Next we continue towards the airport. We stop at Larnaca Salt Lake and visit the historic Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. On the lake we spot some pink flamingos. The sight of the mosque is reminiscent of tales from One Thousand and One Nights — not to be missed. To enter the mosque you must remove your shoes at the door. Watch the sunset from the lakeside, because the sun sets right behind the mosque.

Near Kiti we visit the old church Panagia Angeloktisti, which is unfortunately closed for renovation. It is famous for a unique Byzantine mosaic. According to our travel guide, the visit is well worth it, and the small vestibule that remains open already looks very impressive.

After a short detour to Cape Kiti, we now head towards the mountains. At Stavrovouni Monastery, founded in 325 AD by Saint Helena, we take a break at 690 metres above sea level and enjoy the magnificent views towards Nicosia, over the sea and across the barren landscape. The monastery was destroyed by fire several times and rebuilt, most recently in the 19th century.

Women are not admitted — despite the fact that the monastery was founded by St Helena — and photography is prohibited.

The tour continues to Kato Lefkara. In high season you are apparently on the run from street vendors eager to sell their handicrafts. Lefkara is well known for its drawn-thread embroidery. We particularly enjoy the narrow lanes with their stone houses and stop at a quaint, lovingly decorated taverna for a coffee. You quickly end up chatting with the locals here. Once again we are pleased to find an empty coach park and have the village almost to ourselves.

Next on our way lies the Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage excavation site. Here you can find traces of the first inhabitants of Cyprus. At the end of the 9th century BC the first settlers arrived on Cyprus. The settlement dates from the 7th millennium BC and has been partially restored. Reconstructions of several round huts are on display, including a burial inside one of the dwellings — the dead were interred beneath the living quarters.

Now for a visit to the famous Governor's Beach. The dark sand between almost white rocks with the sunset in the background is magnificent. Several hotels, apartments and tavernas are close by. Unfortunately the beautiful view is somewhat spoiled by the nearby refinery.

In the early evening we reach our Hotel Navarria in Limassol (Lemesos). After a delicious dinner we stroll along the deserted seafront promenade for a while.