North Cyprus
North Cyprus is one of the last unspoiled corners of the Mediterranean. In its old-style charm, the warmth of its close-knit community and its spectacular beauty, the country's quality of life harks back to a bygone era.
Explore the historical picturesque sites of Kyrenia (Girne), Bellapais Abbey, St Hilarion castle, Vounai Palace or the Karpas Peninsula.
Experience the never-to-be-forgotten impact of a traditional Turkish meal with meze's (starters) - all thirty courses, in a sleepy but friendly North Cyprus restaurant.
Alternatively, walk through hillsides, mountains and traditional villages, or experience an adrenaline rush with some of the best paragliding in Cyprus.
Whatever you are looking for, North Cyprus probably offers it with a smile!
| Places to Visit | Things to Do | Advice |
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» Kyrenia » Karpas peninsula » St. Hilarion Castle » Bellapais » Nicosia » Salamis » Buffavento Castle » Kantara Castle » Soli » Vouni Palace |
» Kyrenia » Beaches » Walking in North Cyprus » Other activities » Cuisine in Northern Cyprus |
» Tipping » Local food » Time Difference » Climate » Currency » Driving » Local Buses » Electricity and Water |
With such a background, Cyprus has developed a character which is a blend of all that has gone before. Part of its uniqueness is the natural beauty of the northern part of the island.
The coastline offers fine, uncrowded beaches. You can still arrive at a beach and enjoy being the only one there.
The mountains provide a lovely backdrop to the beaches but are very well worth visiting themselves; the track systems offer good walking. In the spring they abound with wild flowers.
What makes Northern Cyprus special apart from its beaches, mountains and natural beauty? Well, to these you add a super climate, and the hospitality of the Turkish Cypriots.
The clearest influences today are those of the British colonial era, from the 19th century to 1960, which makes for a smooth transition and a warm welcome for UK visitors and residents. English is widely spoken and familiar practices extend as far as driving on the left and even the use of three-pin plugs.
North Syprus straddles the dramatic Besparmak (Five Finger) mountain range and takes in the citrus groves of the West, and the magnificent Karpaz peninsula in the East, home to a wealth of flora and fauna.
The main population centres, all with their own historic flavour, are the capital, Lefkosa (Nicosia), the principal commercial port town of Gazi Magusa (Famagusta); Guzelyurt (Morphou) the hub of citrus production; and Girne (Kyrenia), the jewel of the country's tourist industry, nestled behind a picturesque horseshoe-shaped yacht harbour.
The location of Cyprus in the makes it a strategic crossroads between three continents and has been used by travellers in their various journeys throughout history. Traces of these ancient peoples are evident at the many of the historic sites across the country.
To the south of the Kyrenia range lies Nicosia (Lefkosa), the capital of North Cyprus, through which runs the boundary, `The Green Line', separating North from South Cyprus. Crossing the border is much less an issue these days, with access to North Cyprus via Larnaca making the North much more accessible.
Kyrenia
With its 6,000 year long history, unique remains of countless civilisations, miles of natural beaches, calm sea, and mild climate is an idyllic Mediterranean town.
With the backdrop of the jagged mountains behind and the calm sparkling sea in front, the harbour has an intoxicatingly serene atmosphere. Kyrenia is an easy place to while away any time of the day... exploring shops, markets and local cafés, or strolling in the narrow cobbled alleys behind the harbour.
Overlooking the entrance to the harbour is Kyrenia Castle. Dating from the time of the Byzantines, its massive defences surround a complex mixture of building styles from centuries before and it is likely that there was a Roman fort here originally.
The castle is now home to many historical artefacts and is the current resting-place of the world's oldest shipwreck.
Karpas peninsula
Karpas peninsula (or the panhandle) is the easternmost part of the island of Cyprus, where the land tapers into a thin strip which stretches out towards Turkey. Almost totally free from heavy concentration of industry and people, it has been called the nature reserve of Cyprus for birds, wild flowers and sea fossils are to be found everywhere. Moreover, numerous picturesque beaches, both sandy and rocky, are said to be the best in the whole island.
St. Hilarion Castle
Just a few minutes drive away from Kyrenia and the villa, lies the fairy-tale castle of St.Hilarion and is rumoured to be the original inspiration for Walt Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty', It was built as a military fortress controlling the mountain pass to Nicosia.
Bellapais
The beauty of Bellapais is legendary. Set in the mountains, just ten minutes above Kyrenia, a visit to this 14th century Lusignan abbey with its fabulous location and pervasive atmosphere of calm is a must.
The sleepy village of Bellapais with its "Tree of Idleness" was home to the famous British writer Lawrence Durell for two years and its charm has been immortalized in his novel "Bitter Lemons".
Nicosia
The present day capital of the island, it has a population of around 150,000 and it is divided into Turkish and Greek sectors by a boundary known as the `green line' which runs in an east-west direction. In the old city of Nicosia, beautiful examples of Gothic and Ottoman architecture abound - the Selimiye Mosque, the Bedestan, the Arab Ahmet Mosque, and the Great Han/ Inn, to name but a few.
Salamis
5 miles north of Famagusta, dating back to 1100 BC, the exterior ruins of this ancient city represent North Cyprus's most impressive historical site. The best preserved remains are the gymnasium, Roman baths and the spectacular Roman Amphitheatre, which is one of the largest in the Eastern Mediterranean seating 20,000 spectators.
Buffavento Castle
The highest of the three Byzantine castles and the hardest to reach. Situated 930 metres above sea level in the mountains, it is 15 miles by road to the south-east of Kyrenia. A system of flares linked the castle by night with St Hilarion and Kantara.
Kantara Castle
The most easterly of the castles, standing at the gateway of the Karpas peninsula, some 25 miles north -east of Famagusta. Although only 700 metres above sea level, it affords marvellous panoramic views of both the northern and southern coastlines and its ruins are the epitome of romantic seclusion.
Soli
Some 35 miles west of Lefkosa (Nicosia) on the outskirts of Gemikonagi are the ruins of the City of Soli . Dating mainly from the Roman period, the main attractions are the 3,500 seat amphitheatre and the beautifully preserved mosaic floor of the basilica.
Vouni Palace
A further 5 miles beyond Soli is the ruined palace of Vouni, which was built about 480 BC for one of the kings of Cyprus. Originally consisting of some 137 rooms, the palace was built on three levels on the cliffs overlooking Guzelyurt Bay. Recent excavations at the site have yielded many important historic finds.
Kyrenia
With its 6,000 year long history, unique remains of countless civilisations, miles of natural beaches, calm sea, and mild climate is an idyllic Mediterranean town.
With the backdrop of the jagged mountains behind and the calm sparkling sea in front, the harbour has an intoxicatingly serene atmosphere. Kyrenia is an easy place to while away any time of the day... exploring shops, markets and local cafés, or strolling in the narrow cobbled alleys behind the harbour.
Overlooking the entrance to the harbour is Kyrenia Castle. Dating from the time of the Byzantines, its massive defences surround a complex mixture of building styles from centuries before and it is likely that there was a Roman fort here originally.
The castle is now home to many historical artefacts and is the current resting-place of the world's oldest shipwreck.
Beaches
Beaches are a principal attraction in North Cyprus, and vary widely in character from the busy hotel beaches,(which charge a small fee but offer many excellent facilities, to the small coves and the secluded stretches of sand in the Karpaz, where you may find you have an entire beach to yourselves.
Small villages sprawl along the coast to either side of Kyrenia, where the coastline is laced with golden sandy beaches and rocky coves, and the clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and even turtle spotting. Do not forget to use sun-screen lotion - after 20 minutes under the summer sun, you will begin to burn.
Water sports are available on some beaches, in particular at Deniz Kizi, some 5 miles west of Kyrenia, where Dolphin Sailing, which is recognized by the Royal Yacht Club, offers a wide range of water sports with professional tuition and supervision. In general, the beaches associated with hotels are kept clean and provide facilities such as toilets, deck chairs, parasols, bars and restaurants. Entrance fees vary.
Walking in North Cyprus
You can begin a choice of walks into the mountains or to villages clinging to its slopes from the front door. Walk for miles on tracks unpolluted by traffic and with fantastic views in all directions.
Enjoy it with flowers! The best time to enjoy the mountains is between February and May when the island is a riot of colourful blossoms and wild flowers. Cyclamens, anemones, narcissi and wild tulips carpet ravines, fields and olive groves.
By early summer, the citrus trees are in bloom, filling the air with their heady scent, followed by the red blossoms of the pomegranate trees. By autumn, Cyprus cyclamens and autumn crocuses bloom on the northern slopes of the mountains.
Want to make new friends? Between February and May local groups organise guided walks, welcoming visitors who join them.
There are books with information about accessible mountain walks in the villa, together with details of guided walks and ramblers groups.
Other activities
While many of our guests are content to while away the hours by the pool, soaking up the sun or gazing at the views, North Cyprus has plenty to do for those more actively inclined.
CYCLING
Cyprus offers a superb climate, for cycling between the months of October and April where the temperature ranges between 15°C and 25°C.
The cycling terrain available will meet the needs of cycling enthusiasts of all abilities, offering pine clad hill tracks and lanes, sparse traffic outside of the main towns, peaceful white-washed villages to pass through and an awe inspiring Mediterranean coast-line to view.
The Kyrenia range offers an uncluttered escape for the mountain bike rider.
We are happy to provide details of quality bike hires and rates for guests on request.
Other easily accessible activities for you to enjoy in North Cyprus include:
Waterparks with slides
Horse riding
Sailing and wind surfing
Scuba diving
Day-long coastline picnic cruises
Tenis
Golf
Fishing
Mountain biking
Go-Karting
Turtle watching
Paragliding
Information about all these activities is contained in the comprehensive directory at the villa.
Cuisine in Northern Cyprus
There are good opportunities for eating out from major Hotel restaurants serving international dishes to small Bistro like restaurants, which offer typical Turkish-Cypriot specialities. Eating out is relatively cheap as compared with Southern Cyprus or Europe. There are some excellent quiet bars and restaurants within 10-15mins walk of Hibiscus. Kyrenia harbour is also an attractive place to dine in a picturesque surrounding. Many Hotels and larger restaurants will stage live music and/or local shows during the summer season. The average cost for eating out in a good restaurant is £15 per person for a 3-course dinner, including the local Wine. (August 2007 prices). It may be more expensive to eat in some of the harbour restaurants.
Tipping
Restaurant bills usually include service charge but it is also usual practice to give approximately 10% tip to the waiter.
Local food
Turkish Cypriot cooking is fascinating blend of East and West. Breakfast consists of luscious fruits, especially locally grown melons, various local breads with cheese or jams and a selection of eggs and local sausage. Traditionally, home-made yoghurt is served with delicious local honey and if you want coffee, then remember to ask for "Nescafe" - the local term for western coffee with milk. "Kahve" means Turkish coffee: thimblefuls of that wonderfully powerful brew that is a speciality of the Near East. Evening meals begin with a sumptuous "meze" - hors d`euvres sometimes consisting of as a many as 24 small dishes -before the main course.
Other typical dishes of the region are Shish kebab (marinated lamb skewered and grilled over charcoal), Kleftico (where meat and vegetables are all cooked slowly together in a clay oven.), Yalanci Dolma (vine leaves stuffed with rice onions and tomatoes). There are also plenty of fish restaurants where you can find a variety of fresh local fish.
Typical local sweet deserts are Lokum (Turkish Delight), Baklava (made from mille feuille pastry, nuts honey and syrup) and Halva (sweet made of flour, sugar, and ground sesame seeds). One can also find many patisserie shops with a great selection of cakes, ice cream and puddings.
North Cyprus produces a variety of local brandies and the aniseed based "raki" which is famous in the region. Brandy sours are the local aperitif andperfect refreshment on a hot summers evening. In addition to the local produce restaurants and hotels offer a wide range of wines, beers and spirits imported from the Turkish mainland and Europe. Soft drinks are widely produced and consumed locally. One traditional way to finish your meal is a small cup of Turkish coffee and a brandy.
Time Difference
Cyprus operates on Eastern European time, which is two hours ahead of GMT.
Climate
Known for its long, hot summers and its mild, short winters, Northern Cyprus promotes a relaxed and healthy way of life. Outdoor pursuits thrive in the 300-plus days of sunshine each year, and a sea temperature which rarely drops below 16C. In high summer, daytime temperatures rise to 30-40C, and the balmy evenings lend themselves to leisurely al fresco dinners.
North Cyprus enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with long summers and mild, short winters. We have over 300 days of sunshine each year. Click the link for today's weather and more information.
Currency
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The currency in North Cyprus is the New Turkish Lira. For up to date exchange rates and a conversion tool click on the link. It is advisable to bring either cash in British Pounds or British Pounds/US dollar travellers cheques with you. You would normally expect a much better exchange rate here than at home.
Credit cards can be used in cash points to obtain currency and can also be used in a number of large stores and some restaurants. While the number of shops and restaurants accepting credit cards is increasing It is not advisable to rely only on credit cards as you are bound to find some establishments that don’t accept them.
Driving
Driving is on the left, the same as it is in the UK. Make sure you keep your driving licence and car rental documents in the car at all times. The traffic signs are international and seat belts must be worn. Maximum speed is 100 km/hr.
Local Buses
Local buses tend to be 'mini buses' and are privately run. Each 'appears' to run independently and in competition with each other. They run where it is busiest, mainly on the main roads and larger villages and will pick people up at any point on their route just by waving them down. They will also drop you off at any point on their route and if asked will sometimes go off their route to take you to your destination, although this should not be relied on. There is no timetable, except they are rarer at night and will appear one after another during the day looking for business. There is no phone number to make enquiries.
Hibiscus House is less than 10 minutes walk to the nearest bus stop.
Electricity and Water
240 volt ac, 50hz, 3 pin plug. You can use your UK appliances without an adaptor.
