Limassol

Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus and is located on Akrotiri Bay, on the island's southern coast in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The main town is the closest area to the port, where you'll find, just inland, the medieval castle and the main shopping areas. The beach stretches all the way from the waterfront to the far end of Akrotiri Bay.

Olive oil, olive tree products (soap, candles and wood carvings), mountain honey and Greek worry beads are all good souvenirs.

Kourion, 19km west of Limassol, is the island's most important archaeological site. It features a beautiful amphitheatre and extensive excavations.

The 13th-century Kolossi Castle is 15 minutes drive from the port. Climb up to the top and admire the view.

In Limassol itself, visit the medieval Limassol Castle at the pedestrianised old centre, it is now surrounded by tavernas and bars.

The Troodos Mountains run east to west across the island's centre. Amazing views as far as the Turkish coast on a clear day can be seen from the top. Kykkos, a beautiful and wealthy monastery, housing incredible icons and gold mosaics can be found here.

Wine buffs can visit Omodhos, the island's principal wine-growing village, around 40 minutes from Limassol.

Paphos, located in the west of the island attracts visitors to see the mosaics and excavations at the Tombs of the Kings, it also has a very attractive harbour area.

Nicosia - still the last divided capital in Europe (half Greek Cypriot, half Turkish Cypriot), is around an hour's drive from Limassol. There you can visit the Archaeological Museum and St John's Cathedral, or cross into the Turkish Occupied North at Lidra Street (passport required) to look at the mosques, markets and 19th Century mansions.

Many beaches are along a strip in the Amathus area, west of the town centre. Most of the beaches are narrow, with gritty sand and are attached to hotels but as all beaches in Cyprus are public, everyone has access to them. The municipal beach is at the eastern end of the strip and has cafes, watersports and public toilets.

Cypriot Meze consists of lots of small dips, salads, sausages and pieces of seafood to start followed by main courses of meat or fish, vegetables and potatoes, rice or fries and then sweet desserts and fruit. Seafood dishes are very popular too.

Cruise ships dock at Limassol Port, the new cruise terminal was opened in July 2017.

Some cruise lines provide shuttles to the old town centre and taxis are available at the port.

The passenger terminal has currency exchange, telephones, duty-free shops and a tourist information booth.