The ancient ruins of Kourion lie on a coastal cliff, overlooking the Mediterranean sea, just west of the city of Limassol in Cyprus. Kourion is a top spot to explore while on the island, so we made a point to visit once my parents came for a visit. Because of its location near Limassol, you can make an excellent Kourion day trip from just about anywhere on Cyprus.

Ruins of Kourion Day Trip

Get In

The archaeological site lies within the Akrotiri West Sovereign Base Area, which is a part of British Overseas Territory today. But the site has existed as part of the inhabited Kouris River Valley since 5500 BCE, and remained settled through Roman and Byzantine times.

Today, the ruins of Kourion (also called Curium) remain as an excavation site that you can visit year round. We set out early morning to see the ruins and after about an hour’s drive from Dhoros arrived to the visitors center to the site. At the bottom of the hill, you will need to pay entry to the site, 4.50 Euro per person. The visitor center is small, but has a large topographical model of the ruins for you to view, as well as pamphlets – and the all important bathrooms.

With the exception of Turkish occupied Cyprus, Kourion is within a couple hours drive of almost the entire island. So no matter where you are, you can easily a make a Kourion day trip an impromptu activity.

Baths of Eustolios

The first structure we came to, which was covered by a large awning, which gave a nice respite from the blazing sun, was the Baths and House of Eustolios. The complex is made up of over 30 ruins and is from the early fifth century. The house was built by the Eustolios as a bath for the patrons, and a large pool is in the center of the structure. The floors are highly decorated with marble and mosaics. It is assumed that the house was initially a private home, but later was made publicly-accessible.

Kourion Theater

As we made our way down from the House of Eustolios, we came to the Theater. Initially built in the 2nd century BCE, the theater underwent numerous renovations over the years and enlargements due to damage from earthquakes.

We used a corridor of the theater for an impromptu photoshoot as well.

Christian Ruins

Down from the Theater, we came across a large expanse of ruined stone. This belonged to the Episcopal Precinct of Kourion. This was apart of the early Christian monuments in the area and consisted of a three-aisled church.

Somewhat connected, but just a little beyond the Precinct lay the Northwest Basilica and Coastal Basilica.

Greek Ruins

An older ruin, from the 3rd century BCE, is the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates.

More ruins lay a little bit farther down the cliff edge. So we made our way towards them. The sun beat down hot, and we were starting to get a sunburn. But everything looked so cool, we didn’t notice too much.

The Forum and Baths were our next spot, which were an interesting ruin to look at. There was an undressing room, warm room, hot room, and cold room for the baths. You could see how the water would flow from one pool to the next as the water would cool. It was constructed in the 1st century and then renovated during Trajan’s reign from 98-117.

House of the Gladiators and the House of Achilles

We ventured further in search of the House of Achilles, but first came across the House of the Gladiators. It is debated whether it was actually a private residence or a public palaestra. However, the house receives it’s name due to it’s mosaics depicting gladiatorial combats. These are the only such mosaics on Cyprus.

Finally, at the far end of the site, we came to the House of Achilles. It has been identified as a private residence. It contains mosaics of Achilles unveiling by Odysseus before the Trojan War.

On our return to the car, we came to the Earthquake house. The house is not of any particular importance, but it is well preserved and was destroyed by an earthquake.

Visit

The site as a whole is a wonderful half day trip, and is considered to be one of the best preserved and largest archaeological sites on Cyprus.

Operations:

September 16 – April 15 : 8:30 – 17:00
April 16 – September 15 : 8:30 – 19:30
Closed on: Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday.
Price: €4.50 entry per person