NORTHERN CYPRUS
Posted by Jill Bowen on Mon 17th September 2007 at 03:18 AM, Filed in Europe
The unspoilt gem.
What do you look for when choosing a holiday destination? Do you want glitz, disco’s, full on night life, crowds, designer shops? If yes, then this article is not for you.
But, if you’re looking for unspoilt countryside, beautiful beaches, a laid back slow way of life. An area that mass tourism has not yet totally spoilt? Then yes, go to Northern Cyprus before it opens up the hoards – which I’m sure will occur only too soon.
There are three main towns on Northern Cyprus, Nicosia, the divided capital; Famagusta with it’s castle and spooky ‘ghost town’, and Kyrenia. I will not deny that there is building work going on. The outer environs of Kyrenia are a patchy building site, as is part of the coastal road. Inevitable as more tourists discover the area, which, to some extent is still frozen in time.
Kyrenia Harbour:
Where to stay? There’s a lot of specialist tour operators who only go to Northern Cyprus. You will find hotels and self catering apartments to suit all pockets, from simple, a few ‘all inclusive’, plus upmarket hotels. Don’t necessarily expect the same standard of accommodation as in some of the more developed tourist areas in the world. You have to remember that tourism in Northern Cyprus is still in its infancy. Actually it’s very refreshing; as you won’t find the usual tourist ‘tat’ type souvenirs in the shops, just local crafts, sold by very genuine locals. A word or two about the local population; they are one of the most friendly people I have met, very proud of their culture and traditions, and only too willing tell you about their turbulent history.
If you are not a beach lover then Kyrenia town may be the place for you. Most of the hotels have pools, and Kyrenia has a very laid back old-fashioned charm, with plenty of places to visit nearby and the plus of staying near shops and restaurants. You will find more information regarding Kyrenia in subsequent blogs.
Personally I am a beach lover, and stayed in a reasonably high standard half-board hotel, about a 30 minute drive from Kyrenia a fantastic beach, with water so warm it was reminiscent of those found in Thailand - bliss. However, as beautiful as the beaches are you are a ‘captive’ at a lot of the hotels near to the sea as they are usually isolated, so unless you like the somewhat ‘dubious’ hotel animation night after night you will need to hire a car, or take a taxi into town some evenings to vary your holiday.
Before you go I suggest you read ‘The Bitter Lemons of Cyprus’, written by Laurence Durrell, who lived for a few years in this area in the time leading up to the division. A fascinating account of what life was like before the ‘troubles’, painting a picture of idyllic beauty and harmony among people with different beliefs.
There are numerous intriguing and delightful places to explore in Northern Cyprus that I will expand upon in due course, but meanwhile here’s a list of some of the things you may want to do to make the most of you holiday.
TOP TRIPS IN NORTHERN CYPRUS
- Kyrenia - for the town and castle
- Saint Hilarion Castle - fairytale-like castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty
- Bellapais - the hill-top monastery that hosts classical concerts
- Nicosia - ‘divided’ greek/turkish capitel
- Famagusta - which includes the ‘ghost town’ (still disputed land)
- The Pan Handle - unspoilt, scenic area with turtles but no mains electricity
This entry has been viewed 303 times.
READER COMMENTS:
No comments yet.
