Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus encompassses roughly one third of the island.A central plain gives way to the Northern Mountain range and then drops to the coastal plain where the majority of new developments is taking place.The way of life has changed very little in recent years with lots of tiny villages dotted round the mountainsides.However the North is now in the middle of a development boom.Border restrictions between the two parts of the country have been eased since Cyprus inception to the EU but the political problems still remain. Place names are both in Greek and Turkish.(View Map) Turkey is keen to resolve the problem because their entrance to the EU is being hampered and they are keen to join. The Republic of Cyprus is already part of the EU so there is no problem for the Greek part of the island in this respect.

As a holiday destination Northern Cyprus has it all.Beautiful Mountains to hike in and beautiful beaches to explore.Outdoor pursuits are plentiful .Golf at Esentepe,Parascending, horse riding, hiking and scuba diving are all available. The waters here are some of the clearest in the Mediterranean.There are hotels in the main towns of Kyrenia and Famagusta and lots of private villas and apartments to hire at very reasonable costs all over the Northern coast. With long hot summers extending through till early November the holiday season here is longer than other popular parts of the Mediterranean. Just as well really for the summer heat in Northern Cyprus,although cooled by Northern winds, can be too oppressive for young and old alike. The best times to visit if you have young or elderly members in your party would be May/June and October.

Kyrenia is the capital of the North and the picturesque harbour,surrounded by countless restaurants, is a must on anyones travel itinery . Kyrenia is an ideal base to visit the other parts of the North from. Other places to visit to make your stay all the more enjoyable are Bellapais Abbey,Salamis,Turtle Beach, Karpaz Peninsular and the main towns of Nicosia and Famagusta. With over 9000 years of history Cyprus is full of ancient archaeological sites. Salamis, a former Roman capital of the island circa 1100 BC, can be found on the East coast just north of Famagusta. Buried by windblown sands these ruins have remained remarkably intact as they were hiden from the "quarrying" that resulted in the destruction of most sites in the middle ages. Bellapais Abbey is in the foothills just above Kyrenia. There is an excellent restaurant here with brilliant views over the hills to Kyrenia harbour and the sea beyond. The village of Bellapais is one of the most picturesque in all the Mediterranean.Turtle Beach is one of about 80 beaches that are used as nesting grounds by the loggerhead turtle and the green turtle both of which are endangerd species.Mkae sure you dont step on any nests if you are visiting the beach here. All the new develoments are a constant threat to the survival of these species. After hatching from their eggs they go to the sea and then return to the same spot 30 years later to lay their own eggs.Finally the Karpaz Peninsular is a must visit .Stretching for miles and miles you will not encounter too many people here. Designated a National Park the Peninsular is home to many different species of wildlife including lots of feral donkeys you willl see from time to time.Nicosia and Famagusta are both ancient cities with tea houses and churches a plenty . Nicosia has an 800 year old fig tree in the grounds of the Gothic St Nicholas Cathedral,an excellent photo location! The ancient walls still encircle Famagusta.

Car hire is a must to get the most out of your trip.Driving is on the left in Northern Cyprus and car hire is cheap and easy.There are however no direct flights from EU countries to Ercan the Airport in the North. Flights with Turkish Airlines and Turkish/Cypriot airlines touch down in Turkey and then fly on to Ercan after about 45 mins. You can however fly to Larnaca in the South or Paphos in the West and then travel onward by taxi through to the North. Taxi transfers are normally arranged through your holiday provider. A hire car in the South is not allowed to go into the North so if you intend to hire a car then make sure it is from one of the Northern Cyprus operators.Northern Cyprus is fast being developed so if you are tempted by what you have read here then dont delay.mMke sure you visit here soon!