A sunbed and a good book is not everyone's idea of the dream holiday. We pick out some top spots in the Med for Combining relaxation with plenty of activity

Unspoilt  North Cyprus is a walker's paradise with the steep, craggy peaks of the Five Finger mountain range offering spectacular views of the Med and the contrasting panhandle of the Karpaz Peninsula with its deserted beaches, abundant wildlife and ancient ruins. Don't miss the picturesque harbour town of Kyrenia with its Crusader Castle, cobbled streets and atmospheric waterfront bars and restaurants. Base yourself at the three-star Altinkaya bungalows near the village of Bellapais or try a two-centre holiday with a stay at The Arch House in Dipkarpaz – the jumping off point for Karpaz – in a converted stone house close to an excellent fish restaurant.

Walks Worldwide (01524 242000/ www.walksworldwide.com) offers a seven-night independent walking holiday from £695pp (two sharing), including return flights from Gatwick or Heathrow to Larnaca, accommodation (one or two-centre), some meals and car hire.

Being outside the euro zone, Turkey offers particularly good value at present. Families can combine seaside R&R with several activities at the still relatively unspoilt, cosmopolitan coastal resort of Kas.

The three-star Aqua Princess Hotel has sea views and special watersports activity weeks during May half-term and the school summer holidays. With a choice of scuba diving, canyoning and sea kayaking, or simply taking leisurely boat trips along the shore, there's something so all the family can join in the fun.

Activities Abroad (01670 789991/ www.activitiesabroad.com) offers seven nights at the Aqua Princess Hotel from £895pp (two sharing), children aged 8-14 receive a £40 discount. Price includes return flights from Gatwick or Manchester, most meals and a choice of five activities.

Not content with offering guests amazing sea views of the unspoilt bay of Kumlubük on Turkey's Lycian coast, the Dionysos Hotel has two special weeks devoted to Method Putkisto. Never heard of it? The activity is a blend of yoga and Pilates using deep breathing and stretching to help realign muscles, reshape the body and relax and calm the mind. The Dionysos is also introducing Pilates classes three times a week this year for guests to unwind and relax in its idyllic surroundings.

Exclusive Escapes (020 8605 3500/ www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk) offers seven nights half-board at the Dionysos Hotel for Method Putkisto from May 9 or October 10 from £1,300pp (no single supplements), including return . ights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh.

North Cyprus has never been associated with golf, until now. Its first 18-hole course, the Korineum Golf and Country Club, recently opened near the coastal village of Esentepe. Admire the views of the spectacular Besparmak Mountains as you try to improve your handicap.

Stay at the four-star Jasmine Court Hotel in Kyrenia where you can have a dip in the pool in the landscaped gardens or swim in the sea from one of the hotel's manmade waterfront terraces. The all-suite hotel has North Cyprus's biggest casino, a jazz bar, sauna and fitness room.

Anatolian Sky Holidays (0845 365 1011/www.anatoliansky.co.uk) offers seven nights B&B at the Jasmine Court Hotel from £509pp (two sharing) including return flights from Heathrow, Stansted or Manchester and transfers. Green fees cost £52pp.

Sailors of all levels can enjoy sea breezes as well as great beach time on the Greek island of Lesvos. The Aeolian Village, which sits towards the end of a beautiful bay with a long stretch of golden sand, offers a fleet of different boats and lessons from qualified RYA instructors to help novices learn the ropes and others who wish to become more accomplished. Particularly suitable for families, as clubs keep the children amused while parents sail, swim or take a snooze on the sands.

Neilson (0845 070 3460/www.neilson.co.uk) offers seven nights at the Aeolian Village from £465pp (two sharing), including some meals, return flights from Gatwick (Manchester £20 supplement), and most activities with equipment and tuition.

The Costa Brava is a destination that will please lovers of both beautiful countryside and seascapes.

The officially marked walking trail along the northern Catalan coast is a gentle route; a perfect first independent walking holiday. It reveals a wonderful pageant of pine-clad promontories, pretty coves harbouring sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages and, detouring slightly inland, medieval hill towns.

Three of the five hotels stayed at en route have pools, while the other two are very close to the beach.

Inntravel (01653 617906/www.inntravel.co.uk) offers seven nights independent walking along the Catalan Coast from £1,040pp (two sharing), including half-board accommodation, walking maps and notes, luggage transfers between hotels and return train travel from London to Barcelona. Transfer to first hotel £98 extra.