North Cyprus

cyprus1
North Cyprus, heaven on earth

 

Cyprus is, after Sicily and Sardinia, the largest island of the Mediterranean situated on the intersection of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. The island's trump cards are sufficiently known: a pleasant climate with soft winters and hot summers and a splendid nature. The most pleasant part of the island, the northern part, with the most beautiful historical monuments and sites has escaped mass tourism until now. Life is quiet and peaceful here, the splendid nature is still unspoilt and the hospitality is proverbial.

The scenery is extremely varied, with the Besparmak Mountains in the north, the protected peninsula Karpaz in the east, the vast fruit plantations in the west and the Mesaoria-plain in the inland. North Cyprus is a gold mine for culture and history freaks: traces of different rulers in a history of over 8.000 years can be found everywhere. The most important cities are the coastal cities Magosa (Famagusta) and Girne (Kyrenia) and the capital Lefkose (Nicosia). The international Ercan airport is situated close to the capital, and is the starting point of your discovery of this heaven on earth.


Flights
Accommodation
Prices
Combination with Istanbul
Car rental
History in a nutshell
Places of interest
Useful information

 

Flights

You fly with a regular flight over Istanbul to Ercan, North-Cyprus´ international airport. As the independent state North Cyprus is only recognised by Turkey, direct flights from Europe to Ercan are not yet possible. You always have to change in Istanbul. Your flight leaves in Brussels at 11.15 and arrives in Istanbul at 15.35 local time. The flight to Ercan leaves at 20.30 to arrive at 22:00. The return flight leaves in Ercan at 05:00 and you arrive in Brussels, after a change in Istanbul, at 10:15.

Tip :

If you want to make a virtue of necessity, you can explore Istanbul, either during the outbound or inbound travel. Contact us for hotel accommodations in Istanbul.

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Accommodation

We selected 2 holiday resorts, both situated in the magnificent scenery of the Kyrenia mountains.

Ambelia Village:

This is situated at some 45 km of the airport. It is, built in a green neighbourhood on a slope of the Kyrenia Mountains, overlooking the seaport Kyrenia and the Mediterranean. The resort is an ideal operating base for young adventurers as well as for senior citizens and families with children.

All units are decorated in country style and have a bathroom, kitchen (kitchenette in the studios), heating and air-conditioning. The studios (type A) are situated on the domain's lowest level, close to reception and restaurant and have a kitchenette, bathroom, bed sitting area and terrace.
The four-person-studios (type B) have an extra sleeping area, to be reached via an open staircase (duplex). The villa's (type C) are very spacious and comfortable and can house 5 - 6 adults (3 bedrooms, sitting room with fireplace, separate kitchen, 2 bathrooms: one with shower and one with bath).

The resort has a cosy restaurant and an unheated open-air swimming pool. It is on walking distance of the picturesque village Bellapais with its famous abbey. There are a few local grocery shops in the village where you can do some small shopping.

You stay in half-board, with breakfast and supper served at your table. Drinks are not included and should be paid on the spot. Ambelia Village is run by the Belgian Agnes Verbruggen. She likes to pamper her guests and has many useful tips for excursions and trips. Rooms are cleaned and beds are made daily on working days. You have to do the dishes yourself.

Hilarion Village:

This small but well tended resort is situated right under the picturesque village of Karmi (Kahraman) on the Kyrenia Mountains' slopes. It has recently been completely renovated and has 18 housing units. There are 8 duplexes for 2 persons (type A) with a cosy sitting room, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with shower. A staircase leads to the bedroom.

A supplementary bed for a third person can be requested at a surcharge. The 4 person-units (type B) have the same interior except for a supplementary bedroom on the ground floor. All units have a terrace and air conditioning/heating.

Hilarion village has a cosy restaurant with a good reputation, a bar and an open-air swimming pool. The view on the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean is really breathtaking.

You stay in half board with breakfast and supper being served at the table. Drinks are not included and should be paid on the spot. Hilarion Village is also run by the Belgian Agnes Verbrugghen. You can contact her in the morning with your questions or requests for useful information. Rooms are cleaned and beds are made daily on working days. You have to do the dishes yourself.

Hilarion Village is not far from the famous ruins of the Hilarion castle and is an ideal starting point for mountain trips. The port town Kyrenia is at some 10 km, the beach at some 6 km. It is recommended to rent a car.

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Prices

Daily departure - price per person for 1 week in a double room in half board

01/11/2006 - 18/12/2006
599 Euro
19/12/2006 - 02/01/2007
649 Euro
03/01/2007 - 23/03/2007
599 Euro
24/03/2007 - 15/06/2007
649 Euro
16/06/2007 - 15/08/2007
749 Euro
16/08/2007 - 31/10/2007
649 Euro

Price includes: return flights to Ercan via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, transfers to and from Ambelia Village or Hilarion Village, 1 week's stay (8 days - 7 nights) in half board in Ambelia Village or Hilarion Village, VAT and airport taxes.

Reduction children -12 years: 150 Euro on the base price
Single supplement : 20 Euro per night
Prolongation extra night in half board: 25 Euro per person (adults and children)

Cancellation fee

Modification fee

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Combination with Istanbul

The disadvantage of travelling to North Cyprus is that you must fly via Turkey (Istanbul). This is very time-consuming, especially on the outbound flight as you have to wait a few hours for your connection to Ercan. So, why not make a virtue of necessity and combine your trip to North-Cyprus with a few days in Istanbul, the fascinating metropolitan on a crossroads of cultures.

For example:

* Hotel Color 4*

Situated in the city centre on walking distance of the Great Bazaar and Sultanahmet with its numerous monuments. This modern hotel has a restaurant, a pastry shop, a fitness room and a Turkish bath. Rooms are very comfortable with bathroom, TV, radio, telephone, minibar and air conditioning.

Price per person - bed&breakfast (01/11/06 - 31/03/07):

in DBL: 30 Euro pp
in SGL: 47 Euro pp
Transfer airport - hotel - airport : 25 € per person

* Hotel Hali 3*

Situated in the heart of the old city centre, on walking distance of the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Aya Sofya, the Topkapi Palace, etc. The hotel has 80 rooms with bathroom (bath and hairdryer), TV, telephone, air conditioning and balcony.

Price per person - bed&breakfast (01/11/06 - 31/03/07):

in DBL: 25 Euro pp
in SGL: 35 Euro pp
Transfer airport - hotel - airport : 25 € per person

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Car rental

It is a good idea to rent a car. It will be ready upon your arrival at the airport and will bring you to the most fascinating corners of the island. Real adventurers, who want to explore the Besparmak Mountains by car, can rent a 4x4 jeep. The prices given are indicatory and are valid for a one week's rent. However, you can rent a car as from 3 days (divide the mentioned price by 7 and multiply by 3). You should pay your rented car on the spot.

Renault Toros (*)
245 Euro
Renault 9 (**)
294 Euro
Nissan automatic + AC (**)
385 Euro
Suzuki Vitara 4x4 (**)
427 Euro

(*) steering wheel left, price per week
(**) steering wheel right, price per week

Attention:

- Cyprus drives left! Rental cars are available with the steering wheel either right or left. It is easier and safer to drive a car with the steering wheel at the right (e.g. for overtaking manoeuvres).
- Rented cars are also called Z-cars as their license plates are striking red and always have a 'Z' as first letter. The advantage is that local people can anticipate on our tendency to ghost-driving. Do not be afraid: there is little traffic and the local people usually drive very courteously and carefully. However, comply with the traffic rules and stick to the speed limits. Traffic surveillance is very strict, also for tourists.
- Drivers should present a valid Belgian or international driving license and should be at least 25 years of age.
- Prices include insurance and VAT. It is recommended to conclude an extra Collision Damage Waiver policy on the spot. This insurance covers damages to the rented vehicle that are excluded from the standard insurance. (Extra CDW: some € 4,5 per day).

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History in a nutshell

Cyprus has never had a homogeneous population. From the very first inhabitation different ethnic groups were living on the island. The first people probably came from Anatolia, the present Turkish mainland.

The first Greeks came to the island in the Late Bronze Age (1600 - 1025 B.C.): Myceneans and later Achaeans came from the Greek mainland to settle on the island. At that moment, there was already civilization on Cyprus: old Hittite and Egyptian texts mention Alasha or Alasia, a town on the east coast of Cyprus that was very important for its copper production and that was trading with the Egyptians and Hittites among others.

Because of its situation in the eastern basin of the Mediterranean, Cyprus has always attracted foreign rulers. There have been many and they have all left their traces on the island.
Cyprus has belonged successively to the Assyrian Empire, the Egyptian Empire, the Persian Empire, the Hellenistic Empire of Alexander the Great and his successors and the Roman Empire.
During the Roman rule (58 B.C. - 395 A.C.) Christianity spread to become the state religion from the 4th century.

In 395 the Western Roman and the Eastern Roman Empire split. In the Western Empire the pope of Rome was at the head of the Latin church whereas in the Eastern Empire the patriarch was leading the orthodox church of Constantinople, the former Byzantium and the present Istanbul. At that moment Cyprus became a Byzantine province and the majority of the population was Greek-Orthodox.

By the 12th century the Byzantine Empire had greatly enfeebled and was being attacked by Arabs and Turks. At that time several crusades were organised from the west to protect Jerusalem and the Promised Land against the 'ungodly'. During one of these crusades the noble family de Lusignan was literally washed ashore on Cyprus and founded a Franconian dynasty that ruled the island from 1191 till 1489.

The Lusignan period was very prosperous but at the same time very dark for the local population. The Lusignans introduced the feudal system that made all land property of the Franconian nobles and practically reduced the local population to slaves. They also imported their own Latin church that suppressed the Greek-orthodox church. They left some wonderful Gothic cathedrals that are still there to be admired. The last Lusignan king was married to Catharina, a Venetian princess. After her husband's death she ruled some time independently as a queen but later passed on the rule to the Venetians (1489 - 1571). The latter have left their marks on the island in the numerous fortifications, e.g. the ramparts of Nicosia, in defence against the advancing Turks. However, in 1571 the Venetians tasted defeat against the Turks who annexed the island and ruled until 1914.

The Turkish rule was a relief for the local Greek-Orthodox population as the feudal system was abolished and the Turks were very tolerant towards the orthodox church. Yet the roots of the present problems on Cyprus are to be found in this period.
Conquering Cyprus from the Venetians had not been easy and agriculture had received a heavy blow. The local vizier asked the Turkish Sultan Selim II in Istanbul for support with the recovery of the economy. The sultan decided to send Turks from Asia Minor to the island to inject new life into the economy. He did not ask for volunteers but practically deported whole families to Cyprus. Most of them were farmers to recover farming, but there were also craftsman to restore the economy in general. The Turks who thus arrived on the island are the ancestors of the present Turkish-Cypriot community. Contrary to former rulers the Turks did not want to create a Turkish upper society. They allowed the Greek-Orthodox inhabitants to keep their own culture and religion and even gave them a considerable participation in the government.

In 1878 the Turkish Empire was far past its peak and was having troubles with the Russians in the east. In gratitude for the British support against the Russians, the Turks gave the British the de facto government over Cyprus. The British were most eager to accept this gift as it provided them with a base nearby the Suez canal that had been dug a few years earlier and was British property. This canal was particularly important for Britain as it was a seaway to their colonies in the east, in particular India.

In 1914, at the beginning of WOI, the Turkish chose "the wrong side" and Britain annexed the island. From then Cyprus was a British Crown Colony. However the British met with two problems on the island.
First there was a rebellious Greek population that wanted alliance with the Greek mother country (Enosis). Greek nationalism had popped up some time before as a result of the Enlightment in the west with its glorification of the ancient Greek culture, sculpture, architecture and philosophy. This glorification created a feeling of pride in the hearts of the then Greeks, which soon got a religious tint. The Greeks had evolved into tradition-bound Greek Orthodox people and they started longing for a new Byzantine empire with Constantinople as a capital, to unite all Greek-Orthodox people. This idea is called 'Megale Ideia' and has remained a utopian dream until now, but it does explain why the Greek-Cypriots who had had no bonds with the Greek mainland since centuries before Christ all of sudden sought for alliance with Greece.
A second problem was the increasing tension between the Greek and Turkish community which was in fact a result of the first problem. The religious tint of the Enosis turned against the 'godless' Turks for which there was no room in the new Greek country. The Turkish felt threatened by these ideas and with the foundation of the Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923 a wide Turkish nationalist feeling arose. On the other hand the British governors installed a lot of Turkish-Cypriots on important positions as they had more faith in the Turks than in the rebellious Greeks. This British "divide and rule" strategy to maintain their government did certainly not improve the mutual relations between the two communities.
By the end of the fifties Britain had lost its Suez canal to Nasser's Egypt and had thus lost its interest in Cyprus. It decided that the time was ripe for an independent Cyprus where Britain would keep two military bases, which still exist to this day.

Knowing the intricate relations between the communities, the British started negotiations with Turkey and Greece and with the Turkish and Greek Cypriots. A constitution was drawn which settled the organisation of the island. Cyprus was to be a two-community republic with two equal communities, Turkish and Greek, that would both have power of decision about organisational matters within their own community. The national president would be a Greek-Cypriot, assisted by a Turkish-Cypriot vice-president and both communities would have a proportional representation in the government. Both communities would also have right of veto, which was especially important for the Turkish community as they constituted a minority. Great Britain, Turkey and Greece concluded a treaty to guarantee territorial and economic independence ("Cyprus should be one and undivided and may not seek alliance to other states."). These 3 guarantee countries were entitled to interfere if the constitution or some of its stipulations or the guarantee treaty would be violated.

Thus in 1960 the Republic of Cyprus was born but it was only granted a short life. In 1963 the Greek-Cypriots wanted to pass some amendments to the Constitution that would largely restrict the rights of the Turkish-Cypriot minority, still in the scope of the Enosis-idea. Even the mere proposition of such amendments was a violation of the constitution which prohibited amendments or modifications to the constitution. As the Turkish-Cypriots pronounced a veto, they were ejected from the government. All Turkish civil servants and diplomats were dismissed. The exclusive Greek-Cypriot government then approved all amendments. The guarantee countries did not interfere: Greece was only too eager to add Cyprus to its territory and Great Britain and Turkey did not want to endanger the NATO in a period of cold war. The United Nations-delegation that was sent to Cyprus found that the Greek-Cypriot patriarch Makarios had started a true genocide among the Turkish population that was driven back into small, overcrowded enclaves. Yet the international community did still not interfere. In the meantime a conflict had risen between the Greek-Cypriots and Greece where the military was gaining more and more power. The Greek military wanted to end the state of Cyprus, remove all Turkish people and annexe the island to Greece. However, as Makarios was firmly pulling the strings on Cyprus having silenced the Turkish community, he was not really interested in an annexation to the poor Greece.

The conflict between Makarios and the Greek military culminated in 1974: the military had come into power in Greece and organised a coup against Makarios and his Greek-Cypriot government. That was the limit for Turkey that had stood aloof from all disputes until then. 5 days later Turkey invaded the island occupying a third of the territory. At that time the Turkish intervention was legal according to the stipulations of the guarantee treaty of 1960. The Turkish invasion caused the fall of the regime of the Greek colonels and Turkey urged the 2 communities to open talks on the island's future. These talks are continuing until this day, under surveillance of the United Nations but have not yet reached a solution.

Yet in the first years, at the end of the seventies, the situation was rather hopeful. Both parties declared to agree to a bi-communal and bi-territorial state and drew up a 10-point-program as a kind of agenda with issues wanting a concrete solution. However, in the early 80ies the talks came to a dead end because the Greek party did not want to acknowledge the Turkish community as an equal partner but wanted to consider them as a minority under Greek government. The Turkish community responded by proclaiming the Turkish Republic of North-Cyprus, a republic that is until now only acknowledged by Turkey.

In the mid eighties things are beginning to make progress again. Although there are de facto 2 separate republics on Cyprus, the UN Secretary-General elaborates a complete plan for a bi-communal and bi-territorial state based on the 10-point-program. Both communities accept the plan and Turkey agrees, but the Greek Papandreou is not interested in a peace with Turkey and pressures the Greek Cypriot community to reject the proposal. From that moment all mutual confidence is gone. In the 90-ies the UN try a different approach and want to take a number of measures to restore the lost confidence. However, the talks come to a dead end.

In November 2001 the president of North and South meet for the first time in 5 years to resume the talks. South-Cyprus wants to become a member of the EC and one of the requirements is a solution to the Cypriot issue. The Turkish Cypriots also want a united Cyprus, mainly inspired by economic motives. The actual situation ties them with hands and feet to Turkey and the many Turkish immigrants do not improve the situation. These immigrants are very needed for agriculture but the cultural differences between these semi- and unskilled labourers and the North-Cypriots are very great. On the other hand the Turkish Cypriots fear that they will be treated as second-class citizens in a reunified Cyprus. For this reason a federal state seems the best solution. However, it will take long negotiations to determine how to organise this state.

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Places of interest

Kyrenia Mountains
Along the northern coastline you will find the Kyrenia Mountains, also called Besparmak Mountains, after the five-finger mountain top near Kyrenia. These mountains mainly exist of limestone. As these mountains are 130 km long by 5 km wide and are situated very close to the coast line, they seem infinitely high. Yet the highest peak scarcely exceeds 1000 meter. Typical features are the serrated edges and the sharp peaks.

Karpas
The eastern extremity of the North Coast is the Karpaz peninsula, its backbone being a continuation at a lower level of the Northern Range for another 60 km. The gently sloping point is hardly inhabited and has very fine, unspoilt sandy beaches!

Andreas monastery
The Monastery or Andreas used to be a very important place of pilgrimage and is situated at the tip of the Karpaz peninsular.

Kantara castle
The ruins of this castle, that was fortified and expanded in the days of the Lusignans, are situated on the tops of the Kyrenia Mountains and offer a wonderful view.

Herbarium
The place to be for nature lovers who want to discover Cyprus's unique flora. The herbarium is situated just beyond the five-finger mountain, in the "Alevakaya Forest Station.

Buffavento
The last 100m to the ruins of this medieval castle is a stiff climb, but the reward is a wonderful view. This castle, that is more than 1000 years old, has been used as refuge, prison and military observation post. Its name is derived from the Italian "buffa di vento" (blast of wind).

St. Hilarion castle
This fortified castle was built in the Byzantine period on the peaks of the Kyrenia-mountains and was fortified in the days of the Lusignan kingdom. Walt Disney is said to have found his inspiration for Snowwhite's castle here.

Bellapais
This well-preserved 13-century gothic abbey dominates a romantic village of the same name.

Port Kyrenia
This city is one of the most beautiful towns in North Cyprus, not in the least because of its picturesue Venetian port with numerous outdoor cafés.

citadel
The citadel left of the port is now a museum that keeps the eldest ship wreck in the world.

Nicosia
Nicosia is the capital of both South Cyprus and North Cyprus and is divided by a green line. From the roof garden of the Sarayhotel you have a clear view on the contrast between the two parts of the city : buildings and modern boulevards in the rich South versus the picturesque northern part with small streets and numerous Venetian houses.

Venetian walls
The rampart is very well preserved and has surrounded the old city centre since 1570.

St Sophia
This cathedral is a pearl of Gothic architecture. It was built in the 13th century in the Lusignan kingdom and was transformed into a mosque after the Arab conquest by adding 2 minarets (Selimiye Mosque).

Bedesten
Gothic church from the Lusignan period which is known as Bedesten, Turkish for "market hall" because it was used as a market place for the sale of textiles during the Turkish rule.

Caravanserai
The large and small Khan, Turkish inns or caravanserais, are situated upon some 100 metres from each others. Muzaffer Pasa built the Buyuk (large) Khan after the Turkish conquest. It is well preserved and has recently been restored. The former depots, recreation rooms and shops are situated around the central courtyard. On the first floor 67 rooms were available, each with a proper fireplace, for travelling merchants.

Museum of Derwish Pasa
Also named Mevlevi Tekke. This 17th century mansion was used by the dancing derwishes, followers of Mevlana Celaledin Rumi.

Stone museum
A motley collection of gravestones, commemorative tablets and inscriptions from the rich past, presented in a 15th century Venetian house.

Güzelyurt
This fertile region, literally called 'red region' is situated in the west of the island. It is famous for its extensive fruit and vegetable plantation where lemons, oranges, grapefruits and (water)melons are grown.

Archeological Museum
The Archeological Museum is accommodated in Morphou, the most important town in Güzelyürt. It presents a rich collection of objects from prehistory up to the Byzantine period.

Monastery of Saint Mamas
This wonderful orthodox church has been left untouched since the departure of the Greek-Orthodox population in 1974. It contains some beautiful and valuable icons. The legendary Mamas, a 12th century saint, is buried here.

Soli
This antique city has been founded by king Philokypros at the beginning of the 6th century B.C. . The mosaics and theatre are certainly worth the visit.

Vouni
The Vouni palace was built on a plateau in the 5th century B.C. to defend the Cypriotic towns against the Persian raids.

Famagusta
This fortified city used to be one of the most prosperous towns of the Mediterranean. It now merely shows remnants of past glory, although great efforts have been made in the last years to restore buildings and streets.

St Nicolas' church
This church is a replica of the Cathedral of Reims. It was built by the Lusignan kings in 1298 and transformed into the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque by the Turkish rulers

Church of Petrus and Paulus
This church was built in 1358 by a rich merchant and transformed into the Sinan Pasha Mosque in 1571.

Tower of Othello
This citadel was the scene for Shakespeare's 'Othello'.

The gost town Varosha
From Famagusta you have a good view on the 'forbidden city' Varosha. Until 1974 this was the touristic centre of the island with numerous hotels and lodgings of Greek owners. The area was hermetically closed and has at stake in negotiations between North and South. The spooky image of a city that used to be a dazzling seaside resort has originated rumours about restaurant tables that are not yet cleared, luggage that is left unpacked in hotel rooms, and gold in bank safes.

St Barnabas Monastery
This haven of peace is found a few km of Famagusta. The orthodox church contains a beautiful collection of icons and the premises around the courtyard accommodate an archeological museum with objects found at the nearby site Enkomi. Next to the monastery is the crypt of Saint Barnabas who, together with the Apostle Paulus, brought Christianity to Cyprus.

Salamis
A visit to the ruins of the antique city Salamis, a few km north of Famagusta, is an absolute must. According to the legend the city was founded by Teucer, a half-brother of Ajax and the bannished son of king Telemon of the island Salamis near Athens (ca 1180 B.C.). The agora, the Roman baths, the Gymnasium and the Roman theatre give the visitor an impression of the town's former grandeur.

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Useful information

Documents

A Belgian identity card suffizes.
Following Turkey, North Cyprus requires a visa for which you have to pay € 10 upon arrival in Ercan. You will receive your visum stamp on a separate form that you must certainly keep for your return. If you have a valid international passport your visa may be stamped in it.

However, be aware that you might be refused access to the Republic of Cyprus (= the southern part) on a later occasion when you have a North Cyprian stamp in your passport. You may even have difficulties in Greece. The North Cyprian customs officer will understandingly stamp your visa on a separate paper if you ask for it.

Money

The Turkish Republic of North Cyprus has no proper currency and uses the Turkish Lira, to the great dissatisfaction of the population as the Turkish inflation is very high. There are no restrictions on import and export of Turkish Lira, but it is not profitable. It is better to change on the spot. US Dollars, British Pounds and Euro's can be changed everywhere. Credit cards (Diners Club, Euro Card, Master Card and Visa) are only accepted in larger hotels and expensive shops. Indicated prices are fixed prices: it is not customary to try and knock the prices down.

Climate and suitable clothing

Cyprus has warm to very warm summers. In the central Mesaoria plain the summer months are extremely hot and dry; at the coast a sea-breeze usually brings some cool. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons. Winter in Cyprus is short and mild but rather humid: 55% of the annual precipitation falls in December and January. Although the sun is always shining a warm pullover in winter is necessary, mostly for the evenings. A light raincoat and/or umbrella will also come in handy during the winter months. From May till October you should be prepared for bright sunshine: a good sunhat and sun cream with high factor are indispensable. Summer nights are pleasantly warm.

Climate in figures
Maand :
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
Jun.
Jul.
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Average day temperature in ºC
15
16
18
22
27
31
34
34
31
27
21
17
Average night temperature in ºC
7
7
8
9
11
13
14
14
11
9
8
5
Average hours of sunshine per day
6
6
7
9
10
12
12
11
10
8
7
5
Sea water temperature in ºC
16
16
16
18
21
24
26
28
27
24
20
18
Average humidity %
71
71
70
65
61
59
59
61
62
64
69
71
Rainy days
9
8
6
3
2
1
1
1
1
2
5
9

Flora and fauna

If you love flowers, you should visit Cyprus in February, March or April. As the year progresses the seas of crocusses, tulips, iris, daffodils, cyclamens, hyacinths, wild orchids, agaves, etc. move to the mountains. Thanks to its isolated situation, Cyprus has a unique flora: more than 1900 different species of plants of which some 100 only grow in Cyprus.
The Cyprian fauna on the other hand is not that fantastic: game disappeared in the Middle Ages due to intensive hunting parties. You will regularly meet reptiles like lizards, little snakes, chameleons and salamanders. Ornithologists however, find paradise on Cyprus : some 50 kinds live on the island, but in spring and autumn more than 300 different kinds stop on the island during their migration south or north.

Public transport

There are regular bus lines between the larger cities. From Nicosia busses to Kyrenia and Famagusta ride every half hour. Connections between villages are provided by 'dolmusses' (literally meaning : 'full') . Dolmusses have no stops: you just raise your hand when you see the white minibus coming. To explore the island on your own, you'd better rent a car. Cars on Cyprus drive left, but there is very few traffic. You can also rent a cab with driver for a whole day.

Water and Electricity

As sockets are British (three-pin), an adaptor may be useful and in most accommodations adaptors are available. Mains voltage is 220. Tap water is drinkable but not very tasteful as it contains much chlorine.

Post and telephone

Post and telephone pass via Turkey. Your post cards will probably arrive after your return. You can phone to Belgium in the post offices with a token for sale there. The country code for Belgium is 0032.

Religion

Although the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus is a secular state, 98% of the population is Muslim, yet not fanatic. The remaining 2% consists of Catholic Maronites, Greek orthodoxes, Baha'is and Anglicans.

Language

The official language is Turkish although there are many large and small differences with the Turkish spoken in Turkey (comparable to Dutch in Flanders and The Netherlands). English is understood everywhere.

Cooking

Cyprian cooking is Mediterranean and has Turkish, eastern, Italian and British elements. Ingredients are always fresh. A dash of olive oil accompanies a wide variety of fish and meat dishes. Very typical are the 'meze', different small dishes that are often served as starter but may just as well be eaten for lunch or as a snack. The national drink is Brandy Sawa, a relic from the British colonial period. Raki (with anise as a base) and different kinds of Turkish wines are also served abundantly.

Health

No special vaccinations are required. You will find well-equiped pharmacies (eczane) in the larger villages and cities, but not all medicines are available. If you need specific medicines, you'd better take enough supply.

Time

It is always one hour later in North-Cyprus than in Belgium, in winter as well as in summer.

Text and pictures © K. Beelen / Airstop N.V. Sherpa - if not otherwise mentionned

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