Take a trip to the mountains to discover an alternate view of the island. Rising to almost 2,000 metres above sea level, the Troodos peaks provide panoramic views of all corners of the island, a cool retreat from the heat of the coast and a popular destination for taking in the healthy mountain air and enjoying nature in all its majesty. Charming villages, some with cobbled streets and preserved folk architecture, nestle on terraced slopes among pines or amid vineyards and orchards. Wander through the village roads in the Solea Valley, known as the “apple valley” and Marathasa, known as “valley with cherry trees”. Those areas are renowned for their traditional architecture and their Byzantine churches and monasteries. Explore the traditional character of the villages of the picturesque Pitsilia, the interesting churches and the hospitality of their inhabitants and also the Wine Villages (Krasochoria), renowned for their vineyards and wine. A number of small wineries welcome visitors on wine tasting tours. Burbling mountain streams and nightingale’s songs are often the only sounds to fill in the air in a region that poets have waxed lyrical over. The Troodos mountains are where the painted churches of Cyprus can be found, superb examples of Byzantine art, ten of which have been listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage wonders. There’s much you can do, from mountain biking to playing tennis, angling in one of the dams, or even skiing in winter. A series of walking trails will take you through areas of exceptional beauty among scented pines, running streams and the occasional waterfall, stopping at a shady picnic site. Some of these form part of the European path E4, an international network of long-distance walking routes crossing the whole of Europe. The specific climatic conditions created by the high altitudes and the peculiar geological substratum may have contributed to the unique flora found in Troodos with nearly 800 different plant species, 12 of which found nowhere else in the world. Occasionally, if lucky, one may spot a Cyprus mouflon, a kind of wild sheep which roams free in the extensive forests. Birdwatchers may spot the rare and protected eagles or the colourful hoopoe with a pink body, a black and white crest and a call which can be heard from miles around.

The Cyprus Motor Museum, founded by Mr Dimi Mavropoulos, a veteran of international and local rally racing, offers a unique experience for classic car enthusiasts. Since its opening in February 2014, the museum remains the only automobile museum in Cyprus, boasting 3,500 square metres of excellence and a vast collection of cars, including a 1912 Ford Model T roadster and a car donated by the US government to Cyprus President Makarios III. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events throughout the year, including exhibitions, fashion shows, and photoshoots. For a truly memorable experience, rent a classic car, bus, or motorbike for your wedding, city tour, or special day photoshoot. With a well-curated collection and clear signage, the Cyprus Motor Museum is a must-visit gem for car lovers and tourists alike.

The House with Chimaeras – also called the Gorodetsky house, after its creator – is mainly used by the government but even though it is closed to visitors, the facade alone makes it worth the trip: its exterior is generously decorated with sculptures of various animals and even sea monsters, and it gives the place a very eerie, yet enticing vibe.

Chisinau's Cathedral Park (Parcul Catedralei) is marked by two main attractions: the Nativity Cathedral, the city's primary Moldovan Orthodox place of worship, dating to the 19th century, and Chisinau's very own Triumphal Arch, also known as the "Holy Gate".