The beautiful island of Cyprus is famously the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love. Michael Booker falls under its spell.

According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, rose naked from the sea at Paphos and floated to shore on a scallop shell.

Try that sort of arrival these days and you’ll probably get arrested. Still, when your father is Zeus, King of the Gods, certain rules can be waived.

The amazing myths and legends surrounding this pretty harbour town, on Cyprus’s west coast, have always proved to be a magnet for tourists looking for that little extra from their summer holidays. And this year has seen its historical attractions take centre stage, with the town awarded the impressive accolade of European Capital of Culture.

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From art installations to music and dance, Paphos has become a holiday hotspot. We discover the European City of Culture 2017

Sometimes, all we really want to do is throw a pair of flip-flops into a tote and hit the open road for a dash of adventure.

And when that urge grabs us, we want to head for a destination that’s off the beaten track and far from the madding crowds.

The eclectic top 10 edit stretches from the remote and mystical island scenery of Gotland to an ebullient Normandy port and a much-loved Yorkshire city.

Feast your eyes on Europe’s most exciting places to pop on your radar for 2017, below, and get booking that escape pronto…

1. Zagreb, Croatia

Lonely Planet says: “Urban regeneration is making the city over.”

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PEOPLE with visual impairments are now able to enjoy the unique archaeological treasures of Paphos.

In collaboration with the “St. Barnabas” school for the blind, bilingual explanatory signs in Greek and English Braille are available in the ‘ House of Dionysus’, along with a tactile floor plan, giving visitors a feel for dimensions and architecture of the space.

In addition, a special duplicate of a mosaic – has been created so visually impaired visitors can literally feel the characteristics and pattern.

The House of Dionysus boasts a spectacular array of fine mosaic floors which are amazingly well preserved.

The special program is already proving popular, according to experts at Paphos Archaeological Park, who have all been trained to be able to act as guides for people with visual impairments, aiming to gain the most from their visit.

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• Denmark’s second city, Aarhus is staging events all year 
• Paphos in Cyprus is already a UNESCO world heritage site 
• Hull is hosting the Turner Prize and the Ferens Art Gallery will open in January

DANISH STYLE

Denmark’s second city, Aarhus is staging events all year, such as full moon festivals, city-wide art exhibitions and a rooftop performance of Viking saga Rode Orm from May 25-July 1.

INSIDER TIP: In August the River Remstrup will feature artworks including decorated boats, pyrotechnic art and light projections.

DETAILS: Aarhus Guldsmeden has rooms from DKK 1315 (£150) with organic breakfast, guldsmeden hotels.com. Flights to Aarhus from £270 return, flysas.com. For more details go to aarhus2017.dk

CYPRIOT CHIC

Paphos in Cyprus is already a UNESCO world heritage site. In 2017, it will see sculptures and installations across the city, plus international theatre and music performances.

INSIDER TIP:

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