The Mediterranean island

Enjoy a tour around Aphrodite s Cyprus

Crossing the Line

Experiencing Cyprus intrinsically different Greek and Turkish societies is increasingly easy, with seven access points linking the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, including two pedestrian crossings in Nicosia (Lefkosia). There is something evocatively appealing about dipping into two very different cultures so effortlessly.

The story of Cyprus tumultuous past is told through its historic sites, Roman ruins, multifaceted museums and dusty urban streets. Digging into the islands past has unearthed fascinating relics, including neolithic dwellings, Bronze Age and Phoenician tombs, and exquisite Roman mosaics, while, on the streets, keep your eyes peeled for Venetian walls, Byzantine castles and churches, Roman monasteries and Islamic mosques.Nullam cursus sollicitudin lacus. Maecenas congue.

. Even if you only have time to visit the respective capitals, Nicosia or North Nicosia (Lefkosa), be sure to cross the line, then complete your experience by sampling the local cuisine, visiting the museums and shopping for that one-off souvenir to impress the folks back home.

The Great Outdoors

The landscape and overall mild climate mean that outside is where it s at and where you should be. First, there are the beaches, from the wild and windswept to the family-friendly and packed. Every conceivable water sport is also on offer, from scuba diving the watery depths to skimming the surface on a kite- or windsurf board.

And if you tire of all that blue, just head to the interior where pine-clad mountains, sweeping valleys and densely planted vineyards offer hiking, biking, wine tasting tours and, yes, even winter skiing. Photography Project of National Geograpgic