Cyprus

ABSORB THE CYPRUS OF CYCLE TRAILS (NOT SUNTANS)

Like Malta, the Mediterranean’s third largest island (and largest island nation) sometimes suffers a lack of appreciation - reduced to beach hotels and a few Ayia Napa nightclubs. But Cyprus is remarkable in history and geography, ancient ruins filling its furrows, and the Troodos Mountains giving it a spine.

Go North on this enormous island (not south)

Cyprus’s separation into two is still controversial 47 years after the Turkish invasion. Even now, only Turkey recognises the “Republic of Northern Cyprus”. But for all this, the north is beautiful. To avoid it due to politics is self-defeating.

Check out Kyrenia, Famagusta and Nicosia.