The picturesque island of Cyprus is rich in culture, history and breathtaking landscapes. Bathed in almost constant sunshine, stretches of golden sand and clear turquoise waters are never far away, from the serene shores of the west coast to the livelier beach resorts in the east. Extending along the north coast for 170 kilometres are the Besparmak Mountains, surrounded by fragrant pine, fig and walnut trees, with the Selvili Tepe peak towering at 1000 metres.
Gain an appreciation of the island's ancient past with a trip to the superbly preserved Kato Paphos Archaeological Park which offers an intriguing insight into bygone centuries. Cyprus is also particularly well-connected and you can get from the capital of Nicosia to Limassol on the south coast in just one hour, or explore via the scenic countryside and coastal cycling routes.