Great escapes

Jet away for a cool escape, without a seven-hour flight. Here's where to try Discuss this article

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Paphos, Cyprus

Average August temperature: 34°C

Flying time to Larnaca: 3h40m

Flights: from Dhs2,400 with www.travelcity.com

Why go there: Far closer than the other Greek islands, southern Cyprus is so family friendly it’d be rude not to take advantage of the short flying time. Paphos is packed with hotels offering kids’ clubs and big swimming pools, but we recommend hiring a car so you can explore the island on your own terms, leaving the madding crowds in the dust. The dramatic, rugged coastline boasts myriad beaches, but there’s also more culture here than you can shake a buggy at. Venture into the Troodos Hills and you’ll find dusty white villages housing little cafés, shops and churches aplenty – the pure foreignness can’t fail to wow the whole family. Plus the fresh, delicious grub features familiar dishes like houmous and kebabs that little ones (hopefully) won’t be phased by.