Once sleepy fishing villages, the fabulous beaches of fine white sand of Agia Napa and Protaras, and the coastal area of Paralimni with its hundreds of windmills, nowadays buzz with life. This area is known collectively as the Kokkinochoria, “red soil villages,” because of the rich red earth in which Cyprus’ famous potatoes are grown. Culture lovers can explore the medieval churches found in villages like Sotira or go around the folk art museums displaying rural artefacts in Deryneia and Avgorou. Children will love the Marine Life museum or the new Sea Museum, “Thalassa”, in Agia Napa, which has an amazing replica of a 4th-century trading ship which sank off the coast of Kyrenia. Or you could stop at the tiny estuary known by the locals as Potamos and watch the fishing boats haul in their catch in their multi-coloured baskets. Spend the day sunbathing at the beach, swimming in warm turquoise waters or taking a short cruise along the coast. Some of the best snorkelling and diving spots are at Cape Greco, the national forest park, with its secluded coves and rocky outcrops, impressive cliff-top views and sea caves. In the evening, dine at one of the many restaurants, especially the local ones in Paralimni, or jive to the latest sounds at one of the numerous nightclubs.

Located on the south side of Ankara Castle, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations houses a huge collection of Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Roman and Lydian treasures. It was elected as the first "European Museum of the Year" in 1997.

For an invigorating swim, Embros Thermae, also called The Therma, is an enormous pool with thermal springs, surrounded by circling rocks.

Schooners and other boats offer leisurely half-day cruises around the gulf including on-board lunch. This is a lovely tour that should not be missed while you are visiting.