We are travelling to Cyprus for a much needed beach break. Do you know of any fun things that we can do with the kids for a change of scenery – our daughter is eight and son is 11? Jenny Blair, Darlington

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: Cyprus is a very child friendly country, and everywhere you go you’ll find the locals delightfully attentive and understanding of your kids. And beyond the beaches, there are some great diversions too.

The Troodos Mountains have great little stone villages, richly painted churches, and terrific views, but it’s the 1.8mile walk to the Caledonia Falls is a treat with kids. It’s downhill all the way, passing through shady forests of horse chestnuts and wild plum trees, and there are many places where the pathway crosses the stream via stepping stones and boulders.

The falls themselves are a tall and wispy and an excellent place for a safe soaking. At the end of the hike the Psilo Dentron Restaurant does fine BBQ trout (from its own trout farm). They can also call you a taxi back to collect your car.

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Or try the Camel Park over at Mazotos, about 10 miles east of Larnaca. The animals seem extremely content, and can be fed (with a bag of carob seeds bought from the shop, 45p) and ridden. There is also a model Noah’s Ark surrounded by petting animals, a swimming pool and play area. It’s all very low key and friendly. Camel rides are £5.40 for kids and £8 for adults.

Okay, I admit that an Olive experience doesn’t sound too promising, but the Oleastro Olive Park makes the most of fun interactive displays in showing the 60,000 years of olive cultivation. There is a working olive mill too (October-February), and if anyone gets olived out, a play area, pony rides, and cafe. It is just past the pretty traditional village of Anogyra, mid way between Paphos and Limassol. Entry is £1.80 for children, and £2.70 for adults.

More exciting is an Ascot Jeep Safari, where you’ll bump off road through the rugged Akamas Peninsula, discover Aphrodite’s birthplace, trek though a mini gorge, and eat lunch at a taverna on a remote beach. A full day costs £31 for children, and £54 per adult. The best water park is the Paphos Aphrodite (children up to 12 years old £12.40, and £25 for adults),

Most of the big brand guides are a bit sparse when it comes to child friendly tips. However, the newly published Frommer’s guide to Cyprus with you family (£12.99), one of a series of with your family guides, is crammed with good ideas and information.

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