WHY VISIT NORTH CYPRUS?
Northern Cyprus is the third largest island in the Eastern Mediterranean with all the assets of the geographical are. Cyprus is surrounded by the beautiful turquoise, Mediterranean Sea and basks in sunshine. With around 300 days of guaranteed sun it beckons to the western European visitor at all times of the year.
The country has distinct seasons with a long, beautiful, colourful spring, about four months of guaranteed hot, summer sunshine from June to October, an autumn of perfect, temperate weather and a short winter offering sunshine by day and chilly nights. The country has a traditional culture still kept alive by a proud and gentle race of people who can be considered to be the kindest and most hospitable in the world, crime is low. The food is delicious, appetising and healthy with locally, family run restaurants found in villages as well as towns. Markets selling everything from seasonal fruit, vegetables,
|
 |
nuts, cheese, breads, cakes to craft work and clothes are held every day in a different town, a tradition that has never died from the days when the peasant farmer was encouraged to sell his own produce locally. Population of Northern Cyprus is low; it is easy to get out and about without the hassle of traffic jams and crowded roads; pace of life is relaxed. Until 1960 it was a British colony and the influence of the British can still be observed in so many ways;
English is widely spoken. Looking at a map you can see why the island has been conquered, ruled and visited by every nation in history and this is significant in the unique culture of the people and examples of a history that goes deep into the past. The whole country can be considered to be an open air museum with ancient sites and monuments going back for centuries. Neolithic tombs and settlements have been mapped and examples of every age since then recorded.
Bronze Age tombs and sanctuaries have been discovered, Greek and Roman cities uncovered, Crusader castles majestically dominate the Kyrenia Mountain range, Byzantine churches are in pristine condition, Venetian walls still stand stron. Ottoman buildings for merchants and Princes have been renovated to original condition, colonial style buildings left by the British are in fine shape. If you are interested in nature be sure to visit during the turtle breeding time of June to October when you can join marine biology students on turtle watch during the night and hatchling release early evening. For the Botanist the spring months of mid February to early May present carpets of the most beautiful wild flowers and orchids. The very rare Orchis punctulata (Punctate orchid) grows prolifically in certain areas and blooms in mid March, the endemic Ophrys kotschyi (Cyprus Bee Orchid) can be seen in abundance all over The Kyrenia Mountains during March and early April. The endemic Tulipa cypria (Black Tulip) flowers in early April in an area west of the harbour town of Kyrenia.
During the hot summer every sort of water sport can be learned and practised with reputable companies at a very reasonable price; scuba diving, wake boarding, sailing, snorkelling, fishing. Because of the guaranteed sunshine, every outdoor activity such as paragliding, go karting, cycling, horse riding, walking can be taken up. Bird watching is at its best during the migratory periods of spring and autumn. Painting holidays can be enjoyed all year and one of the many local groups can be joined at minimum cost. The Turkish Cypriot is a talented artist and musician; festivals organised locally throughout the year delight the visitor and entertain the tourist.
A new medical tourism is developing with well qualified doctors who can deal with everything from thorough check ups to the latest operations for heart conditions and hip operations, cosmetic surgery and dental treatment; prices are much lower than Western Europe. Whatever you want from your holiday you can find it in Northern Cyprus; every age of visitor is welcomed and every activity catered for, sunshine is guaranteed!
|
