North Cyprus: “A Corner of Earth Touched by Heaven”

The island of Cyprus is one of the most magical places in the world and North Cyprus is part of this landscape, full of mystery and Mediterranean fragrance. A journey to this most Mediterranean paradise will reward you with glimpses of historical sites which have witnessed a 10,000 year history, an impressive cultural heritage and different glorious treasures of the material world at every season of the year.

Gothic structures such as the Bellapais Abbey, the most wonderful example of Eastern Mediterranean art and workmanship, the St. Sophia Cathedral (Selimiye Mosque), the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque), the city kingdoms of the classical period such as Salamis and Soli, the three fairytale castles of Five-finger mountain range, the medieval citadel of Famagusta, recognized as a world heritage site and walled city of Nicosia are just a few of the magical stops on this historic journey.

History: at every step in North Cyprus

For nine thousand years, Cyprus has been a melting pot of great civilizations; from the Neolithic settlements on the northern coast to the Egyptian, Persian, Roman, Venetian, Ottoman and British Empires. Its strategic location at the cross-roads of East and West has bestowed on the island with a rich and colourful history spanning centuries.

North Cyprus Cuisine

From succulent kebabs to mouthwatering meze and sweet, sticky desserts, food in North Cyprus is varied and tasty. Specialities to look out for include seftali kebab, a type of local sausage, made from lamb; hellim, halloumi cheese, traditionally made from sheep’s or goats’ milk and usually served grilled; and pilavuna.

The Cypriot Culture

Cypriot culture is also reflected in the rich folk art of the island. Age-old crafts, handed down from one generation to another, which you will come acrossas you travel around Cyprus, include pottery, silver and copperware, basket weaving, tapestry and Lefkara’s famous lacework.

Festivals & Events

North Cyprus is rich in tradition and has a proud cultural heritage. Each year, there are many colourful events and festivals in North Cyprus, celebrating everything from music and dance, to ecotourism, harvests and the changing of the seasons.

Wildlife and Nature

North Cyprus is host to an eclectic mix of unusual wildlife and fascinating species can be seen at any time of year. With its miles of unspoilt coastline and magnificent natural beauty Cyrpus has much to offer regarding nature, outdoor and wildlfe.

One can find much to do and see while in North Cyprus. If you are interested in the natural world, you can experience ecotourism, discover the orchids of Cyprus, Cyprus’s endemic species, its boundless sandy beaches, its places of outstanding natural beauty which are home to rare protected turtles and a wealth of plant species and you can also try village life which goes unchanged after centuries.

From Yeşilırmak Village in the west to the Monastery of Apostolos Andreas in the east, every moment you spend in North Cyprus, a hidden paradise of the world, will give you unforgettable memories. North Cyprus richly deserves its reputation as the pearl of the Mediterranean.

The hospitable, smiling and friendly people of the island will always greet you and do all they can to help you.

The natural beauty of the island, the lovely climate, the warmth and generosity of the Turkish Cypriot people and the abundant selection of fresh foods make Northern Cyprus an unspoilt and non-commercialised haven. There is virtually no crime to speak of, and this country is reminiscent of UK standards long lost, where hospitality, politeness and the general enjoyment of life are the daily norm. Northern Cyprus enjoys a typical Eastern Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and short mild winters. The northern coastline, which borders the Girne (Kyrenia) mountain range, is accepted as one of the most beautiful areas in the world in which to live. Also, it is host to the Caretta and the Green Turtles.

What You Need to Know About North Cyprus

Climate

The climate of North Cyprus is typically Mediterranean with long dry summers and short, rainy winters. The average annual temperature is 19ºC (66ºF). The temperature in midsummer can soar over 40ºC (105ºF) with the warmest sea temperature in the Mediterranean, averaging 21ºC (75ºF) . The winter weather is very mild and there is an average annual rainfall of 500 mm.

Currency

Since 2005 the official currency of the TRNC has been Turkish New Lira. Symbol: YTL (Yeni Türk Lirası). Banknotes: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1 YTL. Coins: 1 YTL; 50, 25, 10, 5, 1 Ykr (new kuruş).

Foreign Exchange

Eurocheques, travellers’ cheques, and foreign currencies are usually accepted or exchanged in banks or exchange offices. You may also use most of the credit cards to pay in the hotels, supermarkets, etc.

Border Crossing

There are no longer any restrictions on border crossings for EU citizens in Cyprus, as of 2003. EU citizens are free to cross and spend as much time as they wish on either side of the border any time of the day (24 hrs). At present, there are seven crossing points where pedestrians can cross at the Ledra Palace and Lokmaci border gates are in Lefkoşa (Nicosia), whilst those who intend to cross by vehicle can use the Metehan (Kermia) border gate in Lefkoşa, Beyarmudu (Pile) near the British Sovereign bases at Dhekelia and the Akyar border gates near Gazimağusa (Famagusta) on the Larnaca-Famagusta road, Bostanci near Guzelyurt and Yesilirmak west of Lefke.

Car Rentals

Visitors to North Cyprus can drive using a valid international driving license or a valid British driving license for an initial 12 month period. Car rental is relatively inexpensive and is widely available through tour operators, hotels or car hire companies across North Cyprus. Visitors are advised to check when booking as both left and right hand drive cars are available for hire. Please note driving is on the left, as in the UK, and all North Cyprus rental cars carry a distinctive red licence plate. If you arrive at Larnaca airport in South Cyprus, you can hire a car and drive across the border, but you will need to purchase extra insurance at the border. Please note that it is not currently possible to drive a car hired in North Cyprus to the South of the island.

Electric Current

Power is supplied at 220/240 V AC, 50 Hz and wall fittings are generally the U.K. square three-pin type.

Emergencies

Ambulance 112, Fire 199, Police 155, Forest Fire 177.

Language

The official language is Turkish, but English is also widely spoken as a second language.

Passport and Visas

No visa is required for British or EU (European Union) citizens wishing to visit North Cyprus. The only requirement is a valid passport at the time of travel to North Cyprus. If you prefer not to have your passport stamped on arrival, you can ask at passport control for a separate piece of paper, which will be stamped instead. The only nationalities which require visas for North Cyprus are Nigerians and Armenians.

Public Holidays

New Year`s Day (1 January), Children`s & Sovereignty Day (23 April), Labour Day (1 May), Youth and Sports Day (19 May), Peace and Freedom Day (20 July), Victory Day (30 August), Turkish Republic Day (29 October), North Cyprus Republic Day (15 November). The dates of religious festivals vary from year to year.

Telephone

The international dialling code 00 90 392 should precede the seven digit local telephone numbers when calling landlines from abroad. Mobile numbers are simply preceded by 00 90 and then the mobile number with the code, taking off the first zero. Mobile numbers usually start 542, 533 or 548. Public telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecommunications Office.

Time

GMT + 2

Traffic

Driving is on the left and traffic and road signs are international. Maximum speed is 100 km/hr. Vehicles entering North Cyprus must be insured upon arrival. Seat-belts must be worn at all times. Drinking and driving is illegal, as is using a mobile phone whilst driving.