This sprawling parkland featuring pine forests and dunes is said to resemble something from another planet. This is a protected area and wild birds are abundant. There are also lovely beach areas for those interested in surfing.

Built between 527 and 565 AD at the foot of Mount Sinai for Emperor Justinian, this monastery later took its name from St Catherine of Alexandria, whose remains are said to rest here. It’s more fortress than church, with thick stone walls guarding the Church of the Transfiguration, the chapel of the Burning Bush, and a monks-only library packed with ancient manuscripts. Inside, you’ll find mosaics, religious ornaments, and some of the oldest illuminated manuscripts in the world on display. Outside, don’t miss Moses’ Well and the garden with centuries of history. The place is open most mornings but closed on Fridays, Sundays, and Orthodox feast days. Still active today, the monastery holds importance across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and continues its Greek Orthodox traditions uninterrupted.

This large indoor market is a profusion of high-quality, fresh, local produce. Best known for its seafood, the market also stocks artisan foods, meats, cheese, fruit and veg. An authentic establishment, this market is devoid of tourist shops and closes from 2 pm to 5 pm for siesta each day.

Along Ditchling Road is Brighton’s Hollingbury Park Golf Course. It is an established 18-hole, par 72 layout that has an amazing view of the city of Brighton and Hove as well as the English Channel. This golf course is open to both experts and beginners as well as pay-and-play golfers.