ONE OF LIMASSOL’S OLDEST STREETS FOR SHOPPING
A VIBRANT ESSENCE
I decided to visit St. Andrews Street in Limassol, as I wanted to buy some souvenirs before travelling on. Running parallel with the city’s seafront, it is easily reached by the number 30 bus, which runs every few minutes along Limassol’s coastal road. On arrival, I pleasantly found that the whole street is pedestrian-only and geared up exactly for this type of shopping.
HISTORIC CHARM
My walk through one of Limassol’s oldest streets for shopping began when I stepped onto the cobblestone pavement from the east side of the street. I found the immediate area around the street exemplifying the vibrant essence of the city. This enabled me to fully indulge and appreciate the diversity of Limassol’s cultural scene. As a result, I felt compelled to explore this bustling hub of activity further. The shops that lie in the centre of Limassol’s old quarter are both interesting and varied. They seem to perfectly set the tone for the area’s historic charm. As a result, I found that the old and the contemporary created a dynamic energy that permeated the whole street.
TRADITIONAL SHOPS & HISTORIC BUILDINGS
As I slowly made my way along the street, I came across various traditional shops selling handmade crafts, various wares, fresh produce, and several fragrant delicacies. These all sat nicely between some modern trendy boutiques, souvenir shops and other places of interest. These included art galleries, as well as some very historic buildings. I found that the street itself seemed to give visitors a glimpse into its unique past, offering a nice balance for shoppers and recreational walkers alike. This created a nice backdrop for the colourful facades of the buildings that seemed to come alive against the distant chatter of locals. This all seemed to come together nicely with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifting from the cafés, which helped to create a rustic, yet cosmopolitan feel.
LOCAL FLAVOURS
Halfway up the street, I took a moment to pause! It was then that I noticed the melodic voices of sellers hawking their goods. These sounds seemed to mingle nicely with the distant chatter and laughter of other shoppers in the background. I was then delighted to find a chance to savour some true flavours of Cyprus. This presented itself in the form of a street cart. The scent of freshly baked pastries permeating from the unassuming street vendor proved too difficult to pass by, and I promptly indulged in a sweet treat. The vendor told me that all of his goods were homemade, and I ended up sampling a local favourite in the form of a fresh pastry.
CYPRIOT DELICACIES
The shop just opposite was selling several Cypriot delicacies, and these included local alcohol, variations of flavoured nuts and several sweet delights. The warm welcome of the shopkeeper and the display of the products in the window made it impossible to resist. I then found a shop selling several souvenirs as well as premium leather goods, and with that, my shopping was complete. I then headed west, further down the street, where I happened upon an indoor arcade just off the main street. Walking through I noticed that colourful umbrellas lined the ceiling, and I decided to stop at a café, taking in a well-earned coffee break before embarking on the main square in front of the Limassol Castle.
GOLDEN HUES
As the day drew to a close, the setting sun bathed the whole area in subtle golden hues. This seemed to cast several long shadows that stretched across the cobbled pavements. The café terraces began to fill with patrons enjoying a leisurely evening drink, and the sound of the endless clinks of their glasses blended harmoniously with the soft strains of music in the background. I found myself once again embracing the ambience of the place at dusk, and I felt a sense of contentment and gratitude for the experience of wandering through this vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavours.
A WORTHY JOURNEY
From its historic landmarks to its modern amenities, St. Andrews Street embodies the essence of the city of Limassol. A visit offers a worthy journey of discovery and delight. Walking through the street offers visitors a multi-faceted exploration of the city’s past and present that will create a vibrant ambience that is quintessentially Mediterranean. A visit to this street is not just a physical journey, but a sensorial one that immerses oneself into the heart of this vibrant city. The historic landmarks in the area tell compelling stories, and each building has its own architectural character reflecting the cultural influences of the past.
A GREAT SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
St. Andrews Street offers a great shopping experience and I enjoyed the sense of community and hospitality that defined the spirit of the area. I found that walking through this charming little street provided me with a sense of joy that allowed me to really appreciate the rich tapestry of Limassol’s past and present. As I took in the sights and sounds of the street, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection to the community and its traditions, leaving the street with a feel-good feeling and some happy memories.
