Tucked into the Akamas Peninsula’s rugged coastline, the Baths of Aphrodite — a mossy grotto where water trickles into a shallow pool — feels more like a quiet woodland chapel than a grand spa. According to legend, this was where the goddess bathed and first locked eyes with Adonis. The site’s magic lies in its simplicity: a single ancient fig tree drapes shade over the spring, its roots tangled in the rocks like something from a Pre-Raphaelite painting. More than just a photo stop, the baths anchor the Aphrodite Natural Trail, a network of walking routes through the peninsula’s botanical gardens and coastal cliffs. The easiest (200 metres) path winds past oleanders and carob trees to a babbling stream, while longer hikes like the 5-kilometre Adonis Trail reveal sea views and hidden coves. Practicalities are well managed: a car park, clean toilets, and a no-frills café sit near the entrance, while the Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoe (15 minutes’ drive) adds context for mythology buffs. Come early to beat the coach tours; dawn light through the fig leaves makes the grotto glow.

At just over 430 metres high, Pico do Castelo feels a little different from the island’s other viewpoints. It’s greener, quieter, and layered with history. The summit is dotted with conifers, a rare sight on an otherwise dry island. A cannon and the remains of a 16th-century fortress, built to protect the population from pirate attacks, mark its past as a defensive lookout. You can reach the top either as part of the PR2 hiking trail or by tackling the short, steep climb from Vereda do Pico do Facho, which takes about 15–20 minutes on foot. The payoff is a wide view over much of Porto Santo, and on clear days, even Madeira on the horizon.

The dunes of Porto Santo might not be huge, but they’re a fascinating sight. Fine sand, traces of coral, and layered sediment form natural patterns and small ridges, while the backdrop shifts between low mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. This unique ecosystem is one of the few sandy dune systems in the Madeira Archipelago, and it’s just a short walk from the beach.

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.