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Visitors to Salamis (see Salamis) can combine sightseeing with sunbathing at the long beach next to the ancient site. A reef protects shallow, clear water – good for snorkelling.

This unique wetland is best visited in winter and spring, when its sparkling waters draw flocks of migrant flamingoes and other waterfowl.

Splendid underwater visibility makes Cyprus one of the best diving destinations in the Mediterranean, with some highly rated wreck dives and plenty of professional diving centres. The best diving is off the west coast, and there are dives at all depths and for all levels of expertise. There are PADI and British Sub Aqua Club-approved dive-training centres at all the major resorts (see Diving and Snorkelling Sites).

A short stroll through the woods around Stavros covers 3 km (2 miles) and allows visits to the Forest Station with its breeding flock of endangered moufflon sheep.

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.

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.

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.

Look for these foot-long mini-dragons scuttling around rocks on the beach or in fields.