SHOPPING IN NORTH CYPRUS Over the past few years North Cyprus shopping areas has changed due to the boom and more and more retail outlets have spouted in the town and surrounding areas. You will find an array of electrical and furniture shops and modern clothing shops can be seen almost anywhere in Kyrenia. The more traditional Turkish Cypriot shops can still be Kyrenia, where hand made crafts can be purchased and Jewellery is very popular and competitively priced where you can buy an unusual design. The local alcohol and cigarettes can be bought very cheaply and it is a nice opportunity to sample the local brandy and wines. For those of you who like the hustle and bustle of going to the market then every Wednesday is the Kyrenia municipal market this is located behind the bus terminal.

Getting around Kyrenia is easy once you have found your bearings and once parked up you can then enjoy the wonderful selection of shops available

Park in the main car park in Kyrenia - walk down the High Street and turn right at the Round Tower, just a few steps aware bring you to the ‘?????? Han’ refurbished over the past few years – here you will find several stalls selling various items suitable for the small gift to take home or a souvenir of your visit to the island. Also savour the most gorgeous Italian Ice Cream before leaving from the other side, and then turn right towards the Harbour.

You will come across a Handbag shop – owned by a lovely bubbly Bulgarian Lady with the wonderful nick name of Suzie Bling – she is an experience on its own and delights in showing you her handbags etc with the delight of someone who loves what she is doing. Next door her husband – who is the total opposite to Suzie sells watches – he will also do small repairs and replaces batteries – you can buy your ‘Gucci’, ‘Tag Heur’ for a fraction of the cost of the real thing!

Then the ‘Magic Box Shop’ – the window is full of carvings, wooden ornaments and here you can buy lovely wooden boxes that can have the name of your choice carved on them whilst you wait – there are several types of boxes and it is a wonder to see ‘Hassan’ show you how to open them – they range from various sizes and prices and are a very different gift to take back with you. He also has lovely fruit bowls that flatten down but open into all sorts of different shapes and sizes – once more here is a character that is lovely to meet over and over again.

His friend has a shop just further down with lovely porcelain, tiles, lights etc and once more the things on show are just beautiful.

If one shop is closed chances are the other has the key and will let you in.

Carry on down the steps and take a left turn you will find a souvenir shop hidden under the sun canopy – walk into this Aladdin’s cave and find – gorgeous painted tiles – which can be used as pot stands or if you buy ½ dozen or so as a decoration on your walls inside or out – (go upstairs and the choice is fantastic), - as we said these make inexpensive but unusual gifts or memories of your wonderful holiday. There are ‘magic eyes’ in various forms be it pendants, bracelets, key rings, glass sun catchers. You can also find a good collection of silver jewellery, belly dancing outfits, fez the list is endless. It is worth a visit to see how much can be fitted into such a small space.

Carry along with the sea on your right and take the next major road on the left – here you will find jewellers galore, more watches and dress shops – you will even find Rupert Bear’s Tailor – here you can get things tailor made in just a few days – selecting the fabric and style of your choice.

Half way up this road you find a cross roads – with a jewellers on the corner turn right here and just a short way along you will find Foxy Lady shoe shop – here there is a genuine bargain basement where last years styles are sold at a fraction of the cost.

Turning back from here and heading back towards the car park you will find lots of shops selling t shirts – mostly copies but quite good quality. Opposite the Round Tower take a turning right and there you will find more handbag shops, a small shop on the left which sells Turkish Coffee Cup sets – also a popular souvenir.

As you turn a bend you find Café Paris – Hassan will greet you with ‘Hello My Friend’ – you can have an inexpensive but very nice meal here or just a refreshing drink. Whilst sitting here you can decide to buy your Turkish Delight which they will be only too pleased for you to try in advance.