Set in the large bay of Akrotiri on the south coast of Cyprus, Limassol (Lemesos) is the island's second-largest city, a major port and a busy tourist resort. Cruise ships dock at the ‘New Port', some 5km (3 miles) from the centre of town. 

The resort centre is modern with long narrow beaches next to the busy main road. The most interesting part is the old Turkish commercial quarter around the castle, and the nearby Old Port with its fishing harbour.

Cyprus is famous as a beach holiday island but it includes splendid ancient Greek temples, Roman mosaics, Crusader castles, Byzantine churches and monasteries dating back a thousand years, all within half a day's reach of Limassol.

Highlights
• Limassol Castle is an imposing solid stone fortification dating from the 15th century and is home to the excellent Cyprus Medieval Museum.
• Limasol is the centre of the island's wine making industry and winery tours are run by various companies.
• Paphos (60km due west) is famous for its Roman mosaics, among the finest in the Mediterranean.
• Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou) is the legendary birthplace of the goddess.
• Between Paphos and Limasol,  Kourion is the region's finest archaeological site with a Roman amphitheatre enjoying a magnificent site perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.
• The Troodos Mountains, famous for their many remarkable frescoed medieval churches, are within easy day-trip distance.

Sypro Araouzou, Cyprus
Tel: +357 (2465) 362 756.
Website: www.visitcyprus.com

Cypriot purchases include handmade lace, jewellery, woven curtains and tablecloths, silks, basket work, pottery, silverware, reproduction icons and leather goods. Silver spoons and forks are a traditional symbol of Cypriot hospitality. Other products include the simple baskets which have been made on the island for years, leather goods and pottery. The local wines and brandy and Cypriot Delight (do not call it Turkish Delight!) also make good purchases.

The best way to sample Cypriot food is by ordering mezze (snacks), a selection of different local dishes. Kebabs (pieces of lamb or other meat skewered and grilled) and dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) are favourites.

Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers from mid-May until mid-September and rainy, mild winters from November to mid-March. Spring and autumn are characterised by calm weather and there are clear skies and sunshine almost year-round.

Cyprus

GMT + 2.

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Greek.

South coast of Cyprus.

177,000.

Republic since 1960.

Greek Orthodox.

The Cypriots are very hospitable people and it is impolite to refuse an offer of a drink. Always dress appropriately when visiting religious establishments. Photography is forbidden near military installations. A licence (purchased cheaply from the museum's ticket desk) is often required to photograph museum artefacts. No flash photography is allowed in churches with murals or icons.

Tipping: A service charge is added to all bills, but tipping remains at the discretion of the individual.