Spring is a great time to visit Cyprus and with an abundance of activities happening around the Larnaka region (www.larnakaregion.com) there is something to keep everyone happy. Plus great temperatures averaging 24-26 C! 

Greek Orthodox Easter is celebrated on Sunday 1st May and it's one of the biggest religious celebrations on the island. A highlight in the run up to Easter in Larnaka is the magnificent two and half hour procession in honour of the city's Patron Saint and first bishop – Agios Lazaros (Saint Lazarus) on 23rd April. 

On Easter Monday (2nd May) one of the best places to soak up the joyous atmosphere is in Larnaka's rural villages. The close-knit communities of Voroklini, Kito and Lefkara will be hosting events including Cypriot dancing and singing, traditional games and BBQ's throughout the late afternoon.  

For an alternative holiday experience why not try your hand at basket weaving? The village of Choirokoitia is already well-known for its Neolithic settlement, considered the first 'urban' settlement in Europe and recognised by UNESCO, and now holidaymakers can learn the art of basket weaving at the workshop of local artist Petros Nicolaou.  

Practising 13 different types of traditional basket weaving, Petros learnt the craft from his grandparents and uses thin water reeds to create baskets that were used for different purposes in the past – such as carrying bread, making Halloumi cheese and transporting wine. 

And for the children why not visit the Camel Park and Golden Donkeys Farm out in the countryside and meet some of the new arrivals. The Camel Park in the rural village of Mazotos recently welcomed a baby Walaby named Walapino, and a new camel named Xenia, which are delighting visitors.  

Golden Donkeys Farm in the pretty village of Skarinou also recently welcomed some babies of its own, including Grigoris, who is the son of resident donkey Magdalena. The farm is also awaiting the birth of another 35 donkeys from May onwards, some of which visitors will get to meet when it holds its third annual Donkey Festival on 7th and 8th May. 

Stay at the popular Palm Beach & Bungalows (www.palmbeachhotel.com), located on the coast just outside of Larnaka, a short 18 minute transfer from the island's main airport. This long established hotel with its exotic spacious gardens is four star rated but offers five star facilities and services.

It's the ideal base for discovering both the historic city of Larnaka and the surrounding countryside and villages. Following a refurb over the past three winters the hotel rooms and public areas have been totally renovated and refurbished. This year tea/coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi have been introduced in all its rooms, the reception and coffee shop/breakfast area has also been refurbished and upgraded.

Rooms start from £98 per room for a garden view room for two and including breakfast in April. Flights with Easyjet are from £112 in April from Gatwick to Larnaka return. Packages through most UK tour operators with prices through Olympic Holidays (0208 492 6868 www.olympicholidays.com) from £429 per person for a 7 night stay on bed and breakfast including return flights from Gatwick on 24 April 2016. 

ENDS: For media enquiries, press trips and images, please contact Marlen Taffarello on 01780 460145 or 07789533791 and email marlen@fcdcom.co.uk