São Jorge Castle is one of the oldest structures in Lisbon. This was once a fortress (taken from the Moors in 1147), and now a must-see landmark with a fantastic view of the city. Peacocks and peahens a plenty around the grounds. Humans have been living on the castle hill since at least the 8th century BC, while the first fortifications date from the 1st century BC. Truly a historic place!

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.

Located less than 40 minutes away from Falmouth amid cane fields and lush verdant scenery, Hampden Estate is a long-standing rum distillery, making some of the finest rums in the Caribbean since the 1750s. Informative tours reveal all the secrets of rum making, and include a welcome drink and jerk lunch for a complete indulgence in authentic Jamaican flavors.

The Cyprus Museum, located in Nicosia, is the perfect destination for anyone looking to delve into the rich history and civilization of Cyprus. The museum showcases a vast array of ancient artefacts that demonstrate the island's significant role in the development of civilization. The collections span the Neolithic period to the Roman era, featuring tools, stone vessels, figurines, pottery, and much more. As you wander through the well-labelled and chronologically arranged exhibits, you'll be amazed by the island's unique archaeological treasures. Some highlights include the rich collection of Early Bronze Age pottery, Archaic statues reflecting Egyptian and Assyrian influences, and stunning finds from the royal tombs of Salamis. The Cyprus Museum is an essential stop for anyone interested in understanding the island's fascinating history and cultural heritage.