The divide between the Turkish north and the Greek south gives Cyprus two very distinct characters. The island’s southern coastline is one long, undulating line of sand, dotted with westernised resorts such as Aiya Napa and Paphos, and backed by the rocky adventure playground that is the Kyrenia mountain range. North of the UN-patrolled border, a small scattering of high-rise resorts can’t mask the beauty of the unspoiled, olive-blanketed landscape or the romantic appeal of medieval centres such as Kyrenia and Bellapais. What both sides of the island have in common is a laid-back pace of life, year-round sunshine and plenty of places to explore for those who dare venture beyond those stellar beaches.