Cyprus's second-largest city is situated on Akrotiri Bay on the southern part of the island. A city with roots extending thousands of years, Limassol boasts an array of archaeological sites and important museums. The port here is one of the most significant in the Mediterranean, though in recent years, tourism has rivalled the port in economic importance.

Above all, this is a beach community, with resorts, upscale boutiques and fine dining establishments all within convenient reach of the expansive, golden-sand beaches. Visitors while away the hours sunbathing on Dhassoudi Beach or engaging in water sports like paragliding, scuba diving and windsurfing. Due to long daylight hours and dry summers, Limassol's beaches are perennially popular attractions.

Several prominent archaeological excavations have shed light on historical sites like the eighth-century BC Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates; the ancient city of Amathus, overlooking the sea; and the 2,000-year-old Kourion settlement. The latter sports a restored amphitheatre that still serves as a performance venue. There are also two important castles in the area: Limassol Castle in the city itself and Kolossi Castle in the countryside.

Given all this history, it's no surprise that Limassol is so rich in cultural attractions. The Archaeological and Folk Art museums both house collections of artefacts from antiquity and recent history, respectively. Art lovers will want to visit the Sculpture Garden, a collection of modern sculptures by a host of local and international contributors. Finally, the annual Wine Festival in August is the perfect setting to tour the best, local vintages all in one place.

Accommodation is widely available in Limassol, with options ranging from boutique hotels and privately owned inns to immense, international-brand hotels. Well-known, five-star establishments like the Le Meridien are centred on the waterfront resort areas. Be sure to book in advance when travelling during the late summer months as rooms can be harder to find during the peak tourist season.

Limassol is served by international airports in two major cities: Paphos (to the west) and Larnaca (to the east). Both are equidistant from Limassol, though Larnaca is the larger of the two. It is also possible to arrive via ferry from the European mainland. Buses handle city-to-city transportation on the island, while taxis are available for shorter journeys. A hire car is an invaluable tool for exploring the archaeological attractions in the hinterland.

Limassol's Mediterranean climate involves long, dry summers with plenty of sunshine. Soft breezes from the sea temper the heat here on the coast, though highs in the interior sometimes exceed 40°C during July and August. Humidity is low and precipitation is scarce during the summer. Tourists prefer the brief seasons of spring and autumn, when temperatures are comfortably lower and rainfall remains unlikely.

Winters are wetter in Limassol, though life on the coast is still mild and comfortable. Anyone planning a daytrip to the Troodos Mountains (where snow can fall during December and January) will want to pack warm clothing. The rainfall at lower elevations is usually welcome by locals as summertime draughts can leave crops in distress.