North Cyprus Holidays Guide
All year round activities in Northern Cyprus.
Northern Cyprus has plenty to offer the visitor 12 months of the year. With around 350 days of sunshine, beautiful scenery, colourful spring wild flowers, sparkling blue sea, historical sites, crusader castles, warm and friendly people, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, low crime rate, this country is a must for the discerning traveller. Whatever your interest there is always something here for you.
The local Turkish Cypriot is a talented, creative person and this is reflected by the many exhibitions of art, handicrafts, concerts and musical recitals throughout the year, many of them are held in the magical surroundings of Kyrenia Castle, the ancient amphitheatre of Salamis or Bellapais Monastery and are often free.
The winters are short and considered to be the month of January, but still it is sunny by day and only chilly once the sun goes down; a perfect time for walkers and for those interested in escaping the bitter climate of Western Europe. February sees the almond blossom at its best and the welcome of a long spring season which lasts until the beginning of May. At this time the most beautiful wild flowers give a blaze of colour over the mountainsides, along the footpaths and roadsides; wild orchids hide in the undergrowth. By mid May temperatures start to rise and the golden beaches lure the visitor who likes to relax and soak up guaranteed sunshine. Water sports are most popular in the summer months of June to the end of September although scuba diving is an all year round activity. October and
November are perfect months for the serious walker with so many mountain trails and unspoilt areas to discover. December travellers wishing to have a happy, sunny, hassle free Christmas can enjoy as much or as little of the Christmas spirit as they choose. Here there is plenty going on with a Christmas cheer at a fraction of the price of the UK and you could even plan to have a picnic on the beach for your celebration lunch if you wanted to!
CYCLING.
The roads in Northern Cyprus are quiet; the views are magnificent from the many mountain tracks suitable for cycling. Although rather warm during the summer months of July and August, the Cyprus climate is perfect all year for those wanting to explore the countryside by bicycle and the scenery cannot be beaten.
Bicycles can be hired locally and maps supplied.
ORCHIDS AND WILD FLOWERS.
Northern Cyprus is a Botanists paradise in spring with about 30 different species of wild orchids and an abundance of wild flowers being seen between January and mid May. The very rare Orchis punctulata is in bloom in late February and early March, the endemic “Cyprus Bee Orchid” is out in mid March. The endemic “Black Tulip” can be seen in the Gecitkoy and Hisarkoy areas in April. Throughout the whole spring season the fields and footpaths are tapestries of colour to delight everyone who comes here at this time.
www.walksnorchidsnorthcyprus.com
WALKING
Walkers coming to Northern Cyprus are amazed by the variety of trails and the ease at which they can wander; we have freedom to roam in this country. The quiet mountain footpaths, the lovely forest tracks, there is much to be discovered. It is possible to walk all year although in July and August it gets hot by 11am and all walking has to be done very early in the morning in areas shaded by trees. If you choose to visit at any other time of year you will have a wonderful time exploring by yourself or joining in with an organised group. In spring you will have the bonus of seeing carpets of beautiful wild flowers and Orchids all around you, in October the weather is at its best and temperatures are perfect for any length of trek. The views are magnificent, historical sites and buildings interesting, mountain villages and images of the past adorn the whole country.
Visitors who wish to walk independently must get a copy of “Walks of Northern Cyprus” by Alison Dowey; this little book comes with maps and details of each walk and is frequently updated. If you wish to join an organised group there are plenty of opportunities to do so.
www.walksnorchidsnorthcyprus.com
PAINTING
The air is fresh, there is sunshine all the year, the climate is perfect in Northern Cyprus for the Artist and there is a wealth of subjects for his canvas. The spring flowers are delightful, the scenery is amazing, there are plenty of interesting historical sites, lovely old buildings, traditional villages, friendly characters. There are a number of talented and accomplished local artists ready and willing to help and instruct the visiting artist or anyone who would like to learn to paint during their holiday. On arrival in Northern Cyprus visit “The Carpenters Craft and Farmers Market”, held at The Carpenters Restaurant in Karaoglanoglu, on a Friday morning, to discuss art lessons and subjects with the artists who display their work there.
For information and how to get to the market go to
www.carpenters-restaurant.com
FISHING.
There are plenty of opportunities to go fishing in the clear, blue Mediterranean Sea. Local fish is eaten in the restaurants in Kyrenia Harbour and the small, local restaurants dotted along the Northern coast and the Karpaz peninsular. In Kyrenia Harbour fishermen offer trips to suit the visitor, all at a very reasonable price.
DIVING.
Northern Cyprus is an ideal place for Scuba Diving; the waters are clear and blue, there is plenty to see, old wrecks to explore and so much to discover.
There are a number of good diving schools for those who wish to learn to dive during their holiday. Experienced divers can hire all the equipment at a reasonable cost. The climate is suitable for Scuba Diving all year round and one Scuba Diving company offering all year round diving is The Turtle bay Dive Centre.
www.turtlebaydivecentre.com
PARAGLIDING
Para gliders declare that Northern Cyprus is a haven for this eco friendly activity; the countryside is perfect, the mountains beautiful, there are so many wonderful places for “take off”. The climate is unbeatable and suitable for paragliding all year round, no problem in summer even when temperatures reach 40C.
Single and tandem paragliding can be organised at any time of year, (in winter weather permitting), by a reputable and experienced company. Tandem paragliding is particularly popular with all age groups.
www.highlineparagliding.com
KARTING
The Zet International Karting Circuit, which exceeds the highest European standards and has one of the best racing surfaces in the region, has become a frequent stop for fans of the sport since its opening in May 2000. It is situated about 8 kilometers from Nicosia on the Alaykoy road.
Web: www.zetkarting.com
HORSE RIDING
There are several stables offering horse riding for the experienced rider or the novice. At the Catalkoy Riding Stables you are offered a good variety of daily trails or you may choose a fully guided riding holiday.
www.catalkoyridingclub.com
TURTLES
Northern Cyprus beaches are very important for the nesting of the seriously endangered Green turtle, Chelonia mydas and the endangered Loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta. Thanks to the protection work done by volunteer students from Britain and Europe, in conjunction with the Ministry of the Environment, these turtles are given the best start to their difficult lives. Scientific study is also carried out here to monitor activity and record data; it is known that only one turtle hatchling in 1000 will live to maturity. Visitors to Northern Cyprus have the opportunity to witness the nesting and hatching of these turtles. The project, organised by The University of Exeter at the Tremough Campus, goes from strength to strength and has 3 bases in Northern Cyprus; the main one is at Alagadi which is situated 10 km east of Kyrenia.
Nesting of the turtles takes place at night during June and July; the hatching season begins around the middle of July and continues to the end of September. Anyone who would like to experience the nesting or hatching of the Green and Loggerhead Turtle is welcome to go along to the project headquarters, based at “The Goat Shed”, at Alagadi beach. It is necessary to visit the headquarters beforehand to list yourselves.
Information on the Turtles of Northern Cyprus and the work done at Alagadi Beach can be obtained on the following website:
www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/
CAROB PICKING.
The Carob bean ripens in late August, picking starts around August 25th. The Carob bean was once known as “Cyprus Black Gold” and old Carob warehouses are still seen today along the northern coast of Northern Cyprus and Kyrenia Harbour. In those days the lucrative crop was exported. Today the Cypriot people make the traditional, nutritious syrup called “Pekmez” which is used in cooking and to make a delicious spread when mixed with tahini (sesame seed paste). The visitor has the opportunity to visit a traditional, Turkish Cypriot village on the southern slopes of the Kyrenia Mountains and help with the Carob harvest and learn how to make “Pekmez”.
The season is short as the beans must be harvested quickly. August 30th to September 10th is the time to catch this fun thing to do. For more information visit the organic farm stall at The Carpenters Craft and Farmers Market, held every Friday morning, at The Carpenters Restaurant in karaoglanoglu just west of the town of Kyrenia.
www.carpenters-restaurant.com
BIRD WATCHING.
Northern Cyprus is a haven for those interested in spotting the most beautiful birds. There is unlimited opportunity to spend a holiday in peace and quiet just relaxing and watching the birds. Best areas are the Karpaz peninsular, the various lake areas, the Kyrenia Mountains and many beaches.
Best time to come to see the migrating cranes is early October, the endemic Cyprus Pied Wheatear is seen in the summer months and the endemic Cyprus Warbler is seen all year.
Information can be found by calling Alev Oren at the Society for the protection of birds (Kus Kor) ++90 392 815 7337.
How to find the lakes is published in “Walks of North Cyprus” by Alison Dowey available at
www.walksnorchidsnorthcyprus.com
OLIVE PICKING
The olives are ready for picking from the end of October; the green olives are gathered first, then the ripe, black olives are picked and either salted and preserved, or made into olive oil. By November the various olive presses in the villages are working, the local people take their produce in crates and leave with the most wonderful thick, dark green olive oil. At most of the olive presses the machinery has been up dated to give a more efficient production of oil, however, in the Karpaz village of “Buyukkonuk” you can still see the oil made in the original way. In fact, you can take part in olive picking and pressing, experiencing the traditional way of making olive oil and leaving with a jug of your very own olive oil.
The 3 day activity takes place in early November and invites visitors to join in, pick your own olives, press them and get your pure Virgin Olive Oil in the special designed olive jar, learn about the Karpaz village and the traditional crafts still done today.
