OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in popular holiday spots and off-the-beaten-track destinations.
This week we’re shining a light on Limassol in Cyprus, home to gorgeous beaches and luxury marinas littered with quality restaurants.
Cyprus is one of the best Med destinations for some late winter sun, with it remaining one of the warmest European destinations in winter.
By that, I mean expect temperatures of 23C – not hot, but definitely t-shirt weather.
British Airways, Wizz Air and Ryanair all have direct flights to both airports which are around an jour from Limassol (with Ryanair offering them for as little as £14.99)
Here are some of our other top tips for a visit to the island city.
MUST SEE/DO
Limassol is so much more than a fly-and-flop destination – the second-largest city in Cyprus is rich in culture and fascinating history.
And you can unearth some of its magic at the Limassol Castle & Medieval Museum, which dates back to around 1590 (although it was demolished and has been rebuilt with several additions throughout the years).
Here you can take a detailed look at medieval pottery, old weapons and plates from the Byzantine era.
HIDDEN GEM
While most holidaymakers will spend their trip flopped on the beach, those with a more adventurous streak can take advantage of some gorgeous hiking trails, leading them to a couple of hidden waterfalls.
A little off the beaten track, at the foot of the Troodos Mountain, the tumbling Kaledonia and Millomeris falls are a magnificent sight – and great spot for a photo.
The stroll takes around an hour and is just shy of 3km from Pano Platres – you can reward your efforts with a refreshing dip in the waters.
BEST VIEW
Perched on a mighty hill, the ancient theatre of Kourion offers the most breathtaking view, with the Mediterranean ocean laid out below.
The horse-show-shaped archaeological site is pretty spectacular anyway, regardless of the sea views.
It was constructed at the end of the 2nd century BC, from local limestone and has seen many renovations over the years.
It’s no longer used for wild animal fights, understandably.
Instead, visitors today can expect regular theatre performances during the summer months.
RATED RESTAURANT
There’s no end to excellent restaurants in Limassol, but if you’re a meat-eater you can’t go wrong with a slap-up dinner at Prime Steakhouse.
Located within the City of Dreams resort, close to Limassol Bay and Salt Lake, the sophisticated restaurant has been nominated in the Hotel/Resort Luxury Dining category for this year’s Cyprus Eating Awards.
Properly juicy steaks are cooked inside a Mibrasa charcoal oven and can be paired with stilton, chimichurri or morel mushroom sauces.
Make sure to wash it down with one of the whisky-based cocktails.
For dinner with a view, right on the marina is Pyxida (another nominee in the Cyprus Eating Awards) which cooks up top notch, fresh seafood.
BEST BAR
Few bars serve better cocktails than stylish Catrinas Cyprus, a Mexican-restaurant-cum-bar close to the marina.
The classic menu features all the favourites from the zesty pornstar martini to aperol spritz
Travellers come for the fruity drinks in a laidback atmosphere, but stay for the lively music – sometimes as late as 2am.
HOTEL PICK
The sprawling City of Dreams Mediterranean sits right on the coast and is bursting with fun for families and adults alike, from its grand casino and late-night shows, to tennis coaching sessions and an adventure park with a zipline coaster and climbing wall.
The five-star setting is a great place to relax with several outdoor and indoor pools, a spa and even a hair salon for those wanting a holiday zhuzh.
Rooms cost from €340 in winter, on bed and breakfast basis. See cityofdreamsmed.com.cy.