The coastal resort area of Limassol is best known for its gold-sand beaches and relaxing atmosphere, but there are is ample opportunity to engage in high-octane sports. Windsurfing, kite-surfing and scuba diving are all accommodated here, and many guests have no idea that the slopes of the Troodos Mountains transform into a ski resort in the winter. Children will enjoy interacting with the animals at the Donkey Sanctuary and Ocean Aquarium.

Aphrodite Water Park
Cyprus' most popular water is found west of Limassol in Paphos. Aphrodite Water Park boasts expansive swimming pools with high-rise water slides, and ample facilities to keep families entertained and well-fed throughout the day. This is the perfect cool escape for families during the heat of the summer months. 
Phone: +357 26 813 427; www.aphroditewaterpark.com

Donkey Sanctuary
This unique facility is operated by a couple from the UK. Children have the opportunity to get up close with these gentle beasts, feeding them carrots purchased from the front of the sanctuary. All profits from the Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary are recycled back into care of the animals and maintenance of the facility. 
Phone: +357 2594 2623

Hiking
Hiking is a popular pastime throughout Cyprus's national parks. The scenery in the Troodos Mountains is spectacular, cut by an impressive network of trails that pass remote waterfalls and secluded, historic churches. Stand-out trails include the Persephone, Kaledonia and Atalante paths.

Water Sports
Limassol's favourite golden-sand beaches include Germasogeia and Dassoudi. These coastal resort areas offer a variety of water sports. Swimmers, paragliders and windsurfers all have the opportunity to practise their sport, and the more modern sport of kite-surfing has even established itself here. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also popular activities.

Winter Sports
Those visiting during the heat of the summer months are surprised to learn that the Limassol area actually has a thriving winter sports scene. The Troodos Mountains operate a ski resort during December and January, and several hotels offer off-season discounts to lure skiers and snowboarders to this unlikely winter sports destination.

The cultural scene in Limassol is fuelled by the city's historic legacy as well as its commitment to the arts. Institutes such as the Archaeological Museum showcase the fruits of local excavations, while more collections of more recent artefacts can be viewed in the Folk Art Museum. Be sure to visit the ancient human settlements at Choirokitia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Archaeological Museum
The Limassol District Archaeological Museum has been open for six decades. Exhibits explore ancient artefacts recovered from local excavations, and items date to periods anywhere between the Neolithic Age and the late Roman Empire. Look for period coins, stone axes and ancient weapons such as knives and arrowheads. Some of the most interesting items were sourced from the nearby Amathus excavation. 
Phone: +357 25 305 157

Choirokitia
Located halfway between Limassol and Larnaca, these fascinating Stone Age ruins date to the sixth century BC, making them one of the oldest surviving human settlements in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Choiokitia includes the remains of 60 houses; an impressive, prehistoric mansion; and a layout of original roads.

Folk Art Museum
Limassol's Folk Art Museum is housed in a historic house. Inside is a collection of exhibits displaying art and handicrafts from the 1800s and 1900s. Artefacts on display include farm tools, household items and traditional costumes. In years past, the Folk Art Museum was awarded the Europa Nostra Award for its commitment to preserving Cyprus' cultural legacy. 
Phone: +357 25 362 303

Sculpture Park
The Limassol Sculpture Park is one of two such parks in Cyprus. All of the pieces here are new, with the oldest collection dating to 1999. Overlooking the waterfront, this park hosts sculptures in a variety of sizes, some of which are relatively large. The most notable pieces were generated by local artist, Helene Black, along with George Tsaras and Victor Bonato.

Wine Festival
Limassol is the wine-growing capital of Cyprus, and every August the city hosts the Limassol Wine Festival. Numerous vineyards and wineries are represented, offering visitors a satisfying taste of the local vintage. This event gets a lot of publicity and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.

There are a wide variety of restaurants located on Limassol's eastern coastline and along Nicosia and Larnaca roads. Wine is a local staple; in the past, virtually every major household operated at least a modest winery. Those visiting during September can attend the yearly wine festival and sample a few local vintages.

Local cuisine usually features minced meats, onions and spices in a hearty stew such as stifado or tava. Look for dolmades (similar to stuffed grape leaves), stuffed with rice and minced meat. A nice way to sample several dishes at once is to order mezze, which are available in restaurants throughout the town centre and across the eastern coast. International cuisine is easily found in the main tourist districts, particularly Greek and Italian, though Chinese and Indian restaurants are also on site.

The most important shopping districts in Limassol are located along Agio Andreou and Anexartiatis streets. Jewellery is a Cypriot art that boasts a long history on the island. The finest styles can be traced to the Mycenaean period, and anyone looking to invest in some fine craftsmanship will not be disappointed by the local jewellery shops.

Handicrafts are equally popular with tourists. The small village of Lefkara (on the Nicosia road) has garnered plenty of fame for its lace work. In fact, 'Lefkara lace' is a recognised style in the global industry. Also look for ceramics, a variety of silks, woven baskets and tablecloths. Fine silverware is a traditional product, and forks and spoons are considered a symbol of hospitality.