In the heart of Chiang Mai lies Wat Chedi Luang, a massive, ancient Buddhist temple, dating back to the 14th century. It boasts a towering chedi (stupa) that once soared to greater heights before succumbing to an earthquake in 1545. Despite its partial collapse, the grandeur of Wat Chedi Luang continues to mesmerise travellers, who flock to marvel at its intricate architecture and serene ambiance. As the sun casts golden hues upon its weathered stones, visitors are transported to a bygone era, where whispers of history and spirituality intertwine, leaving an indelible impression on all who wander its sacred grounds.

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 Pyramid of Tirana, once a museum and a monument honouring dictator Enver Hoxha, has been transformed into TUMO Center Tirana, an IT hub for creative technologies. Reopened in 2023, the renovated site now features cafés, studios, workshops and offices for start-ups, alongside classrooms where Albanian youth can learn technology skills for free. Steps added to the pyramid’s sloping façade allow visitors to walk on the symbolic structure, while colourful boxes scattered around the park create a vibrant public space.