As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has been occupied by a succession of civilisations over the past 2000 years, all of whom have left their mark. History abounds everywhere; from the three great castles built in the time of Richard the Lionheart, to the Roman ruins at Salamis, each conquering empire has contributed to the beauty and culture of this remarkable island.
Bellapais Abbey |
The past two years have seen an explosion in the Northern Cyprus property market, sort of like Spain in the 1980’s. Just like the fall of communism in Spain opened up a landscape of unspoilt beaches and rural towns, so here we now have North Cyprus.
Virtually closed off to the world after the Greek Cypriot atrocities, against Turkish Cypriots caused the Turkish army to intervene.Leaving the international community to recognise the Greek Cypriots as the supposed government of the whole island. |
Now the northern Cyprus coast is ripe for investment, due to its tranquil lifestyle and untouched nature. Plus, due to the infancy of the construction industry, prices are still incredibly low. The northern, Turkish part of Cyprus - 37% of the island - still remains less visited than the Greek south.
Korineum Golf Course in Esentepe
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No-one denies that when the island was divided in1974, the Turks took the more beautiful and fertile region. The Greek Cypriots are skilful political lobbyists and have since 1974 conducted an effective boycott of the north, presenting it as 'occupied and inaccessible'. They did an excellent job, as both the economy and tourism industry in the north stagnated. Only an initiated few saw through the propaganda and went to find out for themselves, and many became loyal devotees who returned each year to enjoy the wealth of cultural sites and the relaxing atmosphere. |
The Greek Cypriots have also done a good job of rebuilding the tourist industry in the south, but in doing so have disfigured the landscape with concrete high-rise buildings and fast-food restaurants. Less commercially minded than their southern counterparts, the Turkish Cypriots have until recently hatched few ambitious development projects of their own, and were in any event starved of the international finance needed to carry them out. Yet times are changing.
Karpas beaches |
With the 'border' slowly disintegrating, EU money starting to filter through and a strengthening economy, the north is no longer an isolated backwater. Property investment is big business and the levels of construction represent a sea of change in the lives of many Turkish Cypriot people. But leave these main population areas behind and the rural, tranquil charm of North Cyprus remains in place. Family-owned chalets and restaurants are still the norm, and with a good meze and glass of wine the north can still offer some of the most unspoilt corners of the Mediterranean. |
Prices in North Cyprus remain relatively low, although inflation and growing tourism are nudging costs up gradually. A meal for two plus wine costs around £12-20 and car hire £20-26 a day. Turkish Cypriots are friendly and hospitable and do not as a rule hassle or pester visitors. Petty crime rates are very low and the environment is safe and pollution-free. There are daily flights from the UK, and tourism is expanding slowly under the aegis of two-centre holidays with Turkey.
St. Hilarion Castle |
This makes a virtue out of the necessity of touching down at Istanbul or Izmir, a consequence of non-recognition by any country except Turkey.
The political situation has, ironically, worked in the tourist's favour, by making North Cyprus into a forgotten corner where the Mediterranean of 20 years ago can still be recaptured in places. North Cyprus is in transition, and now more than ever it is the responsibility of visitors to help preserve the natural beauty before it becomes simply another package holiday destination. |
North Cyprus Tourist Guide:
• Regions: Kyrenia (Girne) | Esentepe | Bellapais | Ozankoy | Lapta | Karpas | Catalkoy
• North Cyprus Photo Gallery  :
The best photographs of Northern Cyprus
• Places to Visit in North Cyprus:
From Famagusta to Kyrenia Castle.
• North Cyprus Car Hire  :
Contact us for the best car rental rates.
• Korineum Golf Course in Esentepe, North Cyprus:
Pictures on the new golf course in North Cyprus.
• Book North Cyprus Online :
Travel company offering online hotel, flight and car hire bookings.
• Why Northern Cyprus:
Sun shine, culture, hospitality, zero tax on pension, duty free car...
• Press Articles about North Cyprus:
The Financial Times: "softer beaches than any in the South".
• North Cyprus Geography :
Maps, landscape, beaches, mountains.
• North Cyprus Fact Sheet:
Climate, entry requirements, electricity, transporation, and more.
• British Community in North Cyprus:
Around 30,000 British people are living permanently in TRNC.
• Flights to Northern Cyprus:
How to book your flight to Northern Cyprus.
• Hotels in Northern Cyprus:
List of select hotels in North Cyprus.
• Dining in North Cyprus:
Sheftali kebab, hellim cheese, humus, chakistes and more.
• Cyprus History:
Alexander the Great, Rule of Byzantium, Ottomans, British occupation...
• Schools and Universities:
A growing number of North Cyprus colleges and schools. |
