Housed in the 18th-century military fortress of San José, this modern art gallery offers a captivating contrast between its historical setting and the contemporary artworks on display. Originally built to protect the island from pirate attacks, the fortress now showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions. Enhancing the experience is a spectacular restaurant, featuring a semi-circular glass construction that provides stunning views of the bay, seamlessly blending history, art and scenic beauty.

Tucked into the Akamas Peninsula’s rugged coastline, the Baths of Aphrodite — a mossy grotto where water trickles into a shallow pool — feels more like a quiet woodland chapel than a grand spa. According to legend, this was where the goddess bathed and first locked eyes with Adonis. The site’s magic lies in its simplicity: a single ancient fig tree drapes shade over the spring, its roots tangled in the rocks like something from a Pre-Raphaelite painting. More than just a photo stop, the baths anchor the Aphrodite Natural Trail, a network of walking routes through the peninsula’s botanical gardens and coastal cliffs. The easiest (200 metres) path winds past oleanders and carob trees to a babbling stream, while longer hikes like the 5-kilometre Adonis Trail reveal sea views and hidden coves. Practicalities are well managed: a car park, clean toilets, and a no-frills café sit near the entrance, while the Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoe (15 minutes’ drive) adds context for mythology buffs. Come early to beat the coach tours; dawn light through the fig leaves makes the grotto glow.

Earl Anton Grassalkovich had this Rococo-late Baroque summer palace with a French garden built in 1760. In the 18th century, there was a lot of social activity in the palace and guests included the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn. After some reconstruction in 1996, the palace became the seat of the president of the Slovak Republic.