Cyprus

Cyprus is a beautiful Mediterranean island with one of the longest histories of human settlement in the world - people have lived here for over 10,000 years! The island is dotted with ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, medieval castles, and archaeological wonders. Paphos, on the western coast, has such an extraordinary concentration of ancient ruins that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including stunning Roman mosaics depicting Greek myths.

Cyprus holds a unique and complex place in the modern world - the island has been divided since 1974, with the Republic of Cyprus in the south and a Turkish-administered area in the north, separated by a UN buffer zone that runs through the capital Nicosia (the last divided capital city in the world). Despite this, Cyprus is a warm, welcoming, and beautiful place. The beaches are spectacular - crystal-clear turquoise waters, sea turtle nesting beaches, and dramatic sea caves. The Troodos Mountains are covered in cedar and pine forests with painted Byzantine monasteries tucked into the hillsides. Cypriot cuisine is delicious - halloumi cheese (grilled to squeaky perfection), meze platters, fresh seafood, and commandaria (one of the world's oldest wines still in production). The island is also said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love!