FOUR THINGS TO DO WITH THE FAMILY IN AND AROUND AYIA NAPA

1 BECOME A PIRATE ON THE BLACK PEARL

WE set sail from Ayia Napa Harbour for what can only be described as a daily family booze cruise on the big Black Pearl ship.

Downstairs, it’s all dark wood, comfy booths and a well-stocked bar, serving parents beer and mojitos from 10.30am (not us, obviously...).

Upstairs is where the fun happens, with a slightly squiffylooking Captain Jack Sparrow and his Russian sidekick, Hector Barbossa, entertaining the children.

The best bit is stopping for a swim in the beautiful Blue Lagoon where little ones can hop into the turquoise sea for a cooling dip. HOW MUCH: ¤100 (£88) for a family of four (food is included, drinks are extra – book through the hotel, it’s a bit dearer online).

2 EXPLORE CYPRUS ON A DAKTARI JEEP SAFARI

IF you only do one excursion while you’re here, make it this one.

Eight of us pile into our tour guide George Michael’s (no, really) Jeep – which can seat up to 12 – and find out all about Cyprus, including its amazing food (we stop frequently to see and sniff fig, walnut, pecan nut, lemon and almon trees).

The kids erupt into a mass of giggles as our bums leap from seats and we bump along the dusty, rocky track, the imposing Troodos Mountains watching our every move.

Pomegranate and peppercorn trees are growing at the side of the road as we make our way to Myllomeris – one of four waterfalls in these mountains. This one apparently has the longest drop, of around 12 metres.

Come in June, George tells us, and you can feast on the cherry trees that grow up here. HOW MUCH: ¤75 (£65) for adults, ¤50 (£45) for children. The tour lasts most of the day and can be booked through the hotel.

3 HIRE A CAR AND DISCOVER SECLUDED BEACHES

FOR quieter days, take a hire car and drive along the coast road. Taking a left out of the hotel and driving for around 10 minutes, we find a section of Louma Beach to have to ourselves.

There’s nothing here, just clear sea and a bit of thick, grainy sand littered with broken shells. It’s a welcome gear change from the resort, where instead of busy

The kids erupt into a mass of giggles as our bums leap from seats and we bump along the rocky track