Limassol

The gateway to adventure

With the second largest population of any city in Cyprus, it's safe to say there's plenty going on in Limassol. It is home to the busiest port in the country, although it's not all work and no play here. You'll find avenues of shopping to be explored, together with restaurants around every corner vying for your attention. The nightlife is active, although less frantic than in Ayia Napa, and the beaches are among the most beautiful in the country.

Limassol is the largest city in the Paphos region, which in itself is among the most vibrant and intriguing areas to be discovered during Cyprus holidays, where ancient mysteries mix with modern activities like watersports and safaris. That's not to say that you need to leave the city to explore what Cyprus has to offer – Limassol Castle gives a fascinating glimpse into the region's enthralling past, and the architecture around you speaks of old world magic. Limassol is full of museums and exhibits, from natural history and aquatic wildlife through to the most defining works of art in Cypriot history.

Festivals all year round

Limassol has such an active community that, no matter what time of the year you plan to visit, you're more than likely to chance on one of the city's famous festivals. Winter travellers can snap up cheap holidays to Paphos and still enjoy the Christmas festivities of the city, while in spring the Easter celebrations will be in full swing.

Summer is when most of Limassol's festivals take place, though – these include the Amathusia Festival, which features both traditional and modern dance and music, as well as the ever popular Beer Festival. If late summer is your preferred time to fly, the Wine Festival takes place in late August leading into early September, and is the perfect excuse for a tipple or two.

Trek the trail and hit the circuit

If shopping, wining and dining aren't your thing, daring sorts will have plenty of options in Limassol. With the city as your base, you'll have the chance to walk the coastline, hike up through the back country or take part in one of the off-road vehicle rental services. One of the most popular of these is the Double Trouble Adventure Package, which throws you behind the wheel of a dirt buggy to test your skills, before you race around a go kart circuit where drifting is king, and follow that off with a round of archery practice.

If that's not enough adrenaline for you, head to the coast and take part in some watersports, with jet-skis and motorboats ready to cruise at the command of a thrill-seeking pilot.

Prepare to get wet

Cyprus has a relationship with the sea that goes back centuries, and there's more than ever to do if you're after an aquatic adventure on your trip.

Beginner and advanced divers can take part in several undersea explorations throughout the area, and there's plenty to enjoy above the surface too, with the chance to take a relaxing boat trip around the region, or rent a catamaran for the ultimate freedom. For a family day out, the nearby waterparks come complete with wild slides and gushing flumes that'll definitely put a smile on the little ones' faces – so make sure you pack towels.

Lazy days by the sea

Limassol is a unique Cyprus city in that its position on the island means that its temperatures are milder than those elsewhere in the country. You'll never see temperatures dip below 20°C though, with 25°C and upwards being far more typical – especially in the summer months.

That means a day at the beach is guaranteed to be special, and Limassol has a fantastic selection, from the popular Pissouri Bay to the culturally rich Lady's Mile, through to hidden treasures like Melanda Beach. Whether you're sunbathing or surfing, there's a stretch of your sand with your name on it somewhere close to sunny Limassol.