The popular holiday resorts of Ayia Napa and Paralimni have been called a veritable paradise for anyone who loves sea and water sports. The charming scenery includes the tiny fishing harbour of Ayia Napa, the mediaeval monastery at the heart of the village and the windmills and small churches in the surrounding villages which spread around the areas of Paralimni and Protaras.

Arriving in the mid-afternoon you'll find little evidence of Ayia Napa's nightly frenzy; the town is normally half-asleep and most of the tourists are either dozing in hotels or basking on the beach. At sunset Ayia Napa slowly begins to stir and by 11pm the central square is a soup of sound.Ayia Napa is still the island's premier party destination. Those needing a break from Ayia Napa's frenetic charms will be pleased to hear that it's within easy reach of some of Cyprus ' best beaches.

The Ammochostos region, with its superb beaches and multi-star hotels, draws discerning sun seekers from all over the globe. But this part of the island remains the agricultural heart of Cyprus, where traditional windmills stand with modern aqueducts to irrigate the fertile red soil.

Life in this south eastern corner of Cyprus revolves around the sea, with water sports of all kinds readily available - from scuba diving to water-skiing to paragliding. Explore the rugged coast toward Cape Greko, with its string of calm sandy coves, and stay for the indescribably beautiful sunset. Or head north, toward the basket-making community of Liopetri, stopping at Sotira to take in the pretty village churches that date to the 15th and 16th centuries.

East to Protaras, more glorious beaches spread out under the sun, while just inland the white-washed town of Paralimni boasts open-air tavernas known for their succulent grilled fish. Only a few miles from the most contemporary of resort scenes, you'll feel eons away.

Protaras is popular with Cypriots and the beaches can get busy (especially at weekends) and anyone wanting to 'get away from it all' should head south to Cape Greko. Besides 'peace and quiet' the rocky shoreline provides some great snorkelling and diving. If you want to stretch your legs there's an attractive coastal path running all the way from Protaras to Ayia Napa which takes in some impressive cliffs, sea caves and a number of Roman ruins. The resort of Pernera lies to the north of Protaras and offers similar opportunities for sun-worshiping with a number of 'all-singing, all-dancing' resort complexes.