Escape the bustling energy of Oslo at the Botanical Garden, where you'll find a serene oasis of expansive greenery. Established in 1814, it holds the distinction of being Norway's oldest garden. It features an Arboretum showcasing approximately 1,800 plant varieties, including an array of exotic species, plus a scent garden and wooden sculptures by British artist Tom Hare.

Further inland, in the southern part of the island, lie the so-called masticochoria (mastic villages). These well-preserved, fortified villages date from the 14th-16th centuries and were centres for the cultivation of mastic. Mastic is the sweet-tasting gum of the lentisk bush, which was exported all over the Mediterranean – and the area still produces around 300 tonnes of mastic every year. The most picturesque villages are Pyrgi, with its houses decorated in black and white geometric patterns called xysta Mesta, where towers and walls surround a baffling labyrinth of village streets as well as Olympoi and Vessa are all a worth a visit.

The Sabarmati Riverfront is a unique and ambitious urban development project designed to revitalise the banks of the Sabarmati River. It features a 10-kilometre-long walkway, providing access to a range of recreational areas, parks, and public spaces. While the number of sports facilities is relatively modest, the riverfront is set to expand with new attractions and amenities in the coming years, enhancing its appeal as a vibrant public destination.