourism Board is a partner in the project ANDIKAT “Diving routes in marine protected areas of the Eastern Mediterranean – Development of diving tourism network”, aiming to upgrade
and further promote diving tourism. The project is co-funded by the European Union and national resources of Greece and Cyprus (Interreg VA Greece – Cyprus Program 2014-2020).

In the context of the project, the Limassol Tourism Board has invited bloggers/journalists to visit Limassol to promote diving and more specifically the two artificial reefs in Amathus and Dasoudi. A few days ago, the company hosted a Greek Travel blogger ‘Evita Travels the World’. The blogger had the opportunity to enjoy a tour of Limassol, try the local cuisine, experience snorkeling in the abovementioned sea areas, and dive in the Dasoudi Artificial Reef, where she admired the shipwrecks and was impressed by the rich marine life in the area.

The blogger has already started promoting Limassol as a diving destination via posts, articles and audiovisual material and more specifically promoting the two artificial reefs that have been created by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.

The €3.2 million ANDIKAT project aims to create diving routes in protected sea areas in Eastern Mediterranean and to develop a network for diving tourism. The project has a three-year duration and is expected to substantially upgrade the tourism product in the field of diving tourism. To enhance dissemination among locals and visitors, the Limassol Tourism Board has also recently acquired a dome with a capacity of 25 adults or 40 children for the screening of a 180⁰ documentary about the seabed, in order to create awareness and interest in diving.

The company continues its efforts to further upgrade the tourist product of the region and utilizes state-of-the-art European programmes such as ANDIKAT to ensure that Limassol as a destination remains at leading edge.

Whether you are planning to return to the water after a break, or thinking about going for your first ever dive, the place of your dreams is not too far away. I am talking about the south of the Island of Love, also called Cyprus. In this remote place, you will be able to enjoy the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean, a sunny warm weather, and a unique underwater experience.

You might be wondering why it is worth visiting Cyprus for a diving trip, or even where the best diving sites are. I am happy to demystify both questions as I recently had the opportunity to explore the unexplored treasures around the city of Limassol.

Limassol tickles the fancy of those who want a diving experience on a budget. For just 50 euros you could get a local shore dive in various dive centers. As for an introductory course, it offers the best value for diving in the region and you will get a first-class underwater adventure full of vibrant sea life.

However, it is not only the low-budget dives and inclusivity for all diver levels that makes Limassol so attractive. The Mediterranean Sea is very well-recognized for its clear waters, abundant marine life, and beautiful underwater landscapes. There are tons of selling points, which is why the area is becoming increasingly attractive to divers from all over the world. At the moment though, it still has the charm of an unknown spot.

Its proximity to all the exciting diving sites in the country makes Limassol the ideal location as you could roughly reach all the top diving spots in just half an hour by car. You have endless options to choose from. Another extremely attractive part of the diving scene in the area is the shiny light effects that illuminate the marine life and the whole ecosystem in a very special way.

Limassol is surrounded by artificial reefs with sunken wrecks and old vessels; all the conditions are aligned to create a diverse and unique ecosystem. It will not take much longer until the city becomes a hot diving destination worldwide. It has immense potential and the fact that not many people know about it makes it even more raw and pure.

The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research in Limassol is currently working to create, maintain and preserve the protected areas, where fishing is prohibited, and to build a sustainable habitat with the perfect conditions for marine life to thrive. There are currently seven marine reserves in the Limassol area, and luckily, I had the opportunity to explore two of them. These were the radiant Amathous and Dasoudi artificial reefs, which have breakwaters running along their shores to keep the sea serene and intact.

These artificial reefs are built to have the same characteristics as natural reefs and to be able to provide a safe space for underwater creatures to feel at home. The number of marine protected areas is notably increasing and with that goes the recovery and conservation of our biodiversity in the coastal waters of Limassol.

Amathous artificial reef is covered by architectural remains that are embraced by many forms of fauna and flora. The reef is located above a sunken wreck and colored by a dense Posidonia: it feels like swimming in a unique underwater forest. In the Dasoudi artificial reef, these flowering plants were also massively covering the wave breaker areas. In this protected site, old vessels are a refuge to diverse biodiversity, making it the perfect shelter for passenger turtles to nest.

I believe the only type of traffic one could handle without burning out due to stress is the one you find while diving. In Limassol, it can get super busy all year round. As long-term residents, you could find groupers, barracudas, sea bass, trumpet fish, sargos, damselfish, and octopuses. You will very likely cross paths with these folks along the coast from Zenobia to Pafos. During summer months, turtles usually start getting familiar with humans and both can swim together in harmony. Even though marine life might not sound extremely exotic at first glance, I promise you will not get bored. The whole diving scene is already extremely exotic by itself.

If we go in the direction of Larnaca, the third biggest city in Cyprus, we will find the Zenobia wreck, also known as the Zen. This is one of the world’s largest wrecks that was ever explored. It makes us feel that we are insignificant but part of something bigger. In this parallel universe with 178 meters long and 28 meters wide, Zenobia is a shelter for octopus, congers, lionfish, tuna, turtles, anemones, among several other species. It is also expected to be investigated by experienced divers only, as it sits 43 meters deep.

You could also find precious wonders in the other southern corner of the island. If you are looking for an unusual experience, Amphorae Cave might be a good option. A labyrinth of caves that makes you feel you are in a Little Mermaid fairy-tale for its singularity and the abundance of colorful tropical fish within. Close to the famous rock of Aphrodite, you can take your advanced diving experience to a whole different level if you explore the Jubilee Shoals.

In Episkopi Bay, the Jubilee Shoals dive site is one of the most famous attractions for divers. There is a mystical atmosphere around this place as it is a protected ecosystem with a leaning underwater cliff and deep caves that plunge as far as 60 meters. Small rock formations and the remains of the Canberra B2 military aircraft can also be found in this site. Among the several resident species, you will meet moray eels, groupers, damselfish, and crayfish.

There is an extensive coastline for divers to explore. Between the city’s old port and the largest lake in Cyprus, the Limassol Salt Lake, you could find the M.V. Habe Wreck and Farsa ii Wreck around the Lady’s Mile Beach. Neighboring this, in the southernmost point of Cyprus, you will be amused by Akrotiri Bay. Here you will find fascinating dive spots and wrecks that are totally worth a visit. The Fish Reserve dive spot is a good option to start if you do not feel very confident but want to have a first diving experience. One thing is certain, you will not run out of excitement anywhere around Limassol.

Personally, I feel there is something special about the Constandis wreck. This fishing vessel goes down to 24 meters and was originally built in 1989 by the USSR. It took me less than 7 minutes to reach the site in a speedboat from the Dasoudi beach. The remains of the wreck are home to a dense diversity of maritime life. From barracudas, groupers, sea horses, and moray eels, to greenhead turtles and bizarre sea slugs. If you are in the right place at the right time, you might also find yourself swimming with monk seals.

The majesty and grandiosity of this wreck are impressive: I felt like I was visiting a busy underwater town. Not very far away, separated by a large reef, there is also the Lady Thetis wreck, also part of the Artificial reef project to serve as a recreational dive site. This wreck is ideal for divers of all levels with its passenger coastal vessel immersed to a depth of 18 meters. These two are dives that should not be missed.

And there is even more still! The water temperature and sea conditions make Limassol a fantastic destination and captivating for all dive levels. In the winter, you can be reassured of an average water temperature of 17 degrees Celsius, while in the summer it can go up to 28 degrees, making an annual average of around 22 degrees. Strong sea currents are rare; the fact that the currents are steadily mild all-year-round also contributes to making the area accessible for everyone.

From March to November, you will get flat seas and clear visibility. The diving season in Cyprus is one of the longest in the Mediterranean. Location-wise, if you have booked a short trip, I would suggest you prioritize the Constandis and Lady Thetis wreck, as well as the Zenobia wreck and The Jubilee Shoals. In case you find yourself with some dead time, just start exploring the Dasoudi area and all the magnificent reefs around that are increasingly bringing back life to these crystal waters.

The seascapes in the south of Cyprus reveal their shiniest colors when reflected by the sun, and the marine architecture you can find will make you want to stay there for an eternity. The monumental wrecks and their turquoise waters can speak by themselves. There are also numerous underwater channels that make this area truly unique for divers, who can even find helicopters, cars, and canons full of subtropical wildlife.

Several different reasons are slowly attracting divers to the Island of Love. From its crystal blue waters, quiet seas, calm currents, and excellent visibility to its unrevealed ancient and architectural beauty, all these factors put Limassol in the red cross of the treasure hunting map. What makes this place even more special is the fact that barely anyone is talking about it. And its genuine and pure soul has endless stories to tell.

…this precious Mediterranean gem will have plenty to say in the future.

About the Author:

José Amaral is a Deepblu writer and business developer from Portugal. He is always looking for the next adventure and he is thrilled to be part of projects that connects people with the same love for diving and traveling.

The Limassol Tourism Board is a partner in the project ANDIKAT “Diving routes in marine protected areas of the Eastern Mediterranean – Development of diving tourism network”, aiming to upgrade and further promote diving tourism. The project is co-funded by the European Union and national resources of Greece and Cyprus (Interreg VA Greece – Cyprus Program 2014-2020).

In the context of the project, the Limassol Tourism Board has invited bloggers/journalists to visit Limassol to promote diving and more specifically the two artificial reefs in Amathus and Dasoudi. Last week, the company hosted a representative of the DeepBlu group, that is based in Denmark and has an online magazine for divers, as well as social accounts that operate as online communities for thousands of divers. The writer/blogger, Mr. Jose Amaral, had the opportunity to enjoy a tour of Limassol, to experience snorkeling in the abovementioned sea areas, to attend a private course on coastal rowing and sailing at the Limassol Nautical Club and to dive in the Dasoudi Artificial Reef, where he admired the shipwrecks and was impressed by the rich marine life in the area.

The blogger has already started promoting Limassol as a diving destination via posts, articles and audiovisual material and more specifically promoting the two artificial reefs that have been created by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.

The €3.2 million ANDIKAT project aims to create diving routes in protected sea areas in Eastern Mediterranean and to develop a network for diving tourism. The project has a three-year duration and is expected to substantially upgrade the tourism product in the field of diving tourism.

To enhance dissemination among locals and visitors, the Limassol Tourism Board has also recently acquired a dome with a capacity of 25 adults or 40 children for the screening of a 180⁰ documentary about the seabed, in order to create awareness and interest in diving.

The company continues its efforts to further upgrade the tourist product of the region and utilizes state-of-the-art European programmes such as ANDIKAT to ensure that Limassol as a destination
remains at leading edge.

The Limassol Region Tourism Development and Promotion Company is donating two beach wheelchairs to the Limassol Nautical Club, within the framework of the ANDIKAT Project of the European Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Greece–Cyprus 2014–2020 / INTERREG V-A.

The Tourism Development and Promotion Company of the Limassol Region organized a Conference on Diving Tourism, within the framework of the “ANDIKAT” Project of the Greece–Cyprus Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020 / INTERREG V-A, co-financed by the ERDF (85%) and National Funds of Greece and Cyprus (15%).

The Conference took place in Limassol on 20 February 2020 at the Ajax Hotel.

The Participatory Procedures Event for tourism professionals and the Workshop for the exchange of know-how and the development of strategic pillars for the promotion and networking of the tourism product were successfully held, with the participation of international organizations specializing in diving tourism.

The Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company is organizing a public consultation on 3 December 2019 at 11:00, at the ETAL offices, for the exchange of views regarding the construction of a pier near the Crown Plaza Hotel, within the framework of the ANDIKAT Project of the Greece–Cyprus 2014–2020 Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, INTERREG V-A.
The ANDIKAT Project is co-funded by the ERDF and by National Funds of Greece and Cyprus.