Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, with a long history and rich cultural heritage. Lefkosia, or, Nicosia, is the capital with an almost circular old town that is completely surrounded by walls from the Venetian period. Fammagusta Gate is one of the town’s original three gates which leads to the Tacht El-Kala district with its many narrow alleys, small buildings and handicraft studios. Nicosia’s largest church is the Phaneromeni Church and its elegant Venetian bell tower. Next to it, one of the town’s smallest mosques and the prosaic construction of the modern Moronite Church beyond Paphos Gate that leads out of the historic centre. The port of Larnaca is considered to be the gateway to the island. A well-renovated Turkish fortress was originally built to defend the city and it was subsequently used as a prison. Close to Larnaca is a huge salt lake which, in winter, is populated by hundreds of pink flamingos. The mountain village of Lefkara is situated within the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. Narrow cobbled alleys separate the stately buildings of solid stone blocks with ornate door frames and wrought iron balconies. The Church of the Archangel Michael, located in the centre, contains various wall paintings that date back to the twelfth century. The ‘islands of the gods’ resembles a magnificent picture book, a melting pot of various influences at the intersection of both Orient and Occident. Cyprus is synonymous with myth, legend, treasures, culture and very large doses of sunshine!