One of the things that separates and elevates Cyprus from the variety of other Mediterranean islands that are popular with tourists, is the centuries of history and the episodes that have left their stunning stain on the landscape in the form of magnificent monuments, ruins and towns. If you’ve romantic notions of following a morning on the beach with an afternoon stroll through labyrinthine cobbled streets, then Nicosia is the place for you. The Old Town is surrounded by Venetian walls and bastions dating back to the 1570s and this area is home to the Omeriye Mosque and the nearby house of Hadigeorogakis Kornesios – both are fantastic examples of how ancient architecture has shaped Cyprus. The streets here are full of surprising gift shops, bars and restaurants to while away a few hours. For the best views, head for the Observatory at the Ledra Museum from where the panorama allows you to compare the Old Town with the newer parts of Nicosia.

The Limassol region offers even more breathtaking history in the form of Kourion and Kolossi Castle. If you’re staying or living in a different part of the island, then these two sites make for a wonderful and wholly worthwhile daytrip.

Near the town of Episkopi and overlooking the sea, the ruined city of Kourion and the Apollo Hylates sanctuary are not only beautiful in their own right but are also located in one of Cyprus’ most spectacular settings. The museum at Episkopi is also intriguing and educational.

The majestic Kolossi Castle, meanwhile, was once the headquarters for the Knights Hospitallers and came to prominence for the dessert wine which still bears their name and is thought by experts to be the oldest wine in the world. Be sure to bag a bottle or two to sip after a meal on your roof terrace.

The twin village of Kato (lower) and Pano (upper) Lefkara is also mind bogglingly beautiful, however visitors head there to do more than just wonder aimlessly around the delightful streets. For those in the know, Lefkara has been the world capital of lace making for over 400 years and you can pick up everything from shawls and tablecloths to silk clothing there; each item as carefully created as an artistic masterpiece. It was good enough for Leonardo da Vinci to take back to Italy, so who are we to ignore his example?

The town also has a reputation for producing quality silver, so keep your eyes out for a unique piece of jewellery to set off your new lace clothing. After trawling the tiny shops and boutiques, you can visit the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silver-Smithing to learn the story behind the craft.