I remember a trip to Larnaca many years ago and ever since, I’ve always wanted to return with the kids. After many weeks waiting for the holidays to come around, they finally did and we were on our way.

We had dropped the dog off with my parents a few days earlier, mainly to avoid last minute hiccups with his new surroundings. He was fine, we didn’t hear a whisper from mum – she must be feeding him well.

On the way to the airport, as always, there were a few last minute checks, where questions such as ‘does everyone have their passports?’ begin to fill the vehicle. Once we were all satisfied with the answer, we began to relax and enjoy the taxi ride.

Following our flight, the first change I noticed was the airport, which has undergone a massive rejuvenation since my last visit and now houses a new terminal. This made the entire airport experience a much quicker one and both our bags and transfers were delivered in next to no time.

Southern Cyprus boasts a total of two vibrant ports, Larnaca and Limassol. Both areas are constantly being updated, so I was interested to see if the area looked any different.

I have to say we were all pleasantly surprised, the port area boasts an elegant ancient quarter, enclosed by a variety of cosy bars and quaint tavernas. We stopped for lunch at one before visiting the town’s medieval castle – a trip I had promised the children.

We quickly discovered that as well as the vibrant area of Larnaca, there’s also a sleepy side to this city. This region sits opposite a multitude of palm trees and a picturesque salt lake. The recently revamped yacht marina is certain to become a major tourist spot.

In the far southwest of the island is Paphos. A number of my friends visit this region on a regular basis and I’ve been told that the town boasts an abundance of welcoming resorts. We spotted one that allowed us to use their facilities and let the kids cool down in the pool before moving on.

Since my last visit, this holiday spot has undergone a number of changes. Despite this, I had as much fun this time round as I did last time. The accommodation, dining and scenery all combine for a great visit and I’ll certainly visit again.