Ancient Kourion

The ruins of ancient Kourion, dramatically set on a cliff overlooking the sea west of Limassol, are among the most spectacular archaeological sites in Cyprus. Once a powerful Greco-Roman city-kingdom, it is crowned by a magnificent restored theatre carved into the hillside, whose tiers of stone seats frame a breathtaking backdrop of the shimmering Mediterranean, still used for summer performances. Around it spread the remains of grand villas with fine mosaic floors, an early Christian basilica, Roman baths and a marketplace, evoking the wealth of the ancient city.

What you actually see

• The Greco-Roman theatre - the restored hillside theatre over the sea.
• The House of Eustolios - the villa with mosaics and baths.
• The early basilica - the remains of the Christian church.
• The sea views - the sweeping Mediterranean panorama.

When to go

April to June and September to October, for warm but comfortable weather, as the exposed clifftop site is hot in high summer; the theatre and views are stunning in the softer morning or late-afternoon light. Summer evenings sometimes bring performances in the ancient theatre.

Honest expectations

Like Cyprus's other ancient sites, Kourion is open and shadeless, so it is best visited outside the fierce midday summer heat, and it is a ruin that rewards some imagination or a guide to picture the once-grand city. The spectacular clifftop theatre with its sea backdrop, though, is genuinely breathtaking and one of the island's most memorable and scenic historic sites.

Nearby

The city of Limassol, its wine country and Aphrodite's Rock are close by.