Cyprus

Large in size but bulging with all the personality of a sassy Mediterranean hotspot, Cyprus woos visitors with profound legends of love, epic tales from over 10,000 years of colourful history, and a veritable smorgasbord of culinary treats.

After dining on salty halloumi, tangy dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) and chunks of kleftiko (seasoned slow-baked lamb), visitors will find many an all-night party pumping throughout Cyprus’ main towns – Ayia Napa in particular – and an assortment of pristine beaches on which to revive and rejuvenate the next day.

For an altogether slower pace, the café culture of Nicosia is well worth sampling, as are some gentle wanders around the country’s fascinating selection of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Whatever speed you choose to go, Cyprus is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.