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Lempa was home to the earliest islanders, who settled here more than 5,500 years ago. Archaeologists have rebuilt dwellings dating from the Chalkolithic era.

No coral, but this sandy beach between two promontories has a tropical air. There are sunbeds for hire and a choice of watersports.

Mosaics of sea creatures adorn the floors of what was once a large Byzantine cathedral, atop the headland of Cape Drepano.

This sandy crescent is one of the southwest’s most attractive beaches. It is also a nesting beach for turtles that arrive each year to lay their eggs.

This barren but beautiful headland with white limestone cliffs forms the western tip of Cyprus.

A short trail leads to a crystal clear pool fed by springs. Here, according to legend, the goddess bathed with her various paramours. Drink from its waters, and you will fall for the next person you see – or so the story goes.

Once a sponge-divers’ harbour, Latsi is an attractive little port where fishing boats lie moored to ramshackle wooden jetties. There are good beaches of clean pebbles and coarse sand either side of Latsi, and some excellent fish restaurants by the harbour.

This fast-developing resort still oozes a certain laid-back charm. A small archaeological museum displays relics of the ancient settlements of Arsinoe and Marion, either side of the present-day village, and the small church of Agios Andronikos has some fine frescoes.

Worth visiting just for its sweeping views, this picturesque hillside village stands on a wooded ridge high above the beaches of the Akamas peninsula.

Amid southern Cyprus’s prettiest landscapes is the hill village of Pano Panagia. Nearby is the monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa, with a collection of icons.