Cyprus is a paradise island of incomparable natural beauty, full of unique historical treasures.
North Cyprus provides a most hospitable welcome, with its friendly people, and its beautiful natural attractions, unspoilt, unpolluted and uncrowded with miles of coastline and golden sands bathed in sunshine almost every day of the year. There is much of historical interest to reflect nine thousand years of history. Gothic churches rub shoulders with crusader castles, and ruined temples with British Colonial architecture in a fascinating blend of styles. The all-pervading sense of the past adds to the enchantment of the present to make an unforgettable holiday.
Touched by myriad cultures, Cyprus is passionately aware of its identity.Location
Cyprus is the most easterly of the Mediterranean islands and the third largest in the area after Sicily and Sardinia in the Mediterranean.
It lies in the clear blue waters of the Eastern Mediterranean. At the nearest coastal points it is 40 miles from Turkey, 70 miles from Syria, and 250 miles from Egypt.
North Cyprus is some 100 miles
long, 40 miles across at its widest point and has a total area of 1357 square miles, comprising nearly 36% of the
island of Cyprus.
Capital is Nicosia.
Cities and Towns
To the south of the Kyrenia range lies Nicosia (Lefkosa)
(population 39,000), the capital of North Cyprus, through which runs the boundary, or as it is called 'The Green Line'
separating the North from South Cyprus.
The other major centers are the tourist resorts of
Famagusta (Magusa) (population 30,000) Kyrenia (Girne) (population 22,000), and the citrus center
of Guzelyurt (Morphou) )(population 15,000).
LEFKOSHA (NICOSIA):
The
Kyrenia Gate Although Lefkosha was founded in ancient times, it did not develop until the Lusignan Era. Massive walls
encircling the old city were built by the Venetians in 1570, with the aim of protecting the city against a possible Turkish attack. The walls, which still
remain almost as they were built, consist of eleven bastions. A charming mosque (Bayraktar Mosque) was erected
on Costanza Bastion soon after the Turkish conquest in 1571. In Lefkosha, there are many historic monuments dating from
the Middle Ages and later. Among these are several examples of Gothic and Ottoman buildings. Since Cyprus remained under
Turkish Rule for more than three centuries, all the towns on the island reflect the Turkish influence both in their
architecture and in the lifestyle of the people.GIRNE (KYRENIA):
Girne
is a fascinating town located on the northern coast of North Cyprus in a setting of great natural beauty. It is an ideal
resort for those who want to relax in a peaceful place, away from bustling city life. There
are luxury hotels, self-catering apartments, picnic places and sandy beaches on both sides of the town. One of the attractions
of Girne is its historic castle, and the tiny horse shoe shaped harbour The Kyrenia Castle with its yachts. The castle which was
built by the Byzantines and restored and reinforced by the Lusignans and Venetians, still retains all its magnificence
today. Atmospheric restaurants, attractive pubs and open air cafeterias are to be found all along the edge of the historic
old harbour.GAZIMAGOSA (FAMAGUSTA):
St.
Nicholas Gazimagusa, which was originally founded as a small commercial port and fishing town, flourished in the 12th
Century during the Lusignan period, and became an important trading centre between the East and the West. With nearly 365
places of worship and numerous palaces belonging to the nobles of the age, it was one of the most prosperous cities of the
Mediterranean. Among the churches of Gazimagusa, the cathedral of St. Nicholas, where the Lusignan Kings were crowned,
remains today as a particularly fine example of Gothic architecture. Soon after the Ottoman conquest in 1571, an
elegant minaret was added to this cathedral and it was converted into a mosque and named after Lala Mustafa Pasha,
the commander of the Ottoman forces who conquered the island. The Venetian walls surrounding the historic city are one of the
best examples of Medieval architecture still existing today. The golden sandy beaches of Gazimagusa are well known
throughout the world and it is the most important centre of tourism.GUZELYURT (MORPHOU):
Situated
in the northwest of Cyprus, surrounded by lovely citrus groves is the town of Guzelyurt, which means "beautiful country" in Turkish. The Guzelyurt region is very fertile, with numerous
underground springs. A large proportion of the citrus fruits are exported, and the remaining are made into fruit juice and canned for local consumption and export. In spring, the light
breezes scatter the white orange blossoms from which you can smell the fragrance around the town, while in other seasons the
golden oranges and lemons shine on the trees. It is an ideal picnic spot for those who want to escape from the noise and
rush of city life and to spend Morphou Gardens the day in the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings.LEFKE (LEFKA): Nestling below the Trodos Mountains 74 km. from Lefkosha, Lefke is a small and friendly town in the north west of Cyprus. Its Turkish character reflects the domination of the area by the Ottoman Turks for more than three hundred years.
Public Holidays
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| February 1 - 4* | Kurban Bayram (Feast of the Sacrifice) |
| April 23 | Turkish National Sovereignty and Children's Day |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May 19 | Ataturk Commemoration and Youth & Sports Day |
| July 20 | Turkish Intervention, Peace and Freedom Day |
| August 1 | date of T.M.T (Social Resistance Day) |
| August 30 | Zafer Bayram (Victory Day) |
| October 29 | Turkish Republic Day |
| November 15 | Republic Day of T. R. N. C. |
| November 3* | Ramazan (End of Ramadan) or Seker Bayram |
Entry Requirements
A valid passport. Children up to the age of 16 should be inscribed on the passport of either parent.
Currency
North Cyprus currency is the New Turkish Lira (YTL). All foreign currencies as well as traveller cheques are accepted in banks, hotels, and exchange offices. Most of the credit cards are accepted in international hotels,in some restaurants and shops and you can withdraw money from certain banks. The cost of living in North Cyprus is very much to the advantage of the European tourists. There are no limits for foreign exchange imported to North Cyprus.
Language
The official language is Turkish, but English is commonly spoken.
Time Zone
GMT + 2 in winter. GMT + 3 in summer.
Electricity
240 Volts, 50 Hz. Plugs are in English standards. It is advisable to have an
Cuisine
As its Turkish, Greek and
Lebanese neighbours, the Turkish Cypriot cuisine is rich and varied. 'Meze' is starter and consits of a variety of hot
and cold appetizers, salads, meats, vegetables and fish dishes. Variety of 'kebabs' can be found including lamb dishes such as shish kebab and doner kebab. If you prefer white meat then we
recommend chicken shish or doner kebabs. 'Sheftali' kebab is a local dish that you should try. Kofte - meat balls with spices are very popular too. 'Mineri', 'Lahos',
'Orfo' and 'Barbun' are the best fresh fish dishes that you might try. Make sure you ask for
'kalamar' (squid) as starter at local fish restaurants. You will love the famous Cypriot cheese 'hellim' (halloumi).
Tasty and juicy are also all the citrus fruits: oranges, grapes, peaches, melons, water melons, graperfruits etc.. At the
end of a good meal a food Turkish coffee is recommended. 'Sade' means without sugar, 'orta' is medium sugar and
'shekerli' means with sufficient sugar (sweet). 'Raki' is the local tequila - drink carefully!
Population 260,118.
Car Rental
Car rental prices are very reasonable. A valid driving licence and international licence is sufficient to rent a car.Cypriots drive on the left just
as the British do. Traffic signposts are international. Roads, in general, are in a good state. Seat-belt is
obligatory.
Hire a Car
Transport
Taxi prices are reasonable and they are metered. There is also a collective-taxi system mainly by minibuses (DOLMUSH). Bus departures are frequent between Large and smaller towns during the day. However, the departure times are not fixed. Public transport service is reduced after 18:00 pm and during the weekend there is only a sceleton service.
Book a private Transfer...Telephone Country Codes
Calling from your country dial + 90 392 followed by your number in Cyprus without the zero.
Hotels and Villas
North
Cyprus has a limited but rather varied infra-structure of hotels. Most of the touristic places are, for the
time being, concentrated around Girne (Kyrenia) and Gazimagusa (Famagusta), but it must not be ignored that the magnificent
Karpas peninsula will be developed as well in the coming years. There is a choice between five, four or three
stars hotels and holiday villages, comfort of which correspond to the European requirements.
Inns can be found, in the old part of Girne (Kyrenia), for example. Flats and traditional villas can be found
by the seaside or in typical Cypriot villages.