The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a landmark of contemporary architecture and a cultural beacon for the city. Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the museum's fluid, sculptural form has been hailed as one of the most significant architectural achievements of the 20th century. Its titanium-clad curves and organic shapes have transformed the Bilbao skyline and are often likened to a ship or flower. Beyond its jaw-dropping exterior, the museum houses a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art, focusing on postwar American and European artists. Notable works include pieces by Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, and Louise Bourgeois, among others.

The historic winery hidden in the Bekaa Valley east of Beirut makes for a fantastic day trip. Tours of the underground caves are held daily, and on-site dining is available at the adjacent restaurant.

The Edro III Shipwreck is one of Cyprus’ few coastal shipwrecks visible without getting wet. Nevertheless, divers should also be excited by what lies beneath the surface. Stranded just 20 metres offshore near Pafos’s sea caves since 2011, this 83-metre freighter tilts at an angle, its hull rusting into abstract patterns against the limestone cliffs. The Sierra Leone-flagged vessel ran aground in a storm while transporting plasterboard to Rhodes, its crew rescued by British forces. For divers, the wreck offers a rare shallow exploration (5 metres at its deepest). The propeller remains intact, though a gaping hole in the starboard side reveals corroded forklifts frozen mid-task. Schools of fish dart through the skeletal frame, while scattered debris leads to two nearby reefs: one culminating in a sea cave, the other dropping into an 18-metre gully. Above water, the wreck’s industrial starkness against the Mediterranean blues makes it a magnet for sunset photographers. Local operators run guided dives, but even snorkellers can appreciate the eerie spectacle. With removal deemed impractical, Edro III seems destined to remain Cyprus’ most accessible maritime time capsule.

Nestled in the picturesque Marathasa Valley, Kykkos Monastery is not only the wealthiest and most lavish on the island, but also a significant cultural and religious site. Perched at an altitude of 1,318 metres, this historical gem is a must-visit for anyone keen to understand modern Cyprus. The monastery's origins can be traced back to the end of the 11th century when it was founded by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. Although the original structure has not survived the various fires that have swept through the region, today's buildings are beautifully maintained and filled with intricate murals and religious treasures. One of the monastery's most prized possessions is an icon of Panagia (the Virgin Mary) attributed to Apostle Luke. This silver gilt-covered icon is housed in a stunning tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl shrine, which stands in front of the iconostasis. When visiting Kykkos Monastery, be sure to explore the grounds, including the museum that showcases antiquities, documents, vessels, vestments, ornaments, icons, frescoes, and woodcarvings. You'll also find that the monastery produces Zivania spirit and other alcoholic drinks, and hosts religious fairs on September 8th (Birth of the Virgin) and August 15th (Dormition of the Virgin). As a place of worship, observance, and commercial enterprise, Kykkos Monastery offers a unique insight into the lives of Greek Cypriots and their religion. Don't miss the chance to experience this captivating site during your time in Cyprus.