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I first visited Larnaca in 1979 during a weekend break from my summer job in Corfu. My lingering memories from that visit are not of the islands superb beaches, nor the endless days of blue skies and sunshine. What I recall, with great clarity, are staggeringly large quantities of delicious food – the Cypriot mezes are legendary! I also vividly remember my trip to the Troodos Mountains that offered a cool ‘alpine-like’ retreat from the summer heat of coastal plains. Such are the contrasts of Cyprus that it is possible to enjoy a superb holiday without ever putting toes to sand!

Of course Cyprus has long been a favourite with the British. And rightly so. With English widely spoken by hospitable Cypriots, year-round sunshine, fine beaches, soaring mountain (it is even possible to snow ski in the winter), a vibrant culture and history and delicious food and drink, it is one of Europe’s great sunshine destinations.

The island is undergoing real change with exciting leisure projects underway, including new marinas, golf courses and general transport and airport infrastructure. And if you plan to tour the island by car, then driving on the ‘familiar’ side of the road!

My most recent trip took me once again to the east the less developed corner of the island and the village of Pervolia. The village itself is very attractive and ‘traditional’, with a paved main street of bars restaurants tavernas. The atmosphere at night is quite lovely and the choice of eating opportunities impressive. We found the local tavernas to be great value with regular entertainment and extraordinarily hospitable.
‘Soutsos’ is perhaps the village’s largest and most renowned restaurant boasting a traditional Cypriot Menu, specialising in meze's, live music and Cypriot, dancing every Friday and Saturday Night. Kokkos was cheap and very, very cheerful. In fact when we learned they did not accept credit cards, the owner just said ‘ pay me some other time’ We did, the next day, but when we did he had forgotten all about it! Just about sums Cyprus up for me. Wonderful.

Larnaca and its delightful ‘corniche’ has not changed so much over the decades but a planned new marina, luxury seafront apartments and a much-improved airport is set to see this fine town take on the well-established resorts of Paphos, Ayia Napa and Protaras. Of course, with ever-improving transport links getting to most parts of the island has become so much easier. We made the journey from Larnaca to the islands capital, Nicosia, in around 40 minutes. And what a fascinating trip it turned out to be. As one of the world’s only remaining ‘divided’ cities, the main thoroughfare – Ledra Street, boasted sophisticated shopping and eating opportunities on the Republic of Cyprus side and a time-warp of original, yet undisturbed, run-down architecture across the UN divide in the ‘Turkish-Cypriot’ area of the city. I found the experience quite profound, especially after visiting the small gallery and museum with its black & white photographic record of its tumultuous recent history, set alongside the barrier. Such has been the speed of political development in recent months, however, that the two halves of Ledra Street are once again reunited making this a must-see destination on any future visit to Cyprus. This significant development bodes well for the eventual reunification of Cyprus, which will make the island an even more attractive holiday option.

Other day trips included a visit to the camel park at Mazatos – fun for kids of all ages! Similarly, WaterWorld, near Ayia Napa, provides all the wet and wild activity that anyone might need! We also headed north to Protaras, which is booming with family holidaymakers. A few miles away but with a very different feel, Ayia Napa, will not disappoint those seeking hectic day and nightlife. Pernera, has a lovely calm bay and small fishing harbour and then, just across ‘the border’, Famagusta – currently a ghost town but surely destined (if reunification goes ahead) to reclaim its crown as a genuine Mediterrenean jewel.

We didn’t do it due to lack of time but it would have been possible to visit The Pyramids. Yes, a day-trip to one of the world’s great wonders is a genuine option with a morning flight from Larnaca. This memorable tour includes a visit to the tomb of Tutankhamun, the Sphinx, the Great Pyramids of Giza, a relaxing sunset cruise and an exotic belly-dancing show. One for our next Cyprus holiday!