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There is so much that could
be written about this beautiful
Island and frequent visitors will
know that although a small island
there is still always something
new to discover everytime
they come. The Island has
grown from a small virtually
undiscovered holiday
destination to the more
popular touristic location it is
today. Thankfully Northern
Cyprus still retains the
exclusivity as mass tourism is yet to take off here which has
helped the Island to retain the Mediterranean atmosphere and
splendor of of it’s history. Time seems to have stopped in some of
the rural areas which is so desired by some. Major towns and
villages, however, benefit from all the mod-cons such as satelite TV,
wireless internet connection, central heating etc.
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Whether you enjoy spending your holiday peacefully lazing by the swimming pool
with a good book whilst soaking up the sun, or like to discover historical and
archeological sites and museums, enjoy sports such as golf, water sports,
paragliding or wakeboarding or like nightlife, bars, dining alfresco in any one
of the variety of restaurants on offer, there is something for everyone. Girne
(Kyrenia) Harbour houses a picturesque horseshoe shaped yacht harbour that is
surrounded by an array of restaurants and bars, the seating areas of which sit
on the waters edge so you can while away the hours siping your brandy sours
watching the yachts and fishing boats come and go. There are also daily boat
tours which are not only very entertaining but also provide you with the rare
opportunity of taking in the natural beauty of the mountains and beaches from
another perspective. If you are lucky enough to catch glimpse of a dolphin,
that is an added bonus to your trip. - You will just have to visit to see for
yourself!
The official language is Turkish however, due to it’s history English is widely
spoken on the Island. The people show typical Mediterranean qualities such as
genuine hospitality and interest in who you are and where you come from. They
will think nothing of inviting you into their homes for coffee, even a meal and
will be offended if you refuse! Most homes have their own fruit trees in the
garden and you will be asked to pick your own fruit to sample as the owners are
so proud of their produce.
Cyprus makes for a pleasant and healthy life, Summer is a season of sun and sea
and Winters are mild and short. The warm weather will begin in April with the
occassional shower and reach a high in July and August with temperatures
souring to 36°C and no showers! Then the season starts to cool and by mid
October, although still warm with occassional showers and still possible to
swim and sunbathe, the locals start to clear their terraces and balconies of
outdoor furniture!
The currency is the New Turkish Lira but again English sterling is widely
accepted on the Island. The exchange rate on the Island will be better than if
you change up in the UK so just exchange the minimum you need before you get
here.
Girne and the surrounding villages have many restaurants and bars to choose
from. Foreign cuisine is now available in the form of Indian, Chinese and
Mexican as well as the traditional Turkish kebabs and meze’s and local seafood
restaurants.
There are now a variety of sports available for the tourist and with the recent
opening of the golf course in Esentepe, golfers are fýnding Cyprus a wonderful
place to both holiday and play their favourite game. Watersports are popular on
most of the beaches as well as paraglidýng, quadbiking, and walking tours and
scuba diving.
History is all around us in Cyprus, archeological sites of years gone by,
historic buildings and artifacts, museums, castles and fortresses, roman baths,
churches, abbeys and cathedrals, all waiting for visits from enthusiasts. Girne
Castle (Byzantine Era) houses the oldest shipwreck in the world and is open all
year around to visitors.
In the past some Cypriots made their living from producing items that we now
call handicrafts, but at the time these were housewares that all households
used in daily life. Wickerware, clay pottery and lefkara needlework are now
only produced for decor and as souvenirs for tourists but luckily there are
still some workshops that are open as public interest. Well worth a visit!
The Island is very rich in terms of plant and fruit tree species and natural
beauty. Orange, lemon, peach, apricot, olive, carob and thorn apple to name but
only a few. Scented shrubs that grow in the wild like sage, daphne (Bay
leaves), thyme and lavender are all found on the mountain plains of Northern
Cyprus. Of the 50,000 estimated species of orchids in the world, 30 different
species can be found in Northern Cyprus.
In 7000BC the first settlers to the Island bought with them goats, sheep, cats,
dogs and pigs. Wild mountain sheep, wild boars, rabbits, foxes, hedgehogs and
Persian deer live on the Island today and Northern Cyprus is famous for its
donkeys, birds and turtles. Particularly the protected Caretta Caretta Turtle
which is in danger of extinction. The northern coast beaches are now one of the
few areas in the world were this turtle breeds and is under the protection of
the local governing bodies and volunteers. When the female turtle is ready to
lay eggs on the beach, the beaches are cleared and prepared and there are night
watches to greet the new born hatchlings to the world and assist them in
reaching the sea. This hatching starts around the beginning of September and is
a must see for nature lovers.
All in all, Northern Cyprus is well worth a visit as there really is something
for every taste and this is why a high percentage of guests to the Island find
themselves coming back time after time.
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