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The Akamas Peninsula is a beachcomber’s heaven. A four-wheel drive vehicle is needed to reach this rugged spine of hills, covered with pine and juniper trees, but it’s worth the effort. Along its south shore are southern Cyprus’s only empty beaches, while from its western-most tip are fine coastal views. There’s excellent snorkelling off its rocky shores, while divers favour the offshore islets, such as St George’s Island (see St George’s Island). For something less energetic, boat trips are possible from Pafos and Lakki (see Akamas Peninsula).

The largest of the wine-making villages is a mellow community of sturdy old stone buildings.

Within the church of Panagia Fotolampousa, on a hillside above this tiny village, is an antique icon of the Virgin which must, according to Christian Orthodox tradition, remain veiled forever.

Overlooked by the limestone crags of Agios Georgios, Drouseia is one of the region’s prettiest villages, with graceful old stone houses standing above steep lanes.

With its high-speed chutes and slides, interactive games, pools for grown-ups, teens, sub-teens and toddlers, Cyprus’s largest and most exciting waterpark offers full-on family fun. A very welcome relief from the often blistering heat of high summer, and there are restaurants and shops on site too (see Fasouri Watermania, Limassol).

Behind Limassol’s water-front, where newly planted palms nod in the Mediterranean breeze in front of modern high-rise buildings, lies an historic city of old-fashioned workshops and markets. Around the bulk of Limassol Castle, built by the island’s medieval Lusignan dynasty, are the slender minarets of mosques built in the city’s Ottoman heyday, Byzantine churches, narrow shopping streets and a plethora of cafés, bars and restaurants to suit every taste. The medieval museum, within the castle, is a must-see, with its suits of armour and ferocious weaponry, and there are great rooftop views from the castle battlements. The recently refurbished Central Market, in a graceful arcaded building dating from the British era in the early 20th century, is a great place to shop for handmade reed baskets, olive oil, loukoumi (Turkish delight) and other Cypriot delicacies. It is surrounded by old tavernas that make a change from the modern eating-places in the city’s resort area (see Historic Limassol).

Set amid chalk hills and vineyards, Kathikas is a laid-back farming village that, although close to bustling Pafos, has remained immune to tourism. Five minutes’ drive from the centre, the Sterna Winery is open for tastings (see Sterna Winery).