Located on the south-west coast of the idyllic island of Cyprus, Limassol is a flourishing resort, a city of bright lights and lively atmosphere where the young and beautiful come to party into the early hours. Its nightlife is legendary, with the hottest, plushest bars, pubs and nightclubs each with their own vibrant character. The 'Galatex' alley is a great fun place to hang out late at night, while for the early hours head on down to Basement Disco or the Auld Triangle Disco, both high on the list of places to see and be seen. To relax by day there are several long stretches of warm sandy beaches caressed by the clearest azure sea, where hedonists can bask in year round sunshine. To name but a few, the centrally located Agios Tychonas beach, Ladys Mile beach - a few miles out to the west of town, and Governor's beach - located 15 miles to the East of the town, are well worth checking out. Difficult to miss of course is Limassol's glorious seafront promenade, which is excellent for an early evening stroll and a perfect place to watch the sensational sunsets.

Shopping and wine

Limassol is a haven for the shopaholic. The old part of town is a lovely area of winding streets full of rustic, characterful souvenir shops which are a delight to explore. Designer goods are also in abundance here, from jewellery and art to leather and designer wear, and all at prices much lower than you will find in the UK. Local wines are also an interesting buy; Limassol has been the centre of the wine industry in Cyprus for over 4000 years. Just outside of town, in the foothills of the nearby Troodos mountains, lie succulent vineyards that supply the people of Limassol with sumptuous wines year upon year. In September the town celebrates its wine culture by inviting visitors to try its harvests for free at the local Wine Festival. Held in the Municipal Garden every night, the locals set out temporary bars and stalls and offer their wares along with delicious snacks and local entertainment - definitely worth a visit.

Culture and history

The island of Cyprus has been tied up with ancient mythology since the beginning of time, with legends surrounding Aphrodite, Goddess of love and beauty, who came ashore here. Throughout the centuries the island has been touched by just about every ancient civilisation through battles, invasions and occupations, each of which have had an input and an influence on the island's culture. The area is packed with fine exhibits from the past such as Castles, Basilicas, Byzantine Churches, Roman ruins and convents. Limassol Castle, one of the top tourist destinations in the area, is the venue where Richard the Lionheart of England married his Queen in 1191 when he freed the island from its oppressive Byzantine rulers, an event that is still very much celebrated today.

Out and about

Limassol is surrounded by a beautiful rural landscape adorned with citrus plantations and vineyards basking in the Mediterranean sunshine with the stunning backdrop of both sea and mountains. It is well worth a trip up into the foothills of the Troodos mountains; the countryside here is excellent for enjoying walking or cycling at a laid back pace and a great way to see the lovely old villages where life has not changed for hundreds of years. If you prefer to avoid the burning heat of mid-summer, Autumn and Spring are lovely times of the year to enjoy the changing colours of the countryside here, and in winter the snow-capped mountains tower proudly above the town.

Conclusion

The property industry in Limassol has experienced substantial growth in recent years and there is a plentiful supply of villas and apartments to rent here. If you wish to explore rural Cyprus from a base in Limassol, it is worth noting that the smaller villages have no hotels, so a rental property in a countryside location really is a viable option, and there are some beautiful comfortable villas and chalets available with amazing sea views. If you prefer an apartment, the choice is plentiful down in the centre of town close to the beach, within walking distance of the best nightlife and all the local amenities.