Hallandsgården, an open-air museum established in 1925, sits on Galgberget in central Halmstad. It serves as a window to the past, featuring a collection of traditional buildings sourced from across Halland. Explore the Eldsberga School House, Hörsåsstugan and historic stables, either independently or with knowledgeable guides. The grounds, flourishing with Portland roses, herbs and hops, are open year-round. In summer, the museum buildings and cafe welcome visitors, with guided tours available for both children and adults.

Once sleepy fishing villages, the fabulous beaches of fine white sand of Agia Napa and Protaras, and the coastal area of Paralimni with its hundreds of windmills, nowadays buzz with life. This area is known collectively as the Kokkinochoria, “red soil villages,” because of the rich red earth in which Cyprus’ famous potatoes are grown. Culture lovers can explore the medieval churches found in villages like Sotira or go around the folk art museums displaying rural artefacts in Deryneia and Avgorou. Children will love the Marine Life museum or the new Sea Museum, “Thalassa”, in Agia Napa, which has an amazing replica of a 4th-century trading ship which sank off the coast of Kyrenia. Or you could stop at the tiny estuary known by the locals as Potamos and watch the fishing boats haul in their catch in their multi-coloured baskets. Spend the day sunbathing at the beach, swimming in warm turquoise waters or taking a short cruise along the coast. Some of the best snorkelling and diving spots are at Cape Greco, the national forest park, with its secluded coves and rocky outcrops, impressive cliff-top views and sea caves. In the evening, dine at one of the many restaurants, especially the local ones in Paralimni, or jive to the latest sounds at one of the numerous nightclubs.

Since its inception in 1984, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary has been recognized as one of the most exceptional locations in Central America for observing birds. The sanctuary is constructed on a system of lagoons, swamps, and estuaries, and it serves as a natural habitat for a vast variety of indigenous and migrant avian species, such as the boat-billed heron, black-collared hawk, pygmy kingfisher, and rufous-tailed jacamars.

This museum is housed in a former military prison close to the Garrison. Several exhibitions display the natural history of the island, the furnishing of plantations houses and the life of early inhabitants, the Amerindians. There also is an interactive children’s section and a library.