The Colours Of North Cyprus

The Colours of North Cyprus

pure mediterr ane an

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your journey

Imagine an unspoilt retreat that oozes Mediterranean warmth and
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Mediterranean adventure 20
uncomplicated charm. A place you can call your own personal
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GAZIMAĞUSA

haven, far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. An island
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where the delicious aroma of citrus groves, bursting with fresh
LARNACA
Larnaca
Bay
PAPHOS

History and wonder 8 Inspirational arts 24
border yacht diving

lemons and limes, floats through the air.
LIMASSOL crossing centre centre

turtle
beach beach

Akrotiri Bay
Episkopi Bay

Imagine swimming in the crystalline waters of secluded beaches
MEDITERRANEAN SEA 0 10 20 km

0 5 10 15 mi

or exploring ancient wonders that allow you to experience centu-
Beaches to escape to 12 Colours of the night 28 ries of history and culture in a day. And where an abundance
of natural wildlife and warm hospitality make a holiday to this
peaceful island simply unforgettable…

Landscapes to explore 16 General information 30 Welcome to North Cyprus.

starts here
The C o l o u r s of North Cyprus 3

North Cyprus
The C o l o u r s of North Cyprus

where the rich colours of the
Mediterranean come alive…

4

Loved for its welcoming Mediterranean hospitality, North A myriad of cafes, restaurants and bars await exploration in North 19 endemic plant species. Sandy beaches and rocky coves await
Cyprus combines intriguing antiquity and natural beauty with Cyprus’s beautiful towns, whilst in villages, you will encounter discovery along the shore and the Venetian harbour town of Girne
a sunny climate all year round, making it an ideal get-away for an abundance of old-world charm and welcoming Mediterranean (Kyrenia) sits in the centre in all its considerable beauty.
every season. hospitality that will make you want to come back time and
In the east, the finger of the Karpaz Peninsula points to Syria. This
time again.
Located at the crossroads of three continents, North Cyprus is is both a remote and beautiful landscape with deserted beaches
the furthest East you can venture in the Mediterranean, with Perfect for anyone who wants to escape the crowds typical and ancient villages with once-grand basilicas, tombs and ruins
Turkey just 40 miles away. Yet, the island’s European influence to many holiday destinations today, North Cyprus offers real which bear testament to the area’s glorious past.
means that, although Turkish is the official language in the North, character and charm. And being outside the Euro zone, it offers
The eastern coastal area of Gazimağusa (Famagusta) Bay is one
English is still widely spoken, everybody drives on the left and great value too.
long, very fine beach with excellent facilities and clean, safe
British plug sockets remain the norm.
North Cyprus has five distinct areas offering unique experiences. bathing and snorkelling. The “outdoor museum” that is the town
It is an exciting time to visit North Cyprus as facilities are being In the West, around Güzelyurt, is the most fertile market-garden of Gazimağusa is the centre of the region and an excellent hub for
developed to add variety to life, yet many of the sandy beaches region with citrus groves and cultivated vegetables. eating-out, shopping and recreation.
remain untouched and undiscovered.
The long northern coastline is backed by the Beşparmak (Five North Cyprus is relaxing, healthy and hospitable and you will
The coastline has ancient harbours where you can dine al fresco Finger) Mountains with their dramatic wooded slopes and craggy come back feeling like you have found your very own haven with
and beaches that stretch for miles, while the depths of the crystal- summits. Castles, ruins and religious relics adorn the mountains, the sort of value you thought had disappeared years ago.
clear azure seas offer many of the region’s best dive sites. Indeed, whilst the lower hills and lowlands are alive with lush greenery,
visibility can be as much as 30 to 40 metres underwater. rare species of birds and butterflies, and a natural diversity of
flowers that is unmatched in the Mediterranean, with an estimated


Climate: Location:
North Cyprus enjoys a very pleasant climate, with warm, dry Located at the crossroads of three continents, Cyprus is the
summers and mild winters, and an average of 300 days of third largest island in the Mediterranean, situated 40 miles
sunshine. In August, the hottest month, mean temperatures south of Turkey. North Cyprus has a population of about 240,000
range from 21°C to 36°C and in the coldest months of January and an area of 3,355km2, with 240 miles of coastline.
and February, the average temperature is around 10°C,
with a winter average of six hours daily sunshine and only Time:
moderate rain, making it an ideal year-round destination. North Cyprus is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

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8

history and
Wonder

F
or eleven thousand years, Cyprus has been
a melting pot of great civilisations. From the
Neolithic settlements on the northern coast to the
Egyptian, Persian, Roman, Venetian, Ottoman and British
Empires, its strategic location at the crossroads of East and
West has bestowed the island with a rich and colourful history
spanning centuries.

During the course of its vibrant past, the island has been visited
by the Romans, Alexander the Great and Richard the Lionheart,
to name a few, each leaving their own unique footprint behind.

For a good sense of how it all began, the island’s museums are

Opposite main: The historic harbour at Girne
well worth a visit for their fascinating array of artefacts discovered
Above left: Bellapais Abbey in cave dwellings dating from 7000 BC, when the first inhabitants
Above middle: Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque
Above right: St Hilarion Castle of Cyprus are said to have settled on the island.


From 3000 - 700 BC, Cyprus began to emerge as a trading
centre, with copper mines drawing merchants from all across the
Mediterranean. Attracted to the growing opportunities, settlers
arrived from Turkish Anatolia and Phoenicians from Syria,
bringing new Levantine architecture, ceramics and metal working
to the island.

In the 6th Century BC, the Persians adopted Cyprus as a base
for their wars with Greece until 333 BC, when Alexander the
Great brought the Persian Empire to a sudden end. Rule by the
Ptolemies of Egypt lasted for 250 years, until Rome annexed the
island for several years, after which Julius Caesar gave the island
back to his lover, Cleopatra, the last of the Ptolemies, in 48 BC.
Only upon her death was Emperor Augustus finally able to add
Cyprus to the lands of the Roman Empire.

Between the 1st and 10th Centuries, multiple communities
continued to emerge on the island, with Muslim and Byzantine
settlers co-existing in relative harmony. However, all this came
to a halt in 965 AD, when the Byzantines took full control of the

island upon defeating the Muslim Caliphate’s Egyptian fleet.

Byzantine rule lasted until the 12th Century, when King Richard
the Lionheart defeated the prince and handed the island over to
a member of the French medieval royalty, Guy de Lusignan, to
finance his expeditions. The Lusignans inhabited the island for
300 years, from the 12th Century until 1489, when the Venetians
captured the island and its imagination with the impressive Girne
Castle, as well as the celebrated architecture of Gazimağusa and
10 Lefkoşa, which are all well worth a visit.

The Ottoman period in Cyprus began in 1571 and lasted for
more than three centuries, during which time the two Cypriot
communities, Turkish and Greek, began to emerge. It was during
this time that the British were granted the right to govern Cyprus
for the Sultan in an agreement dating back to 1878 which lasted
until the end of the First World War. In 1974, North Cyprus began
its journey towards independence, with today’s Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) being formally established in 1983.

As you explore the island, you will enjoy the enduring echoes of
this multicultural heritage and Ottoman principles of religious and Wherever you travel in North Cyprus, the history comes alive;
cultural tolerance, with its numerous mosques, churches and of you can visit an incredible 2,300 year-old shipwreck that lies
course, the astoundingly beautiful Bellapais Abbey. in Girne Castle or rub shoulders with the ancient Persians and
Romans as you discover the splendid sites at Salamis, Soli and
Vouni with their beautiful pillars and mosaics. Alternatively, you

Unmissable Historical Sights may be tempted to explore the Byzantine legends in the castles
of Kantara, Buffavento and St. Hilarion, as well as the countless
Gazimağusa (Famagusta): Güzelyurt/Lefke:
Güzelyurt Museum churches, mosques and monasteries that pepper the island.
Canbulat Tomb and Museum
Persian Palace remains at Vouni
Buffavento Castle Today, the full opening of the borders between North
Roman remains at Soli
Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque
St. Mamas Church and South Cyprus on 23 April 2003 means it is now
Old City Walls and Ottoman Houses
also very easy to get around the whole island, making
Othello’s Tower Karpaz Peninsula:
Apostolos Andreas Monastery North Cyprus a truly excellent destination
Salamis Ruins
Kantara Castle for those who dream of a holiday steeped
St. Barnabas Monastery
Monastery Church of Panayia Kanakaria in history and old-world charm.
Girne (Kyrenia): The Ruins of Ayios Philion (Ören Yeri)
Bellapais Abbey
Lefkoşa (Nicosia):
St. Hilarion Castle Büyük Han
Historic Girne Harbour Museum of Mevlevi Tekke
Opposite main: The ruins of Salamis
Shipwreck Museum Selmiye Mosque
Above left: St Barnabas Monastery
Above right: Girne Harbour


12

beaches
to escape to…

N
orth Cyprus offers the perfect escape from
the stresses of everyday life. With over 240
miles of spectacular coastline, North Cyprus enjoys
a myriad of picturesque coves and beautiful broad bays backed
by historic harbours and citrus groves. Whether it’s swimming in
crystal-clear turquoise waters, listening to the calming sound of
waves or scuba-diving in one of the region’s spectacular dive sites,
North Cyprus offers a great choice for those who enjoy the sea and
the sun. Indeed, it is no surprise that according to legend, Julius
Caesar gave the island to Cleopatra as a token of his love.

The two main beach resorts are Girne and Gazimağusa. Girne is
home to many of the island’s beautiful beaches, as well as being

Main picture: Golden Sands Beach one of the most charming towns in the Mediterranean. Nestled
Above left: One of the many deserted
beaches on the Karpaz Peninsula
between the sea and the Beşparmak (Five Finger) Mountains,
Above middle: Palm Beach, Gazimağusa the resort offers a wondrous combination of hidden coves, sandy
Above right: The coastline of North Cyprus
is dotted with picturesque beaches. beaches and cultural and historical attractions.


Beaches are plentiful in the region, from the Mermaid beach to
the quieter Acapulco and Lara beaches. Their tranquil waters
are the ideal place to enjoy a lazy day on the sea, rounded off
with a late afternoon walk at the 12th Century Bellapais Abbey
and a candlelit dinner at a terrace restaurant overlooking the
crescent-shaped Venetian harbour, which still retains all of its
original character.

Gazimağusa, a peaceful harbour town in North Cyprus, is
another fantastic destination for beach holidays as the bay itself
is a wonderful expanse of golden sands, and is also very close
to the town, an outdoor museum of architecture and ancient
ruins. But for the ultimate seaside getaway, the area close to
the Salamis Ruins offers the best choice of sandy beaches. This
region, approximately 6 miles north of Gazimağusa, is perfect
for those seeking a relaxing holiday as most hotels are a stone’s
throw from the beach.

Further along the east coast, at the foot of the Karpaz Peninsula
is Boğaz, a sleepy fishing village in the Yeni Iskele district. Here
you will feel yourself unwind completely, as you are also within

easy reach of the Karpaz which boasts some of the island’s most
deserted sandy beaches. Indeed, with its wild natural beauty,
characteristic stone houses and ruined churches, you will discover
virgin lands that offer the serenity of another era.

The highlight of the area is the Golden Sands Beach, one of the
world’s finest and longest beaches, with magnificent golden sands
that stretch for more than 3 miles. The beach itself is fringed with
magnificent sand dunes and it is here that turtles roam and make
their nurseries.
14

Indeed, the turtles are another major highlight of North Cyprus’s
beaches; they nest from May onwards, with the female turtles Beaches in North Cyprus:
digging out large quantities of sand to lay their eggs, then re-
covering them and waiting for several months. The eggs begin to Gazimağusa:
hatch in July, when the baby turtles commence their journey to Bafra Beach
the sea where they can live for several years. Today, the turtles Bediz Beach
are seriously endangered and serious steps are being taken to Klapsides
ensure their survival, as there are only a few hundred Green Palm Beach
Turtles, and approximately a thousand Loggerhead Turtles left Silver Beach
in the world today. Salamis Bay

Venus Beach
It is impossible not to be in awe of these fantastic creatures and the
beauty of their natural habitat. For nature and beach lovers alike, Girne:
a holiday to North Cyprus will be simply unforgettable. Acapulco Beach

Alagadi Beach

Alsancak Beach

Camelot

Deniz Kızı

Escape Beach

Kervansaray

Lara Beach

Mare Monte

Sunset Beach

Turtle Beach, Alagadi

Karpaz Peninsula:
Golden Sands

Turtle Beach, Karpaz

Güzelyurt:
Güzelyurt Bay
Far left: Springtime in North Cyprus
Left: Golden Sands Beach



outstanding natural beauty to
explore
16

F
or outstanding and unspoilt natural beauty, look
no further than North Cyprus. How you choose to
discover it is up to you – whether it’s hiking across nature
trails, cycling around aromatic citrus groves or relaxing with the sea
turtles, there is something to suit everyone here.

The beauty of the region offers a real escape; North Cyprus is still
relatively undiscovered so wildlife flourishes, with some 220 species
of birds touching down on the island every year on their migratory
passage. Their visit is part of a rich natural heritage on an island of
contrasts that spans from the top of Mount Selvili’s 3000 feet to the
gentle slopes of the coastal waters, where the famous turtles reside.

With an average of only 65 people per square mile, North Cyprus is
Opposite main: The spectacular
landscape of the Güzelyurt region a fantastic destination for those who love the outdoors as it is free of
Above left: One of the many endemic
orchids of North Cyprus crowds and pollution; its 240 miles of coastline is swathed in lush
Above middle and right: North
Cyprus is famous for its beautiful pine forests with cypress and maquis bush providing a sanctuary for
and fragrant citrus groves.
wildlife to flourish.


Kantara Castle, east of the Beşparmak Mountains, is a springtime The produce of North Cyprus is as varied as its flora and fauna,
sanctuary for migrating birds, whilst some of the island’s most with olive and carob groves, pomegranates, strawberries and
striking residents can also be found in the mountains: falcons, date palms flourishing on the island. In Güzelyurt, the landscape
buzzards and the griffon vulture with its amazing eight-foot is infused with citrus groves and the scent of lemons, limes
wingspan. There is also an abundance of butterflies, including
and oranges drifting through the clear Mediterranean air. This
species which are unique to the region, such as the strangely-
beautiful town is famous for its annual orange festival, and is the
shaped festoon and Cleopatra butterflies adorned with the colours
island’s ‘capital city’ for citrus fruit.
of sunshine.
North Cyprus is also an animal lovers’ paradise; Around 400-500
The warm climate in North Cyprus also means visitors can wild donkeys, otherwise known as the ‘free donkeys’ of North
enjoy beautiful flowers all year-round. In the autumn and winter
Cyprus, roam across the tranquil Karpaz panhandle, whilst
golden-yellow oleanders decorate the hills, whilst multi-coloured
lizards, chameleons, goats, sheep and hedgehogs make the island
anemones and crocuses appear before Christmas. But it is in
their home. In Karpaz, there is also a beautiful national park,
late winter and spring that the island blooms into a rhapsody
where you will find a large number of birds, wild donkeys, turtles,
of colour with the orchid family and cherry-red poppies taking
rare flora and magnificent beaches to explore.
centre stage.

Offshore, the famous sea turtles of North Cyprus mingle with
The orchids are a fascination to all that visit North Cyprus for
a fantastic range of fish that draw divers from around the world.
their rarity and beauty. The wild orchid flora comprises 32
These splendid creatures come ashore on the golden beaches
confirmed species and subspecies, some which bear similarity
between May and August to lay their eggs. Alagadi Beach, east
to the European varieties such as Pyramidal and Autumn Lady

of Kyrenia, is dedicated a specially protected area for these
Tresses orchids – but there are also many more exotic species
including the Naked Man orchid, tongue-flowered Serapias and turtles, including endangered species such as the Green and

the Violet Limodore. Loggerhead Turtles.

The natural beauty in North Cyprus will amaze and inspire. You
Plant-lovers will also enjoy the Herbarium in North Cyprus,
can walk, hike, cycle or ride for hours without seeing people or
housed in the Alevkaya Forest Station on the mountain ridge
cars. There are also a multitude of superb hiking tours across all
between Esentepe and Değirmenlik. Here you will find a collec-
tion of pressed plant specimens that provide information on local areas of North Cyprus, as well as a whole range of other ways

flora and fauna, including plants endemic to the area, and each to explore, including bird watching, horse riding, mountain
Above: Wild flowers grow in
abundance on the island. carefully labelled to show when, where and by whom each was climbing and a fantastic cycling terrain that suits enthusiasts of
Right: The view from the
18 Palace of Vouni ruins collected - you will find over 1100 species on display today. all abilities.

Selected Orchid Species
Native to North Cyprus:
Orchis italica: Pinkish-white with pink
dots. Flowering period March - April.

Dactylorhiza romana: Flowers spurred,
bright yellow or pale yellow coloured and
unspotted. Flowering period March – May.

Neotinea maculate: Flowers white, yellowish, pink
or pinkish-purple. Flowering period March – April.

Orchis papilonacea: Flowers dark pink,
red to purple with darker nerves and spots.
Flowering period March - April.

Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall: Flowers numerous,
white, scented. Flowering period September - November.

Orchis simian: Flowers white with dark pink
tips. Flowering period April – May.

Ophrys bornmuelleri ssp. Bornmuelleri. Labellum:
Brownish, hairy, with creamy yellow shoulders and
h‑shape, below shoulders. Flowering period March - April.

Orchis collina: Flowers variable in colour
ranging from violet to creamy white.
Flowering period February - March.

Limodorum abortivum (L.) Swartz: Sepals and petals
pale to dark violet. Flowering period April - June.

Serapias vomeracea (Burm.fil.) Briq.ssp.
orientalis W.Greuter: Flowers of all Serapias
species have a lip divided into two, a front section
and 2 side sections. The front section reminds
a tongue. Flowering period March - May.

Ophrys fusca ssp. Fleischmanii: Labellum is brownish-
yellowish and white w-shaped line divide it into two
clear parts. Flowering period February - April.


20

adventure on the
mediterr anean

W
ith an abundance of sandy beaches and a

spectacular coastline that stretches for

hundreds of miles, North Cyprus is the

perfect year-round playground for those who love the

sea. Swimming is safe and exhilarating – with clear shimmering

waters that make snorkelling a pleasure and North Cyprus a

premier diving destination in the Mediterranean. Following

an active day in the sea, you can also enjoy the relaxation of a

Turkish bath or spa back at your hotel.

Main picture: The Mediterranean
waters around North Cyprus are For those who would prefer to be on the water than in it, sailing,
remarkably clear and warm.
Above left: Girne Castle guards the windsurfing and water-skiing are widely available, with some of
entrance to the famous harbour.
Above middle: Parasailing is becoming the larger resort hotels offering parasailing and jet-skiing. In the
increasingly popular in the larger resort areas.
Above right: The clarity of the water spring, you can also enjoy watching or participating in the yacht
and abundance of marine life make
diving in North Cyprus a must. races between Girne and Kemer, Turkey.


Yacht and boat tours are very popular across the region, with Explore one of the world’s oldest shipwrecks, dating from
the two main sailing centres in Girne and Gazimağusa. Much Alexander the Great’s time 2,300 years ago, or mingle with sea
of North Cyprus’s coastline is only accessible by boat, making turtles, grouper, amberjacks and wrasse who live among the coral
yacht and boat tours the ideal way to explore. You will certainly and colourful sponges. For the more experienced, you might like
feel a million miles away from the pressures of daily life as you to try the Zephyros Reef with a challenging drop from 18 to 28
sail slowly amongst the myriad of hidden bays and rocky islets metres or discover the underwater mountain peak of Zeyko.
backed only by forested hills and clear skies.
Sea turtles are one of the island’s most famous inhabitants and
The unspoilt coastline and warm waters of the eastern Mediter- if you are interested in learning more about these fascinating
ranean, that rarely drop below 17°C, make North Cyprus an creatures, you may like to join the Marine Turtle Research
ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving, with one of the Group who undertakes an annual survey of the turtles during
longest diving seasons from April through to the New Year. Only the summer months at Alagadi Beach, a 25 minute drive from
recently has its potential been discovered by international divers, Girne. Just before sunset you can join the students to observe
making it a very exciting time to visit the region. the nesting, which normally occurs between the end of June and
beginning of July – or, for hatching, between the end of August
With beautifully clear water thanks to low pollution and some
and beginning of September.
20 recognised dive sites with exceptional visibility of up to 30
metres, the region is a fantastic setting for beginners and experi- Although the Med offers plenty of adventure, you may also wish
enced divers alike. The main dive centres in the region are based to spend a day or two on dry land, in which case caving is another
around Girne, where you will have the opportunity to take dive fantastic way to explore. North Cyprus has several intriguing
safaris, learn how to dive or develop your skills to international caves. One, known as the Hot Cave is a partially collapsed natural
certified standards. formation that emits hot air and lies north of the Ağırdağ village

on the southern slopes of the Beşparmak Mountains. There are
also three caves in the Gazimağusa region, including the incred-
ibly beautiful Incirli Cave, a long passage festooned with the most
amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Left: North Cyprus offers a
fantastic opportunity to learn or
develop your diving skills.
Main: Many of the larger hotels offer
watersports, such as jet-skiing and sailing.
Far right: Explore the underwater
history of this fascinating region.

22

Dive Sites:
Girne Area:
Anchor: Ancient artefacts – 27m
Antique Shop: Amphorae & marine life – 25m
Bambi: Marine life – 14m
Chicken farm: Unknown rock formations – 18m
Fred: Golden grouper & other fish – 25m
Lost: Turtles & rays
Mare Monte: Sports training & groupers – 18m
Mare Monte Islands: Holes & marine life – 20m
Paradise: Marine life – 42m
Pinoccio: Good training site – 14-26m
Rita: Huge anchor – 12m
The Wall: Old chain & anchor, corb fish – 29m
Wreck sites: 2 boats and unknown wreck – 17-30m
Zephyros: Reef & marine life – 20m
Zeyko: Underwater mountain – 14-28m

Koruçam Burnu:
Kormakiti: Marine life - 25m

Foot of the Karpaz Peninsula:
Power Station: Underwater mountain – 13-30m


24

inspirational
arts & Culture

N
orth Cyprus is home to a rich diversity

of arts and culture ranging from ancient

architecture to museums and galleries,

cultural events and international festivals. You may wish

to combine a beach holiday with a city break in one of the region’s

fascinating cultural towns or cities to soak up all North Cyprus

has to offer.

In the capital city, Lefkoşa, you will discover a city that has

been rebuilt and remodelled through the ages, resulting in an

intriguing architectural landscape that combines medieval, gothic,

British and modern Turkish influences, with fine gems such as
Opposite main: Büyük Han
Above left: Artefacts in the the Büyük Han – the Great Inn – a 16th-century watering hole,
Shipwreck Museum, Girne
Above middle: The Icon Museum can be found the Turkish Bath and the gloriously gothic architecture of the
amongst the charming backstreets of Girne.
Above right: St Barnabas Monastery Selimiye Mosque.


In Lefkoşa, you can also explore the fascinating 17th-century
monastery of the Whirling Dervishes, Mevlevi Tekke, now a
museum dedicated to this peaceful sect, originally established by
world-renowned poet and philosopher Celaleddin Rumi whose
chief religious celebration is an ecstatic reeling dance. If you are
shopping for traditional Turkish Cypriot crafts, the lively Belediye
Pazarı (municipal market) and shops around the Büyük Han are
highly recommended, as are the specialist jewellers for exquisite
locally made designs, also located nearby.

Handicrafts such as Lefkara embroidery, lace and rug weaving are
age-old Cypriot traditions still produced by women today and are
worth searching out in traditional craft shops and markets. You
will discover beautiful and intricate bedcovers, tablecloths, dollies
and scarves. Wicker baskets and colourful kilims (small floor
rugs) are also popular as gifts or home decorations.

Another delight for cultural enthusiasts is the town of Girne; set
against the dramatic backdrop of jagged mountains, the crescent-
shaped harbour fascinates with its Venetian facades, cobbled
medieval streets and nearby Venetian castle. The old town is
also home to ancient carob warehouses, today transformed into

a labyrinth of craft shops and flowered courtyards. Museums are
plentiful in Girne, including the museum of folk art and museum
of public arts.

Main: Selimiye Mosque
Right: Enjoy exploring the
26 colourful local markets.

Westwards from Girne, the alluring towns of Güzelyurt and Lefke
make a great tour out of the city. Güzelyurt is a quaint market town Festivals in North Cyprus:
centred upon the citrus fruit business and further along the coastal
International Spring & Autumn Concerts at
road, a short diversion to Lefke is rewarded with the discovery of Bellapais Abbey (May & September)
an unspoilt town of truly Turkish character with fine old buildings,
North Cyprus International Bellapais Music
three mosques and a curious circular British storehouse built to Festival (usually May 21- June 21)
mark the coronation of King George VI in 1937. Gazimagusa International Culture and Art
Festival (usually June 21 – July 12)
Further along the coast, the remains of the Persian Palace of Vouni
International North Cyprus Music
and the Roman remains of Soli will astound you. Soli houses some Festival (11 Sept – 11 Oct)
of the island’s best-preserved mosaics featuring swans, ducks and
Iskele Folk Dancing Festival (End June – July)
dolphins which decorate the Roman remains of what was once a
International Folk Dancing Festival of Gonyeli (End July)
major town of Cyprus. You can explore the remains of a basilica,
3,500-seat Odeon and of the temple to Aphrodite and Isis. Traditional Food Fairs:
Festivals are another exciting feature of Turkish Cypriot cultural Girne Olive Festival (October)

life. From the Peace and Freedom festival, on July 20, to the Guzelyurt Orange Festival (June)

harvest celebrations of the orange, grape and olive, as well as the Mehmetcik Grape Festival (August)
Bellapais Music Festival in June bringing together international Please note that many of the harvest and religious
musicians from around the world, the people of North Cyprus love events do not have fixed dates so please check locally,
or visit www.visitnorthcyprus.org.uk, before departure.
to enjoy themselves at these special events with families, friends
and visitors to the island.

A whole host of folklore festivals are held throughout the year, the
castle at Girne and the Othello Tower in Gazimağusa being prime
venues. All are accompanied by the vibrant sound of traditional
musicians, colourful folk dancing and plenty of delicious home-
style cooking.


28

night
colours of the

N
orth Cyprus feels friendly, intimate and
peaceful with an unhurried Mediterranean
pace. Its nightlife also reflects this; far from the
noisy crowds and all-night clubbing of larger holiday resorts,
going out in North Cyprus is refreshing, lively and thoroughly
enjoyable. The emphasis here is on leisurely dining, good food
and drink and great company.

North Cyprus is the perfect place to enjoy rustic dining and
linger over evening meals served under ageing olive trees and the
backdrop of crystalline seas. In towns, there are sophisticated
places to enjoy eating and going out, whilst in the villages there
is an abundance of friendship from locals, as well as plenty of
Opposite main and above left: Girne
Harbour is perhaps best enjoyed from one
delicious home-style cooking. From the enchantment of Girne
of its many cafes and restaurants.
harbour by night where bougainvillea tumbles from the city’s
Above middle: Enginar dolması (artichoke
stuffed with rice and herbs) walls to the excitement of North Cyprus’s bars and casinos, there
Above right: Delicious köfte
(meatballs) is a local favourite. is something to suit all tastes.


Eating out is popular amongst locals and the choice of cuisine
reflects this, combining many wonderful tastes from the Medi-
terranean, Turkey and the Middle East. In larger towns, a
range of international restaurants also offer dishes from around
the world.

Explore a multitude of local flavours with a Meze meal – the
Turkish Cypriot equivalent of Tapas – where you can sample
meatballs, hummus dips, mint yogurt, hellim (cheese) and other
delicacies, along with a glass of rakı (alcoholic aniseed drink).
There are also many good wines, beers and spirits, including the
famous brandy sour drink – a favourite of the locals. If you have
room, you may want to follow with fresh fish washed down with
excellent local or Turkish wine and finished off with a fix of thick
Turkish coffee or tea, the perfect end to a hearty meal.

Food lovers will delight at the variety of fresh local produce. Fresh
herbs such as wild thyme, calamint, fennel, oregano and sage
flourish in the mountains, ready for picking in June. Traditional
cuisine makes fine use of the abundant fresh fruit, vegetables,
herbs and spices, including a wide variety of vegetarian dishes

such as yalancı dolması (stuffed vine leaves with rice, onions
and tomatoes), stuffed peppers and tomatoes, mouth-watering
aubergine meals, sigara böreği (fried white cheese rolled in
pastry) and home-made baked beans.

Kebabs are another popular dish when eating out in North Cyprus,
of which there are many varieties: try shish kebabı, chunks of
lamb or chicken barbecued on a skewer, or the Turkish Cypriot
speciality, şeftali kebabı, made with minced meat, chopped
onion and spices, wrapped in lamb fat and grilled. Other mouth-
30 watering dishes include marinated fish and squid – and for

The Colours Of North Cyprus

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