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.

Delve into the captivating blend of ancient Greek and Roman history at the Pafos Archaeological Park, situated in Nea Pafos on the southwest coast of Cyprus. This extensive site, still under excavation, encompasses a significant part of the ancient city that dates back to prehistoric times and spans through the Middle Ages. Founded in the late 4th century BC, Nea Pafos was once encircled by formidable walls and served as the centre of political and administrative life in Cyprus. Today, the park is renowned for its enchanting collection of well-preserved mosaics that depict Ancient Greek myths. These intricate and colourful masterpieces can be found in the remains of opulent Roman villas, which are among the park's most remarkable discoveries. As you wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture that influenced the lives of the early inhabitants of the island. From the worship of gods to the emergence of early Christians, the ruins of Nea Pafos offer a fascinating insight into a bygone era.

Erected ahead of a Roman Emperor's visit in 130 AD, Hadrian's Gate offers a grand entry to Antalya's historic district. As the sole surviving gateway of the city's ancient protective walls, this triumphal arch embodies the rich past of Antalya, once known as Attaleia. Today, the gate stands on Atatürk Caddesi, bridging the bustling modern city and the charming old town of Kaleiçi, a testament to Antalya's long history and architectural prowess.