While the history, culture and crafts of Cyprus make it a truly individual place to holiday, live or have a holiday home, the island’s true appeal lies in its diversity. Parents may be happy to take archaeological tours, sip on ancient wines and enjoy the traditional booze-soaked Cypriot lunches that seem to last all day, but, if you’re ten years old, once you’ve seen one ruin you’ve seen them all and why spend all day eating lunch when you could be having fun? Mercifully, Cyprus is a family destination in the truest sense and offers something for everyone.

Needless to say, the golden sands and azure, warm waters don’t just offer great sunbathing, but also an array of watersports, from jetskiing and parascending to  donuts and banana boats but there are plenty more attractions away from the coast.

If your little monsters are into bigger beasts, then Ayia Napa Dinosaur Park, with giant realistic models with lifelike sounds and noises should be just the thing. There’s also the Marine Park in Ayia Napa where the dolphins and sea lions put on regular shows for the entertainment of children and adults alike, or try the Ocean Aquarium at Protaras where 400 species of weird and wonderful creatures from the deep await.

In-keeping with the animal theme, hop on board a four-legged friend at Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary in Limassol or Larnaka Camel World or whisper tweet nothings (groan!) to the feathered friends at Nicosia Ostrich park or Paphos Bird Park, which also boasts the Island Cove mini-golf adventure park.

Cyprus is family-friendly in the sense that, not only is there plenty on offer for all age groups, but prices are extremely reasonable; one day trip isn’t going to cripple the rest of your visit. Good thing too, as there are four fun-soaked waterparks to choose from. Ayia Napa WaterWorld and Aphrodite Water Park in Paphos, mix the island’s wonderful heritage and mythology with dazzling slides and rides. Meanwhile, Limassol has Water Mania and the extremely popular Wet n Wild, a clone of the Orlando waterpark of the same name.

For a slight change of pace, every June, Ayia Napa is given over to younger family members for the Children’s Festival, when shows, games, stalls and performances fill the town’s main square.