Search Results

Useful Information Banking Car Hire Dentists Embassies Duty Free Insurance Overview Post Relocating Supermarkets Weddings Borders Cleaning Doctors Emergencies Govt Departments Internet/TV Pharmacy Practical Information Residency Transport Wills Bus Service Climate Driving Ferries History Local Tradesmen Phones Refuse Collection Retiring Utilities Business Currency & Exchange Education Food & Drink Hospitals M.I.C.E. Police Religion Rough Guide Visas Useful Information > Banking With high savings rates for accounts in sterling, a personal bank account in TRNC may be attractive. If you have a home here, you may want a current account and a bank card to make transactions or pay for bills. What are the requirements for opening a bank account in TRNC? Do you need to have a home there? Can you apply with a UK or other overseas address? What proof of address is required? What forms of identification are acceptable? The answers vary depending on each bank's policies. TRNC banks must adhere to "Know Your Customer” (KYC) regulations. These require banks to carry out checks on your identity and address. Foreign nationals can apply with a valid passport or ID from their own country. A utility bill, tax letter or other official document may be accepted as proof of address for applicants from outside the TRNC. A driving licence is not accepted as a valid proof of identity. In practice some banks may insist on a TRNC certificate of residence (ikametgah belgesi) to open a bank account, which can be obtained from the local “muhtar”, while others accept addresses in the UK and other countries. Applications must be submitted and signed in person at a bank branch. All TRNC banks use a correspondent bank in Turkey. ​ Category Name Location IDD Code Number Banks Turk Bank Head Office Girne +90 392 444 7373 Banks Turk Bank Karakum Karakum +90 392 815 4713 Banks Turk Bank Karaoglanoglu Karaoglanoglu +90 392 822 4032 Banks Universal Bank Catalkoy +90 392 824 5627 Banks Vuyabank Girne +90 392 815 0830 Banks Akdeniz Bank Girne +90 392 815 5116 Banks Albank Girne +90 392 815 9982 Banks Capital Bank Girne +90 392 444 2265 Banks Credit West Girne +90 392 444 0678 Banks Credit West Karaoglanoglu +90 392 444 0678 Banks Credit West Catalkoy +90 392 444 0678 Banks Garanti Bank Girne +90 392 815 0113 Banks Halk Bank Girne +90 392 816 0230 Banks Iktisat Bank Girne +90 392 815 5351 Banks Koop Bank Girne +90 392 815 2469 Banks Koop Bank Karakum +90 392 816 1069 Banks Limasol Bank Girne +90 392 815 6678 Banks Near East Bank Girne +90 392 444 0632 Banks Near East Bank Karakum +90 392 444 0632 Banks Near East Bank Karaoglanoglu +90 392 444 0632 Banks TEB Bank Girne +90 392 815 9510 Banks Turk Bank Alsancak Alsancak +90 392 821 3398 Banks Turk Bank Branch 2 Girne +90 392 815 2101 Banks Turk Bank Central Girne Girne +90 392 815 1360 Top Useful Information > Border Crossings There are nine crossing points between North and South Cyprus but if you intend to use a particular crossing, you'd be wise to check it's open before making your journey, just to make sure. West to east, these are the names of the Cyprus border crossings: Yesilirmak (Limnitis/Kato Pyrgos) near Guzelyurt (Morpho) Lefke (Lefka) Bostanci/Guzelyurt (Astromeritis) Metehan (Agios Dometios) Ledra Palace - Official cars only Ledra Stree t - Pedestrains Beyarmudu (Dhekelia) – SBA crossing Akyar (Strovilia/Agios Nikolaos) - SBA crossing Dherynia (Famagusta/Gazimagusa) Border crossings are quite well signed in the north if you want to go south, but not so well in the south if you want to go north. Names above are Turkish names, those in brackets Greek. These two names aren't necessarily the same place, but the names of the nearest village or town on each side of the border, as there's often a short drive between the two. Crossing points are mainly designed for cars, but there is one pedestrian-only crossing point in the capital Lefkosa known as Ledra Street. It's possible to walk through some crossing points if you're being collected by a car or taxi on the other side (for example Metehan ) but note some crossing points are rural with limited facilities on either side and some crossing points have a long distance between them so walking isn't allowed (for example, Yesilirmak ). All crossing points are open 24/7 but if you need to buy car insurance, you should use Metehan which offers 24-hour car insurance service. The other border crossings tend to offer car insurance services only in-office hours. You'll need your passport as well as the car documents, insurance and driving licence if you're taking a car across. The most used crossing is Metehan which is about 20-minutes drive from Kyrenia. The Sovereign Base Area (SBA) British Army crossing point of Beyarmudu is actually nearer to Larnaca Airport but the journey to Kyrenia is longer, so it tends to be used for those visiting East Coast locations of Iskele or Famagusta . If you fly via Paphos , you'd be better to use Metehan as well. Lefke and Yesilirmak may look closer, but they're mainly used by locals, involve mountainous roads and are not really suitable for first-time visitors or new tourists, particularly at night. You can use sat nav or google maps or Waze to find the Cyprus border crossings but once through reset your device to your final destination. If you're a first time visitor to North Cyprus and arriving at night in the South , take a taxi over the border and hire a car in the north. This gives you fully comp insurance plus breakdown cover and stops you getting lost in the dark. You might also want to book that pickup in advance with a North Cyprus company rather than an airport taxi as many Greek Cypriot taxi drivers won't know the way on the north side. Top Useful Information > Car Hire Car Hire - Why not enjoy the island in your own time… Hiring a car is undoubtedly the best way to see all that Northern Cyprus has to offer. It allows you to set your own timetable and go exactly where you want and when you want. Travel the scenic coastal routes from the farthest point west, all the way to the tip of the Karpaz Peninsula in the east. A journey that isn’t possible on public transport. Drive the mountain routes, take in the spectacular scenery or have a picnic under scented pines. See all the ancient sites and ramble through crusader castles with no rush to move on! Driving in Northern Cyprus is much like driving in the UK; the same side of the road, signs that are for the most part international and well-placed speed limit notices and direction signs. Pre-book in high season as demand, especially for vehicles with air-conditioning, is high. ​ North Cyprus car hire specifications and regulations: Rght-hand drive unless a left-hand drive car is specifically requested Manual and automatic available, state preference Cars may be calibrated in MPH or KPH Speed limits on all roads are posted in KPH Full current driving licence is required Hirers must be over 21 years of age Terms and Conditions of renting a car in Northern Cyprus: Prices do not normally include collision damage waiver (CDW) Additional drivers are not normally included Minimum booking is usually 3 days for pickup and drop off at apartments Minimum booking is usually 7 days for pickup and drop off at the Car hire is billed in 24 hour periods If you arrive at night, book your car from 10 am the following morning Cars are generally picked up and dropped off at around 10 am ​ Category Name Location IDD Code Number Car Rentals A-One Rent a Car Girne +90 542 852 3006 Car Rentals Abant Rent a Car Girne +90 392 815 4524 Car Rentals Acmenya Car Rentals Alsancak +90 392 821 2736 Car Rentals Ada Rent a Car Girne +90 533 849 6303 Car Rentals Akman's Rent a Car Girne +90 533 822 4165 Car Rentals Arizona Rent a Car Girne +90 392 815 1355 Car Rentals Atakara Rent a Car Alsancak +90 392 821 8184 Car Rentals Atlantic Rent a Car Girne +90 392 815 3053 Car Rentals Autumn Rent a Car Kervansaray +90 533 866 6383 Car Rentals Baag Rent a Car Catalkoy +90 533 854 3040 Car Rentals Baspinar Rent a Car Girne +90 542 888 4888 Car Rentals Bellapais Rent a Car Girne +90 392 444 0131 Car Rentals Belvu Car Rentals Alsancak +90 392 821 8306 Car Rentals Bikers Club Girne +90 392 815 9245 Car Rentals Bird Rent a Car Karaoglanoglu +90 392 822 2379 Car Rentals Brisk Rent a Car Esentepe +90 533 834 2188 Car Rentals British Rent a Car Girne +90 533 851 7348 Car Rentals Carrington Cars Girne +90 533 840 0070 Car Rentals Cyprent Rent a Car Girne +90 533 840 0070 Car Rentals Cyprus Pines Rent a Car Esentepe +90 533 866 5237 Car Rentals Cyprus Pines Rent a Car Girne +90 392 815 0291 Car Rentals Dark & Blue Car Rental Girne +90 542 854 7708 Car Rentals Driver Rent a Car Girne +90 392 815 8851 Car Rentals EVA Rent a Car Girne +90 392 444 7171 Car Rentals Easy Quick Car Rental Girne +90 542 855 1176 Car Rentals GM Cyprus Rent a Car Girne +90 533 859 2159 Car Rentals Grandeur Rent a Car Ozankoy +90 533 873 6289 Car Rentals Green Valley Car Hire Alsancak +90 392 821 3107 Car Rentals Gsmart Rent a Car Girne +90 392 815 7850 Car Rentals Gunray Rent a Car Girne +90 533 868 8317 Car Rentals Inter Car Rental Girne +90 533 840 0410 Car Rentals Kyrenia Castle Rent a Car Girne +90 392 815 8970 Car Rentals Kyrenia Motorbike & Scooter Rental Girne +90 533 845 6019 Car Rentals Le Chateau Lambouse Hotel Rent a Car Lapta +90 392 821 3535 Car Rentals Mercar Rent a Car +90 392 815 4276 Car Rentals Olive Paradise Rent a Car Girne +90 392 815 4937 Car Rentals Oscar Car Rentals Girne +90 392 815 2272 Car Rentals Ozy's (Ibo's) Car & Bicycle Hire Girne +90 533 865 6305 Car Rentals Pacific Rent a Car Girne +90 542 852 1920 Car Rentals Pine Bay Club Rent a Car Alsancak +90 392 822 3032 Car Rentals Riverside Rent a Car Girne +90 392 821 2211 Car Rentals Sam's Place Rent a Car Alsancak +90 542 857 4720 Car Rentals Sevener Rent a Car Girne +90 392 821 2606 Car Rentals Soydan Car Rentals Karakum +90 392 444 1011 Car Rentals Sun Rent a Car Girne +90 392 815 4979 Top Useful Information > Opening a Business Foreign Direct Investment has helped develop the TRNC economy, especially in tourism, construction and services. That's why the government welcomes foreigners opening businesses and provides them with full rights to the company in many sectors with or without local partners. Businesses may be a small shop, spa salon, restaurant, investment company or a five star hotel. Many companies are foreign owned and ran for years. To open a business at least two people will be needed. They can be foreigners or partner with Turkish Cypriots. If the business is real estate or construction related, the foreigner must hold 49% shares and the local representative 51% . To set up your business you'll need to deposit US$100,000 . into a local bank if you don't have local partners, and US$49,000 if you do. Seeking advice of a solicitor is wise as there's different rules for different types of companies. You'll also need a local accountant to make appropriate applications to the Council of Ministers. Memorandums and Articles will specify the company’s function, management structure and share information. You'll also need a business permit (a stamp in your passport), which is specifically issued to Company Directors, which is different to work or residency permits. Other permits might also be needed e.g. if you're serving alcohol, a beverage license from the local council. You'll need to register with the tax office , the social security and pensions departments . There will be costs involved for any workers you employ, paying for their permits and their monthly state contributions. As a Director you'll also need to make state contributions. Tax Certificates and Certificate of Incorporation have to be displayed in your premises at all times and must be kept in their original forms. Top Useful Information > Bus Service A really fun and inexpensive way to travel. Simply walk to the main road at the top of Turquoise Bay and flag the local bus (Dolmus) down. Wherever you want to get off just ring the bell. ​ Fare into Girne is around 50tl (< £1.50) and j ourney time to/from Turquoise Bay to Girne is around 30 minutes depending on traffic. ​ The timetable to the right show the times the bus leves from Esentepe and returns from Girne. Top Useful Information > Climate Climate inTRNC is “intense Mediterranean ” meaning short mild, temperate winters and long hot summers. Temperatures and rainfall vary depending on elevation. It's obviously cooler at the top of St Hilarion or Buffavento Castle than it is in Kyrenia harbour. Summer can begin as early as March, though officially it doesn’t start until June. By then, temperatures are in the 30s (around 86°F) . June to September there's no rain, days are long and hot, evenings are balmy and relaxing, though nights can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable and you'll love your air-con unit. In October the weather begins to change but you can still sunbathe. Rains usually fall in the first two weeks of October bringing plants and trees a much needed drink. After the long hot summer, drains are full of dust and leaves and this makes for an interesting driving experience after the first few days of rains. It doesn’t rain that much in Northern Cyprus but the rains bring greenery which soon bursts into colourful bloom. Springtime in Cyprus is an incredible sight . If you only ever visit in summer you’ll find it hard to believe that the sometimes desert-like interior landscape greens over and then gives birth to thousands of beautiful flowers, but it does. Officially the seasons in North Cyprus are Autumn in October ; Winter from November to March ; Spring in April and May ; and Summer from June to September . Average daily temperatures in July and August start in the mid 30s, whereas April, May, June, September and October start in the mid 20’s. This means an average 300 days of sunshine a year. December and January are the worst months for weather in Northern Cyprus, night time temperatures can be very cold, occasionally dropping below freezing in the mountains. Rainfall when it comes, can be very heavy and stormy, and if you’re lucky enough to have a sea view, you can watch incredible lightning shows out at sea. March and April are two of the most popular months to visit the island, with warm days but not the sometimes oppressive heat of high summer. There's plenty of flowers to look at and beaches and harbour side cafes are quieter. December and January do get some warm days and some beautiful blue skies, but you also get overcast and even cold days. If you want a heady mix of long hot days for beach flopping and long warm nights for partying then visit from May to September and you’ll be assured perfect sunny weather and plenty of fun-packed days and nights. Month Hrs Sun High Night Rain Number January 5 14°C 5°C Some 1 February 6 15°C 5°C Some 2 March 7 18°C 7°C Showers 3 April 9 22°C 9°C Showers 4 May 10 28°C 14°C 5 June 12 30°C 19°C 6 July 12 36°C 21°C 7 August 12 34°C 21°C 8 September 10 26°C 18°C 9 October 8 26°C 14°C Start 10 November 7 21°C 10°C Some 11 December 5 16°C 7°C Some 12 Top Useful Information > Cleaning Want your apartment sprucing up or spring cleaned before you arrive? Or someone to come in and "do" for you every week? Cotact Shareen on +90 539 104 7435 Contact Kibris Klean Team on +90 542 868 0269 ​ Top Useful Information > Currency & Exchange Local currency in North Cyprus is the Turkish Lira . Many outlets will also accept British Pounds, Euros or US Dollars for payment. Ask your outlet about other currencies they may accept. ​ Live Turkish Lira Exchange Rates ​ Category Name Location IDD Code Number Exchange Bovis Exchange Girne +90 548 833 9009 Exchange Converting Exchange Girne +90 392 815 6267 Exchange Green Valley Exchange Alsancak +90 392 821 3107 Exchange Kozan Doviz Girne +90 392 816 0560 Exchange Kozan Speed Cash Girne +90 392 915 9404 Exchange Monexchange Girne +90 392 815 7005 Exchange Moon Star Exchange Catalkoy +90 533 835 8384 Exchange Moon Star Exchange Girne +90 392 815 2294 Exchange Noris Exchange Girne +90 533 870 8030 Exchange Persan Exchange Alsancak +90 392 821 3107 Exchange Shilling Exchange Alsancak +90 548 899 9009 Exchange Sun Exchange Girne +90 392 815 4979 Exchange Yazgin Exchange Girne +90 392 815 2294 Top Useful Information > Dentists Category Name Location IDD Code Number Dentists Altinkaya Dental Clinic Girne +90 548 849 0000 Dentists Canan Izbul Dental Surgeon Girne +90 392 815 2290 Dentists Confi Dental Girne +90 392 815 8899 Dentists Cyprus Dental Clinic Girne +90 533 866 4466 Dentists Dental Laboratory Ozankoy +90 533 830 7558 Dentists Dental Options Girne +90 392 815 2911 Dentists Eminaga Ozdal Girne +90 392 815 1446 Dentists Ermiyagil Ceylan Girne +90 392 815 3042 Dentists Izbul Canan Girne +90 392 815 2290 Dentists Kuydul Turan Girne +90 392 815 2065 Dentists La Dentist Girne +90 392 815 5101 Dentists Nural Temelci Girne +90 392 816 1093 Dentists Ozdal Kubilay Girne +90 392 815 1446 Dentists Perident Dental Clinic Girne +90 533 848 4747 Dentists Samira Dental Clinic Girne +90 533 886 9858 Dentists Seda Serger Girne +90 392 815 8899 Dentists Smile Care Dentist Girne +90 392 815 2812 Dentists Temelci Dental Surgeon Girne +90 392 816 1093 Dentists Tulga Bahadir Girne +90 392 815 8780 Top Useful Information > Doctors Category Name Location IDD Code Number Doctors Alaker Hakan Girne +90 392 815 5204 Doctors Aygin Ozruhan (Dermatologist) Girne +90 392 815 1780 Doctors Cenkler Hsuseyn Girne +90 392 815 3528 Doctors Dr. Dervise Tunccevek (Child Health & Disease Specialist) Girne +90 392 815 0800 Doctors Dr. Emre Vudali, GP Girne +90 392 815 0800 Doctors Dr. Eser Vari? Girne +90 392 815 0800 Doctors Dr. Murat Akayin (General Surgery, Endoscopy, ERCP) Girne +90 392 815 0800 Doctors Dr. ?zcan H?daverdi (Internal Medicine Specialist) Girne +90 392 815 0800 Doctors Dr. Ramadan Tuncccevek (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) Girne +90 392 815 0800 Top Useful Information > Education Kindergarten Children below age 6 , can attend kindergartens of public and private institutions. Kindergarten is not mandatory. Elementary school Provides 5 years of education for children between the ages of 6 and 11. All are public and free. High sch ool High schools provide a minimum 6 years of education, where 3 years are for junior high school (Ortaokul). There are different kinds of high schools such as standard public high schools, private high schools, science high schools, vocational high schools, technical high schools and fine arts high schools. Universities ​ You might be surprised to learn that Northern Cyprus has numerous international Universities offering world-class education, in English, to nearly 100,000 students from over 100 countries . TRNC has a welcoming visa policy and multi-cultural atmosphere which encourages students to easily utilise degree courses . and the Government has education at the top of its agenda, leading to a boom in student numbers. For example, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) student numbers have grown by almost 400% in recent years. Education is contributing close to $1 billion to the government’s budget - well over 50% of its total. Private investors include Suat Gunsel , a Forbes list billionaire, who invested into his own Near East University in Lefkosa. NEU boasts a state-of-the-art teaching hospital drawing patients from South Cyprus and internationally; a journalism department broadcasting 24-hour programs from its own tv and radio studios; and an Olympic-size swimming pool. The boom in student numbers creates demand for accommodation, attracting investors to buy rental properties close to Universities. Many families are buying properties for their student children to use with the added benefit of it being a perfect base for family holidays during university vacation times. Students at TRNC Universities are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week to help pay fees if required, and full medical insurance is included in all fees. There's also a prep year available to learn English if a student needs to improve that before starting their course. Crucial to the success of the universities is the fact that diplomas and degrees are accepted by most universities around the world. Students who've moved on to other countries confirm they encountered few problems in the transition. Name District Since Type University of the West of Scotland Lefkoşa 2016 Public Netkent Research & Science University Lefkoşa 2014 Private Near East University Lefkoşa 1988 Private University of Mediterranean Karpasia Lefkoşa 2012 Private International Business Management School Lefkoşa 2011 Private Cyprus Social Sciences University Lefkoşa 2015 Private Cyprus International University Lefkoşa 1997 Private Atatürk Teacher Training Academy Lefkoşa 1937 Public Anadolu University Nicosia Campus Lefkoşa 1982 Public American University of Cyprus Lefkoşa 2014 Private European University of Lefke Lefke 1989 Public Middle East Technical University Güzelyurt 2005 Public Cyprus Health & Social Sciences University Güzelyurt 2016 Private University of Kyrenia Girne 2013 Private Girne American University Girne 1985 Private Final International University Girne 2015 Private Cyprus Science University Girne 2013 Private Arkın University of Creative Arts & Design Girne 2017 Private European Leadership University Gazimağusa 2017 Private Istanbul Technical University Gazimağusa 2011 Public Eastern Mediterranean University Gazimağusa 1979 Public University of City Island Gazimağusa 2016 Private Cyprus West University Gazimağusa 2015 Private Top Useful Information > Driving Driving in North Cyprus is similar to driving in the UK in as much as speed limits are approximately the same on conversion and the use of speed cameras is countrywide. Speeding fines are heavy. Drunken driving is not tolerated and anyone failing a breath test may well spend the night in the local police station. Seat belts are compulsory for drivers and front-seat passengers. Be aware that in TRNC, for whatever reason, people often drive fast and love to overtake so accidents are a common occurence. The sheer scale of accidents has led the police to cracking down on motorists so watch out for speed cameras as well as police officers with speed guns positioned at locations where speeding is common. ​ Speed Limits (unless singnposted otherwise): 50km per hour: Built-up areas 65km per hour: Main roads and on the approach to junctions 75km per hour: Dual Carriageways Top Useful Information > Embassies Several nations have embassies , high commissions or foreign missions in Northern Cyprus and they can help with passport renewals, birth certificates , and legal advice among others. Local Turkish Cypriots wishing to travel to the countries which are represented on the island are required to visit that nation’s offices to obtain visas for their journey. You'd be surpried how much information and advice these offices can give you. Below are the main offices available in North Cyprus, which are mostly located near to the Ledra checkpoint area in Lefkoşa. Some of them only operate on certain days of the week so you might want to call ahead and make an appointment. ​ Australia ‘Australia Place’ – Australian Information Bureau 20 Güner Türkmen Street, Köşklüçiftlik, Lefkoşa, North Cyprus Telephone: +90 (0)392 2277332 Fax: +90 (0)392 2285458 Website: www.cyprus.embassy.gov.au France French Cultural Information Centre (Association Culturelle Française Chypriote-Turc) 1, Hasene Ilgaz Street, Köşklüçiftlik, Lefkoşa, North Cyprus Tel: +90 (0)392 2283328 Website: www.france.visahq.com UK British High Commission (North Nicosia Office) Shakespeare Avenue 29, Mehmet Akif Caddesi, Köşklüçiftlik, Lefkoşa, North Cyprus Telephone: +90 (0)392 2283861 Website: www.ukincyprus.fco.gov.uk USA American Embassy (North Nicosia Office) 20, Güner Türkmen Street, Köşklüçiftlik, Lefkoşa, North Cyprus Telephone: +90 (0)392 2272443 Website: cyprus.usembassy.gov ​ Germany German Embassy (North Nicosia Information Office) No:15, 28 Kasım Street, Lefkoşa, North Cyprus Telephone: +90 (0)392 2275161 Website: www.nikosia.diplo.de Türkiye Turkish Embassy Bedrettin Demirel Avenue, Lefkoşa, North Cyprus Telephone: +90 (0)392 2272314 Fax: +90 (0)392 2282209 & +90 (0)392 2285518 Website: www.tclefkosabe.org Other Countries TRNC has ‘representative offices ’ and consulates in many other countries around the world. These are sometimes useful, for example, if you need official papers such as a power of attorney notarised at their offices, to save you travelling to TRNC. Google your particular nation to see if there's a representative office in that country. Top Useful Information > Emergencies Category Name Location IDD Code Number Emergencies & 24 Hour Services Ambulance TRNC 112 Emergencies & 24 Hour Services Breakdown TRNC +90 533 844 3403 Emergencies & 24 Hour Services Dentist TRNC +90 533 866 4466 Emergencies & 24 Hour Services Dentist TRNC +90 542 866 4466 Emergencies & 24 Hour Services Doctor TRNC +90 392 444 1199 Emergencies & 24 Hour Services Doctor TRNC +90 392 680 8080 Emergencies & 24 Hour Services Fire Service TRNC 199 Emergencies & 24 Hour Services Forest Fires TRNC 177 Emergencies & 24 Hour Services Optician TRNC +90 392 815 9799 Emergencies & 24 Hour Services Police TRNC 155 Emergencies & 24 Hour Services Vet TRNC +90 533 863 2939 Top Useful Information > Ferries Akgünler İşletmeleri A.Ş. Ltd . has been serving the TRNC tourism industry since 1978 and continues to expand. The company has 1 catamaran and 2 roro / passenger ships in its fleet with the largest passenger and freight capacity in the TRNC. The Company and ships conform to the International Safety Management Certificate (ISMC), the International Ship and Security Certificate (ISPSC), are constantly audited by Lloyds registered entities and operate in accordance with all international maritime rules. ​ Via Mare Via Mare is a German-made RoRo / Passenger-type ship that is 118m long, 21m wide. She has a capacity of carrying 470 passengers, 46 trucks, or 260 saloon vehicles. Her max speed is 15 knots per hour. She also has 15 cabins with two beds and four beds, with private bathrooms and toilets. Via Mare makes regular trips between Taşucu a an d Girne ports on 3 days a week for 12 months. Via Famagusta Via Famagusta is a Swedish-made RoRo / Passenger-type ship. She is 110m long, 16m wide and can carry 113 passengers, 41 trucks, or 220 saloon vehicles. ​ Her max speed is 12 knots per hour. She has regular trips between Mersin and Famagusta ports, 3 days a week for 12 months. Famagusta is the famous historical port of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Akgünler 3 Akgünler III is a Norwegian-made catamaran-type fast sea bus that is 38 meters long, 9 meters wide. She can carry 384 passengers at a speed of 32 knots per hour. This fast ferry makes regular trips between the ports of Taşucu and Girne during May and October. The journey takes only 2 hours. Akgünler III is the only fastest option for your day trips between TRNC and TC. ​ Ferry Schedule (Tasucu - Girne - Tasucu) Ferry Schedule (Mersin - Mağusa - Mersin) ​ ​ FAQ Can I travel with my Turkish ID? Yes, unless they are taking a car in which case they MUST carry a passport as well. What do I need to prepare when I travel from TRNC to Türkiye with my car? A vehicle exit permit from the Tax Office (Motor Vehicles). An exit permit from the bank if the vehicle is mortgaged. G-104 form if you’ve come via South Cyprus. What do I need to prepare before I travel from Türkiye to TRNC with my car? A vehicle can only be taken out of Türkiye by the registered owner. A power of attorney (POA) can be given to a third party. Anyone travelling with a car requires a passport. If the POA isn't a sibling or parent of the car owner, the vehicle must be <3 years old. POA is not accepted for any vehicle >5 years old. If the vehicle is owned by a company, all company partners are required to issue a POA. If there are loan payments for the vehicle you require a letter from the bank with the content "The vehicle can leave Türkiye". Vehicle owners must obtain at least 1 month vehicle insurance upon arrival at Northern Cyprus. Northern Cyprus students must have the student certificate from the school, valid for 1 year from date of receipt. Northern Cyprus students must obtain at least 3 months vehicle isurance upon arrival at Northern Cyprus. Form "G - 104" will be given to drivers by Northern Cyprus customs upon entry and is required when leaving Northern Cyprus.. Traffic is on the left. Local or international driving licenses can be used. ​ Can passengers under the age of 18 travel alone? If travelling with an ID Card: Passengers under 18 cannot go abroad without a "notarized or official consent" received from the notary public of the parent/legal guardian who will NOT travel with them. If the minor will travel with only the mother, a notarized or official consent of the father will be required. If the minor will travel only with the father, a notarized or official consent of the mother will be required. If the minor will travel with someone other than the parents or alone, the consent of both parents is required. If the child's custody is in a legal representative, a notarized or official consent is required indicating the consent of the legal representative. If travelling with a passport: Permission and notarized or official consent of parents IS NOT required. Which ports do you operate from? Türkiye: Taşucu Port and Mersin Port TRNC : Kyrenia Port and Famagusta Port Which port do the ships dock at in Taşucu? All sea traffic from Taşucu is from SEKA port.P Passengers with tickets are required to go to the Akgunler office in Taşucu city center first, 2.5 hours before the departure time. After completing their boarding procedures there is a complimentary shuttle bus to Seka Port. Do you have shuttle buses from Kyrenia and Famagusta? No. You have to use taxis or local transportation. ​ Is driver free when I book a vehicle? Yes. The driver only pays the departure/arrival taxes. I am a Turkish army personnel. Must I pay the departure / entrance tax? If you have document "Husut Çıkış Belgesi", choose that option while buying your ticket online. Can I change the trip date of my ticket? Yes, but subject to any price difference. I'm not going to use my ticket and want to cancel it. Cancellation more than 24 hours before departure - full refund. Cancellation from 24 hours before departure to 6 hours before departure - 75% refund. Cancellation within 6 hours cannot be changed or converted to an open ticket unless there's a valid personal reason. The ticket can only be cancelled with a 50% penalty. All unused/unchanged tickets - no refund will be made. Open tickets are valid for 1 year from date of issuance. What discounts are there? There are discounts for students, soldiers, diplomats. I bought my tickets for vehicle and passengers. Is there anything else I need to pay in and out of ports? Entrance and exit taxes for passengers and vehicles are included in the price. You'll have to pay for vehicle insurance upon arrival. ​ Useful numbers Taşucu Port Police 0324 741 4195 Taşucu Port Customs 0324 741 4039 Kyrenia Port Police 0392 815 1799 Kyrenia Port Customs 0392 815 4984 Mersin Port Police 0324 231 5910 Mersin Port Customs 0324 241 2800 Can I travel with my pet? Entering North Cyprus: you can bring your pet (only cat, dog and bird) with you. Entering Türkiye: You can bring 2 pets (only cats or dogs) and 10 fish. You’ll need a veterinary health report, certificate of origin and vaccines and identity document. How many suitcases can I take with me for free? Is there a weight limit? 3 suitcases or parcels with you on Roro Ships (Via Mare and Via Famagusta). On the Catamaran fast ferry(Akgunler 3) - 2 suitcases and 1 handbag/backpack. There is no weight limit. Can Turkish citizens take their TRNC plated vehicles Türkiye? Yes, temporarily, providing proof of residence is supplied. ​ What can I take with me as "duty free" when entering Türkiye? Tobacco Cigarettes 600 pieces Cigarillos (cigars weighing no more than 3 g each) 100 pieces Cigars 50 pieces Chopped tobacco (with 200 sheets of cigarette paper) 250 gr. Alcohol Alcohol and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol degree exceeding 22% 1 lt. Alcohol and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol degree not exceeding 22% 2 lt. Cosmetics 5 skin care products and make-up materials, cologne, perfume, lavender, essence or lotion, not exceeding 600 ml Food products Tea 1 kg. Soluble instant coffee 1 kg. Coffee 1 kg. Chocolate 1 kg. Candy etc 1 kg. Top Useful Information > Food & Drink Category Name Location IDD Code Number Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Stone Cavern Restaurant & Bar Ozankoy +90 548 845 1750 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Studio Oniki Art Studio Lounge Bar Girne +90 533 848 9588 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Sultan Restaurant Girne +90 392 824 4653 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Sunny's Bar Lapta +90 542 885 2895 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Sushico Girne +90 533 862 9408 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Tango To Buddha Girne +90 533 888 0022 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Taro Brasserie Esentepe +90 539 101 8284 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Tawny's English Bar & Cafe Bahceli +90 533 877 5183 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Tervetuloa Hotel & Restaurant Alsancak +90 533 863 2394 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe The Button Cafe & Loune Girne +90 539 101 6566 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe The Cabin Lapta +90 533 830 0277 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe The Garden Restaurant & Bar Girne +90 392 816 1010 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe The George Girne +90 533 860 8641 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe The House Restaurant & Bar Girne +90 392 816 1010 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe The Kitchen Cafe & Restaurant Catalkoy +90 392 824 5335 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe The Meyhane Restaurant & Bar Zeytinlik +90 542 874 5678 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe The Old Mill Efendi Restaurant & Bar Ozankoy +90 533 867 9677 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe The Soulist Alsancak +90 533 832 6323 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe The Taj Authentic Indian Restaurant Alsancak +90 533 837 1741 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe The Windows Girne +90 533 881 9841 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe To. Limani Girne +90 392 815 4834 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Treasure Restaurant karmi +90 533 835 4858 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Tree Of Idleness Restaurant Bellapais +90 392 815 3380 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Tropicana Restaurant & Bar Ozankoy +90 542 851 1924 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Tumba Restaurant & Bar Esentepe +90 542 852 0476 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Tuncay'in Yeri Esentepe +90 533 862 0080 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Uncle Sams Restaurant & Bar Girne +90 392 444 6767 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Upper Crust British Bakery & Cafeteria Karakum +90 533 844 7885 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Veni Vici Restaurant & Bar Alsancak +90 392 821 3181 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Venue Restaurant & Bar Esentepe +90 533 884 9816 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Vicky's Kitchen Ozankoy +90 533 846 2444 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Village Bistro Bar Esentepe +90 533 888 6762 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Whiskey Joe's Bar Girne +90 533 858 2183 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Wild Duck Restaurant & Bar Lapta +90 533 831 7020 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Windy Hill Kuzzy Sports Bar Esentepe +90 533 837 7044 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Wok 'N' Roll Chinese Restaurant Esentepe +90 533 885 5356 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Yama Queen Cafe Girne +90 548 862 3209 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Yespresso Cyprus Karaoglanoglu +90 542 853 6292 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Yong Chow Asian Food Alsancak +90 548 847 8740 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Zehra's Garden Restaurant & Bar Ozankoy +90 533 852 8954 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Zem Zem Girne +90 548 884 0080 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Murat's Pizza Palace Esentepe +90 533 823 2837 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Murfys Restaurant & Bar Girne +90 392 444 8383 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Mushy's Restaurant & Cafe Bar Alsancak +90 533 853 9936 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Mystique Shisha Lounge Girne +90 548 830 4200 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe New Alvadar Restaurant & Bar Lapta +90 533 830 0277 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Niazi's Restaurant & Bar Girne +90 392 815 2160 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Niazi's Restaurant & Bar Lefkosa +90 392 223 8888 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Niazi's Restaurant & Cafe Bar Gazimagusa +90 392 366 0500 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Niazi's Restaurant & Takeaway Girne +90 392 815 8460 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Ocean Blue Restaurant & Bar Esentepe +90 548 888 9210 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Odyssey Club Girne +90 548 899 2999 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Old Grapevine Bar & Restaurant Girne +90 392 815 2496 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Olive Paradise Restaurant & Bat Lapta +90 392 821 3390 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Olive Press Bowling Club Lapta +90 533 880 1196 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Ozzies Bar Lapta +90 533 833 0915 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Paradise Restaurant Catalkoy +90 392 824 4397 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Pearl Coffee Shop Girne +90 533 822 9039 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Pergola Restaurant Alsancak +90 392 821 2886 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Peri's Fish Restaurant Karaoglanoglu +90 533 888 9399 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Pisces & Spices Indian & European Restaurant Bogaz +90 533 852 2968 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Pizza Ferro Karaoglanoglu +90 533 873 8000 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Punjab Indian & European Restaurant & Bar Lapta +90 542 850 0294 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe R & R Restaurant & Bar Tatlisu +90 533 847 1572 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Rabinez Cafe Girne +90 533 880 5326 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Rafters Restaurant & Bar Ozankoy +90 392 815 2946 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Red Lion Pub Alsancak +90 533 883 3557 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Road House Bar & Bistro Alsancak +90 533 865 7584 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Royal China Catalkoy +90 533 853 8303 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Royal Marina Restaurant Girne +90 392 650 3363 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Saint Tropez Alsancak +90 392 821 8324 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Sam's Place Pub Alsancak +90 392 821 1042 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Sea Angle Village Bar Catalkoy +90 533 842 1737 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Sea Breeze Restaurant & Bar Kucuk Erenkoy +90 533 876 2621 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Seapoint Restaurant & Bar Lapta +90 533 874 9485 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Seki Meyhane Karakum +90 548 857 5000 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Semir's Catalkoy +90 548 824 4545 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Sevener Restaurant & Bar Alsancak +90 542 852 9140 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Shayna Beach Club & Restaurant Catalkoy +90 533 885 0004 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Shell Wi Girne +90 392 650 3344 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Shooters Coffee Shop Girne +90 392 444 4007 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Silver Rocks Restaurant & Bar Lapta +90 392 821 8922 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Sirin Yali Restaurant Lapta +90 533 825 2002 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Sky Lounge & Bar Girne +90 548 830 3218 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Spaghetti Junction Restaurant & Bar Girne +90 548 874 8553 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Spice Garden Restaurant & Bar Bahceli +90 542 850 9501 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Spice Restaurant Girne +90 548 830 3225 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Spoon Lounge Girne +90 548 877 6668 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Starlux Restaurant Karaoglanoglu +90 392 444 3777 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Stevies Restaurant & Bar Kucuk Erenkoy +90 533 849 4744 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Stone Castle Bar &Restaurant Esentepe +90 542 860 0009 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Hellim Cafe & Restaurant Girne +90 542 877 7005 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Hoots Bar 29 Ilgaz +90 533 848 5152 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Horseshoe Beach Restaurant Kayalar +90 542 851 6664 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Hot Chic Catalkoy +90 392 824 5492 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Hurdeniz Fine Dining Seafood & Takeaway Girne +90 542 860 8080 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Hurdeniz Fish & Meat Restaurant Girne +90 533 868 8838 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Hurma Restaurant & Bar Alagadi +90 392 824 5005 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Ilgaz Koy Firini Ilgaz +90 533 824 1252 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Incirli Beach Restaurant Lapta +90 548 843 3333 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe India Garden Restaurant & Bar Catalkoy +90 533 852 0694 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Jashan Indian & European Restaurant Karaoglanoglu +90 542 850 9500 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Jessic Restaurant & Bar Lapta +90 533 855 8589 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe JK's Bar Restaurant Lapta +90 533 835 6114 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Joya Bar & Bistro Esentepe +90 533 881 0111 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Kamares Restaurant & Bar Karaoglanoglu +90 533 857 5857 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Karsiyaka Park Cafe & Restaurant Karsiyaka +90 533 832 4882 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Kasap Doner Karaoglanoglu +90 392 444 1442 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Kentucky Junction Restaurant & Takeaway Girne +90 533 858 4146 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Kervan Pizza Garden & Restaurant Kervansaray +90 542 885 3777 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Keyfi Sefa 2 Karaoglanoglu +90 533 866 5791 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Khan's Indian & European Restaurant & Bar Catalkoy +90 533 861 7224 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Khephal Fish Restaurant Girne +90 548 830 3222 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Kings Head Restaurant & Bar Esentepe +90 542 889 3034 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Kings Kebab Restauarnt Alsancak +90 533 850 7171 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Kings Kebab Restauarnt Karaoglanoglu +90 533 850 7171 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Kluky's Chicken Karaoglanoglu +90 392 444 5585 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Komur Steak & Grill Girne +90 548 830 3222 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Kozan Restaurant & Cafe Karsiyaka +90 533 845 7070 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Kup Doner Kebab House Girne +90 533 874 3443 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Kybele Restaurant & Bar Bellapais +90 392 815 7531 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe La Roka Restaurant Karaoglanoglu +90 533 873 1212 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Lagoon Fish Restaurant Girne +90 392 815 6555 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Lavash Restaurant Girne +90 392 815 6595 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Legend of Troy Restaurant Lapta +90 533 877 9097 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Levant Restaurant & Bar karmi +90 392 822 2559 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Little Pub Girne +90 533 887 1977 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Lodge Restaurant & Sports Bar Catalkoy +90 542 886 3694 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant Girne +90 533 444 6789 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Magarina Bulli Restaurant Karaoglanoglu +90 533 871 1171 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Manipeni Pizzeroa Girne +90 392 444 3007 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Mardo Ice Cream Cafe Karakum +90 548 829 5212 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Mardo Ice Cream Cafe Catalkoy +90 533 886 6002 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Marine Club Girne +90 392 859 6442 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Master Roaster Cafe Girne +90 533 885 9265 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Meryem's Hotel Restaurant Catalkoy +90 392 824 5073 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Mirage Restaurant Bar & Cafe Lefkosa +90 392 223 2730 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Missina Restaurant Karaoglanoglu +90 392 822 3844 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Montenegro C Bar Karsiyaka +90 533 841 2595 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Moonshine Bar & Restaurant Esentepe +90 533 825 6290 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Mozzarella Pizza Restaurant Girne +90 533 874 8888 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Cenap Restaurant Alsancak +90 392 821 8417 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Charlies Sports Bar Kucuk Erenkoy +90 533 837 2164 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Cheese & Bake Cafe Girne +90 533 840 2447 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Chicken Run Alsancak +90 533 839 2612 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Chinese House Girne +90 392 815 2130 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Cielo Girne +90 533 888 0022 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Cine World Pub Alsancak +90 542 884 7454 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Claire's Asian Restaurant Girne +90 548 888 5500 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Coconut Caribbean Bar & Bistro Bahceli +90 533 836 1394 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Courtyard Inn Karakum +90 392 815 3343 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Cream Cafe Bar Girne +90 392 816 0159 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Crispy Squid Fish & Chips Catalkoy +90 548 860 2688 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Crow's Nest Karmi +90 533 861 9846 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Deli Cafe & Bar Alsancak +90 533 871 2826 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Delta Cafe & Bar Girne +90 392 815 8232 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Deniz Kizi Country Club Alsancak +90 392 821 8710 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Destiny Cafe & Restaurant Catalkoy +90 533 841 0571 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Diiva Restaurat & Bar Esentepe +90 533 885 2908 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Dogus Adres Restaurant Karaoglanoglu +90 392 822 3696 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Domino's Pizza Lefkosa +90 392 444 3664 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Donut Box Girne +90 533 837 1377 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Dostlar Restaurant & Bar Alsancak +90 533 874 7178 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Dragon Chinese Takeaway Girne +90 392 815 1407 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Dynasty Chinese & Sushi Girne +90 392 444 1111 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Eagle's Nest Kucuk Erenkoy +90 533 842 4807 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Eight Boutique Cafe Girne +90 539 111 0088 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Eminem Restaurant & Bar Catalkoy +90 548 881 1818 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Erol's Restaurant Ozankoy +90 533 860 7016 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Escape Beach Restaurant Alsancak +90 533 833 6363 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Etova Restaurant Cafe Girne +90 533 858 7556 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Evergreen Cafe & Market Lapta +90 548 888 6328 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Ezic Peanuts Restaurant Girne +90 392 815v0692 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Ezic Premier Restaurant Girne +90 392 444 8888 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Ezic Restaurant Lefkosa +90 392 224 0620 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Fez Catalkoy +90 533 867 1781 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Fisherman's Inn Girne +90 533 840 5990 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Fly Inn Lapta +90 533 830 0277 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Food For Fit Girne +90 533 870 7878 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Food Lodge Catalkoy +90 533 839 8764 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Frankies Alsancak +90 533 839 2611 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Fresh Bites Cafe & Restaurant Alsancak +90 533 853 4141 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Gave Cafe Alsancak +90 548 888 4283 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Gloria Jean Coffee Girne +90 392 815 0295 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Golden Palms Gazimagusa +90 392 366 2277 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Grapevine Girne +90 392 815 2496 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Grease Monkey Catalkoy +90 533 883 1897 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Green Lotus Chinese Restaurant & Takeaway Lapta +90 533 846 5042 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Grida Fish Restaurant Catalkoy +90 533 863 0684 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Harbour Club Restaaurant, Old Harbour Girne +90 392 815 2211 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Hati Cafe & Restaurant Esentepe +90 533 863 3862 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe 33 @ Tim's Cafe Bar Girne +90 548 844 9256 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe 3B Bar & Restaurant Girne +90 533 870 0321 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Abby Bell Tower Bellapais +90 533 882 0011 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Acmenya Restaurant & Bar Alsancak +90 392 821 2736 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Afitap Kebab Girne +90 533 888 8755 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Al Shaheen Indian & European Restaurant Karakum +90 392 815 7390 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Alagadi Bay Restaurant Alagadi +90 533 840 5741 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Alesta Bar & Kebab House Girne +90 392 815 4091 Bars, Restaurants, Cafe Almond Tree Restauarnt Kucuk Erenkoy +90 533 882 6180 Top Useful Information > Free Trade & Duty Free North Cyprus Duty Free Allowances You're allowed to bring in the following items free of any customs and duty for personal use only: Tobacco products - 400 cigarettes or 500 grams of smoking tobacco Alcohol - 150cc of either spirits, wine or beer Perfumes - 100cl of perfumes and lotions Non commercial goods - 75 EURO free, above may be charged Controlled items The following are controlled items & cannot be exported, nor imported Controlled Drugs - Opium, heroin,morphine, cocain, cannabis etc Firearms & Munitions - Including fireworks Antiquities - Including statues Obscene Publications Counterfeit Money Archaeological Goods Animals & Birds ​ Don't attempt to export antiquities or archaeological goods from Northern Cyprus. There are heavy fines and the threat of jail for removing such items. Establishing a Free Zone Company TRNC has become an investment hotspot with Free Zone companies (FZC) the preferred form of incorporation by both domestic and foreign investors. A FZC in TRNC offers proximity and ease of access to Türkiye, Europe and the Middle East and is particularly appealing due to tax advantages it offers. The Free Trade Zone in TRNC is located at the port of Famagusta. Long established as the center of transit trade, import-export, warehousing and production, today companies providing remote services such as IT, tourism and consultancy are attracted and the number of companies established in the zone is increasing day by day. Free zone companies are established in the free trade zone but carry out their commercial activities abroad. Although they're subject to TRNC Companies Law, they operate with a special company status. The biggest advantage of FZC is that since they're accepted to be outside of the customs line, they're completely exempt from all taxes such as customs tax, income tax, corporate tax, VAT etc. on income from all activities carried out with any country other than the TRNC . Dividends are also tax-exempt and the earnings can be freely transferred abroad . Since FZC are completely legal entities, the revenue obtained from a FZC can be transferred to any other country the same way as any foreign company. As long as the transfer of income is not carried out illegally, you shouldn't expect to encounter any problems in the process. FZC can be established both in offices and/or warehouses/factories located in the Free Port Area. Mailboxes can also be used and are the preferred method used by consultancy, software development, advertising, or companies that provide virtual services as they don't need a physical office. Many online service providers recognized in the Republic of Türkiye and around the world have established a FZC and are active in the TRNC Free Trade Zone due to its tax benefits. The minimum initial capital required for the establishment of a FZC is currently 50,000 Euros which can be used for company activities after approval for the establishment of the company. Apart from admin fees and taxes payable during establishment, FZC don't pay an annual fixed fee. FZC can use banks registered in TRNC as well as branches of Turkish banks. Banks will search shareolder's business activity, trsutworthiness and background before authorising any new bank accounts. Decisions to provide accounts are entirely at the discretion of the bank so past and/or ongoing relations with them are definitely an advantage. Top Useful Information > Practical Information ​Phones IDD Code – International Direct Dialling Code is +90 Landline numbers start 0392 Mobile numbers start 0542 (KKTC Telsim) or 0533 (Turkcell). Public Holidays Ramadan & Kurban Bayram (Feast of the Sacrifice) -Varies annually New Year’s Day - January 1st Children's Day - April 23rd Labour Day - May 1st Youth and Sports Day - May 19th Peace and Freedom Day - July 20th Communal Resistance Day - August 1st Victory Day - August 30th Turkish National Day - October 29th Independence Day (Proclamation of TRNC in 1983) - November 15th Climate Winters - Wet & mild with temperature from 6°C-18°C October - First rains October to April - Rainy season April to June - Greenest months with bright displays of wild flowers July to August - Hot & humid with highs of 40°C+ and little relief at night. September - Humidity starts to drop and days are still hot October - Cool breezes, lightning displays over the sea Christmas - Visitors will typically swim until Christmas Currency The currency is the Turkish Lira , with a constantly fluctuating exchange rate. Shopkeepers and restaurant owners are fully conversant with all major currencies and bills can be paid in UK Sterling, Euros, Dollars as well as local currency. There are many exchange bureaux in all the major towns and money is changed with little problem. Major UK Credit and Debit cards are widely accepted and can be used in ATMs, but you should inform your bank before you travel so they don’t block your card. You should also enquire about charges to use your card abroad. Travellers Cheques and Scottish banknotes are not widely accepted. Banking Unless you intend to take up residency it’s unlikely you’ll need a bank, unless it’s to make a money transfer. Electricity Supply is 220/240 volts and is provided via three-pin plugs as in the UK. Medical Care In the case of accidents and emergencies, all hospitals will provide medical care. Minor cuts and bruises will usually be treated free . Major medical treatment can incur a hefty bill, so you need comprehensive insurance to cover your holiday period, making sure any pre-existing health conditions are notified to your insurance company prior to travel. The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card ) are NOT accepted in Northern Cyprus. Legal TRNC has rules and laws that are there to be obeyed. Drugs are absolutely not tolerated and possession of even a minute amount will result in a hefty prison sentence. Although North Cyprus is a safe country, care should always be taken with personal belongings, and important items should be kept in a safety deposit box. Driving Drive on the left , the same as UK. If you have a paper licence you must bring all parts to be able to hire a car. Minimum age to hire a rented vehicle is 25. You must carry your driving licence, insurance, and rental agreement at all times when driving. Visitors, if stopped by the police, will be treated kindly but driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs, as well as dangerous driving, is an offence, not tolerated, and heavy fines are imposed. Parking restrictions are evident by the painting of black and white on the kerb stones, or double yellow lines and should not be infringed. There are plenty of car parks and the fee isn't expensive. Language The language spoken in Northern Cyprus is Turkish, however many of the older Cypriots will speak English and are proud of the fact that they can. Hotel staff will usually speak a certain amount of English and are always happy to improve it. Visitors that attempt some Turkish, even if only to say Please (Lutfen), Thank you (Tessurker Ederiz) and Hello (Merhaba) will be rewarded with a beaming smile. Business / Shop Opening Hours Due to the heat of summer, most civil service offices will work from 0800 to 1400 . Winter opening hours, can and do, vary from department to department but usually they're operational from 0900 to 1230 and 1400 to 1730 . These hours will apply to most of the retail outlets with supermarkets staying open until quite late. Time Difference North Cyprus is GMT+2 hours in winter and GMT+3 hours in summer . There’s always 2 hours difference between UK time and TRNC time as clocks are altered on the same days of the year. Passports and Visas It's your responsibility to ensure that you're in possession of a full and valid passport/visa for travel. Please note if you're traveling into Larnaca (LCA) this is in Southern Cyprus, if you are travelling into Ercan (ECN) this is in Northern Cyprus, which could have different immigration. For more information before traveling to North Cyprus, please contact Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Representative Office in London, 29 Bedford Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3ED, UK. Phone: +44 20 7631 1920. For more information before traveling to South Cyprus, please contact High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in London, 13 St James's Square, St. James's, London SW1Y 4LB, UK. Phone: +44 20 7321 4100. Airports and Border Crossing Points The two airports of Ercan and Gecitkale (Military Airport) and all crossing points on the border that divide the island, are legitimate points of entry. They’re subject to passport control regulations and whatever restrictions are in place regarding the importation of goods. It’s always advisable to check duty-free allowances for alcohol, perfume, and tobacco, and the monetary value of goods for personal use before travelling. These restrictions apply equally to crossing the border from north to south and vice versa. Water It’s not advisable to drink tap water, bottled water is best. Safety You should take care whenever you’re in a foreign country. If you’re going out on your own, let someone know where you’re going and what time you’ll be back . Store important items in a safe. Don’t carry large amounts of money or your passport with you unless necessary. Always keep a small amount of money in case of emergencies and ensure you have the contact numbers for police/ambulance/embassy etc if you need them. Emergency Phone Numbers Police:155 Fire:199 Forest Fires:177 Ambulance Emergencies:112 General (State) Hospital Phone Numbers Nicosia/Lefkosa0392 2285441 Kyrenia/Girne0392 815 2226/8152254 Famagusta/Magusa0392 3662876/3665328 Guzelyurt0392 7142125 Top Useful Information > Govt Departments Title Phone Website TRNC Presidency +90 392 228 3444 www.kktcb.org/en TRNC Prime Ministry +90 392 228 3141 TRNC Assembly Presidency +90 392 227 4656 www.twitter.com/kktccb Deputy PM & Ministry of Foreign Affairs +90 392 228 3241 www.mfa.gov.ct.tr/ Ministry of Interior +90 392 228 3213 www.icisleri.gov.ct.tr/ Ministry of Finance +90 392 228 3116 www.kktcmaliye.com/ Ministry of National Education & Culture +90 392 228 3136 www.twitter.com/kktcmeb Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry +90 392 228 3735 Ministry of Public Works and Transport +90 392 228 3666 www.facebook.com/kktculastirma/ Ministry of Labor & Social Security +90 392 228 3213 www.sbul.gov.ct.tr/ Ministry of Health and Social Aid +90 392 228 3173 www.saglik.gov.ct.tr/ Ministry of Economy and Tourism +90 392 228 6838 www.turizm.gov.ct.tr/ Ministry of Youth and Sports +90 392 228 2172 Turkish Court of Accounts +90 392 228 4128 www.sayistay.gov.tr/ Public Service Commission Presidency +90 392 228 3247 Personnel Department Directorate +90 392 228 6947 TRNC Attorney General +90 392 228 4691 State Printing House +90 392 228 2285 State Department of Real Estate & Materials +90 392 228 5940 Public Hospital +90 392 228 5441 Police Headquarters +90 392 228 3411 www.polis.gov.ct.tr/ Post Office +90 392 228 5982 www.posta.gov.ct.tr/ Flag Radio & Television Corporation +90 392 225 5555 www.brtk.business.site/ Electricity company +90 392 228 3648 www.kibtek.com/ Top Useful Information > Cyprus History Humans were in Cyprus In the Stone Age along with dwarf elephants , pygmy hippos , dogs, sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, foxes, and deer. By 6,000 BC cattle had disappeared, deer were still hunted, but the economy was based on sheep, goats and pigs. 10,000 years old water wells have been discovered. In 2004, a cat was discovered buried with its human owner and was estimated to be 9,500 years old - older than Egyptian civilization. The first cities were built in the Bronze Age when copper was mined and traded. Buildings were used to process and store olive oil , a product the island is still famous for today. Copper ingots recovered from shipwrecks show widespread metal trade. Cyprus was part of the Hittite empire governed from Northern Syria. Achaean Greeks settled from the 1400 BC and Dorian Greeks arrived around 1100 BC. Pottery indicates early trade with Crete . In the 8th century BC the number of settlements increased significantly and monumental tombs, like the 'Royal ' tombs of Salamis appear for the first time. This is likely the start of what is known as the Cypriot kingdoms . 10 kingdoms are listed in an inscription from 673 BC - Salamis, Kition, Amathus, Kourion, Paphos and Soli on the coast and Tamassos, Ledra, Idalium and Chytri in the interior. Cyprus gained independence around 669 BC but was conquered by Egypt and then by Persians around 545 BC. At the beginning of the 4th century BC, the King of Salamis, took control of the whole island and tried to gain independence from Persia, but was crushed by Artaxerxes in 344 BC. During the siege of Tyre, Cypriot Kings sided with Alexander the Great , then in 321 sided with Ptolemy I. Ptolemy lost Cyprus briefly, but it remained under Ptolemaic rule till 58 BC and was ruled by a governor from Egypt . Strong commercial relationships developed with Athens and Alexandria. Full Hellenisation took place under Ptolemaic rule, as Phoenician and native Cypriot traits disappeared, as well as the old Cypriot syllabic script. Cyprus became a Roman province in 58 BC. Mark Antony gave the island to Cleopatra of Egypt but it became a Roman province again after his defeat at the Battle of Actium, in 30 BC. A Jewish uprising of 115/116 AD led to great losses and it was placed under the control of and governed by a proconsul. Several earthquakes led to the destruction of Salamis at the beginning of the 4th century, at the same time drought and famine hit the island. After the Roman Empire, Cyprus came under the rule of Constantinople . The Arabs and Muslims invaded in the 650s, but in 688, Emperor Justinian II and the caliph Abd al-Malik reached a remarkable agreement where, for 300 years, Cyprus was ruled jointly by both the Arabs and the Byzantines as a condominium, despite almost constant war between the two parties on the mainland. In 965, Cyprus was conquered by a resurgent Byzantium. In the 12th century Cyprus was targeted by crusaders. Richard the Lionheart landed in Limassol on 1 June 1191 in search of his sister and his bride Berengaria, whose ship had become separated from the fleet in a storm. Richard married Berengaria in Limassol on 12 May 1192 and continued to occupy Cyprus and raise taxes until he sold it to the Knights Templar . Soon after, the French arrived, establishing the Kingdom of Cyprus. Latin , then French , become the official language, with Greek as a second official language. In 1196, the Latin Church was established, resulting in the Orthodox Cypriot Church being persecuted. Maronites from Syria settled on Cyprus during the Crusades and still maintain some villages in the North. A small Roman Catholic population was mainly confined to coastal cities such as Famagusta as well as Nicosia, the traditional capital. The independent Eastern Orthodox Church of Cyprus, with its own archbishop and subject to no patriarch, was allowed to remain on the island, but the Latin Church largely displaced it in stature and holding property. The Cathedral of Saint Nicholas was consecrated in 1328, and is the largest medieval building in Famagusta, where the Kings of Cyprus were crowned also as Kings of Jerusalem . In 1571 having fallen to the Ottoman Empire, it became the Mosque of Mağusa, and remains a mosque today. In 1268 , Hugh III of Cyprus claimed Cyprus and its territory of Acre as well as Jerusalem thus uniting the kingdoms. Like Jerusalem, Cyprus had a High Court . The island was richer and more feudal than Jerusalem, so the king had more personal wealth and could afford to ignore the court. Cyprus became the centre of European trade with Africa and Asia after the fall of Acre in 1291 and became dominated in the 14th century by Genoese merchants. In 1489 the last Queen, Catherine Cornaro, was forced to sell the island to Venice . Ottomans started raiding Cyprus immediately afterwards, and captured it in 1571 . This is the historical setting to Shakespeare's Othello , the play's title character being the commander of the Venetian garrison defending Cyprus against the Ottomans. Turks and Cypriots coexisted harmoniously on the island which was rich in salt, sugar, cotton, grains, and other export goods. It was also a centre of Syria-Venice trade and served as the eastern Mediterranean's main emporium for Venice's maritime trade. The Ottoman Empire was predominantly Muslim, so there was a cultural and religious clash when it conquered Cyprus. More Muslims came to Cyprus, mixing in with the Orthodox Christian Greek population of the island and led to the Millet System , which allowed authorities to rule over their religious minorities to keep peace in the Country. The 1878 Russo-Turkish War ended Ottoman control with Britain taking over who annexed the island unilaterally in 1914, after it declared war against the Ottomans during the First World War. Under British rule, the island enjoyed increased freedom of speech, something which allowed development of Greek Cypriots' ideas of enosis (unification with Greece). In the 1920s, representatives were repeatedly sent to England to request union with Greece but to no avail. In 1925, following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, Britain declared the island a Crown Colony, and made it clear that unification was out of the question. In October 1931 the October riots resulted in autocratic rule known as Palmerokratia ("Palmerocracy"), named after governor Richmond Palmer, which until the start of World War II. In 1950 , the Orthodox Church of Cyprus organized a referendum on union with Greece, but the international community showed no desire to support their request. In 1960 , a new constitution createdpower-sharing, where the vice-president and at least 30% of members of parliament would be Turkish Cypriots. Archbishop Makarios III would be the President and Dr. Fazıl Küçük would become vice president. The constitution also created separate local municipalities so that Greek and Turkish Cypriots could manage their own municipalities in large towns. In 1964 , the United Nations were forced to send peacekeeping forces to protect the vastly outnumbered Turkish Cypriots from Greek Cypriot attacks and they remain on the island today. In 1974 , the Makarios Government was planning to eradicate Turkish Cypriots completely, but a military coup with the support of the junta in Greece led to Turkey intervening in the north of the island to protect Turkish Cypriots. In 1975 the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus was created. The name was changed to The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , on 15 November 1983. In 2002 the UN started negotiations for unification. In 2004 a plan for unification emerged, supported by the UN, the EU and the USA. Turkish Cypriots accepted the plan, but Greek Cypriots rejected it. After Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, the euro replaced the Cypriot pound in 2008 while Northern Cyprus continued to use the Turkish lira. Top Useful Information > Internet & TV Northern Cyprus Internet connectivity is generally fast and good quality, with monthly packages low cost compared to western Europe or the UK. If you’re coming for short periods on holiday, you may be happy to use mobile broadband via your own mobile phone on roaming, or by purchasing a local sim card and data package, but if you’re purchasing a property you’ll more than likely want to have your own Wi-Fi installed. Coverage All of Northern Cyprus, apart from very remote country areas, has good mobile signal reception and high-quality internet operates via the mobile broadband system. Some apartment sites offer free internet restaurants or reception areas and if your property happens to be near to these, you might just get get free internet by virtue of your property location, but in most cases you'll want to have your own installed. Installation Contact one of the service providers and give them your address and they’ll be able to give you the best package for that location, arrange a time to come and fit your router, and give you all the price details. You’ll need to pay monthly in advance. Cost Exchange rates vary but broadband in Northern Cyprus is typically around half the cost of most European countries. Internet/Broadband providers Extend Multimax Nethouse Fixnet Turkcell Superonline Flynet Comtech Satellite Internet The Starlink satellite internet system, provided by Elon Musk's company. has scheduled TRNC coverage from late 2023. ​ Mobile broadband It’s a good idea to purchase a local Telsim or Turkcell sim card upon arrival (they’re sold at the airport), and get the package which offers the best amount of data included. You may be able to use this to tether to your laptop or tablet too and this may suit you for short visits. English language TV You can receive local TV channels with a normal antenna, a few of which are in English. All English language TV is now accessed via the internet in Northern Cyprus. You can get quite a bit of TV from your own country using a VPN (virtual private network), and accessing TV via your own mobile data, but if you’re moving here or spending extended times in the country, your Internet/Broadband provider or the Satellite TV companies, listed here, can assist you. Satellite TV providers All North Cyprus English language TV is now accessed via the internet. Around the island, you'll see lots of places showing English Premier Leagure football. BEIN sports is very popular and this allows you to watch pretty much every EPL game live. Firesticks are also popular, and there are a number of providers who can set these up for you. Netflix is also popular in TRNC. Digiturk – Satellite TV Satellite Cyprus TV Local TV You can receive local TV many channels with a normal antenna. Top Useful Information > Local Tradesmen The following are all well known and respected tradesmen in the local area. ​ Plumber : +90 533 830 6518 (Musait) ​ Painter : +90 533 832 3308 (Inan) Yapi Market : +90 533 869 9734 (Huseyin) ​ All Maintenance: +90 533 861 1467 (Erdogan) Renovations Repairs Electrics ​ Top Useful Information > Insurance Category Name Location IDD Code Number Insurance & Financial Services Anadolu Insurance Catalkoy +90 533 836 2031 Insurance & Financial Services Azant Real Estates & Insurance Alsancak +90 533 833 0841 Insurance & Financial Services Can Sigorta Insurance Lefkosa +90 392 444 0777 Insurance & Financial Services Can Sigorta Insurance Esentepe +90 533 866 5237 Insurance & Financial Services Capital Bank Insurance Alsancak +90 533 825 6753 Insurance & Financial Services Commercial Insurance Girne +90 392 815 0319 Insurance & Financial Services Cyprus Insurance Girne +90 533 864 6942 Insurance & Financial Services Da?li Insurance Karaoglanoglu +90 392 822 4005 Insurance & Financial Services ESTA Insurance Agency Karaoglanoglu +90 392 444 3782 Insurance & Financial Services Green Man Insurance Agency Girne +90 392 815 8582 Insurance & Financial Services Green Valley Insurance Alsancak +90 392 821 3107 Insurance & Financial Services Gunes Insurance Girne +90 392 815 2245 Insurance & Financial Services Landmark Insurance Services Girne +90 548 868 5600 Insurance & Financial Services MEPS Insurance Service Catalkoy +90 392 824 4710 Insurance & Financial Services MNB Insurance Catalkoy +90 548 885 9008 Insurance & Financial Services MapFree Insurance Esentepe +90 533 845 3775 Insurance & Financial Services Persan Insurance Alsancak +90 392 821 3107 Insurance & Financial Services Seker Insurance Girne +90 533 823 9494 Insurance & Financial Services Stringer Estates Girne +90 392 815 8844 Top Useful Information > M.I.C.E. Tourism Climate, natural beauty and state-of-the-art facilities are making Northern Cyprus one of the fastest growing destinations for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions ) tourism, attracting businesses from far and wide. Pretty much all 5-star hotels cater for conferences and exhibitions, whether it be small seminar halls, or large convention centres. There's plenty of choice for business of all industries and sizes. As an incentive , business can now offer employees a safe, multicultural island, in the Mediterranean, with 10 months of sunshine, sandy beaches, spectacular mountains, superb hospitality, international entertainment and bundles of exquisite cuisine. Ancient civilisation sites; cultural tours; a championship golf course; spa treatment; Turkish baths or simply a dip in the pool or sea, ensure everyone will enjoy their time away from the meeting rooms. Top Useful Information > General Overview Top Useful Information > Mobile Phones Mobile Telephone Operators KKTCell - Commonly referred to as Turkcell. (0533 / 0539 numbers) Telsim - part owned by Vodafone. (0542 / 0548 numbers). You shouldn’t experience any issues in North Cyprus because both firms use GSM, which can be found on most modern mobile phones. GSM bands include 850, 900, 1800, and 1900. Both have agreements with all major international networks, so you shouldn’t have any trouble connecting after you arrive if you wish to use your usual mobile number while you're here. Coming from the UK Vodafone & O2 offer unlimited call and text roaming in North Cyprus &Türkiye at a cost. Vodafone also roams without additional charges in the South. For other networks, check with them before travelling to see what packages they’re offering. If Türkiye isn’t included, you’d be better to bring a second phone with a pay as you go Vodafone sim card in it. Alternatively, you can buy a sim card from Turkcell or Telsim. Offers available include pay as you go data packages as well as calls and texts. The larger supermarkets, including Lemar , generally have stands for both networks. There’s also one at Ercan Airport so you can buy a sim card immediately on arrival. South Cyprus If you have a mobile phone registered in Europe, roaming is free for South Cyprus whatever your network at home, although charges are higher in the North, unless you’re on Vodafone or O2. If you want a south Cyprus sim card, corner shops have a wide range of sim cards available. Using Turkcell or Telsim in South Cyprus Before crossing to the south: TURKCELL – text "GUNEY "(South) to 1717 to start roaming in the South. Text "KUZEY " (north) to 1717 to stop. TELSIM – text "AC " (open) to 7075 to start roaming in the South. Text "KAPAT " ( close) to 7075 to stop. Text before you cross the border, or you’ll be hit with different rates. Be careful when close to the border as you could roam accidentally. Using South Cyprus mobile phones in North Cyprus Contact your service provider to see if you need to activate roaming for the north before crossing the border. It may well be automatic. Charges for South Cyprus users visiting the North, are generally cheaper than for North Cyprus users visiting the South. Summary UK visitors : if you're coming for short periods to North or South Cyprus, a UK Vodafone or O2 pay as you go sim card or contract will include your usage on both sides of the border . European visitors : North Cyprus counts as Türkiye. South Cyprus is Europe. Your mobile phone will roam without additional charges in the south . It’ll incur costs in the north unless your provider includes Türkiye . Check with your provider. Buying local sim cards : Available at supermarkets and allow roaming on both sides of the border for a cost. Turkcell or Telsim sim card users need to activate roaming before they cross the border to avoid higher charges. WhatsApp WhatsApp is very popular in Northern Cyprus and many individuals and businesses use it. Top Useful Information > Hospitals Category Name Location IDD Code Number Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Akcicek General Hospital Girne +90 392 815 2266 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs BML British Medical Laboratory Karaoglanoglu +90 533 886 3030 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Baskent Hospital Lefkosa +90 392 223 6695 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Celiker Hospital Girne +90 392 815 4950 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Erduran Laboratory Girne +90 392 816 1002 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Guven Hospital Girne +90 533 880 6004 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Kolan British Hospital Girne +90 392 680 8080 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Kolan British Hospital Lefkosa +90 392 680 8080 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Kyrenia Medical Centre Girne +90 392 815 3282 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Lamel Medical Laboratory Girne +90 392 815 8784 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Medaid Lefkosa +90 542 850 5451 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Medical Port Hospital Girne +90 392 815 0800 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Medical Port Lab Girne +90 392 815 0800 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Medusa Esteclinic Girne +90 533 886 1066 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Near East University Hospital Lefkosa +90 392 444 0535 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Near East University Hospital Famagusta Medical Centre Famagusta +90 392 444 0535 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Near East University Hospital Kyrenia Medical Centre Girne +90 392 444 0535 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Near East University Hospital Morphou Medical Centre Morphou +90 392 444 0535 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Ozel Hastanesi Girne +90 392 815 2155 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Private Girne Hospital Girne +90 392 815 5777 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Smarth Health Complex & Medical Centre Girne +90 392 650 2000 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Tani Tabbi Tahlil Laboratory Girne +90 392 815 1739 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs The Medical Centre Karaoglanoglu +90 533 870 0877 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Unilab Laboratory Girne +90 392 815 8747 Hospitals, Clinics & Labs Vita Lab Medical Analysis Laboratory Girne +90 533 857 5277 Top Useful Information > Pharmacy Category Name Location IDD Code Number Chemists Acarkan Girne +90 392 815 3375 Chemists Asar Pharmacy Girne +90 392 815 7075 Chemists Asar Pharmacy Karaoglanoglu +90 392 822 3885 Chemists Asrin Pharmacy Alsancak +90 548 891 1110 Chemists Aydin Pharmacy Alsancak +90 392 821 3361 Chemists Aydin Pharmacy, Organic Life Girne +90 533 888 5666 Chemists Basak Girne +90 392 815 3620 Chemists Bedeoglu World Of Medicine Catalkoy +90 392 824 4794 Chemists Emin Alsancak +90 533 870 1946 Chemists Emin/Eminaga Girne +90 392 815 2248 Chemists Enver Girne +90 533 870 1946 Chemists Girne Chemist Girne +90 392 815 1447 Chemists Gundal Pharmacy Girne +90 392 816 0543 Chemists Guven Girne +90 392 815 2409 Chemists Ilfen Pharmacy Girne +90 392 815 8118 Chemists Kardriye Kandil Chemist Karaoglanoglu +90 542 884 3522 Chemists Mehmet Kamiloglu Chemist Girne +90 392 815 2150 Chemists Omrum Aki Chemist Esentepe +90 533 825 1125 Chemists Omrum Chemist Karaoglanoglu +90 392 822 2287 Chemists Rizki Girne +90 392 815 3496 Chemists Toren Girne +90 392 815 8979 Chemists Toren 2 Girne +90 392 815 1790 Chemists Yusuf Tandogan Chemist Catalkoy +90 548 865 3434 Chemists Ziya Sencer Pharmacy Girne +90 392 815 4611 Top Useful Information > Police North Cyprus has a modern, well-equipped police force that carries out not just crime fighting, but traffic, immigration, drug and fraud divisions for example. They also assist other countries when they're investigating their nationals who may be residing in North Cyprus. They're very quick to deal with any crime committed against tourists, as infrequent as they are. The police report to the Security Council and Ministry of the Interior, with the Commander in Chief sitting on the Council along with representatives from the Ministries of Interior and Defence and the President. There are police stations in all main cities and towns , although villages usually have to rely on their nearest town for a police station and service. If you’re in any situation which requires the assistance of the police, you can rest assured that they will do all they can to help you . You may also find that local Turkish Cypriots will try to help you as well, translating and accompanying you to a police station if necessary for example. ​ Emergency Police Number - 155 Location Number Police Karpaz +90 392 381 2325 Police Guzelyurt +90 392 714 2140 Police Famagusta +90 392 366 5310 Police Kyrenia +90 392 815 2014 Police Nicosia +90 392 228 3311 Top Useful Information > Postal Services The postal service here is run by TRNC Postal Office which has branches in all major cities, towns and villages. Be aware that branch opening hours may not be the same as branch parcel acceptance & delivery hours. Contact your local branch to find out more. Addresses When sending letters from abroad it’s important the address includes “Mersin 10, Turkey ” and the postcode should also be included. These are not individual address codes, but relate to fairly large areas. This add-on routes post to Türkiye, where the “Mersin 10” lets them know it needs to come to Northern Cyprus. The postcode then tells the TRNC post office which area o it needs to go to. Make sure you don’t include ‘’Cyprus ’’ in the address, or it’ll be sent to the South of the island, who'll just return it to you. ​ Example address with postcode: 123 Abc Sokak Karakum, Girne Mersin 10 99320 Türkiye Post can be collected from your local post office, who also have yellow PO Boxes in many branches, but there’s often a waiting list for renting them. You can rent one between a few families if there’s a limit on boxes available. Stamps Post offices sell stamps which you’ll need for posting letters, as well as any official documentation such as work and residency permits, taxing cars etc. If you’re buying stamps for official document purposes, buy plain stamps, not special edition stamps, as these are often not accepted by Government Departments. Special Edition Stamps The postal service often releases Special Edition Stamps such as in the spring, or before particular bayram holidays etc. The Postal Department also has a Philatelist Section which collectors can contact to receive limited editions and special first day covers. Private purchases can also be made. ​ Postal Charges Current postal charges - Prices are in Turkish, but your local postal office can advise you regarding prices. Post can be sent on standard or registered/tracked mail . TRNC Post Office Service has an online “Track and Trace ” service to allow you to check the delivery status of any items ordered simply by entering the barcode number shown on an order receipt. Domestic Post – letters can be delivered throughout the island ​Surface Overseas Mail (by land & sea) - done by ferry from Famagusta. Divided into two groups: Türkiye and other countries. ​ Sending mail to the TRNC from the UK If you want to send a letter or parcel from the UK, visit www.royalmail.com . They offer 3 main international services; Standard, Tracked, and Tracked & Signed. Tracked/Tracked & Signed, supply a tracking number, which you can use to follow your delivery until it gets to Istanbul. After it reaches Türkiye, you can view progress on the Turkish Tracking System in Turkish or ask your local post office and they’ll check it for you. Tracked Mail usually takes roughly 10-15 working days to arrive and are generally a more reliable method of ensuring your post arrives safely in TRNC. Cargo Companies Cargo companies that offer domestic and international post/package shipment. ​ Yurtici Kargo MNG Kargo TNT Kargo UPS Kargo DHL Kargo ​All have offices in Lefkosa, some in Girne and Famagusta. Branch addresses are available on their websites. Top Useful Information > Refuse Collection Large bins for communal use are placed around the site but are for household refuse only. Do not put garden waste or rubble from renovations in these bins as they will not be emptied. ​ Collections are usually twice a week but may vary. Collection days may also vary and in hot summer months may be at night or early morning when it is cooler. Garden waste and rubble can be disposed of by the local council / beledeyisi. ​ Top Useful Information > Religion Northern Cyprus is a completely secular state, with therefore no official religion, although it's predominantly populated by people of Islamic faith. There are other religions and ethnic groups active on the island, some of whom are descendents from the various cultures that make this place such a mixed and special place to be. ​ Muslim Islam was introduced when Uthman the 3rd Caliph conquered Cyprus in 649. Turkish Muslims settled during Ottoman rule between 1571 and 1878. The Ottoman Empire gave land to its soldiers provided they and their families stayed permanently. During the 17th century the Turkish population grew rapidly, and Islam is now the main religion practised in North Cyprus. You can hear the call to prayer five times a day from most places on the island, but the faith is not practised to such an extent that women cover themselves, nor do people abstain from alcohol in North Cyprus. ​ Maronite Cypriots ​ The Maronite community is based in the north-east of the island in Kormacit/Koruçam. They're of Christian origin, descended from those who came from Lebanon and Syria around 1200 years ago. They speak in an Arabic dialect, although many Turkish and Greek words are used. The Maronites belong to the Greek Cypriot community to which, owing to similar religious, linguistic and cultural bonds, they are much closer. They have a Maronite Archbishop who is elected by the Holy Synod of the Maronite Church in Lebanon and confirmed by His Holiness the Pope. Anglican A large number of Church of England expats and foreigners attend Anglican churches in North Cyprus. There's St Andrews Church in Kyrenia which holds services on Sundays and Thursdays, and St Marks which has services on a Sunday both at the Boğaz Hotel and St Georges Chapel in Famagusta. Roman Catholic There are also Roman Catholics in North Cyprus, with mass held at St Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church in Kyrenia near to the Dome Hotel every Sunday. ​ Bahá’i This religion is based upon the spiritual and is an independent religion practised worldwide with a small group in North Cyprus. Its principles are to bring about the oneness of humanity as there was only one Creator, the spiritual truth of all religions is the same. There are also smaller religious and ethnic groups, such as Armenian Cypriots who first arrived on the island in around 1915, Latin Cypriots who practise Catholicism, as well as Romany Gypsies who are reported to have arrived in Cyprus at the time of the Lusignans. Top Useful Information > Relocating If you’re thinking of relocating to Northern Cyprus here’s a guide to moving your possessions, car, family and pets to your new property. Importing furniture & possessions You can easily import them using an international removals company. They’re free of tax if they're all over 12 months old. If you’re moving from South Cyprus, you can bring one car or vanload of household goods. You should allow at least 6-8 weeks for items to arrive and you must be in Northern Cyprus to receive the goods in person. Alternatively, you could buy a fully furnished property and just ship or bring your most precious personal effects with you. If you’ve decided to import furniture, try Euromed , Olaytrans , Britannia Movers , Aspin International and Emel Shipping or search for others online. Some companies visit your home to review what you wish to ship and give a customised quotation. The quote will depend on how much of a 20- or 40-foot container your possessions will occupy. Some companies will also come and pack for you, at a cost, and offer a full door-to-door service; others will offer a door-to-Famagusta dock service. The company you choose should keep you updated on progress and inform you of the likely time and date of arrival. The quickest period from overseas is likely to be a month but you should allow longer. Once your goods arrive at the dock, it can take 5-10 days for customs clearance. The time can be affected by x-raying, physical inspection, volume of traffic at the port and the levy of any import duties or taxes. At the port you’ll need: ​ • A complete inventory list of the contents of the container (in English and Turkish ). • A letter from the Muhktar (Mayor) of your TRNC village confirming your address (you may need a rental or sales agreement to get this). • An “in and out” letter from a police station (details your trips in and out of TRNC to date). Once you have these, you'll be advised to visit the customs office in Lefkoşa where they'll be stamped and authorised. Take this completed paperwork to your shipping agent offices in Famagusta. When packing, create an inventory of everything English and Turkish (the customs official checking it upon arrival in TRNC might not speak English). When the container finally arrives at your house, a local customs official will arrive with it to check it contains what you say it contains. At last, you're reunited with your possessions in your new home. Importing a car You can officially bring one car in if it's under 3 years old (or over five years old with you as registered owner for the last five years) but experienced ex-pats generally recommend against importing a car to TRNC due to the bureaucracy. You’ll also have to pay import duty of 40-60% of the Glasses guide mid-range value within 12 months of the car arriving. You may also find it more difficult to get comprehensive insurance, face restrictions on its resale for periods of time, and face difficulty sourcing spares and parts. General consensus is it’s not worth the effort or hassle, unless you really can’t be separated from a particular car. Second-hand cars often cost more in Northern Cyprus than other European countries due to import taxes, so it may be more sensible to shop around for a good second-hand car or long term car rental once you’re here. You can drive initially on your driving licence from your own country, but if you become resident in North Cyprus, you'll need to apply for a TRNC licence.​ Importing Pets The first thing you need to ensure is that the property you buy does allow pets, because some complexes don’t. You’ll ideally need some private outside space with a ground floor apartment or a villa set in a private plot. The British run KARS (Kyrenia Animal Rescue) charity in Karakum, Kyrenia, can help you organise the import. Not only do KARS rescue and care for stray and unwanted animals in Kyrenia, it has become THE information centre for cat and dog import and export to Northern Cyprus. TRNC isn’t in the EU, hence not part of the Pet Passport Scheme so you can import an animal but not bring them for short term visits or holidays. Before you move to North Cyprus, book an appointment with KARS. Your pet will need a current ‘Pet Passport’ with the Rabies vaccination done no less than 30 days prior to entry and the Serology Test being done no more than 12 months prior to entry. There are requirements for vaccinations for both cats and dogs which KARS has full details of. Quarantine is no longer required, but an import licence is. This will be issued in Lefkosa if the paperwork is in order. KARS can tell you how to organise this and can also advise on the export procedure. Importing family Many ex-pats move to Northern Cyprus with children or older relatives. There are excellent English-speaking junior schools, high schools and Universities for young people, and you might want to take into account driving time to school when choosing a property. When you apply for residency, you must prove you can support relatives who come with you who are under 18 and older relatives will need to prove a source of income or pension. There's excellent and affordable private health care in North Cyprus. With the growth of English education and increasingly sophisticated health care in North Cyprus, it’s becoming far more common for ex-pat families to arrive who have younger, and older, family members. Gone are the days when the only ex-pats relocating to North Cyprus were retirees, with facilities available for family members of all ages. The two main English speaking schools in Northern Cyprus, which cater for children from as young as 3 right up to 18, are the Necat British College in Alsancak (west of Kyrenia) and the English School of Kyrenia in Bellapais (East of Kyrenia). These excellent schools have affordable fee structures and are now attracting ex-pats to relocate to North Cyprus purely for the excellent quality of the education. If you’re a working age couple with elderly relatives, you might consider bringing them to live with you as the Mediterranean climate is ideal for older people and tends to lead to improvements in health. The main consideration at this point is health care as there's no free healthcare in Northern Cyprus. There is, however, excellent and affordable private dental and healthcare with many visitors coming especially for surgery, dental work and other procedures and with all pharmacists and doctors/specialists generally speaking English. Excellent and affordable pharmacies can fulfil prescriptions from elsewhere and are usually cheaper. Top Useful Information > Residency There is no automatic right to reside and work in the TRNC for EU citizens . If you want stay in TRNC longer than the period of a tourist visa, you have to get a residency permit . The first port of call is the local police station’s immigration department. You’ll need to produce to the police the following documents: ​ Passport original and photocopy If you have the title deeds to property in your name, the title deeds (original) and photocopy. If you have purchased a property under Contract of Sale, but have not yet received the title deeds to the property, the Contract of Sale (original) and photocopy. If you are living in rented accommodation the Tenancy Agreement (original) and photocopy. A letter from your local village chief (Mukhtar ) to say you reside in his village. This letter is called Ikametgah Belgesi in Turkish. You can usually find your Mukhtar in the centre of the village where you live, near to the local municipality (Belediye) building or the post office Bank documents showing that you have a TRNC bank account which has sufficient funds or a regular income to enable you to support yourself in the TRNC without working. 2 passport photos 6YTL stamps (Damga Pulu in Turkish). The amount required is constantly changing, so take spares in case more are required. The police will then refer you to the Lefkosa State Hospital, or a licensed clinic, for a health test . The test will check for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and TB . After you’ve had the health test, take the results, unopened, to the immigration office in Lefkosa for the residency permit to be stamped in your passport. The immigration office is called the ‘Muhaceret Dairesi’ in Turkish. ​ A residency permit only entitles you to live in the TRNC, not work or set up a business . It’s valid for 1 year and must be renewed every year by following the same procedure (except for the hospital check). ​Children under the age of 18, don’t require residency permits so families moving to TRNC only need apply for residency for the adult members of the family. Non-citizens who give birth to a child in TRNC, need to notify their embassy or consulate of the birth. Once this has been done and a letter to this effect has been obtained from the embassy or consulate, you apply to the District Office (Kaymakamlik ) in the area in which you live, to register the child’s birth. ​ Becoming a citizen of TRNC is more complex. Citizenship is granted to all whose mother or father is a Turkish Cypriot or to those married to a Turkish Cypriot. Presently, there is a new law in Parliament to allow foreign nationals to become citizens of the TRNC after 10 years of residence in the TRNC. ​ This guide is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. The information provided is on the basis of current law at the time of writing. Top Useful Information > Retiring “We only came here for a week’s holiday. That was ten years ago!” Many who eventually move to live in the north of the island initially arrive for a holiday and quickly realise that the TRNC is the perfect retirement destination. There are now over 10,000 British, European and other international expat residents living happily alongside the over 300,000 resident Turkish-speaking population. So why do so many people choose North Cyprus for retirement?T here are a huge number of benefits to retirement in the TRNC. Probably the most frequently quoted reason is simply the fabulous Mediterranean weather – out of 365 days in a year, you can expect sunshine on around 340 of them ! The Cyprus climate verges on the semi-tropical and although there is of course the much-needed rain in the winter, it's generally at least 10° hotter than the UK on any given day of the year, with frost almost unheard of. It's well known that people 60+ benefit hugely from warmer weather and increased natural sunlight , with doctors recommending a Mediterranean climate to those with certain health conditions including arthritis . Private healthcare and hospital facilities are “state of the art” with new centres including the Near East University Hospital and Medical School boasting world-class equipment and treatment opportunities. More and more visitors arrive to take advantage of the far lower prices for private healthcare and operations and find better healthcare in Cyprus than in their own country of origin. Although those retiring to North Cyprus do need to consider private medical insurance, the specialist consultation prices are so low that it can be cheaper just to “pay as you go”. Prescription and over the counter medicines are often far cheaper. For the active retiree, the sky is actually NOT the limit for the number of leisure activities you can pursue. Well-known British centenarian and former TRNC resident, Peggy McAlpine, was world-famous for her Guinness Book of Records paragliding feats aged 104 from the 2,400 ft peak of the North Cyprus Besparmak (Five Finger) mountains down to the coast. For those preferring land or water-based leisure activities, Korineum Golf & Beach Resort boasts an impeccably maintained 18 hole golf course with stunning mountain and sea views. There are marinas as well as a host of diving and waters ports clubs. For those who like socialising , the various English-speaking societies organise dances, talks and other fundraising events. There's a host of new expat bookshops , cafes and weekend markets where expats meet and relax together in the sun. North Cyprus is officially a Muslim country but welcomes people from other faiths. Church goers are delighted to find the lovely traditional St. Andrew’s church in Kyrenia with regular Sunday services run by an Episcopal vicar resident at the nearby Hermitage. The British Residents Society and "Foreign Residents Society" hold “clinics” where experienced ex pats are happy to dispense advice to new arrivals and where membership can be obtained. Top Useful Information > Rough Guide Top Useful Information > Transportation As an island in the Mediterranean, travel to Northern Cyprus is mainly air , although transportation from Türkiye by sea is also an option. Once you’re here there’s a number of transportation options to choose from. Air Travel Ercan Airport (ECN) , located near the capital Lefkoşa, serves over 4m passengers a year. Turkish Airlines, Anadolu Jet and Pegasus Airlines are the main carriers. Charter flight carriers include Freebird, Tailwind and Corendon Airlines. A major extension of the runway as well as construction of an eco-friendly new terminal opened on 20 July 2023. The size of the new terminal building, described as the TRNC’s “window to the world”, is 20,000 square meters , sitting on grounds that measure some 7.8 million sq meters – six times the airport’s old size. The terminal parking area is 34,000 sq meters and its new main runway will be 2,755 meters long, in keeping with international standards for commercial aircraft. The airport apron has room for 30 parked aircraft, 9 of which have passenger boarding bridges. Inside the new terminal building, there are 60 check-in desks and 44 passport control points . Security has been enhanced with 26 modern x-ray devices and a baggage screening and handling capacity of 5,000 per hour . The new larger space and improved facilities mean the airport’s passenger traffic can grow to 10 million passengers a year. Most travellers currently come from Turkiye, but tourism to the TRNC from Europe, Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East continues to rise. Ercan Airport is located 14 kilometres from Lefkoşa, 40 km from Famagusta and 44 km from Kyrenia. Ease of access to Ercan and its direct links to global travel hub Istanbul Airport, has made it an increasingly popular choice for residents living in South Cyprus too. ​ Shuttle Service Services to and from Ercan Airport to five major towns, Kyrenia, Nicosia, Famagusta, Güzelyurt and Lefke are organised around inbound and outbound flight times, offering visitors a consistent and economic means of transport. Many Tour Operators also offer transfers and door to door services for visitors booked through them. ​ Car Rental Global and local vehicle hire operators are stationed throughout the island, with those running at Ercan offering pick up and drop at the airport. Car hire prices differ, based on season, brand, passenger capacity and length of hire. Visitors intending to explore the island are well advised to arrange car hire to make the most of their experience. ​ Taxis Renowned for only driving luxury vehicle models, vacant taxi drivers are almost always stationed at their bays and not likely to be stopped roadside. All hotels will have a designated taxi partner readily on call, and in most town centres travellers will pass by a near taxi bay. Taxis are metered and charge per kilometre distance travelled, although rates do change between daytime and night. When travelling between towns, on mid to long distance journeys, most drivers will be able to quote a fixed price beforehand, and if you really wnat to get local, try bargaining the fee before you get in. Top Public Transport Not the most advanced service or infrastructure, small minibuses also known as “Dolmuş ” (dol-moush) pick up passengers’ roadside and transport over short distances, connecting main towns to villages. Very frequent in most towns as well as cheap, there's often no regulated schedule nor do they stray off any main roads, an important consideration when planning for your visit. ​ Sea Travel If you're considering crossing the Mediterranean by sea, daily ferry services operate from Famagusta and Kyrenia to Mersin province in the southern coast of Türkiye and final plans are under way for services connecting Alanya near to Antalya, with North Cyprus. Depending on the type of ferry available, the shortest duration from Kyrenia to Mersin Taşucu is 2.5 hours . ​ Driving Regulations Traffic in North Cyprus uses the left-hand side of the road and driving regulations are similar to that of the United Kingdom. Short-term visitors and tourists can drive non-commercial vehicles using most global driving licences, including EU and UK. ​ Pedestrians Pedestrians are reminded that traffic moves on the left side of the road and are advised to look both right and left carefully before crossing any road. If pavements aren't available, you should walk on the right side, towards any oncoming traffic. ​ Useful Information > Supermarkets Category Name Location IDD Code Number Supermarkets & Malls 1001 Airport Mall Lefkosa +90 392 444 1001 Supermarkets & Malls Atakara Shopping Centre Alsancak +90 392 821 8158 Supermarkets & Malls Barbaroslar Supermarket Girne +90 392 815 3279 Supermarkets & Malls Bektas Market Girne +90 392 815 5248 Supermarkets & Malls City Mall Famagusta +90 392 444 0001 Supermarkets & Malls Erdener Supermarket Karakum +90 533 850 8500 Supermarkets & Malls Girne Park Girne +90 533 889 4989 Supermarkets & Malls Heli Supermarket Alsancak +90 533 888 4343 Supermarkets & Malls Hurdeniz Fresh Fish & Seafood Girne +90 392 815 8198 Supermarkets & Malls Lemar Supermarket Karaoglanoglu +90 392 822 3399 Supermarkets & Malls Lemar Supermarket Karakum +90 392 815 6699 Supermarkets & Malls Lemar Supermarket Alsancak +90 533 855 5591 Supermarkets & Malls Lemar Supermarket Girne +90 392 815 8233 Supermarkets & Malls Lemar Supermarket Catalkoy +90 392 824 5566 Supermarkets & Malls Metropol Supermarket Girne +90 392 225 6454 Supermarkets & Malls Sah Marketplace Supermarket Catalkoy +90 392 444 4724 Supermarkets & Malls Starling Supermarket Lapta +90 533 850 7313 Supermarkets & Malls Starling Supermarket Alsancak +90 533 850 7310 Supermarkets & Malls Supreme Supermarket Catalkoy +90 392 824 4699 Supermarkets & Malls Uc Kardes Tatlisu +90 392 867 5115 Top Useful Information > Taxis Category Name Location IDD Code Number Taxis Acapulco Taxi Girne +90 392 824 4111 Taxis Atlantic Taxi Girne +90 392 815 3053 Taxis Bellapais Abbey Taxi Bellapais +90 542 859 2875 Taxis Bellapais Taxis Girne +90 392 444 0131 Taxis Cangil Bektas Alsancak +90 392 821 8600 Taxis Cyprus Taxi Esentepe +90 533 847 2007 Taxis Dome Taxi Girne +90 392 815 5676 Taxis Esentepe Taxis Esentepe +90 392 823 6028 Taxis Girne Taxis Girne +90 533 845 3747 Taxis Golden Taxis Girne +90 533 884 1238 Taxis Guven Taxis Girne +90 542 852 3248 Taxis Ilhan Taxis Girne +90 392 815 2438 Taxis Intur Taxis Girne +90 392 815 1038 Taxis Jasmine Taxis Girne +90 542 851 8657 Taxis Jess Taxi Service Girne +90 392 815 4943 Taxis Jet Taxis Girne +90 533 863 3475 Taxis Kervansary Taxis Girne +90 392 821 8977 Taxis King Taxis Lapta +90 533 876 5432 Taxis Kombos Taxis Girne +90 392 815 2317 Taxis Liman Taxis Girne +90 392 815 3395 Taxis Murat Mini Bus Services Girne +90 548 886 0058 Taxis North Cyprus Taxi Girne +90 392 444 0131 Taxis Onder Taxis Girne +90 392 815 2543 Taxis Ozzy's (Ibo's) Taxis Girne +90 533 865 6305 Taxis Sam's Taxis Girne +90 533 852 5077 Taxis Savas Taxis Girne +90 533 846 0200 Top Useful Information > Utilities For Gas Bottles or large (19 Litre) Bottles of Drinking Water Delivered to your door: Contact Mehmet on +90 533 846 5393 ​ To have your 5 ton water tank refilled: Contact Celal on +90 533 862 1452 Contact Hasan on +90 533 861 4093 ​ If you want to be connected to mains water: contact the local council/beleydisi. ​ To get electricity connected: Contact Kibtek Power Cuts They do happen from time to time but usually for no more than an hour. Have some candles handy just in case. Top Useful Information > Visas & Entry There are two distinct ways of entering North Cyprus. Directly via Türkiye into Ercan airport, or via South Cyprus and crossing over the border. Via Ercan airport ​ British, EU and US passport holders don't need tourist visas for North Cyprus entry and up to a 90-day stay may be granted. Tourist visitors staying at hotel or rented accommodation will normally be issued a visa for a maximum of 30 days. If they can submit documents showing that a prior payment has been made for lengthier accommodation, a visa up to 90 days may be granted. A visa up to 90 days may also be issued to those who come for official visits, business meetings, conferences, seminars, meetings, festivals, fairs, exhibitions, sporting events, cultural and artistic events, health tourism and similar purposes. Citizens of the European Union and Schengen Area Countries travelling to North Cyprus can show a National Identity Card, whereas citizens of other countries are required to present a valid Passport . Ercan Airport, located just outside the capital Nicosia, currently serves over 4million passengers a year, and major carriers include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines as well as several charter flight carriers.. Upon arrival to Ercan, visitors fill out personal details on a white slip which will be stamped on entry and should be retained throughout the visit. Citizens of countries that don't have an Embassy, Consulate General, Consulate or Representative Office in North Cyprus, or that are not members of the EU, must have a passport valid for at least 6 months to be able to enter the country. Citizens of countries that do have an Embassy, Consulate General, Consulate or Representative Office in North Cyprus or are citizens of EU countries, must have a passport or travel document valid for at least 2 months to be able to enter. It's worth noting that visitors transiting Türkiye en route to Ercan, may decide to leave the airport in Türkiye to visit for a few hours or days, in which case they will have to purchase a visa available upon exit through passport control. ​ Via South Cyprus You can cross the border at one of the many Turkish Cypriot passport controls points, and the same conditions apply. There are no restrictions on how many times you cross and border crossings are open 24 hours a day. There are limitations on the volume of goods you can cross the border with, especially duty-free items, such as cigarettes and alcohol or contraband. Any person found to be violating these restrictions will have their goods confiscated and a fine can also be imposed. ​ Northern Cyprus Visa Applications Passport with a minimum of 2 blank pages that will be valid for at least 90 days after the end of travel. Copy of the first page, including personal data and previous visas (if obtained) also must be provided. Completed and signed visa application form along with one color biometric photo, that are not older than 6 months. Proof of travel, with confirmed two-way tickets. Bank account details, proving the passenger can sufficiently fund their travel. Evidence of occupation in the form of certified documents such as; letter from an employer, student certificate, document of registration or demonstration of pension funds. Accommodation details through an invitation letter or proof of hotel reservation throughout the stay. Documentation of travel health insurance throughout the period of travel and that is valid within the entire Schengen area. ​ There are specific documents that need to be attached to an application depending on employment status. ​ Employed: Employment contract (original certificate of employment indicating position in company and salary) Bank account statement of the past 6 months Approval letter of leave from employer Income Tax Return (ITR) Self-employed: Proof of business license (company registration) Company’s bank account statement of the past 6 months Income Tax Return (ITR) Student: Documentation of University enrolment No-objection certificate from school management Retired: Pension statement documenting the past 6 months ​ Unemployed: Proof of financial resources is required If the person is not able to finance their own expenses, proof of a sponsor is mandatory. Visa Sponsorship Students or unemployed/retired people who aren't in a position to cover their own travel expenses will need to demonstrate support from a sponsor who will bear all costs. The sponsor must be a first-degree relative and will have to prove sufficient resources by meeting certain requirements such as filling out the sponsorship form and submitting the requested documents. ​ Northern Cyprus Visa Rules Visa applications shall be submitted to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. It's advised to submit applications at least one month prior to your travel date. Visa applications are concluded in three days. Citizens of Syria, Nigeria and Armenia are required to process their visa applications in person. Citizens of other countries may obtain their visas at the border by Immigration Officers. However, the terms of entry differ depending on the nationality of passport holders. Flights to Northern Cyprus are connected from Türkiye. Thus, travelers may need a transit visa from Republic of Türkiye depending on their nationality of origin. Turkish citizens may face problems obtaining a Greek visa if their passports have an entry or exit stamp from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Therefore, it may be recommended to travel with national identity card. Turkish Citizens Turkish citizens can visit Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus without any visa requirements. A valid passport or identity card is needed. Top Useful Information > Weddings & Honeymoons Good enough for royalty Weddings and Honeymoons in Northern Cyprus are really special. The warmth of the people who place marriage at the centre of their culture just adds to the occasion. Since Richard the Lionheart chose to marry his Queen, Berengaria in Cyprus, the island has always held a romantic attraction for couples. Convenient marriage laws and spectacular wedding locations make Northern Cyprus a truly great destination for your wedding. Whether it be the party itself, or the getaway after, Northern Cyprus has been soaring in appeal in recent years. Marriages in TRNC are legal, accepted and recognised worldwide, so it doesn’t matter where you're from. The law is based primarily on English law, which simplifies the whole marriage process, making it easier to understand and meaning wedding services and marital documents are all in English. Legal requirements for a wedding to take place include: bride and groom to have stayed in TRNC for at least 6 days before their wedding ; copies of passports; birth certificates, a form to be completed for submission to the District Officer; and a decree absolute if divorced. You'll find everything you might want which takes the stress out of the whole process. Personalised bouquets and arrangements are widely available. Standard or personalised wedding cakes only need a few days advance order. Custom designed wedding rings are widely available and usually less expensive. Hair and beauty salons are on almost every street corner or you can book a stylist to come to your venue and spend the day by your sides. Professional photographers and camera operators are on hand. Live entertainment , musicians, orchestras, English speaking singers and artists as well as DJ’s, are in abundance and easily found. Hen and stag nights can be catered for. Spa days, group nights out for dinner , raving at one of the best clubs in the Med, private boat trips or anything else you can come up with - it's all here! ​ With the average cost of a wedding spiralling in Europe, it’s no wonder thousands of couples are looking to TRNC for their dream day where costs are commonly a third of a similar wedding at home - with almost perfect weather. Many friends and family make the trip to share in your dream wedding in the sun, often making a holiday of it themselves. Even if you do get married in Europe, North Cyprus offers a grand choice for honeymoons . Booking as a honeymoon couple will usually get you the “honeymoon suite”, decorated for the occasion and a generous welcome package. Pamper yourself at the spa, laze on golden beaches, bathe in the blue Mediterranean, sip cocktails, dine in style overlooking the shores or with a mountain backdrop and soak up the nature. It'll be a holiday to treasure and tell the kids about in years to come. Korineum Golf & Beach Resort Boasts breath-taking landscapes and 360° views with the Beşparmak Mountain Range on one side, the Mediterranean on the other and luscious lawns in between. Proceedings are set apart from the main hotel grounds ensuring your day remains private and intimate. For couples wanting luxurious facilities, but in green and peaceful surroundings, it's the perfect choice. Set amongst natural forest of umbrella pines and olives it’s an experience you’ll never forget. They also offer their private beach for weddings and events. Doğanköy Church If you’re looking for a quaint little church off the beaten track for your wedding in North Cyprus, Dogankoy Church could be perfect for you. Doğanköy is a small village located to the south east of Kyrenia. The church is one of the oldest buildings in the area and was recently restored to make it a really attractive wedding venue, away from the hustle and bustle of the town. The cool whitewashed walls inside the church make it very welcoming on a warm day, so you can share an intimate wedding ceremony under the white stone arches, surrounded by beautiful flowers and your close friends and family. ​ Bellapais Abbey If you want a stunning historical backdrop for your ceremony then Bellapais Abbey is perfect. You can’t overstate how romantic it is to have a wedding surrounded by the arches of a 13th century abbey, with a backdrop of rugged mountains and spectacular views down to the Mediterranean. The Bellapais Monastery is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, and almost certainly the most famous of all North Cyprus’ architectural treasures. The Monastery remains in a wonderful state of preservation, providing a haven of peace and tranquillity for your wedding. The nearby Kybele restaurant can cater for post-wedding celebrations, with great food for formal dining, or a drinks reception in the beautiful gardens. Alternatively, there are plenty of options in Bellapais Monastery Village for your wedding reception or accommodation for your guests. ​ Bellapais Monastery Village Perfect for couples looking to marry in a peaceful, luxury retreat . The hotel is located at the foot of the Five Finger Mountain range, with panoramic views down over Kyrenia town and harbour. It’s just a short uphill walk from Bellapais Village and Bellapais Abbey. The hotel accommodates 130 guests in villas, rooms and luxury suites. There’s a rooftop restaurant for your wedding breakfast, a tranquil garden for reception drinks and space for live entertainment, making it perfect for the entire wedding party. ​ Ambiance If you dream of a wedding by the sea , you’ll fall in love with Ambiance as a venue. The decking that stretches out over the water makes it a truly unparalleled wedding venue with one of the best beach front locations in North Cyprus. During the day there’s a pool area with sun loungers, but the evenings take on a whole new look, with sophisticated dining for you and your guests. As the sun sets over the Mediterranean you can dance by the sea and party late into the night to your own choice of music and the sound of the sea lapping against the rocks. ng well looked after. Karpaz Palm Beach Hotel The Palm Beach Hotel in Famagusta is a small boutique hotel offering 5-star luxury and a magnificent private golden beach. Weddings are held on the private sandy beach, pool area and decking area. ​ Shayna Beach Club The perfect venue for an affordable beach wedding . Located right by the sea, with a private beach that can accommodate up to 500 people and a restaurant with a capacity of 120, everything you need is on site. The restaurant specialises in traditional Turkish or fresh fish meze, which are perfect for guests to sample local delicacies. There’s plenty of boutique hotels and luxury five-star facilities nearby. ​ Five Mile Ideal for a fairy tale beach wedding , right on the sea front and with a backdrop of a stunning mountain range. Clean water and warm temperatures make it one of Kyrenia’s top swimming beaches as it curves round a gentle bay, fringed with trees and protected by the foothills of the Kyrenia Mountains. It’s overlooked by the restaurant of the same name, which provides all the facilities you need. They provide luxury 3 course wedding breakfasts or a cocktail party with canapés for your wedding reception, with a tailored menu. ​ Hideaway Club Weddings at The Hideaway Club Hotel offer stunning views of both mountains and sea , all within one of North Cyprus’ top boutique hotels. Just three miles from Kyrenia, The Hideaway Club sits in the foothills of the mountain range, flanked by the majestic St Hilarion Castle. You and your guests can take in views of Kyrenia and the Mediterranean coastline from beside the pool. Ambellia Village Resting 1000 feet above sea level in the Five Finger Mountains, you’ll struggle to find a wedding venue with better views . Every balcony and patio offers panoramic views of the coastline and the town of Kyrenia. With the sea in front of you, the mountains as the backdrop and Bellapais Monastery in the distance, you can be sure your guests will be wowed, and your wedding photos will be remarkable. Nature lovers enjoy springtime weddings in Northern Cyprus, when the island becomes a paradise of wild flowers and beautiful birds, and Ambellia Village is a perfect wedding venue to take it all in. ​ The Colony Style and sophistication for your dream wedding venue means The Colony Hotel. In the heart of downtown Kyrenia, the 5* hotel reflects the grandeur and opulence of the past, blending colonial style architecture with the glory of the Ottoman era. There’s a rooftop swimming pool, a spa and a restaurant with amazing views so your guests will be sure to be wowed. You can even arrive in your very own horse drawn carriage. 94 rooms and suites, means you and all your guests can enjoy the luxury of The Colony for the whole of your wedding. ​ Churches There are some beautiful venues to choose from if you're dreaming of a church wedding in North Cyprus. Saint Andrews Church is situated behind the magical harbour, and it’s a perfect spot to have a Christian blessing before being taken by horse and carriage to one of the luxury hotels for your wedding reception. The church was built in 1913 and is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The relatively small resident congregation in Northern Cyprus is regularly joined by visitors to the island, and is extremely welcoming to new couples. Saint Elisabeth is a Catholic church located in Kyrenia. It’s close to the harbour, and provides a beautiful setting for a church blessing. ​ Altinkaya Hotel Perfect for couples who’d like an outdoor wedding in the sun . This small, friendly hotel caters for weddings of all sizes around their beautiful pool and terrace area, with breathtaking views of the mountain range. It’s just 1km east of Kyrenia and 1.5km from Bellapais Abbey. There’s a rooftop and an indoor restaurant, so you can adapt your wedding depending on what the weather brings, and with plenty of on-site accommodation, you can relax knowing all your wedding guests are being well looked after. Top Useful Information > Making a Will You may be surprised to know that the majority of expats in TRNC don't have a Will. Making a Will ensures all your belongings will go to who you decide. If you die intestate (i.e. without leaving a Will) your spouse won't automatically inherit your estate if there are surviving children. Under TRNC law, no Will means your spouse would get 1/6th of your estate and the remaining 5/6th would go to any surviving children . If there's no children, then other relatives will get a share. ​ A common misconception people have is that the State automatically gets an estate if there's no Will - this isn't true . The State only becomes entitled to an estate if there's no “next of kin”. Given there are six degrees of kin, there's usually someone living to inherit, not the State. Six degrees means a Second cousin or Great Great uncle’s son, for example. If you die with no “next of kin”, you're considered to have died without heirs, and your estate will go to the State, just as it would go to the Crown in the UK under the same circumstances. Be aware, that a Will prepared outside of TRNC doesn't cover your estate here, so you do need a separate one prepared. Also, include only assets in TRNC and not ones you have in your home country; they should be kept totally separate. A lawyer will talk you through the process and establish your requirements and who you wish beneficiaries and executors to be. Normally a Will includes property, any additional immovable property, real estate, leasehold rights, movable property, all rights for monies lodged in North, all personal belongings and items that are unique to you. The wording is generally quite standard and similar to Wills prepared in other countries and will normally be written in English . You need to be of sound mind and aged over 18 to make a will. Two witnesses need to sign it in your presence then it's lodged with the Probate Registrar at the local court (this isn't legally required but is sensible practice) who will check everything is correct, that you're the person making the will, and issue you copies with an official receipt. When you die your executor applies for a Grant of Probate or Administration, which will be issued by the Probate Registry allowing them to proceed with administering your estate and carry out yo Top

Guides > Real Estate > Property For Sale Commercial Property Virtual Tours Service Bathrooms & Kitchens Forbes Endorsement Property Developers Property For Rent Land For Sale Drone Service Buying Land Interior Designers Property Loans Property Projects Estate Agents Video Marketing Service Buying Property Investing Title Deeds Holiday Rentals Construction Companies Apartment Cleaning Cities Maintenance & Mgment Guides > Real Estate > Apartment Cleaning A clean environment is essential to your well-being which is why we assist you to help create a home you love spending time in. In addition to arranging routine cleaning of houses, apartments, condos and townhouses, our services include post construction cleaning; move in and move out cleaning; seasonal cleaning (e.g. spring cleaning); deep cleaning; and special occasions cleaning. We offer one-time, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly cleaning. We're always professional and courteous and always go the extra mile for our customers. . We'll work closely with you to know exactly what your needs are and ensure every request is delivered. Environmentally friendly cleaning products provide you and your family with a healthy living environment. We're professional. We do it right. Throu ghout Your Home… Mirrors cleaned Cobwebs removed All surfaces dusted Window sills dusted Wastebaskets emptied Hardwood floors cleaned Baseboards dusted Picture frames dusted Ceiling fans & vents dusted Baseboards damp wipe Woodwork dusted and polished All surfaces dusted & polished Light switches cleaned Door frames dusted Bedrooms… Night stands & dressers dusted Beds made (you provide linens) Carpets vacuumed & floors mopped Night stands & dressers polished Underneath bed cleaned Vacuum inside closets Bathrooms… Tub & shower cleaned Toilets cleaned inside/out Exterior cabinets wiped down Sink, taps & fixtures cleaned Backsplashes wiped down Tub & showers scrubbed Inside of empty cabinets cleaned​ Kitche n … Inside microwave cleaned Exterior cabinets wiped down Sinks and faucets cleaned Backsplash wiped down Exterior range hood cleaned Exterior appliances cleaned Exterior cabinets polished Furniture and tables wiped Exterior and top of fridge dusted and cleaned Putting way dishes ​ Available at Extra Cost … Moving heavy items (>12kg) Any exterior home cleaning Carpet cleaning Steam cleaning Polishing/buffing hardwood floors Removal of pets & bodily fluids Mold or infestation emoval Wet-wiping light bulbs (high breakage risk) Chandelier cleaning ​ Balconies, decks, gardens & stairwells Exterior windows Areas outside of normal reach For further details Tel:/ WhatsApp Jackie on +90 539 100 9638 or +44 796 406 9495 Top Guides > Real Estate > Bathrooms & Kitchens Seastone Aleko Prestige Pakdus Mepas Direm Tescomar Sydney Construction Top Guides > Real Estate > Buying Land Foreign citizens have the right to acquire any desired property in North Cyprus and there are no limitation s whether buying land, villa, apartment, commercial or Investment property. Landowners or developers may also take out mortgages on land. If you sign a contract and there’s already a mortgage, loan or claim on the land, you’re likely to become liable for that mortgage should the landowner declare bankruptcy. Ask a lawyer to check for mortgages placed on the land through the Land Registry . If you’re made aware of a mortgage before signing a contract, it’s unlikely you’ll obtain deeds in your name until the mortgage is paid off. ​ Land Measurements When you’re buying land you won’t see the size in acres or hectares. In Northern Cyprus, land is usually advertised in Donum, or sometimes Evleks . 1 Donum = one third of an acre 1 Donum = 1,338 square metres 1 Donum = 14,400 square feet 1 Donum = 120 feet x 120 feet 1 Donum = 40 yards x 40 yards 1 Donum = 4 Evleks 1 Evlek = 3,600 square feet 1 Evlek = 60 feet x 60 feet 1 Evlek = 20 yards x 20 yards Freehold and Leasehold All properties in Northern Cyprus hold a freehold title deed. There is no leasehold. ​ Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) If you want to buy land in the SBAs you need consent of the Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas to purchase, even if it’s owned by someone who has previously obtained consent. Without this consent the acquisition and registration is null and void. The Administrator only gives consent in exceptional circumstances. In other words, overseas buyers probably wouldn’t want to do this. Top Guides > Real Estate > Buying Property Issues to watch out for: Lawyers acting for both buyer and seller , therefore not independent Lack of planning permission or building permits Fluctuations in currency and interest rates affecting prices/charges Payment plans or fees not being included in the initial contract Ability to obtain certificates of final completion (deeds cannot be issued without this) Ability to obtain title deeds What redress is there if problems are identified With all property purchases, we strongly recommend you seek your own independent legal advice. ​ Lawyers First meetings with lawyers are normally free , so it’s worth having a meeting before selecting a property, to make sure you’re happy with the legalities of owning a home in Northern Cyprus. Provide your lawyer with full information about the property plus details of any informal or verbal agreements you’ve made with the vendor regarding price, payment schedule and included items . Your lawyer can also give you advice about setting up a business, residency, taxation, or drawing up a new will . Legal firms increasingly offer multi-lingual services , advice and property contracts in English, Turkish, Russian and German . Their websites will give you more information. ​ Power of Attorney (POA) Unless you speak Turkish and live in North Cyprus full time, you need a lawyer. Setting up a limited POA with a certified legal advisor in the TRNC is a free and very quick process. It’s ONLY for the process of buying property and is without risk to yourself. Proof of identify required is your passport plus recent bank or utility bill. You can do this during a visit giving you the option to still buy after you leave. A POA enables the lawyer to sign documents on your behalf if you’re away from Northern Cyprus for periods of time. Giving this POA is usually without charge, and enables all the important buying processes from the contract registration, to putting the deeds into your name, to be done without you having to return. ​ Number of properties Non-TRNC citizens are allowed to hold one property of up to 5 donums, or just over 1.5 acres . Husband and wife qualify for one property each, as the restriction is one property per person. Multiple properties can be purchased by setting up a company or TRNC trust , or finding a trusted nominee to hold title for you. Properties can be registered in the name of an individual or a company . Setting up a TRNC company to hold the property title may have tax benefits. Consult a lawyer for advice. Taxes There are four main taxes involved in any property sale and purchase transaction. These taxes are: Capital Gains Tax - (Stopaj). Payable to the Tax Office by the seller unless varied by an express clause in the Contract of Sale. The Tax Office requires a copy of the Contract of Sale prior to transfer of title. Currently 4% of the assessed value of the property. VA.T. – Payable to the Tax Office by the seller if they’re deemed by the Tax Office to be a ‘Professional Vendor’ (i.e. whether the transaction is of a commercial nature or for profit). The Tax Office requires a copy of the Contract of Sale presented prior to transfer of title. Currently 5% of the Contract value. Transfer Fee - Payable to the Land Registry Office just before transfer of title takes place. Usually paid by the buyer and is currently 3% of the assessed value of the property for locals and 12% for foreigners. Stamp Duty - Payable to the Tax Office by the buyer unless varied by an express clause in the Contract of Sale. All Contracts of Sale must be registered at the District Lands Office within 21 days of being signed. Stamp Duty of 0.5% of the contract value must be paid before registration can take place. Obtaining permission to purchase The obtaining of permission to purchase is protracted and can take anywhere from 1 month to one year , but this doesn’t mean you’ll be unable to take possession. Once contracts have been exchanged and registered at the Land Registry, you’ll acquire beneficial interest and contractual rights of the property. Not only can you take possession, but your rights on the property are protected at the Land Registry Office, therefore no third party can buy, sell, or claim your property until permission is granted and deeds are transferred. ​ Can I sell my property before I obtain my purchase permission? Yes - if you’ve negotiated with the seller to insert a clause allowing you to sell the property before taking title. Your lawyer would then prepare an assignment of contract to be signed between you, the seller, and the new buyer, assigning all of your rights and obligations under the contract to the new buyer. ​ Property Prices Up to date information on housing prices is available from 101evler . Top Guides > Real Estate > Cities Kyrenia A coastal town that’s developing rapidly. If you love the mountains as much as the beach, this is the place to be, as the magnificent Five-Finger Mountains are located here. Local legend says these mountains got their shape after two men fell in love with the same girl in Kyrenia and settled the disagreement with a duel. One threw his opponent into a swamp who could do nothing but ask for help by outstretching his hand. When the swamp dried out, the mountains took the shape they have today. St Hilarion Castle also located on Kyrenia Mountains, is said to be Walt Disney’s inspiration for Snow White’s castle. Very close to the castle, there’s Karmi village, with picturesque white houses, pubs, restaurants, and a church right in the canter. Bellapais, another village in Kyrenia, has a beautiful 13th-century abbey right next to Kybele Restaurant, which has amazing views of the city. It’s also where the famous British author Lawrence Durrell wrote his masterpiece, “Bitter Lemons of Cyprus.” Kyrenia has great restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy the view of the Kyrenia mountains and the sea at the same time. The two most popular towns for expats in the Kyrenia area are Alsancak and Esentepe. Both have big expat communities and many facilities. Alsancak In Alsancak , there’s a national park with walking and running paths. It’s a great place for a relaxed morning walk. The town also has an amazing vineyard , popular among expats as well as locals, for wine tastings and tours. Winemaking has a long history in Cyprus with the traditional Cypriot wine commandaria served at the wedding of King Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre. ​ Esentepe Home to Alagadi Turtle Beach , where the endemic caretta carettas and green turtles come to hatch every year between May and October. A local organisation works for the protection of the turtles, and arranges public sessions where residents and tourists can see baby turtles hatching from their eggs and taking their first steps towards the sea. The famous Korineum Golf & Beach Resort , is also located in Esentepe . ​ Iskele With sandy beaches, local taverns, and many all-inclusive hotels and resorts, Iskele is also popular among expats. Long Beach , the main beach in Iskele, is 1.5 miles long and the longest beach in Northern Cyprus. Golden Beach , the most beautiful beach on the whole island, is on the Karpaz Peninsula, connected to the Iskele area. Apostolos Andreas Monastery is on the Karpaz Peninsula as well. According to legend, during a journey to the Holy Land, St Andrew’s ship stopped here. He hit the rocks with his staff, and when water sprang out of the land, it healed the captain’s eye, who had been blind for years. Between the central area of Iskele and Karpaz Peninsula, there's Boğaz, , which is a stronghold of seafood restaurants. These are traditional Cypriot taverns where you can have fish and meze at very affordable prices. In Bafra , there's hotels and resorts where you can indulge in spas, massages, traditional Turkish hammams, sauna, open buffet restaurants, bars, private pools, and beach clubs. Famagusta Famagusta is a vibrant town with a lot of history. It’s a good mix between city life and beach life, as the city centre is close to the beach. If you need a balance between both, it’s definitely the place to be. There are many cafés, restaurants, bars and patisseries in the centre. The oldest, and arguably the best, university in Northern Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean University , is also located in Famagusta and is close to the city centre - another reason the city is as lively as it is. Also here is Othello's Castle, which takes its name from Shakespeare’s “Othello.” Just like Karpaz Peninsula, Famagusta is rich in religious history. St Barnabas Monastery is here. It’s dedicated to Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus. There is also an iconography museum next to the monastery. The beaches in Famagusta are gorgeous, with golden sand similar to the beaches in Iskele. In the Maras area, you can find Palm Beach, a relaxed place full of palm trees. For a livelier atmosphere, there’s Bedi’s Beach , which has been completely renovated by young Cypriots to be turned into a beach bar. During summer, they organize themed music events. Bedi’s Beach is next to the ruins of Salamis , the remains of an ancient Greek city. The theatre of the Salamis Ruins is still used for concerts and cultural events. Salamis has hosted the local symphony orchestra of Northern Cyprus as well as international stars such as Lara Fabian, Julian Marley, The Wailers, and Boney M. Top Guides > Real Estate > Forbes Endorsement North Cyprus has been a hidden gem for years. A small Mediterranean country, home to those that know, then Forbes gets in on the act and the whole world is given an insight into how it becomes the No 1 place to invest! Forbes is a well respected and widely read media giant, which focuses on business, lifestyle and investment , so to have North Cyprus noticed and listed as a great place to invest is significant. We may want it to remain a secret unnoticed by the rest of the world, but the fact that one of the world’s most respected organisations has ranked it No.1 has really made people sit up and take notice. ​ The article itself focuses on the average cost of buying property in North Cyprus, as well the cost of living, noting that a beachfront property would cost you a fraction of that found in European destinations. Very true. It mentions, in particular, Iskele, which has the best beaches in Northern Cyprus for sure. They also point out finance options from developers that allow investors to buy even if they don't have funds for a full cash purchase. So, thank you Forbes, for such a great plug for North Cyprus, not that we haven’t been aware that it is, and has been, a really great place to live for some time already! ​ You can read the FULL ARTICLE Top Guides > Real Estate > Interior Designers Beyler Elena Anoniou Doka 511 D N D R Miro Nohrara Estates Fuga Ice Blue Top Guides > Real Estate > Investing A Non-EU country, located in the Mediterranean, with property prices in sterling and far cheaper than many popular European destinations. Following Brexit, relocating to popular European destinations, such as Spain, has become more complicated, making North Cyprus a very attractive alternative. ​ Healthcare standards in North Cyprus are impressive and affordable. Where you might have to wait over a year to see a consultant in some countries, you may well find that going private in North Cyprus is not such an expensive nor time-heavy proposition. Consultations are quick, diagnoses are thorough and, should an operation be needed, you'll be on the schedule within the week. ​ Education options are plentiful, offering all age groups a good standard of learning across the board. University education in particular is booming. ​ Residency is easier than ever with online systems. The cost is not prohibitive and cheaper and easier to get than many other relocation destinations. The cost of living is a fraction of that in Europe, utilities are cheaper and property is plentiful and competitively priced. Eating out can be extremely cheap compared to oter European countries. Weekly shopping costs, whilst on the rise like anywhere else, are much more affordable. ​ Finance – Interest on deposit accounts for £GBP and $US are much higher than elsewhere. Relocating savings could help your ability to live, with many retirees on decent pensions being able to live entirely off the interest from their savings. All those benefits and we didn’t even mention the beaches ! Top Guides > Real Estate > Property Maintenance & Management Beyler Tescomar H P M Best Dreams Esentepe Property Service Property Stop Busy Bees C D S N C E A Seastone Top Guides > Real Estate > Property Developers Ian Smith Kensington Carrington Noyanlar Alliance Estate Coast & Country Homes Kibris Evergreen Cyprus Construction North Power Property Top Guides > Real Estate > Property Loans Nowadays, many home buyers, even the ones who don't have difficulty with funds, understand the benefits of credit plans. The way property loans or mortgages are provided in Northern Cyprus is achieved simply buying it on credit . Lack of formalities related to the provision of documents, favourable credit conditions, and favourable interest rates, are just some of the features which make credit plans increasingly popular. When buyers purchase property using credit plans, they still become owners of the property immediately after registration of the contract , not after the credit is paid off. For a foreign citizen, receiving a bank loan in Northern Cyprus can be a complicated process, so developers attract foreign buyers by offering flexible payment plans and credit loans themselves . In short, property loans are provided by developers in the form of credit, not by banks or mortgage providers. Foreign citizens are very active property buyers in Northern Cyprus, therefore even small developers take loans from banks themselves and use that to supply credit plans for buyers. Credit for 10-15 years can be obtained in Northern Cyprus with just a valid ​ passport and a down payment for the property, so the process is really easy. Property that's being purchased using a credit plan is still transferred into the buyer’s name immediately after signing the contract. The conditions of the Credit Plan are written into the contract of sale and the property becomes the security for the loan . Obtaining full ownership of the property (receiving title deeds in owner’s name) is done after full repayment of the loan . Even though your credit plan may be over, for example, 15 years, you're still the owners and can still rent or sell the property. With proper management of acquired property, if it'll be used for rental, not only does it cover all the costs of the loan, but can also bring profit. If you sell the property before you've repaid in full, the oustanding amount is simply settled from the proceeds of the sale, just like any other mortgage. Since the loan in North Cyprus is provided directly by developers, credit conditions offered are different. Terms of the acquisition of real estate loans vary depending on the project, payment terms and the market situation, but they share the following rules: ​ - To obtain a loan, only avalid passport is needed - A down payment for the property ranges from 10% to 50% (average is 35%) - The interest rate varies from 5% to 13% per annum , depending on the builder ​ It's not hard to obtain a loan in Cyprus from the development company for new properties (not resale properties or properties being sold by private individuals). You can even arrange the purchase of property in Northern Cyprus with a credit plan without coming to the island to process the transaction. Top Guides > Real Estate > Property Tours A New Vision Fancy starting your life in North Cyprus attracted by a great choice of properties; a low Crime Rate; a beautiful, peaceful, natural environment in the Mediterranean sun and easy travel to your new property via Larnaca or Ercan Airports? Then join those who’ve achieved their vision with a North Cyprus property tour. Property agents have been helping visitors achieve a new life in Northern Cyprus for almost 20 years and want you to have the best choice. To achieve this they’ll ask questions before your Property Tour or day viewing such as: ​ What’s your personal vision of life in North Cyprus? Do you want to resell soon? Do you want to rent out your property? What’s realistic for you financially? Do you want to view more expensive new build properties (with developer loans) or do you wish to also view resale properties? Questionnaire After completing a questionnaire, the agent will send you property matches tailored to you. A typical testimonial is as follows: ”good sound advice on a large selection of properties available to suit all tastes coupled with no pressure selling”. John and Geraldine N. Tours can be spread over several days or a few hours. Some focus on more expensive new builds, as they offer very high quality and usually come with a developer loan or rental assistance. To get the best choice you need also to view resale properties. New build isn’t best if you want lower cost property. Resale properties can be way less expensive and with a little “TLC” resale can offer huge lifestyle and rental potential. In Northern Cyprus you have the freedom to choose what’s best for your own vision. Typical Itinerary Viewings over several days or just for a few hours - the choice is yours. Free visit to meet a lawyer Transportation from the airport Hotel accommodation advice if needed and hotel refunds if you purchase Resale properties and New build properties Developer payment plans Bank Mortgage advice for resale properties with individual deeds. Online Property Tours If you can’t make a visit to the island in person, many agents will arrange property tours via the internet. Agents are happy to work with people from all over the world, with Turkish, English, German and Russian commonly spoken. Top Guides > Real Estate > Title Deeds There have been 3 types of freehold title in Northern Cyprus. ​ Pre-1974 Turkish Title or British Title refers to land, or property built on land, which was always part of North Cyprus and never owned by Greek Cypriots TRNC Esdeger Title . Also referred to as Exchange Title, this is where aTurkish Cypriot owner has been given this land by the TRNC government in exchange for an equivalent piece of land, which they previously owned, in the South of the island. Esdeger land is increasingly hard to find. TRNC TMD Title . This is land where no exchange has taken place, and theoretically there may be some compensation payable as part of a future political settlement of the Cyprus issue. These now fall into two main categories: Pre-74 and TRNC Title which includes Esdeger Title and TMD Title. Pre-74 Title Deed land only makes up around 10% of Northern Cyprus land. TRNC title refers to the other 90% of land, or new property built on land, which is a new title deed issued by the North Cyprus government since 1974. In March 2010, the European Courts of Justice gave official recognition to the North Cyprus Immovable Property Commission , which fully recognises that any theoretical compensation due to a possible original pre-74 Cypriot landowner (if they’re still alive) is, since 2010, now paid by the Commission upon application. Since March 2010, consensus amongst international investors is that both types of title deed in North Cyprus are equally safe . There’s probably more risk buying from an unverified small developer who has an unpaid debt on his land, than you are by buying a TRNC title deed from a reputable developer. Buying a TRNC title deed, or looking at both types, will generally give you better range, types and prices to consider buying, including land near to sought after facilities like the Karpaz Gate Marina or Korineum Golf and Beach Resort. When you’re looking to buy any property, it’s a good idea to use agents who make sure that correct land titles are in place, and every individual property has the correct individual title deeds either ready to pass to the new owner, or likely to be forthcoming soon, or once the new-build site is completed. Top

Let's Connect Contact First Name Last Name Email Message Add a File Send Thanks for submitting!

Guides > Mosques Agha Cafer Pasha Iplik Bazaar Piri Mehmet Pasha Turunçlu Arapahmet Lala Mustafa Pasha Ramadan Hasan Efendi Fountain Shaykh Nazim's Dergah Selimiye Haydar Pasha New Mosque Sinan Pasha Guides > Mosques > Agha Cafer Pasha In a cobbled street running to Kyrenia Harbour , this mosque is named after an Ottoman Governor who donated the land where it's built. It was built in the 1580’s, although some claim it was converted from a Lusignan warehouse. The cut stone rectangular construction has 3 main rooms and a single minaret and is still used today. ​ Southeast of the mosque is the Hasan Kavizade Huseyn Efendi fountain, built in 1841. The northern face has 3 arches, typical of the Ottoman design of the time. In the middle arch there's a marble inscription crescent, a coat of arms and branch figures carved into the stonework. Top Guides > Mosques > Arapahmet Mosque Built in the 16th century on the site of an old Latin church, it's named after Arapahmet Pasha who was one of the commanders of the 1571 Ottoman expedition to Nicosia and the Governor General of Rhodes. In the Arab Ahmet Quarter of Nicosia it's the only mosque in the city with a classical Ottoman dome plus 3 smaller domes to protect its entrance and 4 more at the corners. Outside is a garden with a fountain, cypress trees and graves including that of Turkish Cypriot Mehmet Kamil Pasha , born in Nicosia in 1833. He became Grand Vizier in the Ottoman empire, the only Cypriot ever to do so. In 1913, Kamil Pasha unexpectedly died of syncope (fainting) and was buried in the court of the Arab Ahmet Mosque. Sir Ronald Storrs , British Governor from 1926 to 1932, produced a memorial to be raised over Kamil Pasha’s grave for which he also composed the English inscription, carved on the headstone. It reads, “His Highness Kiamil Pasha, Son of Captain Salih Agha of Pyroi, Born in Nicosia in 1833, Treasury Clerk, Commissioner of Larnaca, Director of Evqaf, Four times Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, A Great Turk and A Great Man.” The site once hosted a Latin church, of which a few fragments still survive. A lintel from a door has a shield carved on it of two lions. 14th century gravestones of prominent Veneto families such as Francesco Cornaro (1390), Antonio de Bergamo (1394), and Gaspar Mavroceni (1402) also survive. Arab Ahmet was restored in 1845 and again in the 1990’s, and the mosque remains in use to this day. Top Guides > Mosques > Hasan Kavizade Huseyin Efendi Fountain In the quiet back streets of Kyrenia, lies this historic fountain. Square-shaped with a barrel vault and reservoir, it's southeast of the Agha Cafer Pasha Mosque . Mosque visitors complete their ablution using this fountain, which is fed from a natural spring. A marble inscription below the three arches of the fountain reveals it was built in 1841 during Hasan Kavizade Huseyin Efendi’s time. ​ In the middle arch a crescent, coat of arms and branch figures are carved into the stonework. The stone stairwells next to the fountain were built by the last Ottoman Provincial Governor, Cemal Bey and the last Ottoman Mayor, Abdul Efendi. Top Guides > Mosques > Hadar Pasha Mosque Originally built as St Catherine Church by the Lusignans in the 14th century, it was the second largest church in Nicosia at the time. The Gothic flamboyant style of southern France makes it the finest example of this design on the island, and the most notable Lusignan monument in the capital after St Sophia . In 1570 the Ottomans converted St. Catherine’s into the Haydarpasa mosque. It's also been known as “Ağalar Camis i”, meaning “the Mosque of the Lords”, when it was largely frequented by Turkish aristocracy living nearby. A minaret was the tallest slender tower in Cyprus until 1931. Struck by lightning, it had to be demolished and was replaced by a shorter version with 3 entrances. The south entrance is a masterpiece of stone carvings of Lusignan insignias on its frame, along with an ornamental poppy. The west entrance has its lintel decorated with carved roses and dragons. The north entrance is plain by comparison, with ornamentations of a nude woman holding a fish and dragon like effigies. Huge buttresses narrow as they rise and flank the windows, ornamented with lattice stucco, the roofline rimmed with gargoyles. The west facade has a Catherine window, shaped like a wheel. The building was part of a woman’s monastery during the Latin period, and the Ottomans added more features. Two Gothic arches support the vault, consisting of crossed ribs. In the apse, 6 ribs resting on a clustered column sprout from the keystone. North of the apse is a vestry, the vaulting of which is supported by corbels with carved human heads. Above, windows of chamber look onto the main church. Sir Harry Charles Luke , a renowned author and historian, described this edifice as “the most elegant and perfect Gothic building in Cyprus”. Across the church courtyard, you'll find the house of Lord Horatio Herbert Kitchener who was assigned to conduct the first full triangulated survey of the island as a new British colony in 1878-1882. Top Guides > Mosques > Iplik Bazaar Mosque Two inscriptions above the entrance doors identify two differing periods of build. The initial construction was sponsored in 1826 by Hadji Ahmet Ahga , a governor of Cyprus and the last to hold the title of muhassilor tax-collector. In its earlier days, the mosque was also known as ‘Muhassil Haci Ahmed Agha Mosque ’. It's now known as the Iplik Bazaar Mosque, which references the cotton bazaar that was located here during the Ottoman period.The second inscription reveals the building was demolished and replaced in 1899 with the mosque that stands today, under the sponsorship of Muhammed Sadik Bey, a charitable foundation board member during British rule. This work expanded the area’s mosque capacity to meet the requirements of an ever-increasing congregation. The minaret, which is accessible from inside the mosque, was retained from the original structure and is only one of two designs in Northern Cyprus that feature a stone conical top. The mosque’s architecture is utilitarian, rectangular and built of cut stone and rubble fillings. Two arches support the wooden ceiling and the main room is illuminated by arched windows. A wooden staircase leads to an area for female worshippers. In the yard is a hexagonal water fountain built in the British period. The ground level of the yard rose so much in the 20th century, the taps of the fountain have been left under the surface. Two tombstones discovered next to the mosque indicate a small cemetery once existed next to it. Top Guides > Mosques > Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque Originally known as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas and later as the Saint Sophia Mosque of Mağusa , this is the largest medieval building in Famagusta. Built between 1298 and 1400, it was consecrated as a Catholic cathedral in 1328, converted into a mosque after the Ottoman Empire captured Famagusta in 1571 and it remains a mosque to this day. From 1954, the building has taken its name from Lala Mustafa Pasha , the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire from Sokolovići in Bosnia, who served Murat III and led Ottoman forces against the Venetians in Cyprus. Early history The French Lusignan dynasty ruled Cyprus from 1192 to 1489 and brought with them French architecture, notably Gothic. Constructed from 1298 to 1312 and consecrated in 1328, a unique inscription on a buttress beside the south door records the progress of construction in 1311. The Lusignans would be crowned as Kings of Cyprus in the St Sophia Cathedral in Nicosia and then crowned as Kings of Jerusalem in the St Nicholas Cathedral in Famagusta. The building is built in Rayonnant Gothic style , quite rare outside France. The historic tie between France and Cyprus is evidenced by its parallels to French archetypes such as Reims Cathedral. Indeed, so strong is the resemblance, that the building has been dubbed "The Reims of Cyprus". It was built with three doors, twin towers over the aisles and a flat roof, typical of Crusader architecture. Sometime after 1480, a meeting chamber, known as the Loggia Bembo, was added to the south-west corner of the cathedral. Notable for its elaborately moulded entrance with slender pillars in marble, it’s in an architectural style that departs considerably from that of the cathedral proper. The association with the Bembo family, some of whom held prominent positions in Cyprus, is shown by their heraldic devices on the building. To enhance the Loggia, late antique fragments in marble, probably brought from Salamis, were placed as seats each side of the entrance. ​ Ottoman Era The upper parts of the cathedral's two towers suffered from earthquakes, were badly damaged during the Ottoman bombardments of 1571, and were never repaired. With the Venetians defeated and Famagusta fallen by August 1571, Cyprus fell under Ottoman control, and the cathedral was converted into a mosque, andrenamed the "St Sophia Mosque of Mağusa". Nearly all statuary, cruciform, stained glass, frescos, and paintings were removed or plastered over, as well as most tombs and the altar. The Gothic structure was preserved however, and a few tombs can still be identified in the north aisle. In 1954, it was renamed the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque after the commander of the 1570 Ottoman conquest - infamous for the gruesome torture of Marco Antonio Bragadin , the Venetian commander of the city's fortress. Bragadin had surrendered the city following a brutal 10-month siege in which 6,000 Christian defenders held off an army of more than 100,000 Ottoman Turks. The Cathedral of St Nicholas was not widely emulated as far as can be judged from surviving buildings of the Lusignan period in Cyprus. However, in the 19th century the west portal and other details were copied directly in the Greek Orthodox church at Lysi. Famagusta Cathedral appears in several works of literature, including "Kuraj" by the Italian writer Silvia Di Natale , "Sunrise" by the British author Victoria Hislop and "In Search of Sixpence" by the Anglo-Cypriot author Michael Paraskos . Top Guides > Mosques > Mawlana Shaykh Nazim's Dergah Mehmet Nazım Adil, commonly known as Sheikh Nazim, was a Turkish Cypriot Sufi Muslim Sheikh and spiritual leader of the Naqshbandi tariqa . Prior to his passing in 2014, thousands of visitors visited him each month at his home and Dergah in Lefke , and international followers came to share in the blessings of this living Sufi Master. Nazim was regularly recognized among the world’s 50 most influential Muslims and has since been succeeded by his son Mawlana Shaykh Mohammad Adil Haqqani welcoming Sufi worshippers from near and afar throughout the year. ​ Visitors can stay at the Guesthouses with prior permission. Men can also stay at the Dergah, while women are accommodated at a hostel allocated, facilities being shared. Top Guides > Mosques > The New Mosque The neighbourhood of Yenicami in Nicosia takes its name from a new mosque built out of the ruins of a medieval church. In the 14th century, Ottomans converted the Gothic cathedral which stood there into a mosque and it remained that way until 1740, when Menteszade Haci Ismail Agha, the first Ottoman chief judge in Cyprus, ordered the foundations be excavated in search of supposed buried riches. The excavations unearthed the mosque, which in turn collapsed, and Haci Ismail was executed, his tomb buried a few metres away from the wreckage site. A new mosque was financed by the Menteszade family and this became the New Mosque or Yenicami as it's known locally. Square in shape, it occupies part of of an old Muslim burial ground, where fragments of the original minaret and turret staircase of the gothic structure are still preserved. The surrounding burial ground is covered with ancient fragments used as tombstones, 4 of which belong to the Menteszade family and another to the famous Cypriot poet Hilmi Efendi who died in 1847. An inscription above the arched entrance door is dated 1316 H from the Islamic calendar, the equivalent of 1899 . The old minaret was demolished in 1979 because of its dangerous condition and replaced. The fountain in the courtyard has also been rebuilt to its original specification. Top Guides > Mosques > Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque Initially a church, this historic building was twice converted into an Islamic house of worship. Travelling from the main road up towards the village of Lefke , you’ll come across this structure, also referred to Yukari Mosque and Minareli Mosque . The Byzantine Empire also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, was the continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, and stretched over the island of Cyprus. During the Byzantium rule of Cyprus, the church of St George was erected at this site, the exact date unknown. From the 7th to 10th century the island was repeatedly subject to Arab raids, after which this church was converted into a mosque, but over the years fell into disrepair from neglect. When the Ottoman Empire extended their stronghold onto the island in 1571 under the leadership of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent , one of the empire’s Viziers, a high executive named Mehmet Bey was governor of the Paphos sancak, an administrative division of the Ottoman Empire, and soon included the village of Lefke into this greater province. When in Lefke, Mehmet Bey spotted the neglected mosque and instructed it to be rebuilt, naming it after his grandfather, Piri Mehmed Pasha, an Ottoman Turk statesman and grand Vizier of the empire from 1518 to 1523. ​ The mosque is built on an octagon body in a typical Ottoman architectural style, with three arches at the front and five on the sides, while the front arches sit on columns. The mosque is also the only in Lefke which reveals a dome, built from hewn stone. In the gardens you’ll also come across two graves. The first, a spectacular illustration of an Ottoman tomb, belongs to another Vizier , Osman Pasha who died in 1839. Mystery surrounds his death, however one commonly believed tale reveals some insight. Osman Pasha arrived in Cyprus to collect taxes from the island. Naturally arriving by sea, he was welcomed at the port by some attractive Greek females who presented him with beautiful flowers. Soon after the greeting, Osman was taken ill in Nicosia, where doctors advised him to travel to Lefke, where the countryside weather and natural habitat would assist in his recovery. Even though he took this advice, nine days after arriving in Lefke, he passed away. Some say the flowers he was given upon arrival were poisoned. His tomb was designed and built in Izmir , Turkey, by his wife, who later settled in Lefke. It's one of the best examples of an Ottoman tomb, its' artwork decorated with nature motifs. The mosque beside is sometimes incorrectly referred to as Osman Pasha as well. A second, though less spectacular tomb in the mosque garden is that of Huseyin Agha, reputed to have brought water to Lefke, building aqueducts interlinking with other towns in the district. Top Guides > Mosques > R amadan Ramazan (Ramadan), is the fasting month for Muslims characterised by family gatherings, visiting the graves of loved ones and allowing the body and mind to cleanse themselves. Ramazan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar and is classed as one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. Physically healthy Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and having sex between dawn and sunset for 30 days. It's a time for reflection; refraining from gossiping,lying or slandering; good deeds; generosity; thought for those less fortunate and a time to be more conscious of God’s presence. Fasting during the day can be quite tough to start with, so it can be quite draining for those fasting, although it does become easier and the breaking of the fast with Sahur (morning) and Iftar (evening) becomes routine. Meals usually start with something light, such as soup, so as not to feel completely bloated too quickly. Towards the end of Ramazan in North Cyprus, preparations are made for hellim, olive bread and sweetbreads to take to friends and family as well as guests that might visit. Mosques are visited for Sahur on the last day of Ramazan for prayers. Ramazan Bayram in North Cyprus (also known as Şeker Bayram) is the holiday given over to festivities such as full on Turkish pop star entertainment at the local hotels and restaurants, with families gathering to celebrate and shops often holding sales. Older generations are given upmost importance during this time by younger folk and sweets are given out to children. Depending on which day Şeker Bayram falls, there's a 3-4 day public holiday with government offices and banks shut for the whole period, while privately run businesses usually shut for at least two days. Iyi Ramazan Bayramlar. Top Guides > Mosques > Selimiye Mosque One of the most fascinating buildings in Northern Cyprus. It's also the largest building in Nicosia to have survived so many centuries. It may well have been the largest church built in the Eastern Mediterranean in the millennium between the rise of Islam and the late Ottoman period. The name “Selimiye” comes from the Greek words “Aiya Sophia” meaning "Holy wisdom". This name was given primarily to the Byzantine church built in this location in the 11th century. No ruins of this church have been discovered but a manuscript confirms its existence here. The construction of the gothic church started in the 13th century during the Frankish period and lasted over 78 years. The orthodox church was turned into a Mosque in Ottoman times after 1570. Today the Selimiye Mosque opens for visitors all day apart from prayer times. Light falls from large windows to illuminate the green ornaments and burgundy carpet which absorbs the sound of footsteps leaving only whispers to be heard. Top Guides > Mosques > Sinan Pasha Mosque The magnificent facade of this huge14th-century church gives you a great idea what Famagusta would have looked like when its churches and monuments were still standing. Behind the Venetian Palace in the town centre, you'll find the flying buttresses of the renamed Ottoman Sinan Pasha Mosque. The foundations of one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Famagusta, the initial church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul were laid during the Lusignan reign of Peter I, 1358 – 1369, and funded byprofits from a trip to Syria by wealthy merchant Simon Nostrano. The church walls are supported by heavy flying buttresses to take pressure away from the interior vaulting, but only on the upper level. They, like the wall itself, are enormously thick, presumably to withstand earthquakes. Buttressing was added on the south side after two 16th century earthquakes threatened the building in its entirety making it less radiant than more delicately built French counterparts. George H. Everett Jeffery who was the Curator of Ancient Monuments in Cyprus in the early 20th century described it thus: “Nothing could be uglier or more opposed to the beauty of true Gothic architecture than the exterior of this immense church.” The beauty of this church rests almost entirely in its refined and elegant interior. Gothic arches rise above the succession of bays from plain circular piers. From the abacus of each pier are 3 colonettes, merged into the wall. They rise to the clerestory level, fan out over the nave and create the cross vaulted ceiling. Remnants of Gothic sculpture, unidentified renaissance martyrdoms, and post-Renaissance maritime graffiti, all offer a rare insight into a period of wealth and influence in Famagusta. The building wasn't used during Venetian rule, and escaped the attention of the Ottoman bombardment of 1571. The Ottomans added a minaret and renamed it Sinan Pasha Mosque, after “Sinan the Great ” who served 5 times as Grand Vizier in the Ottoman empire. During British rule, it was used as a potato and grain store and so is also locally referred to as the “Bugday Cami” (wheat mosque). In the southern courtyard, underneath the second row of buttresses, you'll find the grave of Yirmisekiz Celebi Mehmed Efendi , who was appointed as ambassador by Sultan Ahmed III to Louis XV’s France in 1720. He became known by the nickname Yirmisekiz (“twenty-eight” in Turkish), as he served in the 28th battalion of the first modern standing army in Europe. He died in exile at Famagusta in 1732. Top Guides > Mosques > Turunçlu Mosque Also known as the Fethiye , until recent times it was one of the most frequented mosques by tradesmen of the nearby markets in Nicosia. The current mosque stands on the site of a previous smaller masjid and has an L-shaped congregational area and wooden ceiling. A gallery supported by wooden columns is designated for women. To the north, its facade consists of 6 tapered arches on circular columns and to the west 4 more tapered arches. Above the doorway an inscription shows the earlier mosque was demolished and built by Seyit Mehmet Emin Agha , Ottoman governor, in 1825. The governor also restored the Fethiye Children’s School next door after which it was given the name “Mekteb-I Irfan ” or School of Enlightenment. Top

Guides > Health Health Insurance Yoga Medical Tourism Spas Tulips Charity Guides > Health > Insurance There's NO equivalent to a National Health Service in the TRNC. All Medical and Dental treatments are at the cost of the patient and charges vary from one practitioner to another. Doctors and Dentists issue prescriptions, but these are payable at cost by the patient. If you're receiving a regular prescription take care to check the availability and cost of any medicines you may require. There's plenty of good doctors, dentists and hospitals, both state and private, in the TRNC, along with other health professionals. The standard of care is generally good to excellent, but it is different. In case of emergency there’s a good ambulance service, thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers and professionals. The number to ring for an ambulance is 112 . Be aware there’s no post code generated satellite navigation system, nor freely available street maps, so you may need a friend to meet with the ambulance and guide it to you, if you're not near to a well-known location. Many minor injuries are treated quickly and without cost in the emergency room of the state hospitals.​ It’s local practice that the first port of call during an illness is the local pharmacist , who provides free advice , or will recommend a visit to a doctor. There’s not a wide spread 'General Practitioner ' system, although Kamiloglu Hospital (also known as Kyrenia Medical Center) in Girne is introducing the service and a GPS ambulance system for registered patients. If you have a known particular ailment, you can go directly to a consultant for that condition. You’ll be expected to look after your own X Rays, MRI Scans etc. Most hospitals have a range of specialists. If admitted to hospital it’s usual for a carer to be present to help the patient get to the toilet etc and to provide additional needs. In State owned hospitals, it’s also usual for the carer to obtain required drugs from a nearby pharmacy. There are numerous dental surgeries, many of which have ultra-modern equipment. Health insurance Covers the cost of medical and surgical expenses . Depending on coverage, you pay then claim it back, or the insurance company pays direct, providing it’s a covered condition. Medical costs in many countries can be very expensive and there are many horror stories of ex-pats who’ve suffered serious illness, been unable to pay healthcare bills and had to sell their home, car or cash in life savings to make payments. There are also people who've had to give up their retirement or nice life to return to their home country because they can’t afford to live here with on-going medical bills. There's quite a number of health insurance plans available in Northern Cyprus from both local and overseas providers. Some of the local products may only cover up to a certain age so check them thoroughly. Cover provided and premiums payable will depend on age, type and extent of cover required and any pre-existing conditions , which is very important to declare at application stage. You should spend time and effort selecting a health insurer, understanding the benefits it offers, ensuring your agency knows the products well and can answer questions about the product and claims issues when they arise. Top Guides > Health > Medical Tourism North Cyprus Medical Tourism offers state of the art medical, dental and IVF facilities, low costs and an ideal climate for post-operative recuperation . A growing number of visitors are looking to combine a visit or holiday with the opportunity to get private medical or fertility / IVF treatments, cosmetic or general surgery and dental treatments at a fraction of the usual cost in their home country. Many of these visitors currently come from the UK, Switzerland and other European countries , where operation waiting lists are long, private medical and dental treatment prices (including dental implants) are high, and where some treatments are simply not available. New hospitals such as the Near East University Hospital in Lefkosa Choose a leading hospital or private clinic As with all countries, anyone wishing to organise their own medical or dental procedure should be careful to check the credentials and references of the medical institution they’re about to visit. All North Cyprus Doctors speak English . Hospitals which are part of the major universities such as the Near East University Hospital have an excellent reputation. Be sure to get a quote in writing at the outset. Standard investigations such as MRI and CT scans can also be obtained at a fraction of the cost in other countries. There's a number of excellent private scanning companies in Lefkosa as well as very good private and specialist medical clinics and laboratories in both Lefkosa and Girne. Low-cost private healthcare in North Cyprus for residents too It’s not only tourists who benefit from state-of-the-art medical facilities in North Cyprus. Many of those who come initially for a holiday, or a vacation combined with a medical, cosmetic or dental procedure, realise what a benefit it would be to their life to live most of the year in the TRNC, and move to live there. While there’s no free national health service in North Cyprus, the costs are so low and the standard so high that, with or without pre-existing health insurance, you don’t need high income to afford good health care. In European countries, a patient wishing to see a specialist can wait weeks for an appointment. In Northern Cyprus you can literally visit a hospital or private clinic, and ask to see a specialist on that same day for a comprehensive appointment. Tests are carried out rapidly, usually on the same day , and results come fast, via high tech laboratories. Prescriptions and drug/medicine costs are extremely low in Northern Cyprus compared with other countries. For those with minor ailments who don’t need a hospital, pharmacies in North Cyprus act almost as clinics, with all pharmacists fluent in English and able to dispense a wide variety of drugs and medicines. If you have an accident in North Cyprus, or need hospital transportation, there’s an equally excellent service. The 112 TRNC Ambulance Service serves both state and private hospitals and was created by a former British NHS Manager and paramedic and all 112 ambulances are staffed by trained paramedics. There are rapid response times to medical emergencies and ambulance stations all around North Cyprus. All in all, the future for medical tourism in Northern Cyprus is looking extremely healthy, if you'll pardon the pun. Choose a leading hospital or private clinic As with all countries, anyone wishing to organise their own medical or dental procedure should be careful to check the credentials and references of the medical institution they’re about to visit. All North Cyprus Doctors speak English . Hospitals which are part of the major universities such as the Near East University Hospital have an excellent reputation. Be sure to get a quote in writing at the outset. Standard investigations such as MRI and CT scans can also be obtained at a fraction of the cost in other countries. There's a number of excellent private scanning companies in Lefkosa as well as very good private and specialist medical clinics and laboratories in both Lefkosa and Girne. Low-cost private healthcare in North Cyprus for residents too It’s not only tourists who benefit from state-of-the-art medical facilities in North Cyprus. Many of those who come initially for a holiday, or a vacation combined with a medical, cosmetic or dental procedure, realise what a benefit it would be to their life to live most of the year in the TRNC, and move to live there. While there’s no free national health service in North Cyprus, the costs are so low and the standard so high that, with or without pre-existing health insurance, you don’t need high income to afford good health care. In European countries, a patient wishing to see a specialist can wait weeks for an appointment. In Northern Cyprus you can literally visit a hospital or private clinic, and ask to see a specialist on that same day for a comprehensive appointment. Tests are carried out rapidly, usually on the same day , and results come fast, via high tech laboratories. Prescriptions and drug/medicine costs are extremely low in Northern Cyprus compared with other countries. For those with minor ailments who don’t need a hospital, pharmacies in North Cyprus act almost as clinics, with all pharmacists fluent in English and able to dispense a wide variety of drugs and medicines. If you have an accident in North Cyprus, or need hospital transportation, there’s an equally excellent service. The 112 TRNC Ambulance Service serves both state and private hospitals and was created by a former British NHS Manager and paramedic and all 112 ambulances are staffed by trained paramedics. There are rapid response times to medical emergencies and ambulance stations all around North Cyprus. All in all, the future for medical tourism in Northern Cyprus is looking extremely healthy, if you'll pardon the pun. Top Guides > Health > Spas With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, why not unwind at a professional spa and wellness centre in Northern Cyprus? Nothing is more important than your health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Northern Cyprus has packages for spa and wellbeing breaks to suit every budget . Spa holidays cater for everyone, whether you’re looking for a traditional spa with massages, saunas and Jacuzzi’s, to a more active fitness and wellbeing program. All hotels featured have been picked to bring you quality that won't cost the earth. Fabulous spa and wellness centres can be found at: Korineum Golf & Beach Resort Acapulco Spa Resort Grand Pasha Hotel Gillham Vineyard Salamis Bay Conti Merit Park Hotel Top Guides > Health > Tulips Cancer Charity A cancer diagnosis can turn your world upside down but Tulips can help. How can TULIPS help? Life changes immediately after hearing the words; "you have cancer". Initially it's the only thing on your mind and you can think of little else. This'll be one of the hardest battles you'll encounter and the TULIPS cancer support team will assist every step of the way through cancer treatment. They' help everyone with cancer, irrespective of nationality. ​ Help Just For You Everyone reacts differently when diagnosed with cancer. This new diagnosis can stir up a range of emotions. You may feel shock, numbness and anger. It can be hard to believe. You'll have questions like ‘why me? TULIPS support all kinds of cancer and provide practical and emotional support to the patient and their families during cancer treatment and after the treatment period . TULIPS support team are on hand to help and understand what patients are going through. Support & Information Firstly you'll have many questions about what's available in TRNC? How to organise your treatment? Can I get a second opinion? How will I organise all my tests? What costs are involved? To name but a few. TULIPS can help answer all of these , so that any decision you make about when and where you'll have your treatment, will be an informed decision based on the facts given to you. ​ Financial Worries? This is always a concern. Unless you're a citizen of TRNC you'll have to pay for all your treatment which could end up quite costly. Speak to TULIPS support workers who will help guide you through the approximate costs you'll incur. ​ Hope Shines Through Having cancer doesn’t mean you have to lose hope. Hope is the belief that a positive outcome lies ahead. This belief can be difficult to hold onto in the face of cancer, however by holding onto this sense of hope you can help yourself face cancer with strength and confidence. Hope can help ease overwhelming doubts and fears. Attitude affects everything. Make hope a way of life. ​ Fund Raising As a non-profit non-governmental organisation, raising money never ends. Fundraising is the core part of the charity who rely on your generosity. Without your support TULIPS simply can't survive or help as many cancer patients as they do. Monthly commitments are high so they can't sit back once they've completed an event, they have to continuously look forward due to the amount of people to help. TULIPS is helping some 1,800 patients at any one time and receive approx 700 new patients per year. Fundraising is not just a means of raising money but also a way to raise awareness of the charity and its goals. They're constantly looking for new donors and always on the lookout for new events or ideas to raise funds. If you've an idea for an event or wish to run one in aid of Tulips, then please contact them . Top Guides > Health > Yoga Yoga & Pilates Retreat @ Karpaz This heavenly escape is the perfect place to find comfort and peace and distract you from life’s stresses. Immerse yourself in the beauty of North Cyprus with a 5 -night stay on a full board basis with free access to hamam, saunas, beach, pool, fitness area, and more. Highlights Hatha Yoga Style Vegetarian friendly 2 professionally led classes per day Free access to hammam, saunas, beach, pool, fitness area Discount on treatments at the hammam and spa 4 hours fun boat tour Coffee break twice a day 5 nights full board accommodation Round trip airport transfers Caters for Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Spa treatments available at extra cost Swedish massage Deep tissue massage Targeted massage Turkish spa body ritual Reflexology Hammam exfoliation Classic hammam Sultan treatment ​ Facilities Gym Health Club Sauna Spa Indoor & Outdoor Swimming pool Air-conditioned rooms & public areas Dining area, Bar, Poolside Bar, Restaurant, BBQ Lobby, Concierge, Tour assistance, Luggage Room Meeting room Luggage room / storage Multilingual staff in English, Russian, Turkish Special menu request Yoga deck & studio Free parking Free Wi-Fi Laundry, Iron & ironing board Medical assistance Airport transfer included from Ercan & Larnaca ​ The hotel’s 52 rooms and suites, named cabins (as in a yacht), are airy and cool, with crisp white sheets and touches of nautical flair such as Teak deck floors, sailing visuals, and white wood-washed ceilings. Marina, sea, and garden views invite you to enjoy the Mediterranean nature or to step onto your balcony for a nightcap beneath the stars. Program Mornings start with coffee or tea and a light snack of dates and nuts before Mat Pilates. Breakfast will then be served at Hemingway's Resto Bar before a boat tour (weather dependant) and lunch onboard or at the Beach Club. After lunch, coffee or tea is followed by the mixed-flow yoga class. Dinner on the marina front at Hemingway's Resto Bar is followed by a bonfire or Beach Hang Out and live music A 4-hour boat tour is included on day 4 of the retreat, which includes lunch onboard (the day may change depending on the weather). Location An unspoiled corner of the Mediterranean. With a rich and intriguing history, North Cyprus is a land of contrasts. Vibrant business centres and tranquil villages; traditional values and cosmopolitan lifestyle; sun-kissed beaches, fertile valleys, and snowy mountains all await discovery. In a region that remains largely untouched by the usual Mediterranean over-development, friendly locals and a community spirit provide visitors with a unique experience and memorable welcome. Fringed by long golden beaches, the region features ancient castles and abbeys, vibrant culture, and enticing cuisine. The natural landscape includes mountainous peaks as well as an abundance of flora and fauna and notable wildlife, including the region’s rare turtles and wild donkeys on the island’s Karpaz peninsula. Visit Famagusta, Nicosia, and Kyrenia for an abundance of shops and restaurants, or enjoy sites such as St Hilarion Castle, Bellapais Abbey, and the famous Apostolos Andreas Monastery. Food Hemingway’s Resto-Bar is perfectly located on the promenade. Savour traditional Cypriot cuisine, international delicacies, seasonal treats, and your favourite drinks while overlooking the marina or while enjoying the sea air outside on the terrace. By embracing the philosophy to respect, nurture and enhance the surroundings, this is a truly immersive experience within this natural marine and countryside setting. The vegetables and herbs garden provides fresh produce straight to your plate alongside their own homemade bread and fresh, locally-sourced dairy, fish, and meat. ​ Included: Tea, Coffee, Water, Breakfast, Lunch Dinner, Snacks, Drinks. Vegetarian dishes served. Special dietary requirements can be catered for. Optional extras 46ft (14m) sailing yacht charter for full and half-day sailing trips catering for up to six people RYA powerboat level 2 course Hire a luxury beach club cabana Health & Hygiene Cleaning Cleaning materials are effective against coronavirus. Linens, towels and laundry washed in line with l guidelines. Accommodation disinfected between stays. Accommodation protocols follow all local authority guidelines. Equipment for activities is disinfected before and/or after use. Physical distancing Cashless payment available. Physical distancing maintained. Instructors maintain distance from clients at all times possible. Activities take place outside where possible. Safety features Staff follow all protocols directed by local government. Hand sanitizer available in guest rooms and key areas. Process in place to check the health of guests. First aid kit available. Isolation room available. Protective masks are available for all staff. Protective masks available for clients. All staff are fully vaccinated. ​ Top

Guides > Culture Barber Shops Festivals Myths & Legends Theatre Charities Folklore Radio Stations Traditional Crafts Cittaslow Meyhanes Stamps Evil Eyes Music The Noble Peasant Guides > Culture > Barber Shops Always ask the price before committing yourself to a seat in the barbers’ chair as they have been known to vary charges even though they have a standard price list. There are various options open to you, but most men seem to go for a traditional shave and this is what you can expect: ​ Your face is washed with warm water to soften up the bristles. The barber will then whip up foam in a cup using traditional ‘traş ’ soap and apply a first layer to your chin, neck and sideburns . While that's soaking in you'll often be treated to a neck and temple massage. ​ The second coat of shaving soap is applied to the same areas as before, and the barber will work his magic with his razor or ‘ustura ’– a typical straight razor that flicks open like a pen-knife. If you're unfortunate enough to suffer the odd nick, the barber will produce what is known as a ‘blood stone’ or ‘kantaşı ’ in Turkish. This involves a quick rub to the nick which will stop the bleeding immediately. ​ Now for your cheekbones . This is the real treat and there are two ways of removing unwanted cheekbone hair. First option is dipping cotton wool into some pure alcohol, then lighting it and brushing it quickly over the cheekbones. Don’t worry, it's not painful or dangerous, but there is a faint whiff of burnt hair after. Second option is to use a length of cotton, which is twisted and drawn across the cheekbone, plucking out the hairs. You might know this technique as "threading ". To finish the look, you can have nasal and ear hairs trimmed as well. The barber will use a modern little shaver to do the nostrils, but the ears will be done with the cotton wool and alcohol method. Finally, just so everyone knows you’ve just been to the barbers, traditional lemon essence cologne is patted around the shaven areas, and to top it all off a good slap of moisturising face cream and you may even get a shoulder massage as well. Baby, smacked and bottom are all words to describe your finished appearance and you 'll certainly feel refreshed and invigorated! Top Guides > Culture > Charities ATA - Anglo Turkish Association One of the largest NGO's in TRNC. Non-profit making, it aims to promote understanding and mutual respect between expats and locals. Membership is open to all English speakers who live for at least part of the year in TRNC. It has important cultural, educational and charitable aims, and also organises social gatherings, lectures, seminars, concerts, exhibitions and excursions which are also open to non-members. ​ BRS - British Residents’ Society Established 1975, provides support and advice for British passport holders. Has direct access to the British High Commission and to Government Departments of the TRNC and enjoys their support. ​ CESV - Civil Emergency Service Volunteers Local and expat volunteers who assist emergency services and work in conjunction with Civil Defence. ​ KAR - Kyrenia Animal Rescue Animal Rescue Centre high in the Besparmak Mountains provides refuge for hundreds of dogs and cats. Employees run the centre; care for the animals and provide advice to the public while volunteers collect animals; conduct veterinary visits; groom; staff a charity shop; fund-raise and do eduation visits. ​ NCCCT – North Cyprus Cancer Charity Trust Formed late 1980s. Provides medical equipment to help cancer patients in state hospitals. ​ RBL - Royal British Legion, Kyrenia Branch Formed 1st October 2011 and currently has over 300 members. ​ SOS Children’s Villages in North Cyprus Built in Lefkosa in 1993. Today, as well as the Village, they have an SOS Youth Facility, an SOS Nursery and an SOS Social Centre. Family Strengthening Programme enables children who are at risk of losing the care of their family to grow within a caring family environment. Children live with a family in a warm and safe house, are encouraged to become active community members, and provided with education and life training they need to become independent adults. ​ SPOT - Society for Protection of Turtles Founded late 1980s, provided accommodation on land at Alagadi, which is still used by the Marine Turtle Conservation Project (MTCP). TFR - The Foreign Residents in the TRNC Formed in 1998. Participate in the maintenance of the international cemeteries. ​ TULIPS - Help Those With Cancer Association Cancer is one of the hardest battles to be faced and Tulips is there to help, irrespective of nationality. Top Guides > Culture > Cittaslow Cittaslow is part of a global cultural trend known as the slow movement. An organisation founded in Italy, Cittaslow’s goals include improving the quality of life in towns by slowing down its overall pace, especially in their use of spaces and the flow of life and traffic through them. Living in a Cittaslow town means having a cleaner environment, eating wholesome food, participating in a rich social life that respects the values of tradition, and openings to persons of other cultures. Northern Cyprus is a member of this organisation, and the official Cittaslow towns of Lefke, Tatlisu, Geçitkale, Yeniboğaziçi near Famagusta and Mehmetcik in the Karpaz region, all represent this culture, hosting events throughout the year characterising the Cittaslow way of life. The Cittaslow manifesto states: “We are looking for towns where men are still curious of the old times, towns rich of theatres, squares, cafes, workshops, restaurants and spiritual places, towns with untouched landscapes and charming craftsman where people are still able to recognise the slow course of the Seasons and their genuine products respecting tastes, health and spontaneous customs.” For the avid traveller, these towns are well worth a visit and attending one of the many events a pleasurable experience. Top Guides > Culture > Evil Eyes No matter where you go in Northern Cyprus, you’ll come across an evil eye gem . These blue beads are known locally as Nazar Boncukare and are hung in homes, cars, shops, restaurants, used as an accessory in jewellery, and even embedded into walls and arches. The humble beads play an important function for Turkish Cypriots as they ward off and protect the owner from “evil eyes ”, bad luck or sickness. This tradition dates from pre-Christian times, when people believed that a look of hate from one person to another could bring upon illness, bad luck or even death. Hatred, jealousy or even extreme affection can also be the cause of any potential adverse experiences. The blue evil eye beads are made from glass, and should also contain iron, copper, water and salt, a more resistant ingredient against evil. Don’t underestimate the protective powers of these gems. You’ll find one in almost every jeweller or gift shop, and imake great souvenirs. Top Guides > Culture > Festivals North Cyprus has a large festival scene, with more organised every year. Village festivals may play on the particular speciality the village lends its name to, or it may be international music and culture festivals at some of the great historical venues. Festival season runs from March to October . Village fairs have grown in popularity over the last few years enabling the public to see traditions and culture of Turkish Cypriot life, as well as giving locals a chance to show off their skills and wares including cookery displays, arts and crafts demonstrations, competitions and the ever popular folk dance displays. Buy local products made in their traditional fashion or have a go at making them at the Büyükkonuk Eco-festival . Festivals are generally organised by the local municipality, with sponsors for some of the larger exhibitions and displays. North Cyprus is also becoming well known for its international musical events, with big names attending events including classical tenors, Turkish pop singers, plus old favourites like Boney M and Bonnie Tyler . The International Bellapais Music Festival held in the stunning Bellapais Monastery, has featured international classical groups, orchestras and individuals to amaze the crowds. Equally, theInternational Famagusta Art & Culture Festival is growing in stature with theatre and music events mostly being held at the Salamis Antique theatre. Besides music and village festivals there's also the cinematic and arts festivals of North Cyprus, featuring something for everyone to enjoy. Some of the festivals available in Northern Cyprus: Name Month Tepebasi Tulip (Tulipa Cypria), Lapta Festival March Eco Day Festival of Büykkonuk (Komikebir) Village May & October Bellapais Silk Cocoon Festival May Bellapais International Music Festival May to June Famagusta Art and Culture Festival May to June Lapta Tourism Festival June Güzelyurt Orange Festival June to July Iskele Traditional Festival June to July Lefke Walnut Festival June to July Girne Art and Culture Festival August Mehmetcik Grape Festival August Geçitkale Hellim Festival Aug to Sep Cyprus Theatre Festival September Tatlisu Carob Festival September International Kyrenia, Zeytinlik, Templos Olive Festival October Top Guides > Culture > Folklore Many countries around the world have a traditional dance that has been passed down through the generations and Northern Cyprus is no different. Folklore occupies a very important place with the locals as they've benefited from an assortment of civilisations that have all influenced the cultural heritage and folklore represents its unity and identity. ​ Dances One popular folk dance is the Karsilama , where men and women perform together. It's a long series of dances presented by pairs of friends dancing face to face with a smiling mimic. Dancing in perfect timing, the men and women typically present different, but complimentary, moves. The Sirto is recognised as the oldest folk dance, where dancers hold each other’s wrists forming a circle. There are twelve basic steps involved, where one dancer leads the rest of the participants, varying the tempo. In some parts of Sirto, pairs of dancers hold a handkerchief from its two sides, as can also sometimes be seen in Karsilama. Individual dancers may show talents like spinning, jumping, kneeling or hitting their feet or legs or the ground with their hands. ​ Costumes The colourful costumes worn by folk dancers in Northern Cyprus reflect the origins of the dances. The women wear colourful headdresses and jewellery, and dress in eye-catching dresses, usually knee length. The men wear white shirts with black knee-length trousers, and a wide red cloth belt. Combined with their blue waistcoats and red fez hats, their dashing folk dancing costume is completed by a pocket watch or handkerchief. ​ Music A live folk dance nowadays is likely to be performed to a tape but traditional folk dances are usually accompanied by musicians, playing traditional instruments such as the zurna, a reed instrument with a distinctive and evocative Middle Eastern sound. Two types of drums can also be played, the smaller darbuka played with both hands, and the larger davul which is beaten with a stick. A violin is also usually played, and other instruments can be added, such as an accordion, or mandolin. Other than the folk music which accompanies dancing, entertainment and shows, other genre of “Türkü’s” are equally important, the most famous being “Dillirga”, “Kebapçıların Şişi” (“the skewers of the kebab makers”) and “Portakal Atışalım” (“let’s throw each other oranges”). ​ Events & Festivals Dancing is a way of life in Northern Cyprus and can be seen in bridal showers, weddings, festivals and harvest time and is a way to show emotions of joy and gratitude. Turkish Cypriot folk dances are not only significant because they're enjoyed by locals, but also because they receive acclaim in other parts of the world, with folk-dance groups routinely representing Northern Cyprus at international festivals. The annual “Folk Dance International Festival ” is also held in Iskele, usually around the end of June, attracting groups from around the world. Lasting a week, the festival brings together the beauty of diverse cultures. It’s quite a sight to see younger generation of Cypriot folk dancers getting to grips with the sickle dance, when the sickles they're holding are almost as tall as them. Traditional dances are a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in an ancient tradition and local culture. Top Guides > Culture > Meyhanes Like Italy’s osterias , Spain’s bodegas and France’s bistros , North Cyprus eating and entertainment houses, known as Meyhanes , are a place to come together over meze and raki and is a tradition dating back thousands of years. They are the epitome of Northern Cyprus eating and drinking culture, and date to Byzantine time with a slow evolution. A type of drinking den in the Ottoman empire, the name comes from the Persian "mey " meaning ‘wine’ and "khāneh " meaning ‘house’. These joints used to be described as small dark spaces, often underground, with few or no windows, wooden stools and low tables by a bar, and casks filled with wine lining the walls. Under Ottoman rule, meyhanes were owned by non-Muslims, who were generally allowed to produce and sell their own wine outside of Muslim districts. Although rakı entered the meyhane scene in the 16th century, it played second fiddle to wine until the 19th century. ​ The meyhane today is where people sit together around tables draped in red or white linen, eat a colossal amount of meze’s, meat or seafood, and sip raki. More than just a place to eat and drink, it's a place where conversation takes centre stage, where hearts are poured out as the rakı flows, and where quenching the thirst of the soul matters more than satisfying the hunger of the stomach. Meyhane culture differs to other counterparts in the Mediterranean. You won't find a menu, and a feast of local delicacies will be brought to the table one after the other, until you say stop . Starting with a spread of cold Meze’s, several plates of different types, no less than fifteen, are the start of the almost banquet serving. Specialities unique to Northern Cyprus include green olives known as Chakistes, pickled Quail eggs, Samarella which consists usually of goat’s meat that's salted and cured for preservation, and Tahin , a sesame paste made from toasted and ground sesame seeds mixed with garlic, lemon juice and olive oil, a staple of any Cypriot meze. If you're drinking rakı, you can ask for Beyaz Peynir (white ewe’s milk cheese matured in brine) to always be accompanied by slices of fresh melon. ​ Warm meze’s follow , usually with grilled Hellim in pitta bread, Çiğer which is diced liver either grilled or fried, Magarina Bulli, tubular pasta cooked and served with chicken, sprinkled with grated Hellim and dried mint. A meat platter arrives soon after, from Köfte (meatballs) to Lamb and Chicken Şiş (skewered), Chops, to the infamous Seftali Kebab, a type of crépinette, with a lamb filling mixed with finely chopped onion and parsley, seasoned with salt and pepper. If you have room for dessert , you 'll be served mixed seasonal fruit, a type of Macun which is a traditional fruit preserve and inherent part of Cypriot culture, and most meyhanes will also offer a serving of the infamous Kırbaç, which literally translates as “the Whip” – a blend of Nor, a fresh mild whey cheese produced in Cyprus, and cream or milk, drizzled with local honey and topped with walnuts. Before leaving, you'll be offered a Kahve (Turkish coffee) to help digest the feast. You'll be amazed by the great value for money you receive in meyhanes and you probably won't be able to finish everything served to you. The more traditional concentrations are inland, in Nicosia or neighbouring Gönyeli, but you'll find more than one Meyhane in almost every town, and it's likely any local can direct you to one. Afiyet Olsun! Bon Appétit! Top Guides > Culture > Music North Cyprus is home to a really wide variety of music and musicians and you can find great venues to listen to music, get involved or dance to what you hear. The island has wonderful home-grown talent in classical music and rock and music classes and private tuition are available to learn new skills. Many restaurants, hotels and casinos have their own house bands, providing jazz, pop and Turkish music that pull in local crowds as well as guests. Classical music is one of North Cyprus’ most heavily promoted genres, with classical music festivals throughout the year where you can experience orchestras, chamber choirs, tenor singers, quartets and trios, often at historic venues. Smaller venues hold traditional music evenings during the summer months. Classical music also incorporates the tradition of ‘Fasıl ’ music which has its roots in the Ottoman era. This is a blend of instrumental and vocal music dating back to the 14th century. ​ Jazz is popular and can often be heard in bigger 5 star hotels. Club or disco music is played in clubs all summer long , and you can often just follow the sound to find out where it’s coming from. DJs from all over the world come to North Cyprus to entertain packed audiences at the various beach clubs and continue well into the morning. Rock music has a healthy following and live rock music is in many pubs and bars. There's a number of good local musicians and bands around and they normally play at the live music venues. The bigger rock bands that visit from Türkiye will mostly get to play at the larger beach club venues. During big Public Holidays such as Şeker Bayram and Kurban Bayram, there’s an explosion of Turkish music with stars arriving en masse to entertain the many visiting Turkish mainlanders and the locals with their glitz and glamour and unique style of entertainment. Top Guides > Culture > Myths & Legends Pygmalion & Galatea The ancient city of Karpasia was a harbour town 4km west of today’s Dipkarpaz village. It was established during pagan times as a city-state before Christianity. Today, it’s possible to see the fortification walls and columns of the palace in the sea. It was the legendary King Pygmalion who founded this city, one of the oldest in Cyprus, which also gave its name to the Karpaz Peninsula. Pygmalion lived alone in his palace. Having an artistic character, he decorated his palace with his own carved marble sculptures. He wasn’t satisfied with the women around him and was waiting for his ideal woman – his Queen. One day, he began to carve a beautiful woman, sculpted from snow-white marble and day by day fell in love with it. He stroked its cheeks and hair and gave it pearls, seashells jewellery and flowers. Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, took pity on Pygmalion and wanted to end his sorrow. One day when the King returned to his palace and hugged the sculpture, he realised it had come to life, had colour in its cheeks and was looking at him lovingly. Pygmalion gave the fair skinned woman the name “Galatea” which means “as white as milk”. The King had found his Queen. He married her and they had a son named Paphos, who grew up to become a strong handsome man. Pygmalion called his son to him and said: “Dear Son, I have established my kingdom at thevery easternmost point of the island. Go to the west and found your own kingdom.” It’s believed that the city of Paphos or Baf, was founded by and named after Paphos, the son of King Pygmalion. ​ Aphrodite & Adonis Kinyras, the King of Cyprus, had a daughter who was a legendary beauty called Smyrna. One day her father claimed his daughter was more beautiful than the goddess Aphrodite. When Aphrodite heard this, she took revenge by making the King and his daughter fall in love with each other. They both fell under the effect of the spell, and she became pregnant by her father. Ashamed and afraid, she sought refuge in a forest while the King looked everywhere for her with the intention of murdering her. Symrna begged to the gods and Zeus took pity on her, turning Smyrna into a myrtle tree to save her. After nine months, the princess, who was pregnant when she transformed into a tree, gave birth to her son Adonis by ripping apart the trunk of the tree. The goddess Aphrodite found this beautiful baby on the trunk of the tree and took care of the child, taking him to live with her. As he grew up, Adonis became very handsome leading to Aphrodite and the goddess of the underworld, Persephone, coming into conflict over him. Zeus and Olimpos ended the battle between these two goddesses by deciding that Adonis should live for 6 months of the year with Aphrodite and 6 months of the year with Persephone. As he prepared to meet Aphrodite, Adonis was engaging in his favourite activity, hunting, when he encountered a wild boar. A fight took place between them and Adonis was badly wounded. Bleeding and in pain he attempted to reach Aphrodite, but lost all his strength, collapsing to the ground and taking his final breath. As it turned out, the life of Adonis was very brief …. like a flower. Aphrodite couldn’t accept his death and cried for days. From that time, nature stepped in to make this love immortal. The red and white anemones, a flower with a very short life span, blossom in Cyprus, in the place where Adonis, died. The red anemones symbolise the blood spilling from the wounds of Adonis and the white ones the tears of Aphrodite and the yellow one represent this tragic end. ​ The Olive Tree In the past, the wealth of people was measured by the number of olive trees they owned. Weddings were only scheduled after the harvest of the olives in Templo, today’s Zeytinlik village. The olive tree is a sacred tree which had economic, cultural and spiritual value. The sanctity of the olive tree is believed to be based on a legend about Jesus Christ. It was said that Jesus hid on top of an olive tree while he was trying to escape from his enemies and after the enemies went by, he said this prayer: “live 100 years more than the person who cultivated you, give plentiful fruit and oil and make your owners rich.” The olive tree asked “what will happen if they cut and burn me?”. He replied: “the smoke which comes from your wood and leaves will protect you from devilry and envy”. Today for the people of Cyprus, as for the Zeytinlik villagers, the olive leaf has a sacred meaning offering protection from evil. St Mamas St Mamas was a priest who was born in Cyprus and gave his name to the church in Guzelyurt. He was was living in a cave in the region when a mandate decreed everyone was to pay taxes. Mamas refused to pay saying that since he was living in a cave he didn’t enjoy any of the government’s facilities. He was arrested and on his journey to Lefkosa, a lion jumped into the road while chasing a lamb. As Mamas raised his hand, suddenly the lion paused. Mamas picked up the lamb, mounted the lion, and rode on its back until he reached the throne room of the Duke who proposed the tax rule. The Duke was so shocked that he agreed to waive Mamas payment. ​ Five Finger Mountains A beautiful girl lived in a village in the mountains which form a backdrop of today’s Girne. Two young men loved this girl - one was good-hearted the other wasn’t. They decided to have a duel on the edge of a marsh in Merserya. The malevolent one wounded the good man by putting him in the marsh. The good-hearted youth gradually started to sink in the marshy area while he was trying to push himself up out of the mud. He raised his sword with a final effort, and as the sword slipped from his grasp, he was buried with five fingers open to the sky. In time the marshy area dried out and the good-hearted youth’s hand turned into mountains resembling his five fingers. ​ The Nursing Rock on Top of The Fortifications of Gamimagusa There is a location on the fortifications of Gazimagusa where a white liquid flows like milk. The people of Gazimagusa think it has a specific and extraordinary power. Women who have just given birth, who have difficulty in breast feeding, come to this place to make a wish. It’s also visited by women who want to have children, who come to touch the rock. ​ Petrified Lions of The Gate of The Harbour The sculptures on the right side of the sea gate of the Othello Castle belong to a lion and its cub. According to legend, the lion had tried to eat its cub and they were turned into stone. One of the sculptures is lost. According to another legend, the lion opens its mouth at an unknown time of an unknown day once a year and the person who puts their hand into the mouth of the lion will find an unbelievable treasure. The Legend of Canbalut Pasha The Venetians had placed a rotating wheel with knives around it, at the gate of the city to cut invading soldiers in half. Canbulat Bey was fed up of the siege as it was taking so long and rode his horse towards the wheel, was decapitated but replaced his head and continued to fight. After the conquest of the war, he lay down in peace and died a martyr. ​ The Legend of St Barnabas St Barnabas was born Jewish in Salamis and met Jesus Christ during one of his journeys to Palestine. He came to Cyprus 46 years after the death of Jesus and was killed by local Jewish people when he attempted to spread Christianity. His corpse was hidden in a marshy area from which they planned to throw it into the sea but his supporters rescued his corpse and buried his corpse in a cave to the west of Salamis, putting a copy of the Bible, written by St Matthew, with him. The place of the grave wasn’t known and was kept secret. 432 years after his death, Bishop Anthemios saw the grave in his dream, identified its location and asked for it to be opened. When the grave was opened the Bible was found and the grave was easily identified as that of St Barnabas. In AD 477 the monastery was built on the site of that grave and today is one of the most important places for Greek Orthodox Cypriots. ​ The Castle of St Hilarion St Hilarion castle was built in the 6th century AD and took its name from a hermit of the same name. According to legend, a group of young men visited the castle on what was known as “Wish Day”, the only day of the year when wishes were accepted and the one day in every 40 years when the door of the 101st room was opened. The young men, finding this door opened, swarmed into that room, saw it full of treasure and started to grab everything they saw. One tried to take the crown, sceptre and sword. In their greed they didn’t realise their time was up and the doors slammed shut. They slept for 40 years in the room and when the day came, the doors opened again and they returned back to their villages. They’d stayed the same age but their children had grown old and many of their peers were dead already. ​ The Legend of Apostolos Andreas The Monastery of Apostolos Andreas is a sacred place for both Turkish and Greek people. Its’ sanctity comes from the water which flows through the rocks where a monastery and church were built, believed to be a place visited by St Andreas. (St Andrew). The legend of Apostolos Andreas is that the romans had learned about his attempts to spread Christianity round the Mediterranean and Black Sea and decided to send him to Rome. En route, the captain of the ship transporting him was worried because they were out of water. Apostolos Andreas said “I can find water for you” and asked for permission to land. When he stepped ashore they discovered the spring flowing through the rocks. The Captain set him free and the Andreas decided to settle there. Following the spread of Christianity the news of the miracle of Andreas spread. People began to believe the healing power of the water and the monastery became a shrine. According to Muslims, this sacred water is “the miracle of Hz. Suleyman”. They believe anyone who drinks the water will be healed; a blind person will see; and a paralysed person will walk. Those who drink from the sacred water, take away bottles of water for those who can’t visit. Turkish people make wishes by lighting a candle at Christmas. The Christians also shape their candles according to their wishes and bring bottles of olive oil. The Queen of Yuzbirevler During the Lusignan Dynasty, the name of the castle of St Hilarion was changed to “Dieu D’Amour” - “Castle of the Goddess of Love”. The castle was also known as the “Castle of Regina” – “Castle of the Queen”. The Queen was famous not only for her beauty but also her evil nature. According to legend, the queen was sitting on top of a high rock controlling the building works during the construction of the castle. She didn’t give permission for the builders to rest as they carried sand, water, and pebbles from the sea to the mountain. Finally the construction was completed and the queen moved into the palace. Having no further use for the builders, she called them to the palace and threw them out of the window. She also threw soldiers from the window when they'd finished their guard duties. It was said she didn’t want anyone alive who took a role during the construction of the palace. Today, the Gothic style decorated window, facing to the northwest is known as the “Queen’s Window”. The Castle of Buffavento Buffavento is an Italian name meaning “disobeying the wind” and also has a story relating to a Queen. According to legend, a Byzantine princess got leprosy and retired to the castle to isolate herself. The princess had a dog who also had leprosy. The dog would leave the castle every day and disappear behind the southern peak returning to the castle some time later. The princess noticed one day that the dog was healthy again, so she followed it the next day and saw it bathe in a natural spring. She bathed in it as well and was cured. She had the Church of St John Chrysostomos built over the place where she discovered the healing spring. ​ The Legend of Fire Rock A villager always complained about God and blamed him for any negative thing, including the bad harvest. Shepherds meeting around the rock of fire, after releasing their animals into the Five FInger Mountains, heard him complaining and said to the farmer that he should go back to the rock of fire and make his complaints directly to God there. The farmer climbed to the top of the mountain, raised his hands and started shouting at God like a mad man. He was hit by lighting and turned to stone. If you visit the rock of fire which shines very brightly during sunset, you’ll see that it does look like a human silhouette. ​ The Legend of the Phoenix A big stone in the Ciklos region looks like a huge half-divided egg which is known as the Soil Stone or Egg Stone. According to legend, the Ciklos region is the nest of the phoenix and after the death of his mate, he protected his last egg. He sat on the egg day after day during incubation, but eventually left the egg to get food because he was hungry. The egg hatched, crows ate the newly hatched phoenix and the race became extinct. It's said that crows circle on top of the rock because they haven’t forgotten the taste of the phoenix. ​ The Legend of Hz. Omer’s Tomb One day a shepherd, known as Mad Hasan of Catalkoy, spotted a pirate ship at sea and began to pray. Suddenly, seven Arabic cavaliers appeared, rode across the surface of the sea to reach the ship with sparks coming out of their horseshoes, sank it, then quickly disappeared, thus protecting Catalkoy from attack. No one believed Mad Hasan until they saw the marks left by the horseshoes on the rocks and understood they were cavaliers of Hz. Omer. As a result of this legend which is based on the horseshoe prints on the rocks, the Ottomans have constructed seven graves and a shrine which have a symbolic meaning. Since then, this place has become a sacred place for the Muslims who live in Cyprus and they visit this shrine especially during religious festivals when they pray and make offerings. Top Guides > Culture > Radio Stations Top Guides > Culture > Stamps Turkish Cypriot stamps are highly sought after by philatelists around the world due to their designs, limited series print, thematic subjects and historical past. ​ Pre-Philatelic Periods The first letter known in Cyprus was a commercial letter written in Italian, dated 17th June 1353, and sent from Famagusta to Istanbul. The date corresponds to Lusignan rule although it was the Venetians who set up postal organisation on the island. In those days written letters were folded like an envelope and stamped with a wax seal. In addition, captains of the vessels transporting letters were placing their own signs and signatures on the letters they were carrying. ​ Philatelic Period Austrian Postal Services Austrian Lloyd was a maritime company set up as a postal agency in 1837. Initially stamps weren’t used on letters which were sealed. In following years, stamp and seal were used together. Ottoman Postal Services Ottomans set up a post office in Lefkosa in 1871 but it was closed when the British took over in 1878. ​ British Postal Services The British set up a post office in Larnaca on 27rh July 1878. British stamps were used for about 2 years as there weren’t any Cypriot stamps. Later the word CYPRUS was overprinted on British stamps and this continued for a year. The first series of Cypriot stamps were printed on 1st July 1881. The last series of stamps printed by the British for Cyprus were put on sale on 1st August 1955 and were used until 15th August 1960 when the Republic of Cyprus was established. ​ Republic of Cyprus On 16th August 1960 a Republic based on partnership by Turks and Greeks was established in Cyprus. When Turks opposed unification with Greece, armed clashes resulted and Turks were dismissed from the organs of the Republic. Greek Cypriots started applying postal service embargoes on Turks, thus preventing freedom of communication. ​ Turkish Cypriot Postal Services Turkish Cypriot postal services were established on 6th January 1964, a short while after armed clashes between the two Cypriot communities. The first Turkish Cypriot stamp was printed on 8th April 1970, named “Social Aid ”, was used as both a revenue and postage stamp and bore the name “Assembly of the Turkish Community ”. The Turkish Red Cross Association helped Turkish Cypriots in their communication with foreign countries especially with Turkey. Letters collected in Nicosia Post Office were handed over to the Red Crescent, then transferred to Ankara where they were stamped and distributed to Turkish addresses. There was an agreement to normalise postal services in 1966. Greek Cypriots permitted Turkish Cypriots to have one post office in the towns of Nicosia, Famagusta and Lefka and agents in Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos with the condition that only the name “The Republic of Cyprus ” be used and this was the case until 1970. Letters sent between Turkish quarters of the island carried the Social Aid stamps and letters sent overseas carried stamps of The Republic of Cyprus. After 1974 these arrangements were abandoned. Turkish Cypriot Stamps issued on 29th October 1973 commemorated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. They were issued with the name of “Turkish Cypriot Administration ” and is the first series accepted as the real Turkish Cypriot postage stamp. After the 1974 intervention by Turkey, the first post office branch was opened in Kyrenia and started to communicate with foreign countries by post. Stamps, beside their usage for postal services, are also used to present a country to the world. Turkish stamps have as themes, natural beauty, flora and fauna, famous people, important events and anniversaries. They’ve been printed annually since 1975. ​ Special Edition Stamps The postal service often releases Special Edition Stamps such as in the spring, or before particular bayram holidays etc. The Postal Department also has a Philatelist Section which collectors can contact to receive limited editions and special first day covers. Private purchases can also be made. Top Guides > Culture > The Noble Peasant Why is the desire to build monuments so strong and lasting? What is it that sparks the desire or need to build monuments? For thousands of years, humans have had the desire to be remembered. This is done as a reminder of the life and accomplishments of an individual, society, or nation. The desire to leave art and artefacts for posterity is a natural human response. To allow the lessons and experiences of one’s own life to mean something to future generations is an innate human desire. Building monuments creates an everlasting object symbolising the life and accomplishments of an individual or a society, bringing meaning and understanding to future generations. ​ The imposing and majestic proportions of a monumental sculpture give a sense of strength and evoke admiration and wonder. Great outdoor monumental sculptures create a lasting visual appeal, are prestigious, and often attract large numbers of tourists. The powerful effects of a monumental statue, in one particular case, has had important consequences. ​ A visit to Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro elicited a powerful reaction in Erbil Arkin, founder of ARUCAD University of Creative Arts and Design . i.e., a large community of vegetation and wildlife adapted to a specific climate - that will showcase different aspects of Cyprus’s natural habitat. The current area is well stocked with young pine trees and maquis shrub. Of the trees that will be introduced to the area, many will be saplings sourced from the Forestry Department that will allow the hillside to grow and develop organically over time.In part, it was the way that Corcovado Mountain dominated the city of Rio, much in the way the Five Finger Mountain Range does to Kyrenia. For Mr. Arkin, however, the idea that was germinating was for a statue in Cyprus that all Cypriots would identify with as being inherent to their culture and traditions. His desire was for a monument to The Noble Peasant that would celebrate and exalt the inner nobility of ordinary folk. ​ In a country that has witnessed divisions and conflict in its past, a unifying factor was that almost all Cypriots were, only a few generations ago, sons and daughters of the soil - farmers, animal husbanders, peasants. The Noble Peasant, 40 metres in height and standing sentinel over the coastline, has the potential to bring world renown to North Cyprus as a symbol of pride in the capabilities and resourcefulness of its people . As a work of engineering and artistic excellence, it will long outlast our lifetimes and will be a gift to future generations. It is currently under construction and can be seen slowly emerging on the hillside that overlooks Girne. It will surely be the most iconic building in Northern Cyprus when finished. ​ The Park The Noble Peasant Park covers a large area of over 23 hectares and has been conceived and designed in conjunction with the Noble Peasant Statue Project. The park is situated on a prominent hill to the south of the coastal town of Kyrenia and is surrounded by the spectacular backdrop of the Five Finger Mountains. While the immediate plaza area around the statue is envisaged as having slightly formal, tended gardens, much in the way of the urban parks of Europe, the much larger, wider hill area is intended to be designed to be a semi-“wilded” environment and laid out in biomes - i.e., a large community of vegetation and wildlife adapted to a specific climate - that will showcase different aspects of Cyprus’s natural habitat. The current area is well stocked with young pine trees and maquis shrub. Of the trees that will be introduced to the area, many will be saplings sourced from the Forestry Department that will allow the hillside to grow and develop organically over time. Top Guides > Culture > Theatre Turkish Cypriot theatre and shadow puppetry have been very popular in North Cyprus for centuries as they were the only sources of entertainment for people prior to TV. Even when cinemas opened in towns and cities, it was still difficult for village folk to reach urban centers, so shadow plays continued to play a prominent role in cultural life. Theatre has served as entertainment and an instructive medium and adopted an identity of their own both in subject matter and style. In particular, the Shadow Game (Karagöz) has long been a popular play in North Cyprus and has become an institution for Turkish Cypriots. Local theatre evolved from traditional Turkish theatre then adopted Western theatre styles and techniques at the beginning of the 20th Century. Founded in 1963, the first Turkish Cypriot theatre was called ‘First Stage ’ and later became known as the Turkish Cypriot State Theatre in 1966. It has staged various plays both in TRNC and abroad. Today, local and foreign theatre groups also operate alongside the Turkish Cypriot State Theatre. Many local and foreign theatre groups add variety and liveliness to the cultural life of North Cyprus during theatre festivals. ​ There is the International Cyprus Theatre Festival for example, often held at one of the large university complexes, but which also stages one off shows in town squares or castles, offering up to a month’s worth of stage plays, puppet and dance theatre. Theatre companies from Türkiye, such as the famous Büyükşehir Belediyesi Şehir Tiyatrosu from Istanbul, come to perform as well as groups from Ankara, Russia and local Turkish Cypriot theatre companies. ​ There are several theatre companies based in North Cyprus, one of the main being Sidetreets in Lefkoşa. Popular private companies include Lefkoşa Belediye Tiyatrosu and Maras Emek Theatre , as well as a comedy theatre group called Kıbrıs Türk Komedi Tiyatrosu which is based in Famagusta. Some shows are silent, so there's no problem with language barriers, but even if the mother tongue isn't Turkish, lots of people attend plays just to see the exceptional standards of acting, and some of the stories are so old and well known it doesn’t take a genius to work out the storylines. Lefkoşa, Kyrenia and Famagusta are all host to an array of theatre activities. For foreign residents KADS, (Kyrenia Amateur Dramatics Society ), puts on productions of well known English plays during the year at various locations in Kyrenia, and has even broadcast their productions on radio. Top Guides > Culture > Traditional Handicrafts The handicrafts of each country represent the heritage and culture of that country, and Northern Cyprus is no different. Many traditional handicrafts are still made today and carry on the legacy of years of knowledge, culture and expertise. For example: ​ Embroidered Lace Undoubtedly the most famous handicraft of Northern Cyprus is the embroidery lace, known as the Lefkaritika net . The art dates back to the 15th century and was inspired by the Venetians Local women got ideas from the delicate embroidery on Venetian clothes and put them on their own net. Traditionally, a Cypriot girl had to have an extended collection of Lefkara Lace ready for exhibition on her wedding day, and in this way, skills have passed from mother to daughter. For centuries, women from villages and small towns have sat side by side, embroidering on linen fabrics. Cyprus Lefkara Lace is made of linen with thread, and varies in shapes and cutting techniques used to decorate the final hand craft. It's quite distinctive and notable characteristics are the hemstitch, satin stitch fillings, and needlepoint edgings. These form linens such as tablecloths and napkins which are only made in white, brown and ecru colours. The other distinctive feature of fine lace in Northern Cyprus is that there's no difference between the front and back of any piece. Only lace made in this traditional way is considered to be authentic. The design for Lefkara Lace is first drawn onto paper, and then a transparent second sheet placed over this to protect the lace. Needles are placed along the design outline, and a thread tied to the front-most needle. The thread is then run around the outside of all the needles and tied to the last needle. Once three layers of such threads have been built up, they are stitched together like a buttonhole. Gradually, the lace starts to form, rising out from the paper base. The result is an incredibly delicate, intricate and true labour of love. The skilled art is recognised on the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage List , defined as ‘practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills’ from around the world that are protected for their invaluable cultural heritage. The linens became an important trade under Venetian rule, so famous that even Leonardo da Vinci personally visited Cyprus to find embroidery for decorating the altar of the Duomo Cathedral in Milan . When visiting small villages, you may come across ladies sitting on their front porch busily hand-embroidering, working the lace as they have done for centuries. Lace work of Lefkara is a hot buy for visitors perhaps even as a gift to pass down through generations in truly Cypriot fashion. Available in souvenir or handicraft shops, the most renowned are at the Buyuk Han in Lefkosa. ​ Wicker Weaving You can't ignore the wicker baskets! The bright and cheerful designs of these mat weavers in shops and restaurant walls all over the country, attract your attention. Mat weaving in Northern Cyprus is a unique art, as each weaver has his or her own weaving pattern. Plant knitting is where tree trunks, leaves, and twigs are used in mat weaving, by cutting them into thin strips to make baskets, bread trays, brooms, or jewelry boxes. Straw Chairs In many handicraft shops in North Cyprus you'll find chairs made of straw. Each of these miniature chairs has a very complex texture, being very light, yet durable, and are still very popular among Turkish Cypriot families. Top

Things To Do > 39 Steps Casinos Eating Out Golf Luxury Hotels Rock Climbing Beaches Clubs Fishing Hiking Markets Water Sports Boat Trips Cycling Trails Fruit Picking Horse Riding Painting Classes Zipline Bowling Diving Go Karting Jeep Safari Quad Bike Things To Do > 39 Steps to a memorable experience Step Image Become a Foodie Catch your supper Climb to a castle Discover history Dive for treasure Drink with the local Drive thru the mountains Eat at a banquet Enjoy the lakeside Feed the Wild Donkeys Fly like a kite Gamble for fun Get to know Shakespeare Go under ground Haggle at markets Have fun in the water Hike thru the hills Hit the night life Marvel at history Pamper yourself silly Pay your respects Play championship golf Pray in an Abbey Relax and unwind Ride like the wind Sample the Lion's Milk Search thru a graveyard See things in focus Shop till you drop Soak up the sun Stay at a vineyard Style a new haircut Take in a boat trip Trek thru the Park Unleash the throttle Visit a theatre Walk through a ghost town Watch evolution Wet yourself with excitement Top Things To Do > Beaches Alagadi Beach, Kyrenia Alagadi Beach in Kyrenia consists of gorgeous wild flowers and soft clean sand. Nature photographers are guaranteed great shots of the white flowers growing there which are a protected species, so be careful. as there are big fines for picking them. If you want to see marine turtles this is definitely the place.The beach provides nesting for sea turtles, which is why it’s closed to visitors at night. But if you look up the Alagadi Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Centre , you may be able to join one of the groups that get to observe nesting. Golden Beach, Dipkarpaz Located on the Karpass Peninsula is beautiful Golden Beach at Dipkarpaz. The town is an eco-tourism centre, known for its historic architecture and the wild donkeys that still live there. Nearby, Apostolos Andreas Monastery. is a popular pilgrimage destination as well as a haven for art and history lovers. Golden Beach provides opportunities to sunbathe and recharge but lacks shade, so pack plenty of sun-tan lotion. The water is crystal-clear, the sand a beautiful golden brown and restaurants nearby offer simple but delicious meals. Glapsides Beach, Famagusta A perfect choice for families. The sea is warm and very clear, with shallow water for kids to play in. It offers comfort and safety, and the gorgeous views complete the experience. You can enjoy local cafes or hire parasols and sunbeds or, if you prefer something livelier, Famagusta offers a wide range of bars, restaurants, organised nature tours, museums, and casinos. Between the relaxing beach and vibrant city nightlife, Glapsides is a popular choice for couples and honeymooners. ​ Escape Beach, Kyrenia Perfect if you love water sports and want to enjoy jet skiing, pedal boating, canoeing, volleyball, banana boats or scuba diving. The beach is very clean with lots of amenities, including showers available in restaurants, and the water is shallow with tiny waves. It’s very popular but somehow rarely overcrowded, with lawns next to the beach for comfortable lounging, and plenty of shade. Don’t miss out on the local clubbing scene either, as this is one of the hottest locations on the island, with a memorable vibe. Silver Beach, Famagusta Crystal-clear water makes this beach a favourite for snorkelling. It’s wide, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sand and fresh air, allowing you to explore the sea daffodils and other marine life uninterrupted. For adults, the water is only thigh-high for a long way in, so parents can relax and let their little ones get acquainted with the sea at their own pace. Sunbeds are available and there are restaurants nearby. Acapulco Beach, Kyrenia Connected to a hotel and spa complex, non-guests pay for sunbeds, changing rooms and showers. Acapulco Beach is noted for extremely clean sand, water sports, tennis and golf. The nightlife is excellent as well. An interesting option is the Neolithic settlement of Vrysi on the eastern part of the beach, where you can visit the excavation site. Agios Filon Beach, Dipkarpaz Another gorgeous beach for marine turtles, with scenic rocks you can climb if you’re in the mood for adventure. The beach is also close to one of the finest historical sites Northern Cyprus has to offer. Agion Filon (also known as Ayios Philon), is home to both a 5th-century and a 12th-century church. The newer church was built partly over the remains of the older one. You can see beautiful tiled floors, a hallmark of Byzantine architecture, as well as apses and parts of the roof. ​ Palm Beach, Famagusta A really unusual seaside location. Popular among locals, it has fine golden sand and the water is warm and clean. There’s a hotel there but just beyond the edges of the beach, you’ll find a string of dilapidated hotels, and further south, barbed-wire military fence. This is Varosha, the ghost town of North Cyprus. It’s not open to the public but you can see many abandoned buildings around the fenced-off area. In the 1970s, Varosha was an international tourist spot, attracting celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, and Richard Burton but in the political turmoil that split Cyprus, it was abandoned. A strange monument to the past, there are plans to reopen it. Top Things To Do > Boat Trips Vela Yachting Daily boat trip from Kyrenia to enjoy spectacular scenery, brilliant service and freedom to explore the coastline. There’s no better way to experience the taste of elegance and style than on board a well-arranged luxury yacht such as the Vela. They do day or sunset trips where you’ll feel the privilege of a limited number of guests and enjoy exquisite Mediterranean buffet of lunch and fruits. Day Trip with lunch and fruits 10:30 to 16:30. Sunset trip with dinner and fruits 18:30 to 22:30. ​ Cyprus Active A boat trip is a fun and enjoyable day out for all ages. The Kyrenia Harbour boat trip involves swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing and a Cypriot meze lunch along the picturesque Northern Coast. ​ Musa If you’re looking for a relaxing day out around Girne, book a boat trip with Musa. He’s had a trip advisor Certificate of Excellence for 5 years and is in their Hall of Fame. He’s also mentioned in the Lonely Planet tour book. You can book as a boat trip, dedicated fishing charter, or private trip with an opportunity to swim in the warm crystal waters along the coast. The boat drops anchor in areas usually busy with a variety of fish to swim among. ​ Scuba Cyprus Boat Trips Scuba Cyprus is a family run business, that offers quality services at affordable prices. The scuba Cyprus gullet situated in Kyrenia harbour is a traditional Cyprus built boat with twin engines. The boat is available on daily boat trips or for tailor made private hire trips. ​ Blue Bird Boat Tours Blue Bird Boat Tours offer a range of boat trips from the harbour in Kyrenia and travel along the coast, serving lunch along the way. A relaxing peaceful trip, Captain Bayram and his crew let you enjoy a wonderful trip out with our Traditional Turkish gullet. Lunch or dinner cooked by the Paptain, his famous fish and chicken and a range of homemade fresh mezes, finished off with fresh fruit. Blue Bird caters for daily tours, sunset trips, short trips, private trips or special occasions. ​ ​ Happy Sea Yacht Tours Family operated company. See their Facebook page. Sailor and Civil Engineer University and sailing courses Turkish German English Professional tour guide Sabrina Boat Tours Day and sunset trips for quiet times or parties. Good food Nice crew Nice boat Jumping off the boat into the sea What more can you ask for? See their Facebook page. Go North Cyprus Take to the water to explore the coastline in a traditional wooden boat. Relax with a gentle swim, a delicious Mediterranean lunch and a snooze in the sun or get the adrenaline pumping with water sports. Relaxing cruise on traditional wooden boat Swim in clear sea direct from the boat Delicious grilled lunch with meze included Snorkel and meet the local marine life Optional sports including parasailing Professional, fun, English speaking guide Go North Cyprus will collect you from your hotel in Kyrenia, Nicosia or Famagusta. At the harbour, board your traditional wooden boat moored alongside fishing boats and pleasure craft. Watch the captain ease out into the sparkling sea beyond heading west in the direction of Escape Beach (most of the time) or east towards Acapulco Beach, depending on weather conditions. Your Captain knows all the best places to swim, so he’ll drop anchor at the very best. Enjoy a swim in the sea direct from the boat, or bring your own mask and snorkel. Freshly-cooked lunch is onboard, with a choice of grilled fish or chicken served with traditional meze selection. After lunch, snooze and sunbathe or sign up for jet skis, banana boating, or paragliding. There’s often time for an extra dip before you head back to Kyrenia. Get your camera out for some great selfies on board and lots of photos of Kyrenia and its landmarks from out at sea. The team will take you back to your hotel in Nicosia, Famagusta or Kyrenia. Departure time is between 09:00 am and 10:00 am. Duration is 8 hours. Top Things To Do > Bowling Great during the day or evening, bowling is something thr whole family can enjoy and is excellent value. As well as the bowling lanes, downstairs in The Kings Centre in Kyrenia is an arcade equipped with small kids rides as well as arcade games, pool tables, etc. You purchase a card topped up with as little or as much as you like to credit the machines and you can win tokens on many rides and games that can be exchanged for goodies. Lots of fun for all ages, individuals and groups. Food also available, reasonably priced food and drinks. Burgers, Pizzas, kids menu.... ​ No need to book, can just turn up and have fun or you can book for groups and parties. Definitely an ideal place on any given day no matter what time of year. Highly recommend. Top Things To Do > Casinos The casino scene in Northern Cyprus has really taken off in recent years attracting tourists and serious players alike. By day you can drive through spectacular mountain scenery then gamble the night away if you want. Casinos here have become a serious alternative for high rollers. People who went to Las Vegas, Macau or Monte Carlo now prefer our relaxing Mediterranean location and it's little surprise. Island wide casinos offer all the games punters are looking for including poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, punto banco, baccarat and all their variations. North Cyprus is a destination of the World Poker Tour (WPT) drawing thousands of Texas and Omaha aces and there are several guaranteed prize tournaments held throughout the year. Even if you don't like gambling, the Hotel and Casino resorts offer a host of other amenities. Deluxe accommodation, spa and wellbeing centres, fine dining, beach clubs, spectacular stage shows, piano or jazz bars, pubs, cocktail roof bars and discos are all normal. Casino resorts like to go big and they draw international artists suchas Turkish pop megastar Tarkan , Swedish Iranian singer and judge of Persia’s Got Talent, Arash , world renowned flamenco and salsa group Gipsy Kings , even American socialite and DJ Paris Hilton ​. Hotel & Casino resorts combine luxury, elegance, indulgence and excitement but they're all walk in - you don't have to be staying at the associated resort to go in and play . If you are a high roller expect ultimate comfort and pleasure suchas private jets, king suites, Gurkha Royal Courtesan cigars to mention just a few. North Cyprus boasts more than 20 casinos. Most of them are located in Kyrenia, with some also in Famagusta and Nicosia and most ask men to wear a suit and tie and ladies to wear formal dress for the gaming rooms. Smart casual is usually accepted for the slots area but Jeans or sport shoes are not normally allowed. * One final request. Please gamble responsibly within the limits of your own budget,and take regular breaks if playing for extended periods of time. The Colony Lords Palace Elexus Merit Crystal Cove Rocks Hotel Linak Deluxe Cratos Premium Merit Crystal Cove Merit Royal Kaya Palazzo COncorde Merit Park Kaya Artemis Acapulco Top Things To Do > Clubs You’ll probably be pleased to know there’s plenty of nightlife in Northern Cyprus to keep you occupied. Northern Cyprus is as peaceful and tranquil as you want it to be, but once in a while it’s nice to know you’re not far from entertainment like dancing, singing or just listening to some good music within a disco atmosphere. Concept parties, stage performers, live PA’s, light shows, fireworks’ displays, and sublime cocktails can be expected in a ‘normal’ night. All venues have security, and anti-social behaviour is not tolerated. Northern Cyprus prefers calm and cool, and ladies on their own have nothing to be nervous about their surroundings. Dress codes are important, smart casual is always a must for men, and most venues don't allow groups of guys only. “If you prefer style and lavish head to the North, if you prefer chavish go to Ayia Napa!” If you’re after a cosier atmosphere, roof bars and beach bars offer a calmer and stylish ambiance with DJs, live music, jazz or latin popular in smaller concept venues. BTW, clubs and discos are most definitely clubs and discos in Northern Cyprus. Night clubs are something different where ladies of the night earn a living. Just so you know! ​ Open Air Clubs Often located in or next to hotels or beach clubs. One of the most popular is Escape Beach Club in Alsancak, and is well known for fantastic international DJ nights and having a fun party twist. Escape has a well-stocked bar and heaps of room to dance around, allowing you to have a memorable night out!. Escape is open really only for the main summer months but it’s definitely one of the best clubs on the island, North or South. Other clubs around the same area of Alsancak and Lapta are Sunset Beach and Camelot . ​ In Famagusta, you have Lions Gardens , which is a huge complex offering more than just a club venue. It carries on throughout the year with international DJ sets, and it finds a wide variety of excuses to hold various parties! Some of the bigger hotels such as the Salamis Conti and Bilfer Palm Beach, also have their own disco facilities. To get in to any clubs in Northern Cyprus, you have to be aged 18 or over and should carry some ID with you if you think you look younger. Lads do have to pay to get into some of the clubs, whereas girls often get in for free. Taxis are always around, and the clubs should look after you by calling one if you require, but bear in mind that there are also water taxi services to take people back to Kyrenia. Club Nightpark in the heart of Kyrenia and next to the main car park area, is one of the best clubbing hotspots at weekends. Again they have DJ slots and play heaps of up-to-date club music. They even carry on in the winter-tim,e with DJs travelling from all over to put on some excellent party nights. Others are stalwarts for DJ sets and club music nights, such as Club Acapulco which is located within the Acapulco Resort itself, and even some of the hotels have some good nightspots like the Zeta Club at the Jasmine Court Hotel. Slightly further east, you also have the Mansion Club which has been opened by the Malpas Hotel, with a beachfront location and chilled out décor and decent DJs. In Famagusta, you have Lions Gardens , which is a huge complex offering more than just a club venue. It carries on throughout the year with international DJ sets, and it finds a wide variety of excuses to hold various parties! Some of the bigger hotels such as the Salamis Conti and Bilfer Palm Beach, also have their own disco facilities. To get in to any clubs in Northern Cyprus, you have to be aged 18 or over and should carry some ID with you if you think you look younger. Lads do have to pay to get into some of the clubs, whereas girls often get in for free. Taxis are always around, and the clubs should look after you by calling one if you require, but bear in mind that there are also water taxi services to take people back to Kyrenia. Top Things To Do > Cycling Trails With perfect weather conditions, varied and challenging terrain, and beautiful scenery, Northern Cyprus is a firm favourite for leisurely and competitive cycling, all year round. Enthusiasts love the island’s rugged character, which can go from rocky to clay, and steep to flat, within the space of 10km. Whether venturing out on your own or following one of the myriad of routes, the roads ahead unfold across scenic urban, rural, mountainous and coastal terrain, with plenty to discover along the way. You'll find all manner of sights including streams, forests, quaint villages, the natural, the cultural and the historical, and it's easy to end up somewhere delightfully unexpected. ​ Biking Holidays Biking holidays are becoming more and more popular and many travel agents offer these. A typical itinerary would be something like this: DAY 1 - Start in Famagusta DAY 2 - Famagusta by bike DAY 3 - Famagusta - Salamis - Bogaz DAY 4 - Cross Karpaz peninsula to Karpaz Gate Marina DAY 5 - North coast then inland to Dipkarpaz DAY 6 - Through Karpaz National Park - Cape Andreas DAY 7 - Cycle then drive to Kyrenia via Kantara DAY 8 - Trip ends Kyrenia This tour would cycle 177km over 5days (an average of 35km per day), but you could extend that by a further 70km if you wish. Bike is typically a 21 gear mountain bike with front suspension, water bottle holder and facility to fit your own pedals or saddle if you wish . Spare parts and maintenance would be taken care of. All you'd need to bring is your own head gear. ​ Biking Trails Extensive biking trails span from the west to to Karpaz. Along these trails, you'll find agricultural fields, pine forests and carob and olive orchards in the Akdeniz Protected Area. The trails in these areas are mostly flat and smooth dirt roads among the fields, and sandy and rocky trails along the coastline. The Kyrenia Mountain Range offers a wide variety of trails at different levels of difficulty. There are two fairly flat roads which provide alternatives for the more difficult dirt roads with many ups and downs. The trails are mostly through Pine forests, along the North and South facing slopes with views over the Mediterranean Sea and Mesaoria Plain . The mountain range extends into the Karpaz Peninsula and the trails become less steep here and reach the famous Apostolos Andreas Monastery near the tip of the Island. The network is comprised of 580 km of trails covering the Northern part of the island. Boards with maps and information about the area are installed at most of the trail heads, and all trails are marked with white and green signs to make them easier to follow. The trails are all connected to each other and intertwine, allowing you to choose the best path for you and completely personalise your biking experience. Top Trails Alevkaya Bellapais-Buffavento Restaurant Buffavento Castle Catalkoy to Besparmak Karmi to St Hilarion Karsiyaka to Lapta Kyrenia Muntains to Alevkaya Lapta Coastal Walkway Top Things To Do > Diving Northern Cyprus has one of the longest diving seasons in the Med, with crystal clear waters giving visibility up to 30m and the most exciting reef formations. The warm water around North Cyprus attracts marine life from the Red Sea, via the Suez Canal, and gets washed in by the gentle currents. You’ll find an unbelievable variety of fish such as Stingrays, Grouper, Scorpion, Amberjacks and Wrasse. Coral and sponges grow in abundance and among the rocks lurk eel and octopus. It’s also a major breeding ground of Green and Loggerhead Turtle, so this is one of the few places where divers can swim with turtles. There’s more than 20 unique diving sites east and west of Kyrenia as well as diving safaris to other places along the coast or to the south of the island. You can try scuba diving for the first time; take a basic PADI course; or go for one of the speciality courses available. Private groups and families are catered for and dry suits ensure dives won’t be spoiled if the water temperature falls below comfortable. ​ Equipment available to rent or buy: Regulators, BCD's, Masks, Fins, Snorkels, Dry/wet suits, Boots, Gloves. Services available by qualified technicians : Servicing, Repairs, Hydrostatic Tank Testing, Air Fills. PADI , The world's largest diver training organisation has authorised centres in Northern Cyprus offering: Try Dive and Bubble Makers - First underwater experience for children 8+. Discover Scuba Diving - 1st step diver education. Min age: 10 Open Water Diver Course - Entry-level. Trains to be qualified to dive anywhere to a maximum depth of 18 meters. Advanced Open Water Dive r - Extension of the Open water Course. Qualifies diving to a maximum of 30 meters. Emergency First Response (EFR) - CPR & First Aid. Recognised by UK HSE and can be used in the work place. EFR Instructor - Qualifies you to teach CPR and first aid. Rescue Diver Course - Teaches to organise and assist in a diving emergency and how to administer oxygen. Divemaster Course - Leadership training and professional membership of PADI. Assistant Instructor Course - Preparation for Open Water Scuba Instructor training. Instructor - Qualifies you to teach and certify PADI Scuba programmes, enrol on speciality courses or start a new business. IDC Staff Instructor - Prepares you to shape the next generation of PADI Professionals. ​Some of the Speciality Courses available in Northern Cyprus: Boat Diving Underwater Navigation Deep Diving Underwater Naturalist Fish ID Wreck Diving Equipment Specialist Night Diving Digital Underwater Photography Nitrox Emergency Oxygen Provider Underwater Naturalist Underwater Navigation Example of a dive site - Zenobia Around 2:30am on 7 June 1980, the Zenobia capsized and sank in Larnaca Bay, 1500 meters from the shore, at a depth of roughly 42m/138ft, taking her estimated £200 million worth of cargo with her. There were no casualties in the disaster. The wreck is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 recreational dive sites worldwide. As a dive site, Zenobia provides a wide range of challenges, from a fairly simple dive to 16m depth along the starboard side of the ship, to a more advanced dive inside the upper car deck and accommodation block, right up to extremely adventurous dives within the lower car deck or the engine room, which are only suitable for very experienced divers. Day trips to the Zenobia dive site can be organised from Northern Cyprus. Departing around 6.20am and arriving back about 3:30pm, the trip includes two dives and a BBQ lunch. ​ Other Dive Sites Ancient Wreck – the ship sank in this area more than two thousand years old. The wreck was discovered in 1965 and restored by underwater archeologists. The remains of the 15m long vessel lie at a depth of 24m. Diving here is for the history, rather than for marine life. Location: Kyrenia Type of dive: boat dive Sea bed: sand Requirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water Bambi – this is a shallow (14m) and easy dive, ideal for beginners. It's a more or less flat area and can be a good location for night dives. Divers can admire a beautiful 150m long reef, large boulders, colourful fish and other marine organisms. Even turtles can be seen in this area. Location: Kyrenia Type of dive: shore dive Sea bed: sand Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water ​ Fred – this site offers beautiful coral formations, but the real attractions here are the friendly fish such as groupers, breams and triggerfish, waiting for food that divers bring (boiled eggs, bread). The depth ranges from 13m to 29m. Location: Girne Type of dive: shore/boat dive Sea bed: rock Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water ​ Karpaz Wreck – the wreck lies at a maximum depth of 16m. Divers can also admire picturesque scenery with colourful sponges and abundant marine life. There is a wide cave at a depth of 28m in this area. Location: Karpaz Peninsula Type of dive: boat dive Sea bed: sand Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water Paradise – this is a deep and excellent dive. With a depth ranging from 24m to 43m it's a diving paradise. Reef, walls, holes, canyons and abundant marine life. Location: Sunset Beach (Kyrenia) Type of dive: boat dive Sea bed: rock Requirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water ​ Pinocchio – the scenery here is very picturesque, with boulders and rock formations, colourful sea slugs and abundant fish species. The average depth is 20m. Location: Sunset Beach (Kyrenia) Type of dive: boat dive Sea bed: rock Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water Diver ​ Zephyros – the main attractions are large reef systems, unique rock formations and old anchors. Maximum depth is 32m but there is also much to see at 20m. This dive site is good both for beginners and advanced divers. Location: Sunset Beach (Kyrenia) Type of dive: boat dive Sea bed: rock Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water Zephyros – the main attractions are large reef systems, unique rock formations and old anchors. Maximum depth is 32m but there is also much to see at 20m. This dive site is good both for beginners and advanced divers. Location: Sunset Beach (Kyrenia) Type of dive: boat dive Sea bed: rock Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water ​ Zeyko – Main attraction is a beautiful reef and some magnificent rock formations (walls, holes). Colourful sponges, corals and fish species make this dive a good choice. The depth ranges from 12m to 40m. Location: Kyrenia harbour Type of dive: boat dive Sea bed: rock Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water ​ Northern Cyprus Diving Centres Amphora Dive Centre North Cyprus British Scuba Centre Scuba Cyprus Dive Hub Blue Dolphin Top Things To Do > Eating Out Top Things To Do > Fishing Offshore fishing is available at either Sunrise or Sunset and you should allow up to 5 hours for the trip. All fishing tackle, safety equipment and refreshments are usually supplied, and catches include Albacore Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, Skipjack Tuna, Bonito, Mediterranean Spearfish and Dorado. Private trips can be arranged and fishing is year round with catch depending on season. ​ Friend Ship North Cyprus Ex 737 pilot Captain Bekir Kasapoglu operates this 29’ boat, powered by twin 115 HP Mercury engines. Accommodates up to 8 and features a toilet, kitchen, fridge, multi-media system, & tons of seating. GPS and Fish Finder help locate targets & the live well keeps bait fresh. Beginners, pros, or families are all welcome. The warm Mediterranean waters are home to plenty of delicious Tuna including Skipjack, Dogtooth, and Bluefin. You’ll also have your shot at Grouper, Barracuda, and Mahi Mahi. Capt. Bekir brings all the gear you need, as well are lures and fishing licenses. Snacks and drinks are provided so you can fully relax and enjoy your time. At the end of the trip, he’s happy to clean and fillet any catch you choose to keep. For a truly unique experience, choose a trip that includes a visit to Capt. Bekir’s restaurant, where you’ll prepare and enjoy your fresh catch in an authentic environment. Friend Ship North Cyprus really is a trip to remember! North Cyprus Fishing A 33’ Dawson flybridge operated by Australian Captain Dennis Davut , whose spent decades fishing there and in Cyprus. Accommodates 8; has twin 300 HP Cummins with a top speed of 30 knots; GPS; fish finder; A/C; cabin with kitchen; plenty of seating; private toilet; beds; quality Penn and Shimano fishing gear; fighting chair; tuna tubes to keep your bait fresh; and outriggers to extend your reach. On half day excursions, expect Jacks, Common Pandora, Barracuda and Yellowtail. Full day excursions expect Swordfish, Tuna, Dusky Grouper, Mahi Mahi, and Spearfish. Children 8+ welcome. Life jackets provided for everyone. Most Popular Features: Live Bait, You Keep Catch, Drinks, Toilet, Child Friendly, Air Conditioning, Ice Box, Rods, Reels & Tackle, Fighting Chair, Food (Lunch & Snacks). Targeted species: Amberjack, Barracuda (Great), Common Pandora, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi). Fishing techniques: Light Tackle, Heavy Tackle, Bottom Fishing, Trolling, Jigging, Popping, Deep Sea. Trip includes: Rods, Reels, Tackle, Penn & Shimano, Live Bait, Lures, Snacks, Drinks, First Mate, Lunch. Cyprus Offshore Fishing Captain Barbaros Özkaptan operates from Kyrenia Hrbour with a 44’ Wellcraft boat with a top speed of up to 30 knots, thanks to twin Volvo engines, she can take up to 8 anglers. Professional navigational and safety gear on board; tuna tubes; outriggers; downriggers; fighting chair; A/C; toilet; shower; kitchen; beds; wheelchair accessible; multimedia system and a TV. Note that smoking on board is not allowed. Head north for Tuna, Swordfish, Grouper, Marlin, and whatever else crosses your path, and get ready for some jigging, trolling, deep dropping, and more. Charter covers all fishing gear including spearfishing equipment, as well as licenses, food, drinks, and catch cleaning. Just bring your lucky rod if you have one and an adventurous spirit! Most Popular Features: Fishing License, Live Bait, Catch Cleaning & Filleting, Drinks, Toilet, A/C, Ice Box, Rods, Reels & Tackle, Fighting Chair, Food (Lunch & Snacks). Captain Barbaros Özkaptan is a passionate fisherman with over 15 years fishing experience, including international offshore fishing tournaments. He specialises in putting his customers on top of the hottest bite that local waters can offer, and loves sharing his knowledge with his guests. Targeted species: Amberjack, Great Barracuda, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Dusky Grouper. Types of fishing: Offshore Fishing Fishing techniques: Trolling, Spinning, Jigging, Popping, Drift Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing Trip includes: Rods, Reels & Tackle, Live Bait, Lures, Catch Cleaning & Filleting, Snacks, Drinks, First Mate, Fishing License, Lunch, Fly Fishing Equipment Fishing With Ladyboss Captain Ozgur Gokasan , with his decades of experience, will make sure you have an incredible time fishing with him. You’ll spend the day on a 34’ custom built Turkish wooden boat that accommodates 6, has a 185 HP Perkins engine, and with her fishfinder, you’ll have your lines wet before you know it. Capt. Ozgur knows where the fish are and will get you trolling for Mahi Mahi, Bonito, and Tuna. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to get involved with fishing. Kids over 12 will love this rare opportunity to fish offshore. Fishing With Ladyboss fully supports sustainable fishing, so once you’ve caught more than you could possibly eat, they’ll ask you to catch and release the rest of your haul. Let the crew know which restaurant you’ll be taking your fish to. Sandwiches, snacks, and soft drinks are provided. If you fancy a stronger drink, you’re welcome to BYO. You’ll use Penn rods and reels, with Rapala lures. No live bait is used. Most Popular Features: License, You Keep Catch, Catch Cleaning & Filleting, Drinks, Toilet, Child Friendly, Ice Box, Food (Snacks). Ozgur Gokasan has been fishing his whole life and running charters for 20 years. He’s fished all over the world, from Turkey to South Africa to Florida. He loves targeting Tuba as it’s exciting to catch. Targeted species: Bonito, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Albacore Tuna, Skipjack Tuna. Fishing techniques: Trolling Trip includes: Catch cleaning & filleting, Snacks, Drinks, First Mate, Fishing License. ​ Kn Fishing Stores Trips KN Fishing Stores are retailers of fishing tackle equipment in Larnaca and Nicosia. Captain Constantinos combines selling fishing tackle with knowledge of fishing to provide a team of passionate fishermen. The 18’ Aquamar boat is located at Larnaca Marina. accommodates 4 and is powered by twin 90 HP Suzuki engines with a maximum speed of 25 knots. Along with necessary navigational and safety equipment, the boat also features a live bait tank, ice box, tuna tubes, and downriggers. You’ll explore nearshore and offshore fishing spots, targeting a variety of fish species, such as Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and Tuna. You can keep the catch after the trip, so pick a restaurant where you want to take the catch and have it prepared. Taking a trip with a crew that runs a tackle shop has its perks. They’ll provide tip-top equipment, so you’ll know you’re using the best quality gear. You only need to purchase your fishing license and prepare some snacks and drinks for the day. Enjoy this unusual day at Cyprus and catch some tasty fish on the way! SEAze The Day – Larnaca Captains Panayiotis, Andreas, and Nicolas are brothers who share the same passion for life on the ocean. They’re locals with years of experience in fishing and diving, know every corner of this island, the best fishing spots it has to offer and launch from 5 different marinas. From Larnaca Bay you can expect deeper, sandy waters with multiple reefs and target giant Amberjack, Grouper, Dentex, Pargus, and more. There’s a limit of 3 kilos of fish that you can keep, so make sure the ones you take taste great. The captain will clean and fillet your catch for you. Once you get back to the marina, he’ll recommend a great local restaurant where you can have your fish prepared in a traditional way. “Arkalos,” is an 18’ inflatable DiveRib boat. She can accommodate up to 4 guests and can take you to the fishing spots very quickly and comfortably. This high-speed boat can reach a maximum speed of 40 knots and reach offshore spots within 30 minutes. Snorkelling equipment is also available free of charge. If you’re interested in using it, just make sure to mention it in advance, so everything can be prepared in time. Fishing adventures with SEAze The Day are available year-round. Top Things To Do > Fruit Picking Top Things To Do > Go Karting For anyone used to European go-karting tracks full of scruffy piles of tyres and less than glamorous facilities, North Cyprus go-karting tracks will come as a very pleasant surprise. Go-karting is for young and old, ages 7 to 70, and gives you the thrills of motor-racing without the need for Formula 1 major sponsorship deals. The single engine karts zip around at speeds of up to 90kmp, and being close to the ground, hug the corners far more effectively than a normal car. It’s as much about skill as speed, as any F1 fan will tell you, so youngsters can enjoy trying their go-karting driving skills in a safe and well-monitored environment. So, when the beaches have warmed you to perfection, and you feel the need for speed, here’s where to go karting: ​ Zet Karting There can be few go-karting tracks that are set in a botanical garden, but the Zet Karting track is one such facility. The Zet Karting circuit was built to meet international standards as laid down by the go-karting governing bodies, the CIK and FIA. Safety barriers are erected for maximum protection for drivers as well as spectators with fire extinguisher placed at strategic places for safety precautions and a fully equipped First Aid room in line with International Safety regulations. This family-run go-karting centre is suitable for both first-time drivers and experienced go-karters, thanks to its excellent design and range of facilities. It’s no surprise to discover that the family who built the centre really love their karting; their father raced saloon cars in Britain before the family moved to North Cyprus. It soon became apparent that the family’s love of karting was outgrowing the streets and bus garages where they raced, so they clubbed together to set up the island’s proper karting circuit. The Zet Karting circuit is 1200 metres long and 7 metres wide, and you can race in one of five different track modes; from 300 metres to 1200 metres. You can even race at night thanks to a very efficient floodlighting system. There are two kinds of karts available; the 120cc single engine karts for those aged 7 to 14, which can reach speeds of 40kmp, and the 270cc single engine karts for adults, which can reach speeds of 90kmp. The kids will love zipping around the 300-metre circuit, specially designed with them in mind. The central control tower keeps a computer record of very lap time and speed, so you can analyse your performance after each race, and plan how to race better next time. The centre also has a bar and cafeteria, and in a typically North Cyprus touch, a barbeque serving local dishes as well as international ones. The fully airconditioned Bar is open for special occasions, such as Theme Nights and Birthday parties.You can also take professional karting lessons here and even race Remote Controlled cars if you prefer not to be in the driving seat. ​ Cemsa Karting Located in North Nicosia. and 5 minutes away from the city centre, the 1650m outdoor circuit is designed to CIK/FIA standards and open 7 days a week. They also offer a wide range of services to companies and institutions, from small organizations to large tournaments. With the timing system, you can compare your scores at the end of the race with those of your friends and improve yourself. If you want, you can continue this sport with professional go-karts accompanied by trainers, participate in championships and develop your own career. Don't forget that even master Formula 1 drivers are trained in Karting. ​ ​ Maxmile Power Go Karting If you're thinking about where to go except pool and sea, call out your friends and meet at Max Mile Go Karting in Famagusta. Wear your flat cap and choose your go kart one by one then get ready to a cut throat competition! Max Mile Power Go Karting invite you to Famagusta to have a great, fun karting competition! In the last thirty years, karting has evolved from a simple weekend pastime, to a nationally organized competitive form of motor sport. Yet a great deal of the original appeal of karting remains today. Karts are still the most inexpensive way to enjoy the thrills and excitement of motor racing. Whether you're looking for family fun or downright serious competition, the versatility of karting provides it all. Karting is fun, competitive and challenging. The first look at a kart is usually deceptive. It's hard to take anything so small seriously, yet closer scrutiny reveals that whilst a kart is simple in construction, it is quite sophisticated in design and theory. Top Things To Do > Golf Korineum Golf and Beach Resort The first golf hotel in North Cyprus, set in beautiful countryside, surrounded by umbrella pines and olive trees, between the impressive Five Finger Mountains and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, Korineum is the perfect vacation resort for golf, spa and dining experiences in Northern Cyprus. If you’re looking for a golf break away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then it’s a perfect location. High standards of accommodation, beautifully decorated and furnished rooms, an attractive outdoor pool and sumptuous spa facilities. These impressive amenities are everything you would expect from a top-class resort complex. ​ Golfers will be delighted at the immaculately kept course and excellent practice facilities. Spreading over 6,232 meters this par 72 gem is designed for golfers of all ages and standards. Enjoy mountain and sea views from every hole, making for a breath-taking experience. The paspallum playing surface is maintained in excellent condition all year round, and with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards players face a true challenge. Five tees at each hole gives players of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy their round. Buggies are available, allowing play to be more relaxing but also giving players a chance to absorb the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area. The beautifully manicured lawns and impeccably kept golf course are not the only marvels of the Resort. With a private beach and a deluxe Boutique Hotel, the experience offered is one of Celebrated Relaxation. The dramatic beauty of the Resort is sure to take your breath away with its stately grandeur. The landscape is carved from a natural forest of Umbrella Pines, Carob and Olive trees and will ease you into the steady beat of island life. If you’re picturing blue skies, acres of green, a delightful drink and a good book, then you’re envisaging Korineum. Top Things To Do > Hiking Self-Guided Hiking Tour This is a must-do day trip if you're in the Kyrenia area and have some extra time! The hike is not long (4.5 miles), but it’s all above 2,000 feet so, while it’s challenging, it’s also one of the best day trips which can be tailor made to suit your requirements. ​ What's Included Bottled water Air-conditioned vehicle Hiking shoes or hiking boots Walking poles Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Kyrenia the evening before your hike, to finalise details and ensure all your questions are answered. Pick up can also be arranged from Nicosia, Larnaca, Bafra and Limassol hotels, The hike begins above the village, passing through a young pine underwood. Gorgeous views over the shore and the Mesaoria plain will please your eye until the walk ends in the small village of Kantara, where you can enjoy a break and some cold refreshments at the Kantara Restaurant. The walk then continues as an undulating track to the Crusader Castle of Kantara. The enormous castle rises 650m above sea level at the beginning of the Karpaz peninsula. On a clear day, you can spot Cape Zafer, Türkiye, in the distance. ​ 7-day Hiking Trip Kyrenia to Kyrenia Adventure is calling you for a seven-day hiking trip that’ll have you experiencing this incredible region like many never do. Discover beaches, forests and villages on foot around the Kyrenia Mountains, a breath-taking range along the northern coast that’s still mostly a cherished local secret. Travel Style: Active - made for outdoor types. Service Level: Standard - Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport. Physical Rating: 3 - Average. Trip Type: Small Group - Maximum 16, Average 12. Age requirement: 12+. Under18s must be accompanied by an adult. Itinerary Day 1 In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and choose whether to head out for dinner with the group. Day 2 Discover Kyrenia on today's walks through the Old Town, Kyrenia Castle and the nearby town of Lapta. Visit Kyrenia's ancient harbourfront and stroll the seaside. Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Travel east to the village of Esentepe, where few tourists visit and the local way of life moves at its own pace. With scenic trails through forested areas, enjoy a guided walk that ends at Antiphonitis Church, built as a monastery in the 12th century. Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Visit Incircli Cave, the largest in Cyprus, rich with folklore and intricate rock formations. Continue to Kantara Castle, the first of two Crusader castle ruins to explore. Take a scenic walk down to the beach and enjoy free time for a swim. Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Climb up to the ruins of St Hilarion Castle, a majestic maze of stone walls with a very famous lookout point. It's said that Walt Disney took inspiration for one of his fairy-tale castles here. Continue to Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. Wander the Old Town and see the striking Selimiye Mosque and Arab Ahmet quarter. Visit a bakery and observe how traditional foods, such as lahmacun (dough topped with minced meat) and olive breads are made. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch Day 6 Visit the ruins of Soli, one of the ten ancient kingdoms of Cyprus. Walk the steps of its Roman amphitheatre and admire its beautiful floor mosaics, dating back to the 6th century. Continue to the village of Lefke by hiking through a fertile valley filled with citrus trees. Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Depart at any time. Meals included: Breakfast Top Things To Do > Horse Riding There are many beautiful ways to see Northern Cyprus, but what better way than to do it on horseback ? Seasoned rider or novice, you can take a trek with various organisations in a relaxed and safe environment. Horse riding and pony trekking in Northern Cyprus has been a popular pastime for hundreds of years, with families keeping horses as part of the family for travelling and pulling agricultural machinery. Today, horses are kept for trekking, showing and competition. Several riding clubs have flourished, and you can now find regular competitions across Northern Cyprus. Facilities are modern, up to date, and animals are well loved and cared for. Most riding clubs offer riding lessons within the club grounds, catering for beginners to advanced level, in spacious paddocks with jumping arenas. They’ll provide all the necessary head gear and advise you on how to go about getting into the saddle comfortably and safely. One of the nicest ways to travel on horseback in North Cyprus is by going on a hack, which can take you on really beautiful routes in the mountains. Here, you’ll take in views across the island, as well as ride past historical churches and other monuments. ​ Hacks can be group or private, and guides will know the best and safest ways to navigate routes, as well as the less well-trodden tracks and paths. Depending on where you'd like to ride, there’s several clubs. More central and heading towards Lefkosa, is Besok Riding Club . They also have an animal farm for kids to enjoy. A little further along in Balıkesır is Yusuf Efendi Ciftliği , a long-established riding centre whose family has kept horses for 3 generations. In Famagusta area, you’ll find the Royal Riding Club , not far from the sea. This is a very active riding club comprising all ages, which regularly holds its own competitions as well as competing in wider events. Last, is the wonderful Ranch , located west of Kyrenia, in Karsiyaka. Promoted also as a Petting Farm, the place buzzes with activity, from ducklings to donkeys. A very popular place for local residents and holidaymakers. Top Things To Do > Jeep Safari A fun and exciting jeep adventure, exploring the Kyrenia Mountain range of North Cyprus. Discover an abandoned tank, deserted monasteries and some of the most spectacular views North Cyprus has to offer and make sure you bring your camera! ​ We can’t promise you lions, tigers and bears, but we can promise you a great day out. A fun and safe off-road 4x4 adventure takes you on a scenic tour of the Kyrenia mountain range. Experienced and knowledgeable drivers will take you on an adventurous, yet safe, trip into the hidden heart of Northern Cyprus. Jeep Safari is a friendly, informative, cultural and fun experience, suitable for all the family, with amazing views and hidden places. A truly adventurous and exciting experience not to be missed! ​​ INCLUDES Pick up and drop off at hotel Off road 4X4 Jeep Safari adventure Refreshing breezes and a cooler temperature in the mountains Visits to a deserted village, a memorial tank, forgotten churches and abandoned monasteries Breathtaking views Spectacular scenery Nature & wildlife Cypriot lunch at a rural beach restaurant AVAILABLE Tuesday to Sunday DURATION 0930 to 1530 Check when booking if swimming costumes are needed, as during the hotter months it includes a beach stop. During peak season, June - September, book early to avoid disappointment. Top Things To Do > Luxury Hotels Top Things To Do > Markets Northern Cyprus's farmer markets are unique in their long history, and they also have a rather strange work schedule. Many years ago, local farmers had a tradition of taking their products to the surrounding cities for sale, and this tradition still exists today. The market begins on Wednesday in Girne, then moves to Famagusta on Thursday, Iskele on Friday, and Lefkosha on Saturday and Sunday. The market opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 16:00-18:00 p.m. There, you'll find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers, as well as spices, nuts, and candies. Pay close attention to the sellers of fresh local fish and seafood. You'll also find authentic Turkish coffee in a variety of grinds and varieties. Also, you can find clothing, bedding, and even carpets at a very attractive price. A great tip, beginning from 16:00, vegetable and fruit sellers offer huge discounts on their fruits and vegetables. However, starting from 16:00, all other goods are likely to be packed or transported to another city. ​ Lambousa Market The Chateau Lambousa Saturday Market is a must to visit whether you're visiting North Cyprus for a short time or you spend your life here. It offers a cheerful atmosphere where locals trade with one another. You are sure to find someting you might like among the range of goods available at this market. Antiques, clothes, books, plants, jewelry and many more. The market is open from dawn till noon every Saturday. Early birds get the worm! go there early before all the good ones are taken. The market is situated behind the Chateau Lambousa hotel in Lapta, Kyrenia. Top Things To Do > Painting Classes Explore the world of Art ​ Island Studio provides an environment for children and adults to explore the world of art. It’s led the way inbuilding quality art lessons for art lovers or first timers. Classes are to learn, socialise, have fun, relax or be as creative as you can be. Previous classes include acrylic painting, life modelling, still life painting and drawing, marbling paper, watercolour techniques, and drawing with soft pastels and charcoal. Newer classes are oil painting and glass painting, with many more to come. If you’d like to join a class, all you need to do is to show up. Island Studio provides all necessary materials to accommodate you in the art class. It also provides painting parties with a minimum of 4 persons to a maximum of 8 people. Painting parties are usually held on Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30. Art classes are held on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00. Private lessons are avaiable upon request. Island Studio is located in Ozankoy, Kyrenia. Also check out Art Gallery Cyprus . Top Things To Do > Quad Bikes Cyprus is a very popular destination and thousands visit every year to relax on the beach and get some sunshine. Quad bike safaris are a great way to spice up your holiday by getting some excitement in a controlled and safe environment. This activity is suitable for all ages and is a great way to explore beyond the beach as they take you into the interior of this beautiful island. 2-Hour Village Tour About the trek: First is a demonstration of how to operate and safely ride your quad bike, then you’ll be given all relevant safety equipment. You’ll start on flat tarmac, progress to dirt tracks, then be led off through the traditional villages of Voroklini, Kellia, Troulli and Pyla which is located on the buffer zone. On tour, you‘ll experience the untamed countryside in a way you’ve never seen before, covering over 50km of terrain through mountain trails, farm treks and country roads, with stunning views and scenery. Trained staff will guide you on a 2+ hour awe-inspiring trip with 2 stops for resting. Continue through the hidden beauty and magnificent picturesque Cyprus which can only be achieved by a self-driven quad bike. Tours can also be tailored to ensure groups of all ages an experience of their own adventure! ​ Half-Day Village Tour About the trek: ​Turn your stay in ​Cyprus into an adventure that you’ll not soon forget. See some of the most incredible scenery seen by very few. The ​Half-Day Village Tour take​s​ you through ​beautiful villages​, areas with mountain and sea views. During uour ride you’ll have 3 stops for resting and lunch in a traditional Cypriot tavern. Join the hundreds of satisfied first timers and repeater customers who chose Quad Bike tours with confidence. Fun and excitement is guaranteed for singles, couples and families. This half-day tour includes safety briefing​​. Top Things To Do > Rock Climbing Garga Suyu Rock climbing is a sport in which participants climb up or across natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. Named after the nearby spring ‘Garga Suyu ’, the massive rock outcrop on the Kyrenia to Buffavento main road, is the birthplace of rock climbing in North Cyprus. The climbing area has 15 climbing routes which lead up the rugged cliff, parallel to an impressive cave on the rock face. With a 5-minute easy approach from the main road, this climbing area attracts a small but growing group of rock-climbing enthusiasts. Getting ready for a climb, Görkem ties a ‘figure 8 knot’ to secure his harness to the climbing rope while Sertunç is watching. Bolt is a point of protection permanently installed in a hole drilled into the rock, to which a metal hanger is attached, having a hole for a carabiner or ring. Görkem is the lead climbing, while Sertunç is belaying on the ground. Görkem is collecting the express sets (carabiner pairs) on his way down the route, after clipping the rope through the top anchor point. Physically connected to each other by the rope, the climber and the belayer connect in mind as well. Communication and trust between them is necessary for a safe and comfortable climb. Outdoor Artificial Climbing Wall Members of the Nature Sports Club in the Middle Eastern Technical University can test their skills on a difficult route on the outdoor artificial climbing wall. The 11-meter-high climbing wall offers numerous difficulty levels. Wall climbing is used as training for climbing on natural rock formations with most beginners introduced to climbing via an artificial climbing wall. Learning particular techniques and special moves are necessary to be able to ascend up routes with higher difficulty levels. Artificial Rock Walls Rock climbing can also be practiced on artificial rock walls, as well as on natural rock formations. The aim of rock-climbing is to safely reach an endpoint through a pre-defined route using ropes. In top-roping, an anchor is set up at the summit of a route, before the start of a climb. Rope is run through the anchor; one end attaches to the climber and the other to the belayer, who keeps the rope taut during the climb, and prevents long falls. This type of climbing is widely regarded as the safest type of climbing, with the lowest chance of injury. Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport requiring strength, endurance, agility and balance and mental control. It can be a dangerous sport, and knowledge of proper climbing techniques and usage of specialised climbing equipment is crucial for safe completion of routes. Kyrenia Mountains Rock Climbing In 2007, the leading rock-climbing enthusiasts of North Cyprus Nazife ‘Nazo’ Canıtez and İnan Taşlı invited the professional rock climbers of Türkiye, Tunç Fındık and Doğan Palut to open the first routes on the Kyrenia Mountains together. This pioneer group designated the Kartal Kayası rock outcrop to be the most suitable and accessible place, and installed climbing bolts to create the first climbing area in Northern Cyprus. Rock type is very important in designating climbing areas, as outcrops must be free of easily crumbled rocks, which may break during a climb. The Kyrenia Mountains are particularly suitable for rock climbing as there are plenty of outcrops of very strong dolomitic limestones, mostly recrystallized and brecciated. ​ Lead climbing In lead climbing, one person, called the “leader”, will climb from the ground up, with rope directly attached to their harness (not through a top anchor). The second person, “belays” the leader by feeding out enough rope to allow upward progression without undue slack. As the leader progresses, they clip the rope through intermediate points of protection (bolts,) with quick express carabiners, to limit the length of a potential fall. Top Things To Do > Water Sports A must of your holiday in North Cyprus is water sports. The lure of the clear blue waters of the warm Mediterranean Sea is almost irresistible, so there’s plenty of water sports on offer to make the most of this fantastic aquatic playground. Most seaside hotels offer water sports or you can take part in them via specialist firms at Kyrenia or other ports. ​ Windsurfing The north coast is ideal for windsurfing, with enough wind to enjoy yourself without being blown to Turkey. Beginners can learn in calm coves where errors only mean a dip in the sea. The main windsurfing hire companies and training schools are based west of Kyrenia and at resort hotels near Salamis. For stronger winds, expert windsurfers should head off the capes and ride the waves in style. ​ Jet skiing You might need a driving licence to hire a jet ski, but once you do these mean machines are great fun to zip around the coastline, but make sure you avoid any nesting turtle beaches or military zones. Kyrenia has jet skis available for hire for use off its 1km long sandy beach, and the public beach at Glapsides north of Famagusta also have jet skis to hire. ​ Power boating North Cyprus powerboat trips come complete with an experienced driver. Just sit back and enjoy the ride as the magnificent coastline of Northern Cyprus flies past in a flurry of spray. Canoeing Canoes can be hired from most major hotels, and for a peaceful paddle around the coast they can’t be beaten. Ideal for spotting fish or swimming turtles, without even getting wet! ​ Sailing/Yachting Courses can be found in the local harbour towns. Sailing is a very calm and tranquil way of skirting the coastline, with the summer weather meaning the seas are extremely calm. It’s become a very popular pastime since the first Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally in 1990 which visited North Cyprus as part of its route, and is now a major feature of the yachting calendar featuring around 100 vessels. Water Parks Another favourite for kids and adults alike. The Oscar and Acapulco Resorts to the east of Kyrenia, both have great water slide parks to spend hours mucking around in, with slides, huge pools, flumes and even organised daily pool activities for children in the summer. Both are open to non-residents of the hotel for a fee. On the west coast of Kyrenia there’s the slide park and wave pool at the Club Lapethos in Lapta, or in Famagusta there is the Club Exotic which has a slide park. Paragliding As you soar like a bird with a para glider, the umbrellas lined up on the bright white beach and the colour of the turquoise blue sea make you feel like you’re looking at a giant tourist brochure. ​ Swimming There’s plenty of places to have a dip in the Med, and you can either drive along the coast to find secluded and sheltered spots, or spend the day at one of the many beach clubs around the central areas. There’s indoor and outdoor pools at the major hotels that are also open to non-residents, normally free if you have a bite to eat while you’re there. Other Water Sports Yes, there’s more! You can also hire a water bicycle, go tubing, knee boarding, wake boarding and almost any other kind of boarding you can imagine! Just ask your hotel reception for details, or see what everyone else is doing on the beach. Water skiing and Mono-skiing Beginners are well catered for since the sea is usually calm and warm for those inevitable spills. Beach tuition is available, experienced skiers are also welcome and you can also mono-ski. ​ Banana Boats The only skill needed for these fun rides is the ability to hang on tight and scream a lot. Fun for all the family, these rides are very popular on the beaches. Just pop on a life jacket and join in the fun. What holiday video would be complete without footage of a banana ride? Top Things To Do > Zipline Top

TRNC - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

History Established in 2007, Turquoise Bay consists of 2-storey apartments with 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms. Lower apartments have gardens, while upper floors are penthouse style with roof terraces. 4 x 20 metre long swimming pools with shallow sections for children and a maximum depth of 1.8 metres, allow you to relax or exercise as you choose. Water supply is mains or personal 5 tonne water tank topped up as required. ​ The community is legally registered with a constitution and management agreement applicable to all owners. It has a Management Board, elected annually by owners. Inspectors, also elected annually, work with and monitor the activities of the Management Board to ensure transparency, accountability and democracy are followed at all times. Promoting and protecting the interests of owners is the mission of Turquoise Bay Community. Legal registration allows the judicial system to be utilised, if necessary, to ensure payments by all owners. ​ Site Plan Location Getting Here By Air ✈ to Northern Cyprus: All flights arrive via Istanbul. See Pegasus Airlines or Turkish Airlines Br Air ✈ to Southern Cyprus: Larnaca is about 45 minutes away, Paphos about 3 hours. ​ Driving 🚗from Ercan airport to Turquoise Bay Community with Google Maps: 39 min (41.4 km) via Beş Parmaklar Cd Ercan International Airport (ECN), Kırklar 99100 Continue to Meriç - 2 min (600 m) Continue on Ercan Havaalanı Yolu to Minareliköy - 8 min (9.7 km) Follow Sevgi Caddesi and Beş Parmaklar Cd to Çatalköy - 19 min (19.0 km) Sharp right - 11 min (11.9 km) Drive to your destination - 1 min (290 m) Turquoise Bay Community

Guides > Locations Alsancak Çatalköy Iskele Lefke Zeytinlik Bahçeli Esentepe Karşıyaka Nicosia Bellapais Famagusta Kyrenia Ozanköy Boğaz (Karpaz) Güze lyurt Lapta Tatlisu Guides > Locations > Alsancak Alsancak is a large village situated on the hillside, yet still reasonably close to the coast. Many ex-pats love this traditional village due to the green surroundings and well-developed infrastructure. It's 15 minutes from Kyrenia but has great facilities including English school and supermarkets, as well as hotels and restaurants. There are several beautiful beaches to visit. The most popular beach is the Escape Beach Club, which offers lots of entertainment, water sports, music, restaurant and bar. There are other beaches near to the Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and the twin hotels, Merit Premium & Casino Hotel and the Merit Royal. The Alsancak Folk Dance festival takes place in July. ​ Distances from Alsancak : Kyrenia - 16 mins Ercan - 55 mins Larnaca - 90 mins Top Guides > Locations > Bahçeli Heading further along the Esentepe Coast road you'll find the Bahçeli Coast area. This area gets its name from Bahçeli village which doesn't have a lot of property options svailable but the coastline below the village boasts popular new developments right on the coast. Restaurants in this area include the very popular Coconut Bar as well as great local options including the Sea Breeze overlooking the coast. Average distances from Bahçeli : Kyrenia - 30 mins Ercan Airport - 40 mins Larnaca Airport - 85 mins Top Guides > Locations > Bellapais Tourists come from all over the world to experience the historic Bellapais , made more famous by Lawrence Durrell in his book “Bitter Lemons of Cyprus .” This charming and atmospheric hillside village is just 10 minutes from Kyrenia but a world away in time. Bellapais Abbey is the centre of attraction and was built by monks who fled the Saracen conquest of Jerusalem over 900 years ago. The spring that watered their vegetable garden still flows down the valley. Throughout spring and summer, the Abbey is the venue for the Bellapais Music Festival , filling the warm air with music. Outside, you can still sip coffee and while away the hours at the café under Durrell’s ‘Tree of Idleness" a giant mulberry that has been there almost as long as the Abbey. The most famous restaurants are the Bellapais Gardens Hotel Restaurant, perched on the steep hillside giving one of the best views in Northern Cyprus, and the charming Kybele Restaurant , a popular venue for wedding receptions, which is set almost in the grounds of the Abbey itself with stunning views down the hill to the Mediterranean. Bellapais offers some of the most interesting traditional craft and jewellery shops and lovely local cafes . Further down the hill is the English School of Kyrenia, making this village a very attractive place for families wishing to buy property. ​ Distances from Bellapais: Kyrenia - 10 mins. Ercan Airport - 40 mins. Larnaca Airport – 1 hour 40 mins. Karakum public beach - 3 mins. Cratos Hotel beach - 3 mins. English School of Kyrenia – 3 mins. Top Guides > Locations > Boğaz (Karpaz) The East coast is dominated by the ancient walled and modern cities of Famagusta and many of the original villages near to the city have been absorbed into the metropolis. 35 minutes north of Famagusta, if you're seeking the village atmosphere, you should visit the village of charming harbour village of Boğaz , which in Turkish literally means “throat", or "pass”. This east coast Boğaz village should not be confused with the “Girne Boğaz” village which is between Lefkosa (Nicosia) and Girne (Kyrenia). As a visitor or local resident in one of the many new developments near to this Bogaz harbour village, you can enjoy a lovely lunch or evening meal, looking out over the Mediterranean and watching the fishing boats coming into the small marina. There's a large supermarket nearby although most of the shops and other restaurants are found in the area of Iskele. ​ Distances from Boğaz : Famagusta - 35 mins. Ercan Airport - 50 mins. Larnaca Airport - 70 mins. Top Guides > Locations > Çatalköy “Çatalköy” literally means “forked village ” and is so named as the roads split in two directions in the village. The heart of the village is very traditional with local coffee shops, mosque and mini markets. Lower Çatalköy stretches right down to the sea, with great local supermarkets on the main road. Wxtremely sought-after area for both locals and ex-pats seeking a residence and offers an ideal location being near all facilities yet still having a village centre. Homes here include restored old houses, luxury villas with pools andmodern apartments. Çatalköy has two of the country’s biggest 5-star hotels, the Cratos and the Malpas . Çatalköy also offers two beautiful beach clubs – the Shayna Beach club (a small sandy bay, which is very popular with the locals) and the Cornaro beach club which is part of the Malpas Hotel. There's a huge number of restaurants in Çatalköy, offering wonderful seafront locations, fabulous fresh local cuisine and occasional live music in the summer. ​ Distances from Çatalköy : Kyrenia – 10 mins. Beach clubs – 3 mins. Ercan Airport - 40 mins. Larnaca Airport - 90 mins. Top Guides > Locations > Esentepe “Esentepe” means “windy hill ”. Perched on the top of a hill, this charming old village, 25 minutes east of Kyrenia, has some of the best views on the North East Coast of Cyprus that stretch all the way along the coast to Kyrenia and beyond. The village is up a sweeping road up the hill from the coast road. The village square has at its heart an old Church which has been converted to the local mosque, and an increasing number of shops aserving locals and ex-pats alike. There's lots of local and traditional eateries, several shops and supermarkets, the local council offices and a small medical centre with ambulance station. This is a great place to visit and enjoy the fabulous views whilst enjoying a drink, coffee or a meal with a great view! ​ The name Esentepe was originally used only for the hilltop village but now refers to a coastal area stretching for about 5 miles from Korineum Golf Course to the east all the way to Esentepe Beach to the west with much in between. Although these Esentepe coastal facilities aren't on a windy hill, they all took the name when they were built. Korineum Golf Club includes Korineum Beach Club, Restaurants and Spa which are all open to non-residents. Just past this on the coast are some of the best known new “villages” that offer their own facilities and are the locations of choice for many ex-pats who can enjoy the beach while still being able to drive up the hill to the original Esentepe village for banking and medical facilities. The best-known beaches in the Esentepe area are Esentepe public sandy beach and the private Korineum Beach Club, open to the public for a daily fee. New villages such as Turtle Bay village and Carrington offer their residents private beaches. Popular local restaurants include Remzi’s, Tumba, Stone Castle, Korineum Golf club, Taro Brasserie and the famous Cengiz's. There's a petrol station close to the village turn off. ​ Average distances from Esentepe : Kyrenia - 25 mins. Ercan Airport - 45 mins. Larnaca Airport - 90 mins. Top Guides > Locations > Famagusta Famagusta , known locally as Gazimağusa or simply Mağusa, was the most important port city in Cyprus. The naturally deep harbour attracted ships, merchants and traders from all over the Mediterranean and made the city flourish with wealth. This wealth inspired merchants to build lots of churches and led to the city bing known as “the district of churches”. At one time Famagusta was said to have a church for every day of the year, each one paid for by someone hoping to buy their place in heaven. Every turn in this city reveals churches with a story to tell. Today, the area boasts some of the most impressive medieval ruins anywhere in the world. The contrasting Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, fascinating for its gothic cathedral exterior as it was once a church, has since been converted into a mosque. A 3km walk along the Venetian walls which encircle the city, offers a wonderful insight to its history. One of the ancient City Kingdoms of Cyprus, Salamis is home to fantastic Roman ruins, containing statues, standing columns, theatre and baths. Fortresses that inspired William Shakespeare, defence models drawn by Michelangelo, Venetian Palaces inhabited by royals, hidden treasures yet to be discovered, excavated tombs with miraculous revelations, and much more. Famagusta is famous for its opulent history and a hot spot for travellers. Top Guides > Locations > Güzelyurt Travel from the capital Nicosia or alternatively head west from Kyrenia and follow the coastal route, and you 'll travel through unspoilt countryside before reaching Güzelyurt in the centre of the citrus growing area. Its name means “Beautiful Place” and its’ surrounding villages are definitely stunning. Close to the Troodos Mountains, this town is the most fertile agricultural area in Northern Cyprus growing many of its’ fruit and vegables and leads to it being called locally the “Fruit Basket ”. Also known by the Greek name of Morphou , Güzelyurt has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and was a major centre for copper mining during its history. Under British rule, it was also connected by rail to Nicosia and Famagusta. Although Güzelyurt is not as culturally or architecturally rich as other towns in Northern Cyprus, it does have deep historical roots. Visit the Archaeology and Nature Museum and the Church of St Mamas , the patron saint of tax avoiders, to see why. Built in the late 18th century, St Mamas contains Gothic and Byzantine styles as well as an exquisite glass chandelier. Its' museum holds Cypriot artefacts including ornate gold jewellery. You might want to plan your trip around the market day on a Saturday, where local produce is sold. Top Guides > Locations > Iskele One of the largest towns in the North, İskele is fast building a name for itself as an up-and-coming area, with wonderful golden beaches and fish restaurants. Formerly called Trikomo , legend has it as the very town the Goddess Aphrodite brought the first fruit to in Cyprus. There are two churches of historical importance in the village, Panayia Theotokos which is also a museum, built in the 12th century, and the tiny cruciform church of Ayios Iakovos (St James) erected in the 15th century. Iskele is an important tourist centre. The people are hospitable, very interested in culture and art related activities. In the municipal park of Iskele, locals and tourists stay up until the break of dawn singing live music, and enjoying sweet times past. It’s famous for its annual festival, held during the first two weeks in July, and the Mehmetcik (Galateia) grape festival, normally held during the first week in August. Both these festivals are major regional cultural events, attracting visitors across the island. Travel further North and the sandier shores and clear blue waters of Bafra are second to none. Previously an old village, Bafra has metamorphosised into a major tourism hotspot with the development of high-class hotels and casinos. On the main road from Famagusta to the Karpaz Peninsula, it’s worth a stop, if only to take in the fresh sea breeze. Top Guides > Locations > Karşıyaka The Besparmak (5 fingers) mountain range towers over Karşiyaka with the mountains here being much closer to the sea. The traditional village of Karşiyaka is on the hillside with lovely views and traditional cafes and local mini markets. There are panoramic views from both the village and the surrounding areas. Most of the newer properties are built outside of the village both on the hillside, just a short drive down to the beach, or on the coast. Karişyaka properties tend to be more easily available and priced more realistically than properties in Alsancak or Lapta. The Karşiyaka area is surrounded by nature, picnic areas and pretty little beaches. There are plenty of local traditional restaurants and European-style bars. The wide Karşiyaka bay invites you for swimming, sunbathing and walking along the seashore. ​ Distances from Karşiyaka : Kyrenia - 30 mins. Ercan Airport - 60 mins. Larnaca Airport - 1 hour 45 mins. Top Guides > Locations > Kyrenia Kyrenia , or Girne as it's known locally, has had it all for 6,000 years. Early settlers were surely attracted by the location in which this beautiful port still sits. The warm clear waters of the Mediterranean lap gently along miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, backed by the slopes of the surrounding Five Finger Mountains. Set in the midst of this stunning location is the city of Kyrenia , bursting with trendy villages and historical sites. Throughout its history, Kyrenia has attracted great civilisations to enjoy and add their stamp to its culture. Greek, Roman, French, Ottoman and British architecture and customs remain, packed in the town’s cobbled streets, small harbour and magnificent castle. This sits spectacularly opposite the harbour wall. Once guarding the bustling port, it now provides a backdrop to stunning quayside cafes, bars and restaurants. The citadel is packed with artefacts from its past to be appreciated by everyone. Kyrenia gives you an experience you'll treasure. It's an amazing city filled with luxury accommodation and a host of leisure spots and events. Top Guides > Locations > Lapta Lapta village (on the hill) is favoured by those who really want a traditional village experience, with a maze of windy hillside lanes and roads and lovely local facilities and restaurants. Here ex-pats can purchase both converted village houses and newer properties which have been built closer to the sea. The area around Lapta is full of citrus trees – the lemon is the symbol of Lapta. The spring Orchid Festival takes places here. Lapta coast boasts a brand new seaside walkway, a fully-paved area for leisure and exercise right on the Mediterranean coast. The “Lapta strip” right on the coast is one of the most developed holiday areas on the North Coast of Cyprus with a multitude of bars and restaurants making this a popular area with holidaymakers. There are numerous venues for shopping and relaxation. The Sunset Beach Club is very popular with its traditional summer BBQ nights. Distances from Lapta : Kyrenia - 20 mins. Ercan Airport - 60 mins. Larnaca Airport - 100 mins. Top Guides > Locations > Lefke A small town bordered by picturesque coastline, the Troodos Mountains, lakes and reservoirs. Water from mountain springs flows down to fertile plains with rich soil and gentle climate. No surprise the area's known as ‘The Fruit Basket of Cyprus ’. Fruit, nuts and citrus groves flourish. In summer, check out the Orange Festival in nearby Güzelyurt, the Walnut Festival in July and the date festival in the autumn. In Roman times, Lefke was a thriving copper and gold mining town. Evidence of this remains, along with 3 mosques from the Ottoman period and houses that reflect the town’s colonial history. Nearby are the ancient city of Soli and the Palace of Vouni. Soli is famous for its Roman remains, particularly the Basilica, with its mosaic floor, and an amphitheatre which has been restored and now presents plays and concerts. The Palace at Vouni enjoys a spectacular cliff-top location and the ruins will remind you of bygone splendour. Beyond Lefke is the lovely border town of Yesilirmak with its Strawberry festival at the end of April and early May. Nearer to Guzelyurt is the village of Gaziveren . Top Guides > Locations > Nicosia Nicosia, or Lefkoşa as it's known locally, is the largest city and capital of Northern Cyprus. It brims character, and is an intriguing look into the past. The city’s best known feature is probably the 14ft tall Venetian Wall that was built to encircle the city, complete with 11 bastions and 3 city gates. Built in the 16th century, and still in excellent condition, the walls surround the Old Town. Not much has changed there for many years and a stroll through it will see you appreciate the calm and relaxed atmosphere as you admire architectural treasures. The Buyuk Han, the ‘Great Inn ’ was built by the Ottomans in 1572 and is today a beautiful courtyard with shops and cafés. From the Selimiye Mosque with its gothic cathedral exterior to a 400-year-old Great Hammam Turkish bath house, there's so many historical sights to appreciate. With much to discover and experience here, you'll sure to love this city’s timeless charm. Top Guides > Locations > Ozanköy Ozanköy village is a popular choice for both a holiday home and for property owners living in Northern Cyprus full time. ​ Only 5 minutes’ drive from Kyrenia, it combines great views with the quaint atmosphere of a traditional village and excellent restaurants. ​ The world-famous Bellapais Abbey can be seen from almost every spot in Ozanköy, where you can really feel the atmosphere of the past as you explore its narrow streets and traditional stone-built buildings. ​ Distances from Ozanköy : Kyrenia - 5 mins. Ercan Airport - 35 min. Larnaca Airport - 90 mins. Karakum public beach - 5 mins. Cratos Hotel beach - 5 mins. English School of Kyrenia – 5 mins. Top Guides > Locations > Tatlisu The area of Tatlisu stands at the gateway to the beautiful Karpaz peninsula with Kantara Castle towering over it in the distance. Again, like Bahceli village, the heart of the old hillside village of Tatlisu is a local Cypriot area only, but is worth visiting for the huge old Church (now a mosque) and the great views. Below the village of Tatlisu is the Tatlisu Coast area, extremely popular with ex-pats and local residents being nearer the sea, that has its own village facilities. Residential and holiday villages including Sweetwater Bay, Seaterra Marina and Caesar Bay. This area may be further from Kyrenia but has its own main road to Ercan and Larnaca Airports, which reduces airport driving time. Popular restaurants overlook the Mediterranean and there are supermarket and local café facilities as well as a petrol station. Beaches used by residents of Tatlisu tend to be either the onsite swimming facilities or for fabulous sandy beaches , a 10-minute drive east to the Tatlisu Belediye Beach, or a little further to Kaplica with its gorgeous long sandy beach and restaurant. ​ Average distances from Tatlisu : Kyrenia - 35 mins. Ercan Airport - 35 mins. Larnaca Airport - 80 mins. Top Guides > Locations > Zeytinlik Zeytinlik is a small, cosy village that's practically part of the town of Kyrenia, although technically just outside. ‘Zeytinlik ’ means “full of olives” and the area hosts a colourful Olive Festival each year to promote its most famous asset. Most of the properties in this village offer beautiful panoramic views, overlooking Kyrenia. ​ The village is very centrally located and offers short distances to schools, restaurants and beaches. From Zeytinlik the closest beach is approximately 5 minutes’ drive to the Karaoglanoglu municipality beach, next to the Merit Park Hotel & Casino. Top