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Handy for the picturesque Byzantine churches of the Kourris valley, Silikou is still a working village, not just a tourist spot. Surrounded by olive groves, there is an olive oil museum displaying traditional tools and techniques.

There is skiing on 1,950-m (6,400-ft) Mount Olympus from early January to late March, with ski lifts on the north slope of the mountain and at Sun Valley on the south side.

This garlic dip is often served as an accompaniment to batter-fried cod and other fish dishes.

There is super snorkelling around tiny Kilas Island, not far offshore from this long stretch of sand and pebbles midway along the Karpas Peninsula’s south coast.

Just the place to cool off after a drive around the Troodos, the Skylight restaurant has its own swimming pool – free to diners, with a minimal charge for those just dropping in for a cold drink. The menu features fresh mountain trout, an array of dishes from the charcoal grill, and some decent local wines.

There is plenty to see underwater, even within a few yards of the shore if you are a beginner at this sport. The shallows teem with tiny fish, sea anemones and urchins cling to the rocks and, if you are lucky, you may even see an octopus slithering past. But it’s well worth heading out to the more rocky shores where there is more to see than on the sandy bottom. One of the best places for snorkelling in Cyprus is the north coast of the Akamas Peninsula (see Akamas Peninsula), where rocky coves and tiny islands not too far offshore abound in a variety of sea life, including larger fish such as grouper.

Modern comforts such as air conditioning and in-room TV, all within a beautiful traditional building. An old olive mill stands in the courtyard, and the guesthouse’s taverna serves traditional meals.

All the big-brand soft drinks, plus convincing local imitations, are available.

Mosaics of birds and animals can be seen in the basilica of this ruined 5th-century BC town.

Sotira is home to five Byzantine churches, the most important of which is Metamorphosis tou Sotiros, from which the village takes its name.