Behind the resorts' plush exteriors, Cyprus has much to offer the discerning visitor.

After Sicily and Sardinia, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Although the island lies close to the Middle East, it is considered to be a European country and is a member of the European Union. Latchi, on the edge of the Akamas peninsula, is an area of low hills which is one of the last remaining unspoilt wildernesses on Cyprus - for the time being. In fact, much of the peninsula is already off-limits as a British Army firing range, although one luxury hotel, the Anassa, already has its foot in the door near Latchi, with talk of others to follow.

Focussed on the sea
There are a large number of resorts in Cyprus. The island is renowned for lavish hotel complexes, some of which - Anassa, the Annabelle, Le Meridien, Amathus - are household names. The coastline accommodates the vast majority and to work in tourism in Cyprus means you must live by the sea. In the Kalamasos Taverna, food available includes a mezze of hummus and tsatziki, followed by sheftalia - meat and onion rissoles wrapped in sausage skin. Local wine can be bought for £2 a jug. Due in part to agro-tourism, villages like Kalamosas have been able to prosper.

Thrill seeking
From Omodos the road runs high up into the mountains across a snowy plateau with staggering views all around. There's certainly a lot to see on the coast. The Elysium, a newly opened resort, is a typically lavish property, with its vast swimming pool, sumptuous rooms and four restaurants. It goes one further than its rivals by adopting a series of historical and architectural themes: here a mini-Roman amphitheatre; there an Ottoman arch; on the ground floor of one wing some faux mosaics and ancient pottery. With an expansive coastline providing a wide variety of beaches to choose from, ranging from secluded bays, to lively resorts, sandy beaches and rocky coves, living in Cyprus certainly has its charms.

The sun is not the only reasons to visit Cyprus. Try the waterpark for thrills, or bungee jumping for an extreme sensation. Snorkelling or diving feature highly while windsurfing and sailing can be enjoyed all the year round, thanks to steady winds and predictable seas. Deep-water fishing is also popular. Larnaca has a superb bay for sailing, with a steady wind most afternoons. Sailing in Cyprus has gained popularity in recent years, and marinas are always being planned.

The marina in Larnaca was a pleasant place with a diverse yachting community and a good nautical joke to usually be overheard in the marina bar.