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 southern region of Setubal is famed for the production of sweet and fortified wines, mostly using the Muscat grape — Moscatel de Setubal. Tantalise your taste buds on a private guided day trip that will take you to multiple wineries. You will have an opportunity to sample various varietals paired with artisanal cheeses of this beautiful region. As a bonus, admire the surrounding topography and explore the green rolling hills.

OTE Tower is a 76-metre-tall tower located within the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre. In addition to being a gleaming monument, the tower is also home to a revolving Skyline cafe-bar. The venue operates year-round, offers coffee, signature drinks and a small selection of small bites. After dark, there is live piano music. Skyline organises special events for Christmas and New year's Eve, should you visit Thessaloniki in winter.

St. Nicholas Abbey is one of the island’s oldest surviving plantation buildings. You can visit the rum distillery, learn about its history at the museum (situated in a Jacobean mansion) and grab a bite at the Terrace Café. As of late 2018, you can even enjoy a ride on the heritage railway, which goes through lush woods and around a lake nearby. St. Nicholas is located in St. Peter in the northern part of Barbados, only a 40-minute drive from Bridgetown.