Limassol

Then known as Lemesos, Richard the Lionheart visited Limassol during the Crusades to free his betrothed from the Byzantine sovereign. The subsequent wedding party remains legendary, probably why modern Limassol is still a centre of joie de vivre. This lively ambience is aided and abetted by the fact that Limassol is the centre of winemaking on the island.Today, it's Cyprus's second-largest city with around 200,000 inhabitants. Many people travel to Limassol to enjoy its lovely beaches, sidewalk cafés, and lively nightlife. Visitors can take an evening stroll on the seafront Akti Olympion, followed by a visit to a traditional bouzoukiatavern for live music. The Old Town radiates from the fishing harbour, with narrow streets lined with shops and boutiques.The foothills of the Troodos Mountains lie north of the city and offer charming country walks that meander through friendly villages. A quick drive to the Kourion, only nine miles (15km) away, also offers historic sites such as The House of Achilles, the Altar of Apollo, and Curium Beach.