Are you looking for a truly remarkable Mediterranean experience? Don't overthink and add Nicosia to your DiscoverEU trip! The Cypriot capital is the southeasternmost of all EU Member States’ capitals and has been continuously inhabited for over 4,500 years. It offers beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine and a vibrant cultural scene. All you need for a fantastic hop! When you're in Nicosia, don't forget to take a walk around the enormous Athalassa National Park or join Cypriots drinking coffee in a local tavern. Well rooted in its traditions, Nicosia is also committed to becoming a smart(er) city. The Municipality launched its Smart City initiative in 2018 and is currently installing a free wireless network thanks to European Commission's funding.

Selected as the European Capital of Culture 2018 and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Maltese Capital of Valetta is a treasure trove. While there, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens around noon to see the daily gunfire demonstration of the perhaps oldest saluting battery in the world, still in operation. This has taken place for centuries. And if you are looking for a great way to see the city, catch one of Malta Fun Trains. From the front of St John’s Cathedral, it will take you on a 30-minute journey, through places you may not reach by foot. To know Valletta even better and get updates on its cultural programme, use the information hubs set in the city.

Dublin is Ireland’s beating heart, where everyone is welcomed like an old friend. So, why not stop there? Don’t miss the Medieval Dublin Castle and take a walk on the Howth Cliff and get a bird’s-eye view across Dublin Bay. For more adventure and epic views, hop on one of the trains running the entire coastline of the Irish city. At dusk, reach the Dublin iconic pub and venue, Whelan’s, to watch a gig. Dublin was recently recognised as one of the world’s smartest cities. While in the Irish capital city, you’ll be able to recharge your batteries on the smart street furniture, featuring integrated solar-powered phone and e-bike charging ports, WiFi, digital advertising space, and smart bike locking systems. Dublin is home to a first-of-its-kind 5G network which uses street furniture – like rubbish bins and poles – to ensure that everyone in the city is better connected. Dublin has also made strides in the area of accessibility, earning a special mention from the Access City Awards in 2011.

The world’s northernmost capital is also one of the best cities for travellers thanks to its cultural scene, its nightlife, and the natural wonders it easily gives access to! You can start your trip by having an amazing 360° view over the entire city from the top of Hallgrímskirkja Church, the expressionist-style church towering over the city centre. From there, head to the iconic Harpa Concert and Conference Hall, and enjoy its impressive architecture. Shopping lovers cannot miss a walk on Laugavegur, one of the oldest streets in the city, home to many shops, restaurants, and bars. You may want to stop there also to taste the local delicacies, including the hákarl, fermented shark, and enjoy the night in some of the most popular bars of the city. And after a night out why not recharging in one of the many geothermal springs? Don’t worry for the transport: you can simply use your telephone to take the bus! This is just one of the ways this smart city is using information, communications, and telecommunications technology to improve the quality of life in a sustainable way. Other than that, the local authorities have linked the municipal departments, including public utilities, to improve efficiency, and digital technology is being used to harness geothermal energy to power the city in a green way.