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Even during the days when Ayia Napa was at its peak of popularity, you could lie on beaches barely a few kilometers away and sense nothing of the party scene that was in action along the coast. The coastline east of Larnaca is one of the best in Cyprus and quiet, relaxing locations can easily be found.

The lure of the nightclubs of Ayia Napa may now be succumbing to other locations in Europe. Ibiza still holds an attraction for a mixed generation of clubbers, while Lagana on Rhodes seems to attract the younger of the dance scene regulars. In Turkey, Bodrum also attracts nightclub tourists with its outdoor venue Halikarnas.

There's no doubt the popularity of nightclubs on certain Greek islands accelerated resort expansion at a rate that the authorities struggled to control. New money came quickly to the islands and development controls may have been too slow to keep pace. That control has now been put in place now all over the islands and new building works are largely sympathetic to local styles.

On Cyprus, Ayia Napa is still a popular place and the beaches are more restrained now, but beyond the resort and onto the eastern coastline a string of beaches are some of the best on the island. Konnos bay is the first spot you'll come across on this coastline. Rocky at the southern end, with golden sand further north, it's fantastic for swimming. Green Bay beach is the second spot along the coast and it's also a pleasant spot, but an early arrival is recommended. There is more development at Protaras, due to the long sweeping sandy beach there, but ignoring that and travelling further north there are a series of bays each with its own sandy beach. Pernera, Louma, Mouzoura and Agia Triada with its own small harbour are all smaller, quieter and more peaceful spots to while away a summer's day.