Help! We need to decide between a holiday in Cyprus or Malta. We are a family of 4 with 2 small children traveling at the end of April. We have one week and want to relax, but not get bored. We want to be near a good beach, as well as interesting towns, good food, nice people and maybe a ruin or two! All suggestions welcome. Thanks!

I've not been to Cyprus, but have been to Malta.<BR><BR>The island has interesting churches and museums, the Knights of Malta museum, a casino, good shopping, many prehistoric sights, interesting fishing villages, and good beaches. It's one of the less expensive places to visit, and the food is good. You can take a boat to Gozo for a fun one or two day trip.

I've never been to either island, but everything I've ever read indicates that Cyprus is far more suited to a family holiday, with great beaches and lots for kids and adults alike to see and do, whereas Malta seems to be a destination favoured mainly by more mature couples and singles, with lots of cultural sights to see, but a very rocky shoreline.

I've been to Cyprus three times, but not Malta.<BR><BR>Cyprus definitely fits your bill. Aim for the area around Paphos-NOT Ayai Napa.<BR><BR>Everything I've read about Malta would lead me to the conclusion that it's not as good an option.

I have been to both, and I would say that Cyprus is better with children. Malta´s beaches are usually not sandy beaches, while Cyprus has good ones. But remember, water is not necessarily warm enough to swim in April. I agree with Paphos as a destination, but although Aya Napa is a party place in summer months, also that is still quite peaceful in April. If possible, make a trip also to Troodos mountains. It is lovely there in April when everything is blooming.<BR><BR>

I'm Cypriot, with a family with two children and certainly I prefer the Protaras area, at the Eastern part of Cyprus when we want to go to the sea. The beaches are golden sandy and children will love it. Paphos is the area with the scenery and ancient ruins that really deserve seeing with Akamas area at the N/W with the views and rare flowers. Also Troodos at this time of the year it's a real calm area. The distances are not long so you can see the whole island in a few days especially if you rent a car.

Been to both and both are relatively inexpensive but I'd opt for Cyprus for your family.