Take me there: Nicosia, Cyprus
Why go?
A visit to the island capital ranks low on the priority list for most travellers to Cyprus, but those who do tear themselves away from the beach will find a city undergoing a renaissance. Ambitious regeneration projects, the opening of a world-class art gallery and a flurry of new cultural venues, restaurants and shops are transforming Nicosia into one of the Med’s most intriguing city-break destinations.
What to do
Most of the city’s attractions are enclosed within the 16th-century walls of the old town. It’s here you’ll find the Cyprus Museum – home to an impressive archaeological collection – and the new AG Leventis gallery with works by Chagall, Monet and Renoir (leventisgallery.org). The Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre is the Cypriot answer to London’s Tate Modern, a contemporary art gallery in a former power station (nimac.org). Wander through the atmospheric Laiki Geitonia neighbourhood, whose narrow streets are lined with cafés and artists’ studios, then ascend Shacolas Tower for views across the “Green Line”, which has divided Cyprus since 1974, into Turkish North Nicosia.
Where to stay
Nicosia’s hotel scene is lacklustre. Better to stay in a guesthouse: the Sandstone is a new arrival in the heart of the old town with two bright, stylish guest rooms, delicious breakfasts and friendly, knowledgeable hosts (€75, sandstonecyprus.com).
Where to eat
The short menu of seasonal Greek and Cypriot classics at new souvlaki restaurant Valtou Rigani has already attracted a loyal local following (valtourigani.com). Don’t miss the feta cheese wrapped in filo pastry, baked with honey and sesame seeds.
Insider tip
“Start with a coffee at one of the sun-drenched cafés around Phaneromeni church and walk through the town to Ermou Street where the Venetian facades of the buildings are being restored to their former glory,” suggests Max Marulli de Barletta of The Sandstone guesthouse.
Give me a break
Home Peppa Pig weekend: Paultons Park is offering a Peppa Pig-themed package for families this Easter. The Hampshire-based theme park, which is home to Peppa Pig World, has teamed up with the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel in Southampton to offer one night’s B&B accommodation, plus a two-day family pass, with prices from £246 for a family of four. The offer is available from 27 March-19 April (paultonspark.co.uk).
Away Biking by the Baltic: Adventure tour operator Explore is offering up to £100 off selected cycling tours. The cost of a nine-day trip to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia has been reduced from £1,277 to £1,179, a saving of £98. The Baltic tour departs on 2 May and includes return flights and transfers, eight nights’ accommodation on a B&B basis, bike hire, transport and tour guide (explore.co.uk).
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