Nicosia, also known as Lefkosia, the island’s capital, combines both old and new in a busy modern commercial and business centre and a centuries-old culture. The centre of the city comprehends its old quarter surrounded by a Venetian sandstone fortress wall with a moat and heart-shaped bastions. Mosques and palm trees give an oriental atmosphere to the old city. Wander along narrow streets with overhanging balconies and beautifully restored pedestrian precincts with craft shops, cafes and taverns. Make sure you stop off at St John’s Cathedral with its frescoes and the marvellous museum of Byzantine icons. In the evening catch a concert or an exhibition at the Famagusta Gate, one of the three original entrances into the old city, which has now been restored and it is used as a cultural centre. The new town spreads beyond the walls with a modern European-like centre of high-rise buildings, office blocks, shops and cafes, expanding into suburban residential areas. Lefkosia offers the best in shopping with Stasikratous Street as the destination for an ultimate shopping experience. Of the city’s main sights, Cyprus Museum houses the best collection of archaeological artefacts on the island, including a first century AD Roman statuette of Aphrodite of Soli and the original mosaic of Leda and the Swan, while the Leventis Museum depicts the history of the town.

The island of flowers, as it is known, is located just an hour ferry ride from Panama City, making it a perfect day tour. The island has a nice beach, a couple of hotels and restaurants and even a good hike up to a viewing point on a hill.

Many of the archipelago's islands are populated by giant Aldabra tortoises, and bird species number 250, 12 of those being unique to the islands. Mahe Island's Port Launay Marine National Park is the place to head for whale shark sightings, and Praslin Island is home to the country's national bird - the Seychelles black parrot. Cousine Island is where visitors are encouraged to take part in wildlife conservation projects (and spot free-roaming giant tortoises and rare bird species along the way). A mere 3km away from there is Fregate Island, known especially for its chelonian inhabitants.

Bali Bird Park is home to around 250 bird species—some native, others from as far as South America and Africa. There’s also a small reptile section, including a Komodo dragon. It’s a good stop if you're into wildlife or visiting with kids.