Limassol

A major commercial port, cruise-ship port of call, and wine-making center on the south coast, Limassol is a bustling, cosmopolitan town, with some of the liveliest nightlife on the island. Luxury hotels, apartments, and guesthouses stretch along 12 km (7 miles) of seafront, with the most luxurious ones just to the north of town. In the center, the elegant, modern shops of Makarios avenue (where you’ll mainly find clothes and shoes) contrast with those of pedestrian-only Agiou Andreou in the Old Town, where local handicrafts such as lace, embroidery, and basketware prevail; make sure you avoid shopping on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, when many shops close at 2 pm. A luxurious marina that will hold 650 yachts also houses apartments, shops, and restaurants.