The scenic views from Astypalaia's hilltop Venetian castle reward those who dare to make the climb - although little remains of the castle itself, the views of the whitewashed houses leading to the azure waters of Aegaen are simply spectacular.

The elegant white-stone Al Noor Mosque defines the Corniche, and is, perhaps, Sharjah's most famous, out of Sharjah's more than 600 mosques. It is a place of religious worship and a sight not to miss both inside and out.

The island's main port and capital, Chora is the hot-spot for shopping, dining, and cultural pursuits. With its scenic cascade of white houses which dot the Venetian hilltop castle, windmills, museums, and a plethora of photo-ready locations, this is the epicentre of life on Astypalaia.

Located in Guzelyurt, the Morphou Archaeology and Nature Museum is a unique attraction that combines natural history and archaeology. Originally the palace of the Bishop of Morphou, the building now houses a museum that opened in 1979 after restoration. The ground floor showcases a collection of stuffed animals native to Cyprus, while the upper floors exhibit a wide range of archaeological finds from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, including displays from the Tumba Tou Skuru settlement. The courtyard serves as an open-air museum, featuring pieces from the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. The museum's most notable artefacts are the 'Golden Leaves of Soli', discovered in 2005, which include a breathtaking tiara of delicately intertwined gold leaves. Another significant piece is the 2nd-century AD statue of the Anatolian Goddess Artemis of Ephesus, found at the Salamis ruins in 1980. Just around the corner from the popular St Mamas Church and Icon Museum, the Morphou Archaeology and Nature Museum is a rewarding visit for those interested in the rich history and natural beauty of Northern Cyprus.