For many travellers, a visit to Northern Cyprus feels like stepping back in time. This region, which is controlled by Turkey, is a world away from the busy resorts, malls, and familiar international chains that can be found in the south. Instead, visitors will find remote villages and a slower pace of life. This sense of suspended animation can be traced back to the Turkish invasion of 1974, which led to the north becoming isolated from the rest of the world and self-proclaimed as a republic, recognized only by Turkey. Northern Cyprus stretches from the Karpass Peninsula to Morphou Bay, Cape Kormakitis, and its westernmost point, the Kokkina exclave. The southernmost point of Northern Cyprus is the village of Louroujina. This region is separated from the rest of the island by a buffer zone controlled by the United Nations, which also divides Nicosia, the largest city on the island and the capital of both north and south Cyprus. Despite its isolated status, Northern Cyprus has a lot to offer travellers. Its two prettiest towns, Girne and Gazimağusa, are located here, as well as half of the capital city. The region is home to three of the island's mightiest Crusader castles (St Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara) and the island's most important archaeological site at Salamis. The Kyrenia Mountains, in particular, are a hiker's paradise, and many of the region's beaches are relatively untouched by high-rise resorts. Additionally, a visit to Northern Cyprus provides the unique opportunity to experience two very different cultures: the Orthodox Greek Cypriot and the Muslim Turkish Cypriot worlds. The north can also feel more affordable than the south, as it is not part of the Eurozone. Its tourist infrastructure is not as well-developed yet.

The Archaeological Site of Nora is located in the southwestern part of the Gulf of Cagliari and was one of the main centres of the settlement during the Phoenician times. After several years of oblivion, Nora was unearthed during the 1950s and opened again to the public shortly after being examined by researchers.

Sardinia is the ideal place to practise diving and snorkelling thanks to its crystal clear sea along 1849 kilometres of coastline. Here you can enjoy unspoilt seabeds populated with marine animals and plants. There are plenty of authorised diving centres to choose from. One of them is Morgan Diving, which also provides excursions for the whole family to the protected Marine Park of Villasimius with the chance to snorkel.

The Adobe Mountain Train Museum is the perfect family getaway. The 7.5" gauge trains are sure to excite you as you travel down five separate routes for the 15-minute rides. Catch glimpses of surprise "settlements" along the routes, and prepare to be awed by the authenticity of the tracks, switches, depot, and switch lights. After the ride, you can check out the display area with many railroad artifacts.