Information On North Cyprus

Few areas in the Mediterranean can be described as ‘unspoilt’, but North Cyprus certainly justifies the description. Add in the low-cost-living factor and you have a formula for graceful troublefree living in a North Cyprus Property such as a Villa or Apartment.

The landscape is stunning, with golden sand stretching for miles along the coast. The countryside in North Cyprus is home to many rare species of plants and wildlife, and is excellent terrain for walkers. Of the 1,250 plant species in North Cyprus, 17 are found nowhere else in the world. Of particular interest are the 30 varieties of orchids which flower in springtime.

The island of Cyprus as a whole has a rich history that stretches back more than 9,000 years. Traces of this are to be found everywhere: the ruins of the Roman city of Salamis and the Byzantine castles at St Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara are just three examples.

Under the Surface of North Cyprus

The clear, warm waters off the coast of North Cyprus are very popular with scuba divers. There are some twenty sites, all providing excellent visibility to witness an abundance of coral and marine life: sting rays, amberjacks, scorpions, bream, grouper, cuckoo, octopus, moray eel and the occasional turtle.

Among the many wrecks to be explored in North Cyprus is the site of the world's oldest known shipwreck, dating back 2,300 years and now housed in Kyrenia Castle. The diving season lasts nominally from April to December; even in November the water temperature is 25 degrees Centigrade.

Traditional Handicraft in Cyprus

The best-known local handicraft in North Cyprus is the intricate embroidery called lefkara, the skills of which have been handed down from mother to daughter for countless generations. Indeed, it can be dated back to pre-Christian times.

The inhabitants of the ancient city of Salamis probably acquired the skills from the Assyrians, whose embroidery work was so esteemed that it was hung in the temple of Olympia. Leonardo da Vinci was so impressed with it that he ordered the unique embroidery to adorn Milan's cathedral.

An even older tradition on the island is creating pottery; this can be dated back to Neolithic times. Copperwork and wickerwork are other local cottage industries.

 For more information on North Cyprus visit www.northcyprusonline.com which is a fact filled portal about the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus.

Cyprus is the most easterly of the Mediterranean islands and the third largest in the area after Sicily and Sardinia. At the nearest coastal points it is 40 miles from Turkey, 60 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.
The location of North Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean makes it a strategic crossroads among Europe, Asia and Africa continents and has been used by travellers in their various journeys throughout history of Cyprus.

Traces of ancient peoples in Cyprus are evident: Assyrians, Phoenicians, Macedonians, Hellenists, Persians, Romans and Egyptians among others. These were followed by Byzantines, Crusaders, French Lusignans, Venetians, Ottomans and eventually the British until when the island gained its independence in 1960 with the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. There was then an unhappy period for Turkish Cypriots following independence in 1960, but this was ended with partition in 1974.

With such a background, Cyprus has developed a unique character which is a blend of all that has gone before. Part of this unique character is the natural beauty of the northern part of the island. The coastline offers fine, uncrowded beaches; you can still arrive at a beach and enjoy being the only one there. The mountains provide a lovely backdrop to the beaches but are very well worth visiting themselves; the track systems (many of which can be driven along) offer good walking. In the spring there are many wild flowers including some endemic to Cyprus. What makes Northern Cyprus special apart from its beaches, mountains and natural beauty? Well, to these you add a super climate, and the hospitality of the Turkish Cypriots.

NORTH CYPRUS – GENERAL INFORMATION

 Location

yprus is situated at the cross point of 35°N latitude and 33°E longitude and is the third largest Island in the Mediterranean.

Entry Requirements
A valid passport is required for entry to Northern Cyprus.

How to get to North Cyprus
There are frequent scheduled and charter flights out of England and other European Countries to the island. More than 60 flights per week arrive at Ercan Airport during the summer. There are 15 flights from three airports of London: Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow. Most of them arrive in the evening. Northern Cyprus has direct air links only with Turkey, where all planes from Europe must first touch down. From Turkey, you can choose from a number of scheduled flights from Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Adana and Antalya.

Climate
Climate of Northern Cyprus is typical Mediterranean. It has dry, long summers, and warm, short, light rainy winters.

Currency
The Turkish Lira (TL) is the currency used in North Cyprus. Foreign currencies and travellers' cheques are accepted in banks and exchange offices. Most credit cards are valid in many places, but bank charges may apply in some places.

Language
The official language is Turkish. English language is widely spoken with full of grammar mistakes! :)

Car Rental
Prices are excellent for the travellers who wish to act freely. You can hire a car with your driving licenses. Everyone drives on the left in North Cyprus just like in England - Wearing seatbelt is compulsory. All signposts are international.

Hotels
Cyprus accommodates the largest number of tourists despite the small size of the island and there are around 60 hotels in North Cyprus, ranging from a few 5-star luxury ones to family-run hotels. However, there is now a need for more 5 star accommodation.

Main Towns
Kyrenia (38,000), Famagusta (54,000) and Nicosia (62,000) Est. population in brackets

Transportation
Taxis are in reasonable prices. There is also a collective taxi system mainly using minibuses known as Dolmus. Bus departures are frequent between big and smaller towns during the day.

Population
The approximate population of the whole island is 900.000 of which 215.000 live in TRNC.

Shopping
Popular souvenirs include: potteries, wicker baskets, copper, silver, bronze, and onyx objects, Turkish dolls, meerschaum pipes and tavla boards (backgammon), jewellery, leather cloths and the textiles can be purchased at low prices.