The Mediterranean as it used to be…… . This simple phrase best sums up the serenity and sheer natural beauty of this most forgotten backwater of the Mediterranean. Whilst most, if not all, of this region has succumbed to the demands of mass tourism and over development, Northern Cyprus stands proud as one of the few remaining holiday destinations where tourism fits in with the environment, rather than the other way round.
Surprisingly, amongst all this serenity and natural beauty, Northern Cyprus has another, more lively side. There are over 300 restaurants, tavernas and bistros on the island. For the more adventurous, there is surprisingly good choice of activities, attractions and organized tours. A North Cyprus holiday can be as diverse as you want it to be.
North Cyprus is an ideal holiday destination, with activities to suit everyone young and old, with glorious sandy beaches in between the blue Mediterranean sea and the stunning Kyrenia mountains, there are many ancient historical sites to explore and turtle watching. Some of our activities are; Wind Surfing, Sailing, scuba Diving, Jet Skiing, Hiking, Paragliding, Fishing, Ice skating, Go Karting, Bowling, Golf, Fitness and Spa etc..
The prestigous 18 hole championship golf course and country club is suitated in between the five finger mountain and the coast with stunning view of the mediterranean sea on the one side and the five finger mountain on the other side. Please see their web site for further info.
North Cyprus is a virtually crime free island and is very safe for all ages. The locals in North Cyprus are of a very hospitable and genuine nature.
The island is famously known as a corner of earth touched by heaven, an unspoilt jewel of the Mediterranean.
The peace and tranquility of Kyrenia Harbour can be felt even before it is seen. As you stroll along the sea front towards it, there is an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Turning into the harbour itself, your eyes will behold a veritable feast, as tiny whitewashed buildings and colourful fishing boats nestle protectively between the massive Byzantine castle at one end and the colonial customs house at the other. All at once you will understand why this tiny harbour has been called `one of the most beautiful sights in the world` mail on Sunday `you` magazine.
It is well known fact that North Cyprus is a wonderful place in every season. Every season is different on our island. You don't wake up to the day, so much as wake up into a dream world. The dream world that is made up of the colours of the rainbow. Despite of its rich and diverse historical and culture heritage North Cyprus has magnificent natural beauty. The richness of the flora partly explained by the uniqueness of the Mediterranean climate. About 1900 linds of flowering plants including gramineae grasses grow wild in North Cyprus. There are 19 different types of flora which occur here and no where else in the world. Cyprus has also 8 types of herbal plants.
Nature has formed orchid flowers in a way that must either make us laugh or excite our admiration, wrote a 17th century German botanist. Out of 20,000 or so orchids known, Cyprus has about 45 kinds and North Cyprus 30 of these.
Presses and preserved speciments, drawing and photographs of all these species can be seen at any time in North Cyprus herbarium. There are also arranged walks to see Orchids.
Caretta carettas and Chelonia mydas.
For about one hundred million years, our waters have been visited by the green (chelonia mydas) and the logger head (caretta carettas) turtles. The green turtle only nests in Cyprus, south east turkey and sometimes in Israel.
These fascinating creatures come ashore on the deserted beaches of North Cyprus between May and august to nest and Aligadi beach is classified as a special protected area. After sunset, when it is dark, the adult females, sometimes with a carapace of more than 100cm long, make their way up the beach to find suitable nesting place. There, they lay between 65 and 110 eggs, depending on the species. This can be repeated three to five times for each, 10-15 days apart. When the nesting is done, the exhausted returns to the sea. She will perhaps reappear on the same beach again a couple of years later. Up to thirty percent of all green turtles nest on the coast line of North Cyprus. Group of ecologists and students have been observing and helping to protect these rare animals from extinction for a number of years.
Visitors are welcome to observe this exciting experience.
Situated west of kyrenia, Lapta reflects its past glory into its role as one of the jewels in the crown of north Cyprus tourism industry with its abundance of historical sites, natural beauty, hotels, restaurants and beautifully restored buildings.
One of the most beautiful villages in Kyrenia. Its wide residential area is engulfed by acres of olive, carob and lemons.
Karpaz is just 1hr 30 min drive from Kyrenia and then you are in the northeastern region of Cyprus known as `The panhandle` or the Karpaz. A visit to this magical part of the country is a must.
Here you can sit under Durrells Tree of Idleness and watch the world go by.
The abbey was founded by Augustine monks around 1250ad and represents some of the finest medieval gothic architecture in the eastern Mediterranean. The sleepy village of Bellapais was home to Lawrence Durrell and has been immortalized in his classic novel `bitter lemons`.
Located three miles to the east of Kyrenia, built on a rocky outcrop on the slopes of the five-finger mountain range, Bellapais Abbey was a great importance to a people for whom peace was elusive. In North Cyprus, where several monuments to the Gothic period still remain, Bellapais Abbey stands to the fore.
Kantara stands at the gateway of the Karpas peninsula. Although only 1900ft above sea level in the mountains, it affords marvelous views of both the northern and southern coastlines.
Sipilna Mosaics - If you put your feet on the pilgrims sandals - you will return to North Cyprus!
This spectacular fairytale castle is the best preserved of all three. A wild and dramatic maze of fortifications, it was built around 1100AD and conquered by Richard the Lionheart in 1191AD. Besides its enchanting historical background, the wonderful views from St Hilarion castle are not to be missed.
Buffavento is the highest of the three crusader castles found in Cyprus. Situated 2500ft above sea level in the mountains, a system of flares linked the castle by night to St Hilarion and Kantara.
Dating back to 1100BC, these ruins are Northern Cyprus most impressive historical site. The best preserved remains are the gymnasium, baths and the spectacular amphitheatre, which is one of the largest in the Mediterranean.
Founded by the Byzantines in the 10th century, this huge castle with its thick walls and massive bastions, dominates the harbour of Kyrenia. It also houses a museum with the remains of one of the worlds oldest shipwrecks.
Dating mainly from Roman times, the main attractions are the 3500 seat amphitheatre and the beautifully preserved mosaics of the basilica.
North Cyprus is proud to offer crystal clear beaches that one can hardly find anywhere else in the Mediterranean , it has varied coastline and amenities for swimmers, luxurious beaches of large hotels or remote ones lost behind dunes. On the east coast between famagusta and Bogaz, a golden beach stretches for about 15miles. By contrast on the north coast on either side of kyrenia, there are cosy beaches with bars and sports facilities. Further more isolated creeks decorate the landscape for nearly 20 miles. It is possible for water lovers to enjoy swimming for about 8 months of the year, and also enjoying diving, sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, waterskiing.
· Escape - Alsancak - Mare Monte - Alsancak.
· Acapulco - Catalkoy - Deniz Kizi - Alsancak.
· Salamis - Magosa - Golden Beach - Karpaz.
· Vogue Beach Club – Lara Beach
· Mosquito Beach Club - Alsancak.
