You are cordially invited to North Cyprus
A most hospitable welcome, with friendly people, beautiful natural attractions,
unspoilt coastlines and historical interest of over nine thousand years.
The island of Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its nearest neighbour is Turkey, some 40 nautical miles north. To the east of the island the mountain range loses height as it extends along the narrow peninsula knownas Karpas or ‘The Panhandle'. Along it one finds the best beaches in Cyprus. Miles of empty bays with pure white sand. The resort town of Kyrenia is on the northern coast, and the second resort town of Famagusta in the east. Quite apart from the huge range of cultivated flowers, Northern Cyprus and especially the Karpas peninsula is a rich botanical area with literally hundreds of species of wild flowers. From February to June many areas of Northern Cyprus are carpeted with colourful wild flowers. Wildlife include birds, butterflies, lizards and the loggerhead and green turtle still come ashore to lay their eggs on Northern Cyprus' unspoiled beaches.
Historical outline
Archaeological excavations show settlements of Neolithic Tribes from 7000 BC, which originated from Anatolia and Mesopotamia. These early settlers established small communities along the coast. Although they used stone vessels they were able to farm and domesticate animals. A new wave of settlers who came after 6000 BC brought pottery skills, the two sites excavated from this age are at Vrysi in the north, 8 miles east of Kyrenia, and Khirokitia half way between Limassol and Nicosia which now remains on the south of the border. Finds from these sites indicate a life of farming, fishing, raising animals and weaving wool. From 2000 BC onwards the island's strategic location for trade and defence and its copper resources, drew neighbouring powers to dominate Cyprus one after the other, to the present day. This has brought Cyprus a mosaic of cultural influences and made the island a treasure chest of ancient ruins, medieval castles and Abbeys
Food & Drink
The cuisine of Northern Cyprus owes its heritage to a mixture of Mediterranean and oriental influences. Local dishes are good and made from natural fresh produce. The ‘Meze' is a speciality of Cyprus and consists of a large number of cold and hot hors d'oeuvres such as different salads,meats, vegetables and sea food. It is either taken as an appetiser or as a main course. Other typical dishes of the region are Shish kebab (marinated lamb skewered and grilled over charcoal), Yalanci Dolma (wine leaves stuffed with rice onions and tomatoes. Sheftali kebab (spicy minced lamb wrapped in skin and cooked on charcoal) Musakka (layers of mince, potato aubergines andcourgettes baked in the oven with melted cheese topping). Typical sweet desserts are Lokum (Turkish Delight), Baklava (mille feuille pastry, nuts, honey and syrup), Halva (flour, sugar, and ground sesame seeds).
Evening entertainment
Night life in Northern Cyprus is generally restricted to a small number of nightclubs with a good selection of restaurants. There are good opportunities for eating out from major hotel restaurants serving international dishes to small Bistro like restaurants, which offer typical Turkish- Cypriot cuisine and is relatively cheap compared with Southern Cyprus or Europe. Kyrenia Harbour is an ideal place to dine in a picturesque surrounding. Many hotels and larger restaurants will stage live music and/or local shows during the summer season.
Language
Turkish is the official language of Northern Cyprus, and is fiendishly difficult for foreigners to become proficient in but, fortunately, English is widely understood.
Passport & Visa
All visitors require a valid national passport to entry North Cyprus. The citizens of European Union nations, Turkey, USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Israel, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Australia and New Zealand do not require visa to enter the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Other nationals are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
For further information please contact us on 020 3150 8888 or
e-mail info@cypruspremierdmc.com
The island of Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its nearest neighbour is Turkey, some 40 nautical miles north. To the east of the island the mountain range loses height as it extends along the narrow peninsula knownas Karpas or ‘The Panhandle'. Along it one finds the best beaches in Cyprus. Miles of empty bays with pure white sand. The resort town of Kyrenia is on the northern coast, and the second resort town of Famagusta in the east. Quite apart from the huge range of cultivated flowers, Northern Cyprus and especially the Karpas peninsula is a rich botanical area with literally hundreds of species of wild flowers. From February to June many areas of Northern Cyprus are carpeted with colourful wild flowers. Wildlife include birds, butterflies, lizards and the loggerhead and green turtle still come ashore to lay their eggs on Northern Cyprus' unspoiled beaches.
Historical outline
Archaeological excavations show settlements of Neolithic Tribes from 7000 BC, which originated from Anatolia and Mesopotamia. These early settlers established small communities along the coast. Although they used stone vessels they were able to farm and domesticate animals. A new wave of settlers who came after 6000 BC brought pottery skills, the two sites excavated from this age are at Vrysi in the north, 8 miles east of Kyrenia, and Khirokitia half way between Limassol and Nicosia which now remains on the south of the border. Finds from these sites indicate a life of farming, fishing, raising animals and weaving wool. From 2000 BC onwards the island's strategic location for trade and defence and its copper resources, drew neighbouring powers to dominate Cyprus one after the other, to the present day. This has brought Cyprus a mosaic of cultural influences and made the island a treasure chest of ancient ruins, medieval castles and Abbeys
Food & Drink
The cuisine of Northern Cyprus owes its heritage to a mixture of Mediterranean and oriental influences. Local dishes are good and made from natural fresh produce. The ‘Meze' is a speciality of Cyprus and consists of a large number of cold and hot hors d'oeuvres such as different salads,meats, vegetables and sea food. It is either taken as an appetiser or as a main course. Other typical dishes of the region are Shish kebab (marinated lamb skewered and grilled over charcoal), Yalanci Dolma (wine leaves stuffed with rice onions and tomatoes. Sheftali kebab (spicy minced lamb wrapped in skin and cooked on charcoal) Musakka (layers of mince, potato aubergines andcourgettes baked in the oven with melted cheese topping). Typical sweet desserts are Lokum (Turkish Delight), Baklava (mille feuille pastry, nuts, honey and syrup), Halva (flour, sugar, and ground sesame seeds).
Northern Cyprus produces a variety of
local brandies and the aniseed based ‘Raki'
which is famous in the region. These are
the perfect accompaniment to the local
dishes. European beer is also produced
locally under licence. Gold Fassl and
Altinada Pills are good local beers. In
addition to the local produce, restaurants
and hotels offer a wide range of wines,
beers and spirits imported from the
Turkish mainland and Europe. Soft drinks
are widely produced and consumed locally. One traditional way to finish your meal is a small cup of Turkish coffee. |
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Night life in Northern Cyprus is generally restricted to a small number of nightclubs with a good selection of restaurants. There are good opportunities for eating out from major hotel restaurants serving international dishes to small Bistro like restaurants, which offer typical Turkish- Cypriot cuisine and is relatively cheap compared with Southern Cyprus or Europe. Kyrenia Harbour is an ideal place to dine in a picturesque surrounding. Many hotels and larger restaurants will stage live music and/or local shows during the summer season.
Language
Turkish is the official language of Northern Cyprus, and is fiendishly difficult for foreigners to become proficient in but, fortunately, English is widely understood.
Passport & Visa
All visitors require a valid national passport to entry North Cyprus. The citizens of European Union nations, Turkey, USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Israel, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Australia and New Zealand do not require visa to enter the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Other nationals are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Climate The climate of Northern Cyprus is typically Mediterranean. Summers (Jun to Sep) are hot and dry; winters (Nov to Mar) are moderately rainy, with a mild temperature. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. The average annual temperature is 20 °C (68F).Summer temperatures average 30 °C (90F) with the coldest months of Jan and Feb 10 °C (50F). |
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Kyrenia Kyrenia is the prettiest town on the island, a tranquil seaside resort with a picturesque Old Harbour. The superb coastline of Northern Cyprus combines natural unspoiled beauty with a rich and varied history. This is why Kyrenia is one of the most picturesque towns in the Mediterranean, situated in a peaceful setting 2000 ft below the castle of St Hilarion, perched atop the rocks of the Besparmak mountain range. Its tiny crescent harbour still retains its original character, and is dominated by an imposing 7th century castle which houses thefamous Shipwreck Museum. There, you can see examples of the ancient cargo recovered with a shipwreck, about one mile from Kyrenia Harbour, believed to have sunk in the year 300BC. This charming Venetian harbour is now the ideal place to slow down to the relaxing Cypriot pace, and watch life go by from one of the harbour cafes or restaurants, which offer something for everyoneFor those with an eye for the cultural excellence, a visit to Bellapais Abbey will offer unforgettable moments. An ideal resort for holidays, Kyrenia offers a wide range of accommodation, some on the attractive seafront and some on the sleepy foothills of the mountain range. Each type of accommodation has its own charming character and all selected to represent the best value and standard in their class. Kyrenia has retained its charm and is a favourite of many of its visitors.. |
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Famagusta If uncrowded beaches are your priority, then the Famagusta region is for you. Originally a fishing village during the 13th century, Famagusta rapidly evolved to become a major mediaeval commercial centre between east and west, and a residence for rich merchants who built many of the monuments seen today, within the impressive walls built by the Venetians, to protect the wealth of the city from hostile invaders. Lusignans crowned their kings in the famous St Nicholas Cathedral which now dominates the old city, with its original gothic architecture, superbly preserved by the Ottoman Turks who added a minaret and converted the interior into a mosque. Famagusta can offer a wealth of treasure for the culturally orientated visitor, such as the antique Roman city of Salamis, Othello's Tower, Bronze age ruins of Alasia and Engomi, the monastery of St Barnabas, now an Icon museum, and the Kantara Castle. Apart from a rich and varied history, in this warmest part of Cyprus, lie miles of unspoilt and uncrowded beaches. Several bars and restaurants along the coast serve the best of fresh traditional and continental dishes as well as the local brandy, raki and beer. You will enjoy walking the narrow streets of the old city, deep within the safety of the historic walls, where hundreds of shopkeepers display their selection of local arts and crafts. |
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For further information please contact us on 020 3150 8888 or
e-mail info@cypruspremierdmc.com
