Introducing North Cyprus

Standing at the crossroads of three continents Cyprus has a vibrant history, a perfect climate and the warmest welcome in the Mediterranean. It has been a British playground for many years offering the perfect combination of relaxation, water sports and exciting exploration along its beautiful coastline, for Northern Cyprus too, has its share of rich archeological sites and medieval castles. It enjoys over 300 days of uninterrupted sunshine, clear blue unpolluted seas, the beauty of an unspoiled landscape and uncrowded beaches.

Add to this the friendliness and hospitality of the people, wonderfully varied cuisine and you have the perfect recipe for a truly idyllic holiday. Whether you are a lover of nature, an archaeologist, a keen walker, a water sportsman or simply a sun-worshipper this little island is the ideal spot for you.
Along the northern coast stretch the pine-clad Kyrenia Mountains sloping gently to the warm and tranquil waters of the Mediterranean.

There are many good restaurants in the area, and picturesque Kyrenia harbour is the place to be in the evening. Famagusta in the east is famed for its endless sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It will come as no surprise that according to legend this island was given to Cleopatra by Julius Ceasar as a token of his love!

Kyrenia

Kyrenia was founded in the 10th century B.C., by Achaean settlers and was for many centuries one of the ten kingdoms of Cyprus. In the 7th century it was fortified by the Byzantines who built the original Kyrenia castle - later expanded by the Lusignans and then by the Venetians. The town remained a minor port under Ottoman rule. Under British rule, the harbour and quay were built, as the town was used as a resting place for officers, captains and their families due to its beautiful harbour and leisurely, romantic atmosphere.

The town retains its original character, with many small restaurants and bars surrounding the typical Mediterranean harbour. The entire region is now an attractive holiday resort, boasting many hotels and holiday villages. The area provides mountain and sea views, amongst the many historic sites worth visiting. These include the Kyrenia Castle, Shipwreck Museum, St. Hilarion Castle believed to have been the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Caslte, and the Village and Abbey at Bellapais immortalised in Laurence Durrell's book Bitter Lemons.

The horseshoe shaped harbour is the focal point of the town, with its colourful fishing boats and yachts, and lively tavernas serving both locals and tourists. The impressive Kyrenia Castle, at the eastern end of the harbour, was built in the 7th century by the Byzantines in order to protect the city against Arab raids, with additional fortification and enlargement carried out later during the Lusignan and Venetian periods. Now hosting plays and concerts, the castle is also the home to the Shipwreck museum, which displays the oldest shipwreck ever discovered believed to date from 300 B.C.

Just behind the harbour, you can find the Agha Cafer Pasha mosque, constructed in 1580 during the Ottoman period. The mosque, named after the Turkish landowner who funded its construction, has a rectangular main building housing a three roomed main hall, and has a single minaret. Beside the mosque lies the Hasan Kavizade Huseyin Efendi fountain, built in 1841. The three arched design is typical of fountains from that era.

Famagusta is one of the most important, greatly fortified ports in the Mediterranean. To the north lie the ruins of the great city of Salamis, believed to have been founded in the 11th Century B.C. After the influences of the many conquering nations, including the Romans, the city was finally abandoned in 648 A.D. following the combined catastrophes of earthquakes and raids by Arab pirates. The population of Salamis then moved to Famagusta. The spectacular ruins give a fascinating insight into long-lost civilisations and include a magnificent amphitheatre, Roman baths, a gymnasium and royal tombs. Just inland from Famagusta are the church and monastery dedicated to St. Barnabas, the founder of the apostolic church in Cyprus in 45 A.D. Barnabas, a Cypriot from Salamis visited the island accompanied by St. Paul and St. Mark and was later martyred in Salamis in 52 A.D. The church of St. Barnabas is preserved to this day, and houses a wonderful collection of 18th century icons. The monastery cloisters now house an archaeological museum.

The city lies on the eastern coast in a bay between Capes Greco and Eloea, and possesses the deepest harbour in Cyprus. Famagusta, which means "buried in the sand", is descriptive of the silted mouth of the Pedieos River north of the town. It was founded by the Macedonian Egyptian King Ptolemy II (308-246 B.C.). An influx of Christian refugees fleeing the downfall of Acre (1291) in Palestine transformed it from a tiny village into one of the richest cities in Christendom. In 1372 the port was seized by Genoa and in 1489 by Venice. In 1571, the Ottoman Turks conquered the city.

The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, previously the St. Nicholas Cathedral stands in Namik Kemal Square within the walls of the city of Famagusta. Built by Lusignans between 1298 and 1312, it is a stunning example of gothic architecture. The crowning of Lusignan Kings of Cyprus took place in this building, testament to its importance. Following the Ottoman conquest, the cathedral was used as a mosque following the addition of a minaret. There were no other major changes to its structure, and many original features remain. The city also houses the Sinan Pasha Mosque, once known as the St. Peter and St. Paul Church. Built between 1358 and 1360, like its larger neighbour it was converted to a mosque once the city was captured by Ottomans.

According to Assyrian sources from the 7th century B.C., Nicosia used to be a city named Ledra. In about 300 B.C., the son of the Egyptian King Ptolemy Soter I, Lefkos, rebuilt this city and this name is immortalised in the modern name of Lefkosa (Turkish). The Frankish name Nicosia is thought to have appeared in the 12th century.

Richard the Lionheart captured the island of Cyprus on his way to the Holy Land during the Third Crusade in 1191. It was in Cyprus that he married Bregadine of Navarre, who was chosen as his wife by his mother, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Cyprus remained under Richard's rule for one year until 1192, when he sold it to the Knights Templars who ruled the island from Nicosia. The Templars permitted Guy de Lusignan, who had lost his Kingdom of Jerusalem to his cousin, to buy Cyprus a few months later. From that date onwards, Nicosia remains the capital city of Cyprus.

The city flourished during the Lusignan era, churches and palaces where built and the city grew. This glorious period in the history of the city ended in 1489 when the Venetians captured Cyprus. The Venetians demolished most of the Lusignan monuments, and used the masonry to fortify the city against the anticipated Ottoman invasion. In 1567, just before the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus, they started to build a protective wall to defend the city. The Venetian engineer Guilio Savorignano drew the plans of the wall, which have a circumference of 3 miles, 11 bastions and 3 gates. The remains of this wall still encircle the old city today. The 3 gates were named "Porta Del Proveditore - The Kyrenia Gate", "Porta Guiliana - The Famagusta Gate" and "Porta Domenica - The Paphos Gate". The Kyrenia Gate is still intact today, and remains as an attractive historic monument situated in North Nicosia. The efforts of the Venetians did not prevent the island from falling to the Ottoman admiral Lala Mustafa Pasha in 1570 during the reign of Sultan Selim II.

After the Ottoman conquest, the city gained new vigour and mosques and other buildings were built to meet the requirements of the new masters. To our day, the city has kept its charm, and stands as an open air museum to centuries of history awaiting to be discovered.

Day 1
Arrive in North Cyprus, unpack and settle in at your accommodation. Relax around the pool, check out the facilities and local area. You may need to acclimatise, the temperature can reach 30°C in the summer. Don't forget to put on your sun protection!

Why not head for a stroll in the picturesque Kyrenia Harbour in the evening? Soak up the atmosphere, the tranquil harbour houses plenty of bars and restaurants which are open late 7 days a week. Don't miss out on this experience. The Time Out Cyprus Visitor's Guide describes the harbour as "still being the most idyllic spot on the whole island of Cyprus, with intoxicatingly serene atmosphere!".

Day 2
Why not spend the day on the beach? Kyrenia has some excellent coastline, which is both clean and uncrowded. You may wish to use the facilities local to your accommodation, or why not visit one of the more exclusive Beach Club's, such as the Escape Beach Club or Camelot Beach Club? The Escape Beach Club is situated on what is known locally as the "Landing beach", the spot where many thousands of Turkish Troops entered Cyprus during the Peace Operation in 1974. This area is now landscaped with grass, flowers and fauna. The bar/restaurant serves delicious refreshments, and these can all be served while you relax without leaving your sun-bed. Relax and enjoy the sun & the sea.

In the evening, why not sample one of the local restaurants? Alternatively, why not spend the evening in one of the 5 star Hotel resorts? Most also house casinos where you can have a flutter, unsurprising since North Cyprus is known as the Monte Carlo of the eastern Mediterranean. The concentration of hotels & casinos in the Lapta area have earnt it the name of "Little Vegas" amongst the local ex-pat community.

Day 3
A visit to Saint Hilarion Castle in the Five Finger Mountains is a must. Not only does the castle provide breath taking views of the island, the mystical remains and hidden rooms and tunnels are yours to explore. The castle was rumoured to be the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, so why not take a bottle of water with you and say you've seen the original! The castle is open in the morning until 1pm in the summer months, so be sure to get there early.
In the afternoon, you could return for relaxation around the pool.. Or you could visit Kyrenia Castle, which guards the entrance to the old harbour. This Venetian structure houses the Chapel of St. George, and a Lusignan dungeon. The shipwreck museum is also housed in the castle, where you can view the oldest shipwreck ever recovered in the world.

The castle also hosts many events, during your stay you may get to experience a concert or play. From Turkish Pop Concerts, to Shakesphere's Othello. Even the Bolshoi Ballet have performed here in the past!

Day 4
After the sightseeing yesterday, a day of fun in the sun.. Find your own beach, ask your accommodation reception what they recommend. Or why not visit the Acapulco Holiday resort, east of Kyrenia past Catalkoy? Entry into the complex costs 15YTL, and provides non-residential guests of the hotel use of the large outdoor swimming pool, several waterslides, a long sandy beach and the use of the indoor gym, Jacuzzi and sauna. There a various sporting activities outdoors in the summer months, including beach volley, tennis and basketball.

In the evening, why not take a drive and discover your own restaurant? Find a restaurant that is busy with locals. The popularity of a restaurant amongst locals is the best recommendation and review you can get! Alternatively, if you've had enough activity for the day why not book a table at Niazi's Restaurant in the old harbour opposite the Dome hotel?

Day 5
The gothic abbey at Bellapais dates back to 1198, and is a must see landmark during your visit to North Cyprus. As well as the history of the Abbey itself, the area is also famous for past residents, which include Laurence Durrell who lived in the village during the 1950s. The idyllic days he described in his book "Bitter Lemons of Cyprus" may be long gone, but the "Tree of Idleness" remains. Like the castle in Kyrenia, the Abbey at Bellapais has also hosted world famous performers such as The Three Tenors, and hosts the annual North Cyprus Music Festival.

You may wish to continue your site seeing, by continuing to Buffavento Castle which lies near the village of Arapkoy. It is the least well preserved of the three castles in Kyrenia, but is the highest at 940m above sea level and therefore provides impressive views of the island.

Day 6
Spend the day relaxing around the pool, maybe taking some time out to visit Design 74 the pottery factory along the Kyrenia Coastal road in Karaoglanoglu. Here you'll find many hand made souvenirs to take back home to your friends and family, or to keep as a momento of your time in North Cyprus.
If you are more energetic, maybe you'll try fishing, diving, kayaking or even quad biking. Maybe a stroll is more your style? Be sure to ask your fellow guests or hotel reception for recommendations.

In the evening, why not visit one of the jazz clubs located in the larger hotels? Most hotels hold regular Cyprus Nights too, where you can sample local food and experience the islands folklore dancers, and maybe even a belly dancer. For those seeking livelier nightlife, they should head to the open air night club at the Escape Beach Club, where in the summer DJs are flown in from London to provide the latest in dance floor music.
The attractive village of Karmi (Karaman) nestled in mountains, just off the Karaoglanoglu Road, is arguable one of the most attractive villages in North Cyprus. Also known as the English Village, Karmi is home to many non-cypriots. The church which is open on Sundays (10.30 a.m. - 1 p.m.) is worth viewing, and houses the icon collection collected by residents from abandoned churches in the area. The village provides excellent photo opportunities and the blue entrance doors to the church have become synonymous with North Cyprus. The views of the coast from the village are a must, as is a refreshing drink or snack in either Karmi or its neighbouring village Edremit.

Day 8
The capital city of Nicosia is well connected to the coastal resort towns by dual carriageway. Taking the trip will provide both shopping opportunities, and also the opportunity to visit many places of historic interest, such as the Kyrenia Gate, Buyuk Hammam and Buyuk Han. Whilst in Nicosia, you will also see evidence of the continued division of Cyprus, as the border which separates the island crosses through the Capital.

Designer brands such as Karen Millen & Burberry are made in factories in North Cyprus. One factory outlet store, Nalken, stocks the latest high street branded goods for a fraction of the price you'd pay back in the U.K. Imitations are also available in the old town market stores. The world famous "Buyuk Hammam", are the old Turkish baths which were used during the Ottoman era. The baths were regarded as a social activity, and the Hammam was the place where news would be exchanged and even marriages arranged. You can treat yourself to a massage, followed by a sauna and bath, where you can be scrubbed and washed down by a high-pressured jet. This practice is supposed to be good for the break up of cellulite and aids circulation.

Day 9
Take a drive to Famagusta, to visit the ancient ruins of Salamis. This most important ancient city of Cyprus remains the island's most prominent archaeological site. There is much to see here including the mosaic paved gymnasium, fresco-adorned walls of the baths, amphitheatre and the Royal Tombs. Roman and Byzantine monuments decorate the site, which was the first place in Cyprus to mint coinage.

The coast around Famagusta provides some impressive sandy beaches. You would be advised to take a dip in the see at either Glapsides near Salamis, or further down towards Famagusta town at the Palm Beach Hotel. Here you will also be able to see the closed city of Varosha, where the many Hotel towers of this once prosperous holiday resort remain empty.

Day 10
A drive along the Karpaz Peninsular takes a number of hours, but is a journey well worth it if you want a couple of kilometers of sandy beach to yourself! As well as the exclusivity, the quality of beach would put some in the Caribbean to shame. If you fancy driving to the tip of Cyprus, the much celebrated Monastery of Apostolos Andreas lies on the sea front at the North Eastern tip of the island. Well worth a visit if you are in the Karpaz area.

Stopping at Golden Beach in summer, will also offer the opportunity for you to witness the endangered and protected Caretta Caretta turtles laying their eggs in the beach. If you are really lucky, you may catch the moment when the baby turtles hatch from the carefully monitored eggs.

The peninsula is ideal for cyclists and lovers of wild flowers. Untouched by development, if raw beauty is what you are looking for this is the place for you.

Day 11
A number of organised boat trips leave from Kyrenia old harbour, and provide the opportunity for you to view the island from the sea. These trips provide the opportunity to view the island coast, not possible by car alone. Ample opportunity is provided to swim in the depths of the Mediterranean, and taking a snorkel is advisable.. The world's oldest shipwreck was found off the shores of Cyprus. All day trips serve a BBQ fish lunch

Day 12
The old walled city of Famagusta, the inspiration for Shakespeare's Othello known as the Citadel still stands. During the 13th century, the city was the wealthiest on earth. Within the city walls lies the the Lala Mustafa Pasa Camii, which was formally St Nicholas Cathedral. This is one of the most spectacular Lusignan monuments in the town. Now a thriving university town, there are many shops and restaurants in the area which serve a variety of goods that you will not find back at home.

The Glapsides beach, a 10 minute drive from the city is ideal for children & non swimmers. The sand is fine, and the crystal clear water calm and shallow for a considerable distance out. In the summer, Jet skis and pedaloes are also available for hire and the Glapsides bar hosts a disco each evening.

Day 13
On your travels through North Cyprus, you have most probably seen a number of activities that may interest you. Why not spend the day Paragliding from St Hilarion? Or maybe Go-Karting at the rink? The 18 hole golf course at Esentepe is sure to keep you occupied for a number of hours. Paintballing, quad biking, clay shooting at Kyrenia Gun Club are all activities that you can try your hand at in North Cyprus. Why not try something different?

Day 14
Relax around the pool or at the beach... Your 2 weeks holiday in North Cyprus is nearly over, and you will be returning home tomorrow. No doubt you too will return to North Cyprus like the many thousands of loyal followers have done over the years. Or may be you too have decided to buy a home in North Cyprus and return more frequently.. You wouldn't be the first!

What the British Press say about North Cyprus:
Kyrenia Harbour... must be one of the most beautiful sights in the world. Mail on Sunday 'You' Magazine
..softer beaches and more impressive monuments than any in the South. The Financial Times
...the North is the best of Cyprus, their stretch of coastline is beautiful...The Sunday Express
Northern Cyprus was as good as we'd been told; miles of untainted beaches lapped by clear blue water, superb weather, cheap prices. From the moment we landed... ...we were overwhelmed by hospitality. It was as if we and the Turkish Cypriots were old friends who'd been long parted.
Mail on Sunday 'You' Magazine

Climate
The climate of Cyprus is typically Mediterranean. Summers (June to September) are hot and dry; winters (November to March) are moderately rainy, with a mild temperature. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. The average annual temperature is 20°C (68°F). Summer temperatures average 30°C (90°F) with the coldest months of January and February 10°C (50°F).