Half-term island breaks to treasure
Great prices are one reason this is an ideal family destination, says
IT’S harder and harder to find a great value family holiday, yet there’s one corner of the Med where both prices and atmosphere reflect the golden days of summer getaways. North Cyprus, which basks in year-round sun, is a little slice of paradise that’s often overlooked. The country has never been in the euro so the cost of holidays, drinks, meals and hire cars are far below those across the rest of Europe’s hot spots.
And, being off the beaten track, it has developed at its own pace in a friendly, laid-back way.
It’s a perfect, safe place for youngsters, with a wealth of soft, golden beaches lapped by the gentle waves of the Mediterranean, and its hotels have a wealth of facilities, including water slides, children’s clubs and pools.
Cyprus Paradise offers a range of breaks at exceptional prices even during school holidays – from £379pp in spring half-term. As a bonus the deposit is only £49pp, plus (new this year) there’s a zero per cent interest monthly payment plan.
The half-term prices start at £379pp for a week’s B&B, at the three-star Club Simena Hotel. In a rural location with a backdrop of the Five Finger Mountains, whitewashed studios and bungalows are set among gardens around a large pool, with a separate aqua park pool and slides.
There are also a number of five-star hotels at great prices that same week. The Acapulco, on a private bay, starts at £499 for a half-board stay. The hotel, which sits on one of the island’s longest, safest beaches, near the historic harbour town of Kyrenia, has an aqua park which opened last year. Accommodation is in either hotel rooms or studio-style bungalows set among flower-filled grounds.
Salamis Bay Conti, on a sandy bay, has hotel rooms or poolside bungalows that are perfect for families – plus an aqua park and a smart spa. Stay there on an all-inclusive basis from £529pp.
The Merit Crystal Cove is a dramatic, contemporary clifftop hotel above a secluded beach, and offers watersports, tennis, children’s club and pony rides. A seven-night stay in half-term starts at £725pp, on an ultra all-inclusive basis with all drinks plus afternoon tea.
SISTER hotel Merit Park, near Kyrenia, with its castle-inspired design, offers similar attractions as well as a pier and a 24-hour bar. A seven-night ultra all-inclusive stay costs from £659.
Both Merit Park and Salamis Bay offer one child (up to 12) free per two adults; only flights (from £149) have to be paid for.
There’s plenty to explore in North Cyprus, from Roman ruins to nature reserves. As a bonus, all Cyprus Paradise holidays this year include a free full-day tour of the ancient city of Nicosia, Europe’s only divided capital.
And while the prices might be modest, Cyprus Paradise offers top-class service with 20kg luggage allowance per person, transfers and local rep – and there are no credit card charges or hidden costs.
North Cyprus is also an ideal destination for families with babies and toddlers. Shoulder season is a great time to visit as the temperatures are mild and prices even milder. INFORMATION: Cyprus Paradise (020 3150 0330/cyprusparadise.com/express)