Cyprus, verdict by verdict

Cyprus sells itself on beaches, but the island's real depth is archaeological. Paphos' whole harbour district is a UNESCO site where Roman villa mosaics sit beside the water, the Tombs of the Kings honeycomb the cliffs north of town, and the Troodos mountains hide painted Byzantine churches listed in their own right. It is also the practical kind of easy: English is everywhere, driving is on the left, and distances are short, with a swimming season that runs roughly May to November.

The compromises are real ones. Cyprus is resort-heavy rather than small-island charming, the coast east of Limassol toward Ayia Napa is party-strip territory, and July and August bring serious heat at peak prices. Outside the Paphos and Limassol cores a rental car is close to essential, since buses cover the towns but limit the good bits, and the Green Line dividing the island adds its own entry rules and rental-car insurance quirks for anyone crossing north. Travelers after Greek-island scenery should also know Cyprus reads more mainland Mediterranean.

Five to seven days based in Paphos or Limassol covers the west and south: two for the mosaics and tombs, one for the Troodos villages and cedar forests, one boat day on the Akamas Blue Lagoon, plus Aphrodite's Rock and the coast drive, with Nicosia or the east coast as add-ons. April-June and September-November give heat without the furnace and thinner crowds. The trip feels unhurried end to end: ancient sites outnumber crowds, and a mosaic morning can share a day with a mountain lunch.