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.

Except for the greenhouses and lush greenery in the summer months, this Botanical Garden also houses a mini-zoo (which will surely delight the little ones), as well as many picnic-perfect areas.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Larnaca Salt Lake, a complex network of four salt lakes located just west of Larnaca city. As the second largest salt lake in Cyprus, it spans a total area of 2.2 square kilometres and is considered an important wetland, holding the status of a Special Protected Area. During winter months, the lake fills with water, providing a temporary home for numerous migrating bird species, including thousands of vibrant pink flamingos. These elegant birds can be seen feeding on the brine shrimp Artemia Salina, a crucial element of the lake's food chain. As summer arrives, the water evaporates, leaving a crust of salt and a striking landscape. In the past, salt harvested from Larnaca Salt Lake was one of Cyprus's major exports. A 4 km-long nature trail winds through the area, offering an opportunity to explore the lake's surroundings and observe the diverse flora and fauna. Larnaca Salt Lake is not only a stunning natural attraction but also a site with a rich history dating back to the Late Bronze Age.