With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and a reassuringly mild climate in winter, North Cyprus is becoming an increasingly popular all-year-round Mediterranean destination.
Tourism has developed at a slower pace here than in many other destinations, making it a truly authentic experience.
One of the highlights is the delightful resort of Kyrenia (Girne in Turkish), one of the most picturesque small ports in the Mediterranean. From Kyrenia, it is easy to explore most of North Cyprus on day trips and be back in time for a mouthwatering seafood banquet in one of the many fine harbourside restaurants, such as the superb Canli Balik.
Northern Cyprus is a land of small villages like Bellapais, with its atmospheric, part-ruined abbey, which dates from the 13th Century, as well as Lawrence Durrell’s legendary Tree of Idleness. It nestles on the slopes of the Kyrenia Mountains that separate the north coast from the rest of the island.
There are some excellent Roman ruins, Gothic churches and atmospheric castles. Walkers will love the foothills of the Five Finger Mountains as they are prime rambling territory. From late February through to April, walkers have the chance of spotting the exquisite, rare wild orchids. Add to that a wealth of activities ranging from rambling, golf, birdwatching, culture, culinary tours and the usual beach and water sports, and North Cyprus has something for everyone.
A little-visited but fascinating part of North Cyprus is the Karpas Peninsula, known locally as the Panhandle. A single road snakes from west to east coast, where indigenous donkeys graze on grasslands reminiscent of the Asian steppes. It hits the east coast south of Golden Beach, one of the most glorious and unspoilt in the Med.
The best of the Roman ruins are at Salamis, which has Bronze Age finds dating from the 11th Century BC. After several earthquakes, the Roman emperor Constantius II rebuilt the city. The auditorium could once accommodate 15,000 spectators. On the western edge of the Salamis necropolis is the impressive Monastery of St Barnabas.
As flights to North Cyprus touch down briefly in Turkey, it gives visitors the perfect excuse to stop off there and sample some Turkish delights. Where better than Istanbul - one of the world’s most fascinating cities, straddling Europe and Asia. Top attractions include Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. You can even hop on an old-fashioned tram.
Istanbul is also building a reputation as an excellent shopping destination. Istiklal Caddesi, the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare, is full of stores and boutiques featuring up-and-coming designers, as well cafes serving exquisite thick, steaming Turkish coffee.
Don’t miss the Grand Bazaar, where among the tat you can grab hand-made leather jackets at a fraction of the price.
Meanwhile, the 13th Istanbul Biennial art exhibition takes place this autumn. Turkey is home to 11 Unesco World Heritage Sites and numerous other ancient places and ruins. Many are within easy reach of some of the best resorts.
Antalya is well known as a summer sun destination but, being on the Mediterranean coast, it has a mild winter climate too, making it great all year. Antalya city centre boasts a lively cafe culture, and archaeological sites include the best-preserved theatre in Asia Minor at Aspendos.
Turkey is a wonderful family destination. Children will delight in the clear, calm waters, sandy beaches, friendly resorts and the huge variety of activities on offer, from water sports and snorkelling to mountain-biking and snowboarding.
And they will love exploring unique fairytale landscapes - the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the troglodyte cave homes of Cappadocia.
If you like life on the water, consider a cruise on a gulet, a traditional wooden sailing ship. Turkey now has a total of 36 international-standard marinas.
With North Cyprus and Turkey, you really are spoilt for choice. - Mail on Sunday