AS the cost of a holiday in Europe continues to creep up, British families are catching on to a corner of the Med where it’s still possible to bag a bargain.

With its sun-kissed coastline, quaint harbours and undeveloped villages, North Cyprus is slowly emerging as a real holiday hotspot.

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Controlled by Turkey, it is outside the eurozone and that means you get more for your money as the pound fares better against the Turkish lira.

A flight to Larnaca in the south leaves you with a two-hour drive to cross the border into the north.

Alternatively, you can fly to mainland Turkey, then make a connecting trip to the north’s Ercan airport, taking six hours in total.

It is much less developed than the south and feels like an undiscovered land, so far relatively untouched by the trample of mass tourism.

Excursions like a trip to the ancient Roman-style Salamis Ruins in the east feel like you’re one of the few outsiders allowed in on a long-kept secret. I was based at the Ship Inn for my trip, a pretty little hotel built around a central British pub-style bar.

It has new accommodation blocks and an amazing angular swimming pool, ideal for sun worshippers to lounge around.

It proved a perfect base from which to explore the island.

Nicosia, the island’s capital, is a fascinating place, the only living city still split down the middle between north and south.

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So if you take your passport with you, you can shop for bargains in the northern, Turkish half of the city before crossing over into the Greek side for more branded goods in boutiques and upmarket stores.

The border is easy to negotiate and you can pass through within minutes.

Next stop was a visit to the dead city at Famagusta.

Frozen in time, the beachside resort hasn’t been touched since 1974, when the Greek Cypriots fled with just 24 hours’notice during the battle with the Turks.

It was sealed off back then to stop either side having it. they say tables are still set, cars remain in the showrooms, money sits untouched in bank vaults and laundry still hangs from washing lines.

You can get right on top of the dead city by the shoreline but manned guard towers stop you from going inside.

It’s a breathtaking scene but one that evokes sadness as the two sides have not been able to yet fully resolve their differences.

Such is its beauty, it would probably be THE place to holiday in Cyprus if it were a living town again.

It has impeccable sands and an amazing view out to sea.

Beach and snorkelling lovers are very well served in Cyprus.

The island is dotted with lush little beaches and coves, mini paradises tucked away along the coastline.

The Escape beach near Kyrenia and Turtle Beach on the eastern side of the island are both beautiful.

Our package firm Direct Traveller also provided plenty of excursions to sample during our stay.

They cater very much for the family and include boat trips and an excursion to St Hilarion Castle, said to be the inspiration behind the castle in Snow White. I opted to try the Cyprus Night, held every Saturday evening at an authentic restaurant opposite the picturesque Bellapais Monastery.

It is 15 minutes by coach from Kyrenia up the nearby mountains.

On arrival, you are given some spare time to explore the incredible 13th Century abbey before enjoying dinner.

The local food is meze for starters – an assortment of dips, salads and cheeses – followed by kebabs for the main course.

I went for the mixed kebab so I could sample every meat going.

The air was filled with live Turkish music before the night came to a thrilling climax with an energetic belly dance routine.

North Cyprus is an all-year-round holiday destination with a lengthy summer lasting from April to October and November and March only marginally colder.

Winters are mild and sunny and temperatures rarely dip below 16 degrees.

So if you want a bargain holiday, away from the crowds and the euro, North Cyprus is waiting to be discovered.

FactFile
A WEEK on half-board at The Ship Inn costs £249 and includes flights from London, free lunch and transfers.

A £60 supplement is required for flights from Birmingham and Manchester. To book call 0844 414 3073 or visit directtraveller.com

The Cyprus Night excursion costs £25.