Also known as Lemesos, this is Cyprus's second largest city and its top tourist destination.

This ancient town has at its heart a medieval castle within a quaint tangle of cobbled streets, peppered with markets and shops selling traditional wares, such as local Lefkara lace. There are numerous high-end hotels and local speciality restaurants in the old town as well as a traditional hammam for those who take their relaxation seriously. The new town, stretched along the seafront and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, offers more international options in shopping, dining and entertainment, and caters for the booming tourist trade.

It is easy to get around and a hire scooter is highly recommended for the freedom to discover the region, including the many sites of historical interest and numerous vineyards within the attractive surrounding countryside. The vineyards produce the local speciality dessert wine, Commandaria.

Limassol is historically a sea-faring town and still relies heavily on its port for a healthy passenger ferry and import-export trade. Its links with the sea are also evident in the brand new, upscale marina.

The temperate mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and cooler winters, with late Spring/early Autumn providing the perfect combination of pleasant weather, fewer tourists and better value accommodation.

Cyprus's main airport is located in the town of Larnaka, with a second airport in the town of Paphos, both of which are just under 50 miles away from Limassol.