The Turkish language for many, if truth be told, is not an easy one to master as sentences are spoken backwards compared to how they are structured in the English language – and for most other Europeans it’s not any less difficult either!  Having said that some aspects of the language are simpler too, without the need for numerous endings to enable correct meaning, for example there are only two plural endings compared to the English language which has several.

Even if you can only learn the most basic phrases and sentences, it is much appreciated by the locals, so it’s well worth trying!  Many people who relocate also want to integrate themselves into the local community, so there is no better way than to learn Turkish.

Often you will see adverts in the local Cyprus Today newspaper for private tuition, but there are also organisations such as the Anglo-Turkish Association which has weekly lessons in Kyrenia that anyone can sign up for.  There also a number of language centres opening up to cater for those wishing to learn too.  They will also advertise in the local press, or you will sometimes find them posting a leaflet on the notice board outside Kyrenia Post Office (this notice board by the way is very useful for people wishing to sell privately too, so you can always have a look to find cars, furniture and other goods for sale!)

Prices for lessons do vary a lot too, so you would be wise to look into the different options available, with group classes being the cheaper option in most cases with prices ranging from 15-20ytl per session.  The language centres will charge more as that is their sole business, but they do have good facilities such as computers, books and fully equipped classrooms that enable them to offer a more professional ‘school’ approach.  You should expect to have to book a whole course of Turkish tuition rather than being able to pay lesson by lesson, so make sure you are committed beforehand!  Whichever option you take you should be provided with materials and language sheets so that you can practice at home in your own time.

You also have the option of learning before you come to North Cyprus as well, with tapes and books available from bookshops and some libraries so that you can practice the basics prior to moving here.  Of course, on researching the internet option there are also many organisations and courses to choose from too.  Many of the local bookshops in Northern Cyprus also have standard exercise books, with the ‘Lets Learn Turkish’ book by Aysan Bayramoğlu being a popular purchase, it also comes with tapes if the bookshop stocks them.

The very first thing that you will be taught is the Turkish alphabet which has 29 letters – believe us it will take a while to learn correctly as there are accents to master for some of the letters that do not come naturally!  Many people laugh at the way words sound without the correct pronunciation, for example Alsancak (to many Alsankak!) is pronounced Alsanjak, and Arcelik (to many, Arselick!) is pronounced Arjelik; and that’s just for starters!

Once you have mastered the alphabet then you will begin to learn small phrases and words to put you to the test so ensure you can pronounce the letters correctly.  Gradually you will put sentences together and learn Turkish grammar, which at times can be difficult but once learnt easily starts falling into place – and you will find that with practice it is not so difficult after all.

So, take on the challenge as it is indeed very rewarding to receive the praise from the locals when you can converse with them on their level, and you will find that you will be respected too for taking the time to learn.  Even if you are attempting to talk to a local in Turkish then don’t worry too much if you can’t get it all out correctly, they will be able to piece it all together for you!

The first and only company offering you the chance to drop off a cliff and float your way back down to terra firma whilst taking time to enjoy the scenery is Highline Paragliding, a very professional team of people who have years of experience under their belts.  Having spent several years operating paragliding companies in Turkey and New Zealand, the husband and wife run company have been offering paragliding in North Cyprus since 2003.

Not having partaken after six years of living in North Cyprus, this article has relied heavily on peoples experiences of their own flights, but we have to say that everyone we have spoken to has said that it’s an excellent activity to try, with initial feelings of wanting to run back to the car completely disappearing as soon as they have jumped and are in the air!  Most however specify that it would be sensible not to partake of a heavy lunch or too much liquid just in case you feel queasy pre-flight!  With a local resident Peggy McAlpine making the jump on her 100^th birthday, this particular writer now feels a sissy for not doing it herself!

There are two main jump sites up in the Beşparmak mountain range that Highline use, and which one you jump from will be dependent on the weather conditions.  They have names too, Paradise and Baba (meaning ‘father’ in Turkish).  They are certainly high up at 2500ft and 2600ft respectively, which is probably why the highest has the imposing name of Baba!  Another possible jump is over the sand dunes of the Karpaz, which is a much gentler more low flying glide for those who prefer something which seems less scary!

The pilot will go through the necessary safety information, as well as filling you in on the best way to launch and land yourself safely. This seems to be what most people are worried about, but we have been told it is very simple and the landing is nothing more than making sure your legs are ready!  So, no worries there then!

In any case, you have no need to fear with the qualified and highly experienced pilots on hand, and unless you are an experienced pilot yourself, you will be strapped in tandem style with the pilot who does all the steering and encouraging for the whole journey.  People who have tried it have advised that you can go as slowly as you like to fully appreciate the stunning views, whilst those who have been more adventurous have asked for the final part of the descent to be more stimulating by picking up the thermals and doing a few spins before landing – if you are brave enough that is!

At the time of writing the price for a jump costs £59 which includes your flight, insurance and transport.  An additional treat should you wish, is to have some photos taken of your jump, so remember to look like you are enjoying it even if you want to scream your head off!  This will cost you an extra £15 which includes between 12-15 photos and a video as well, which is put onto a cd for you.

If you want to treat a loved one to a jump, gift vouchers are available to buy from the Highline Paragliding office which is located in the old Kyrenia harbour.  As the vouchers are valid for one year, you have plenty of time to convince an unwilling recipient that it’s a great idea to jump off a mountain!

For those who want to have a picture taken of their house, business, golf course, or any other of the sights in North Cyprus, such as Hilarion Castle for example, then Highline also offer an aerial photography service too which has proved popular with businesses for example.  Just give them a call if this is something that appeals and they can discuss it with you.

We hope we haven’t put you off (the writer of this article hasn’t got the guts to try it!), and for those who are petrified of heights then maybe its not the thing for you, but for those who want to try something a little different then go for it; we are reliably informed that it’s a great experience!  Check out the North Cyprus Highline Paragliding website for more information and contact details.

If you would like to know more about the various land activities in North Cyprus then please refer to our section which gives you plenty of ideas for things to do, or if you are more of a water babe then try our North Cyprus water activities section.

Mani Peni’s is ultimately a pizzeria, and a very good one with authentic pizzas (none of this factory made stuff here!) being prepared and cooked at front of house, but they also serve fantastic pasta dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese, steaks which are very tempting (try the Jack Daniels steak for something different!), a variety of salads and a good selection of starters.  You could argue that pizza is fast food in North Cyprus these days, as there are quite a few places around, but Mani Peni’s has the edge for us, as the pizzas are a little special when ingredients such as mozzarella and rocket are on the toppings list!

Firstly we like MP’s (as we affectionately call it!) because it has that warm vibe that some restaurants just can’t quite muster sometimes.  The seating is mainly in American booth style, so you don’t feel that you are mingling with everyone else; leading to a nicer, more intimate dining experience.  There is always music playing, which to some diners has seemed a little loud at times, but we wouldn’t say it’s intrusive.

The place has been decorated to keep you occupied throughout your evening too, with a film star fetish theme featuring walls filled with old film stills and memorabilia, and even the placemats feature film greats such as John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and many more.  We spend at least 10 minutes trying to name them all, which probably annoys the waiting staff when they hear ‘another 5 minutes please, we haven’t quite decided what we want yet’ for the second time!

On arrival you will always be met with a smile by Sara who is one of the owners.  She has quickly got to recognise her regulars, and it’s actually quite nice to receive a smacker on the cheek as a welcome!

Drinks are quickly served and menus provided.  We recall the initial opening of Mani Peni as the menu was fairly limited at the time, but only because the owners wanted to perfect certain things first before adding to their menu.  A very good idea and one which has worked very well for them.

Starters such as filled potato skins, Buffalo wings with various dips, shrimps, onion rings and garlic bread start at around 3.50TL, with a basic margarita pizza at 11TL and the more elaborate speciality pizzas such as The Italian Job or The New Yorker at 14TL.  Or, if you are really really hungry there is always the whopping family sized pizza starting at 29.50TL!  There are also a range of kiddies’ options too and MP’s also provide a delivery service within a certain radius and often have lunchtime takeaway and delivery promotions.  Drinks are also pretty good with soft drinks at 3TL and beers starting at 5TL.  They also do a very decent hot chocolate too!

Not that we could fit another morsel into our mouths at that point, but Mani Peni do a rather nice dessert menu, which is limited to what they have that day, but the cakes do actually taste as good as they look!  Dessert is also available at Shooters Coffee House next door, the newest addition to the growing empire of the owners!  Why not finish up your dinner and then flop gracefully into a comfy leather sofa after choosing from a wide variety of beverages and cakes?!  They have done an excellent job of again making it warm and welcoming and is quite reminiscent of the Costa Coffee chain.

We like MP’s just because it’s unpretentious; the hosts are lovely people and are just happy to run their restaurant and cafe.  With the prices as satisfying as the food it proves a really good choice of restaurant every time we have been.  You are not hassled to eat quickly or vacate your table if they have people waiting, and they can accommodate even the pickiest of diners (no names mentioned in this article!)

Our bill for 6 starters, 6 main courses and a few beers (we can’t exactly remember the total amount!) came to 164TL, working out at about 30TL each including the tip which meant very good value for money indeed.

So, if you are in need of a fairly cheap eatery which serves really good food, then we would say try Mani Peni’s – but perhaps book in advance!  You can reserve your table by calling +90 (0)392 815 0757-58 or +90 (0)533 868 1751.

For more restaurant reviews as well as information on the different eating experiences to be had visit our section on eating out in North Cyprus which should provide you with some very decent food for thought!

Since 2003, the north and south of Cyprus have been accessible to each other via several checkpoints along the Green Line, all of which were opened as part of efforts aimed at reuniting the two Cypriot communities. 

Today Europeans and Cypriots are able to use several border crossings in Cyprus, whether it’s to shop, trade or work.  Currently there are 6 checkpoints open to pedestrians and/or traffic and below we will detail these for you.  It’s worth noting that another checkpoint in Yeşilirmak on the far north-western tip of Cyprus could be set to open shortly and we will keep you up to date on that!

Lefkoşa

Ledra Palace – the first checkpoint to open which is for pedestrians only and which is home to a large UN contingent at the old Ledra Palace Hotel.  You can partake of some Cyprus cross-border shopping at Ledra Street in the south, have a Starbucks, McDonalds or look for the latest fashions in Next or Debenhams.

Lokmacı – one of the newest and most significant crossings to have opened and one of the most frequently used by pedestrians being located in the heart of Lefkoşa.  This will take you through to the top end of Ledra Street.  This particular checkpoint took some determined political negotiating to see it opened!

Metehan/Kermiya – one of the busiest crossings as it allows traffic as well as pedestrians.  Located on the outskirts of the city, many cross border workers use this checkpoint as well as parents taking their children to the schools in the south and of course it’s popular for many people wishing to do some supermarket or shopping.

Famagusta

Beyarmudu or Pile – again opened to both pedestrians and traffic although there is not much call for people on foot crossing at this checkpoint and it is mostly used for trade between the two communities.

2.5 Mile or Ayios Nikolaos – this checkpoint is located within the British Sovereign Base so you can take your car or walk through this checkpoint.  It’s a different route to get to Larnaca too, so worth a try for different scenery!

Güzelyurt

Bostancı or Morfou/Zohdia – this checkpoint allows both pedestrians and traffic and is used mainly by locals who trade with the south.  Some also use this checkpoint as an easier route to get to Paphos airport on the west coast in south Cyprus.

Checkpoints are open 24 hours a day and there are no restrictions on how many times a person can cross in any given period.  Each time you enter or leave North Cyprus you are required to have a white slip stamped at the checkpoint on the Turkish Cypriot side and you can find out more about Visas for North Cyprus by clicking this link.

You can use the border crossings in Cyprus for hire cars coming through from the south of the island, although it is not usual for North Cyprus hire cars from the north to be taken south even though it is allowed.  Many tourists and holiday home owners are now taking the opportunity of using Larnaca and Paphos airports and making the drive through the checkpoints to reach their destinations in the north, so you will find they are all well used!

You will obviously need to have your passports handy, and if taking a vehicle through to the south or north you will need to purchase third party insurance for whichever side you are visiting – currently this stands at 25Euros for one months cover at the time of writing which is pretty steep!  It’s also worth noting that if you need insurance for your vehicle then it should be obtained before 9pm generally, as the insurance booths don’t stay open 24 hours.

You will also need to obtain a Road Tax document for the south (valid for one year and is free) which will be written for you at the checkpoint.  Only registered owners of a particular vehicle are allowed to drive said vehicle too which is worth noting!  If you are European you will also be required to have your European driving license for inspection – North Cyprus driving licenses issued to Europeans are not valid.

We recently looked with some friends at various properties in Karaman up in the Kyrenia mountain range – only a 10 minute drive to central Kyrenia, but a place which offers those who want to get away from it all, whether on holiday or permanent basis, the peace and quiet that they desire.

We have written previously about Karaman, so please click here to find out more about the village, its location and its history.  This particular article is intended to give you more of an idea about property in Karaman or Karmi, as it is also known.

Most of the properties in the village are purchased on a leasehold basis, with all properties originally being given a 49 year lease period.  There are an amazing amount of differing property styles, all built with local stone and set within a maze of paths and interesting nooks and crannies!  The buying process is also easier than normal.   Everyone buying in North Cyprus has to undergo a police check via the UK, but once that is done and a meeting held with a representative of the Ministry, a lease contract is drawn up and the money is paid.

There is one particular house that struck us as it has been pretty much rebuilt and a lot of hard work, sweat and time put into making it as maintenance friendly and modern as possible, and all pretty much done by the owners themselves, apart from putting in an internal staircase!  No old beams and matting to be seen here, which suffer terribly from little critters eating and munching!  As permanent residents the owners soon realised that easy maintenance and easy clean was the way to go.

This property features a main house with 2 bedrooms, bathroom, wc, kitchen, living room, lobby and landing areas and various outdoor patios and verandas, ensuring you get a view to the sea, forest and/or mountains from wherever you choose to sit.  In addition there is a studio with its own front door, kitchen, studio bedroom/living area, shower room and a wonderful patio complete with old olive tree and views to mountains and forest. It can also be reached through the house.  The property also sits on a sizeable piece of terraced land of around 2 donums, and is located right on the edge of village on a quiet road offering one of the best spots in the village – as far as we are concerned.

Most uniquely though, and this is the reason it sparked our interest, the owners are inviting “OFFERS” for the property.  Their view is that people who are looking will have already done their homework and will be aware of current market values for property in Karaman.  Positive thinking from owners who know the value of their home we feel, but also good for potential buyers who know that a price has  not been set in stone.

It has been thoughtfully renovated with original and traditional features within, such as an Ottoman style staircase, ceilings painted in traditional blues, greens and earthy tones and living room lighting designed with Turkish style glass lamps.  There is a huge Norwegian wood burning fire on the ground floor with vents up to the living room and kitchen upstairs, ensuring that even in the colder months the house is toasty and warm.

There are some continuing jobs to be done on the house and garden, so if you are imaginative, enthusiastic, patient and would like to put your own ideas into a property, this could be for you. We felt it would be a great investment, whether as a holiday or permanent home.  So if you are looking at Karaman as a potential place to purchase a home then why not take a look at this one, it ticked all the boxes for us!

The owners can be contacted directly (they were more than glad for us to publicise their details!) on +90 (0)392 8222588 or +90 (0)533 8764294.

It’s most peoples dream to own their own holiday home in the sun or even move lock stock and barrel to a new country to start a new life in their retirement years.  The need to find a more relaxed lifestyle, where there are no hassles is more and more important in every day life.

Do you want to find a place where you can take some time to relax and enjoy a perfect climate away from the hussle and bussle of city life, live within a peaceful community where crime free streets are the norm and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to live your everyday lives?  We don’t think we really need to answer the obvious do you!

Wherever in the world you choose to buy a home it will often seem daunting, sometimes exhausting and definitely, we are sure you would agree, stressful at times.  Many people experience worry about whether they are doing the right thing and if they are making the right decisions.

When thinking about buying a property abroad, whether it be for family holidays or retirement, there is always the thought about a property as an investment too and will you be able, in years to come, see a return on your purchase.

In addition there is the possibility of facing unfamiliar processes involved in buying an overseas property, whereas in your home country you would normally feel at least comfortable about the buying process.

Even before you decide to buy a property here in North Cyprus you will have thought of many different questions to be answered and some which you maybe hadn’t even thought of:

Who and which builders/developers have good reputations and provide good quality?

What is the legal process of buying a home and what are the costs involved?

How do I go about finding someone to look after my home when I am not in North Cyprus?

If you have made up your mind that the place you want to be is North Cyprus (and hopefully you are if you are reading this!) then we can help you make that move, and a move which will be as pleasant and painless as possible.

The Property Referral Service

Buying a home in North Cyprus does not need to be a nightmare as long as you speak to the right people which will enable you to make the right decisions for you.

We have provided readers with a service which has provided valuable information, given them insight into what they are really looking for in a home here, and has resulted with finding that perfect property whilst still actually enjoying the whole experience too!

We can work with you to find properties within your budget, specifications and requirements plus give you an insight into areas in North Cyprus which may suit your personal preferences.  Not everyone wants to be near to crystal blue sea and miles of sand (strange but true!), so we can advise on locations which may better suit you.

We can also make sure that you are taken through the buying process, should you decide to go ahead and buy a home, with the minimum of worry, with our own experiences enabling us to point you in the right direction every step of the way.

We are here to help you in North Cyprus….

Everyone at Essential Cyprus has already made the move to North Cyprus and made this unique place our home, so we can safely say that we can help you do the same.  We have experience of the property market and have plenty of local knowledge to help you through the process.

Our service is completely free and at no time will you be under any obligation to buy a property that we or our partners show you.  There are no sales gimmicks of any kind such as ‘free inspection flights’ or free this or that or any other incentives to tempt you, all you will receive is honest advice and help.  No one at Essential Cyprus is a salesman’s slave so you will not have to worry about any sales pitch talk from us!

Finding the right property for you…

To start the ball rolling all you need to do is tell us what you’re looking for and you can do this by filling in the form below.  Don’t worry, its not too long and will give us a brief idea of your ideal home and any particular requirements you may have in mind.

Then just sit back and we will be in touch.  We will contact you straight away to ascertain any further requirements and then we can advise you about any particular properties that you may wish to look at and ones which fit the bill.

We have found this to be the best way to get to grips with property styles and locations before you make that all important trip to North Cyprus to view.  Just let us know which ones you like the look of and go from there……

When you think you have found the right property for you…

As soon as you see a particular property that you would like to know more about just let us know and we’ll forward on as much information as you need.

If you have any questions, want to know more about the area that a property is located in, or just want to ask about anything North Cyprus related then just let us know and we will do our best to help.

If you decide to proceed with buying a home here in North Cyprus then we will hold your hand throughout the buying process.  We can arrange introductions with property developers, help you find the best legal advice and help with any negotiating that may be required as well as much more, helping you ensure that it is kept as straight forward as possible.

Start looking for property in North Cyprus….

Simply complete the short enquiry form below, we look forward to helping you and we hope to meet you in beautiful North Cyprus soon.

The majority of people who want to purchase property here in North Cyprus are not necessarily seasoned property investors who know the ins and outs of the international property game, rather they are people like us who dream of holiday homes or retirement properties in the sun.

Based on our own personal experiences of buying a property here in North Cyprus, we at Essential Cyprus have put together this article as a quick run down of the buying process and some tips about where to find more information.

Firstly, our advice is come to North Cyprus with a fixed idea of your budget in mind, and always factor the purchase costs into your total budget as well because remember that you will have to pay for legal work, transfer of title, taxes and duties too.  It is all too easy to just add on another few thousand pounds here and there when agents show you properties outside your budget range – so unless you have set your own terms in advance, you could struggle and overstretch yourself!

A pointer would be to ensure that any agent or property developer that you meet with knows that the budget you have set is all inclusive of costs and is fixed, as they will have a better idea of all the additional expenses involved and won’t waste time in showing you properties that exceed your budget.

Before your property hunting trip it’s also a good idea to do some research into the island and get some ideas about particular areas of the island that you may wish to buy a property in; if you have children for example then perhaps beachside locations are more attractive to you, if you’re after peace and seclusion then maybe mountain properties are more suitable?  Whatever your personal preferences, it’s a good idea to advise your agent or developer in advance so that they can do some pre-searches for your particular requirements.

Also it’s a wise choice to see a few different agents and/or developers too, otherwise how on earth will you really know whether what you’re buying is good value and well built?  Seriously – it truly pays to view more than one developer’s properties.  Even if the first property you see is the one you end up buying, at least you’ll know that it was the best value, best quality property in Northern Cyprus.

As an individual or married couple you can buy one property and own up to one donum of land in Northern Cyprus.  If you want to own more than this amount you will have to incorporate a limited company in Cyprus which has the requirement of a Turkish Cypriot partner owning a 51% share.  There are ways to negate the effectiveness of the majority share, but this would require expert assistance and you’d be better off speaking to a lawyer when in the TRNC if this is something you want to explore.

If you’re really hoping to buy a property when you arrive then you will need to bring your cheque book with you because you will have to pay the fees of the solicitor you instruct, and you will also have to pay a deposit for the property you decide upon.  Occasionally the solicitor and property vendor, developer or estate agent in North Cyprus will be happy to accept a bank transfer once you’ve returned home, but if you have a cheque book then bring it – it’ll be simpler and less stressful!

Also it’s perfectly acceptable to negotiate on the price or indeed on some additional fixtures and fittings to be included in the purchase.  Often you will find that properties come with white goods included, but you can also ask for an outside barbeque to be added, or perhaps a few air con units!  In our opinion, the harder you negotiate the better, after all, agents and developers do want to sell their properties and if they have to reduce their profit margins a little, so what!

With the negotiations out of the way and your budget having been met, it’s time to sign the contract!  You need to appoint a lawyer and give him or her power of attorney to act in your absence to apply for your permission to purchase and do all the title deed checks and land registry searches.  As a foreign purchaser you are also required to obtain a report from your local police station back home confirming that you do not hold any serious criminal convictions – your lawyer will explain the details of this requirement to you.

There are many good lawyers operating in North Cyprus, with most having English, German and even Russian speaking staff these days, but do some research first by talking to other property buyers and reading some of the recommendations on forums, (beware though that one persons experience is sometimes not the same as another’s, so take opinions, whether they are good or bad as just that, opinions!)

One lawyer who seemingly consistently delivers clients with a first rate service is Peyman Erginel who is extremely experienced and comes highly recommended by many property purchasers.  Although she is not the cheapest fee-wise, she will proceed with the relevant legalities of a property purchase meticulously.  We do not recommend her over and above anyone else, but we can simply say that she has a very good reputation!

Usually a client will provide their appointed lawyer with a power of attorney which will enable the lawyer to proceed with the property purchase in their absence. This is nothing to worry about as you will not be signing your life away, and this is a formality that most property purchasers are happy to do based upon the fact that they won’t be residing full time in North Cyprus during the buying process.

The lawyer will normally email or post the purchase contract to you when complete, and will not sign it on your behalf until you are happy that you are completely at ease with its contents.  You may find that a contract will be ready for you to sign a day or so after you have decided to purchase.  It’s not unusual as a developer often holds a standard contract, which the lawyer will can then run through and make any minor adjustments or alterations where necessary.

Don’t be afraid of asking a stupid question – there’s no such thing, there are only stupid answers!  And if you don’t ask you may feel uncomfortable about the decisions you’ve made and that’ll make the buying process unpleasant – which it shouldn’t be.

Having asked everything, made sure you’re happy with the payment schedule if buying off plan and with the proposed completion date, it’s time to put pen to paper and sign the contract.  Make sure you read and understand every word of the contract you’re signing and then expect to have to hand over a cheque for the deposit or to have 14 – 21 days to make the first payment.

Properties in North Cyprus are very competitively priced for a Mediterranean country, and with its inimitable climate, relaxing pace of life and atmosphere, it’s a great place to own a property.  Prices are usually set in pounds sterling, so it’s an added bonus given the continual fluctuations in exchange rates!

And that’s it!  It’s not difficult – the only hard part is choosing which property to purchase in the first place! If you would some initial help then why not try our North Cyprus Property Referral Service which can assist in finding the right property for you and can offer practical help and assistance on all things North Cyprus.

If you’re thinking about renting a villa for your holiday, or perhaps you’re thinking about a long-term rental to see if North Cyprus is the place for you if you’re considering relocating to the Mediterranean, then you can be assured that there is plenty of choice out there to suit everyone’s requirements.

From pretty fishing villages, untouched harbours, magnificent mountains, crusader castles, year round sunshine, sandy beaches, hidden coves, wild flowers, rare wildlife, delicious cuisine to some of the friendliest most genuine people on earth…North Cyprus has it all.  And it also has a wealth of quality rental accommodation in which you can stay and enjoy the delights of the island.

For families there are holiday villas big enough to accommodate large parties, all have their own private pool and gardens so that everyone can enjoy plenty of outdoor space.  This gives the luxury of having your own private pool to float around in all day, being able to dine al fresco from your own barbeque and have views of sea and mountains to die for!

There are also smaller rental properties for smaller parties, couples and retirees who would like some seclusion, peace and quiet.  If you are not too concerned about the privacy and seclusion side of things you also have the choice of renting apartments with access to a communal pool.

If you are thinking about renting a property for your holiday in North Cyprus then think about what you want from your holiday – perhaps you might like to experience a variety of nightlife, be close to all the local amenities such as restaurants, music venues, shops etc., or to be by the sea or in the mountains, in the centre of town, or to be in the middle of nowhere!  Perhaps you might also want to be close to the golf courses and diving schools?  Your choices will guide the accommodation you select of course…

If you would prefer to be close to the action then you might consider renting in Kyrenia or the nearby towns of Karaoğlanoğlu, Ozanköy, Zeytinlik or Alsancak, all a short drive from the centre of town.  Kyrenia is home to the world famous Kyrenia harbour and enjoys the stunning backdrop of the Kyrenia Mountains.  You’ll find many dining opportunities in the town, a host of pubs, bars, late night music and dancing venues.  Lapta is another good option having its own nightlife and also daytime entertainment meaning you might not feel the need to venture anywhere else!

If you want to stay in the Famagusta region, but not within the city, then the pretty harbour town of Boğaz, with its restaurants and bars make it an ideal place for renting as there are a number of properties near to the coastline.  If you venture even further afield then you will also find properties to rent nearer to the Karpaz such as some in Kumyalı, a great base if you want to go exploring the peninsula.

For the world famous views of Bellapais Abbey consider the towns of Ozanköy and Bellapais which in themselves are great villages to stay in.  For golf and beaches, consider villas in Esentepe, and for the best diving choose anywhere from Kyrenia out to Lapta in the west!  If you want a mountain retreat then maybe see if you can rent a house in Edremit, or Karaman (Karmi), where you will find more individual and quaint village property rentals.

Villa rental accommodation in North Cyprus tends generally to be of a high quality; if any particular facilities are essential for your personal holiday enjoyment then ensure the properties you consider offer these.   From hot tubs and swimming pools to sea views and beach access, from satellite TV and home entertainment to fully equipped kitchens – everything you could wish for is available if you find the right property.

Another major plus for renting a villa for your holiday in Northern Cyprus is that prices are amongst the most competitive in the Mediterranean, with the additional bonus that rental companies base their prices in sterling so that you don’t get caught out with fluctuations in exchange rates when booking.

In the not too distant past hire cars were really the only way of seeing a lot of the island, and not much has changed!  To be able to have the freedom to explore North Cyprus, it’s always nicer to do it on your steam and to a schedule that suits you.  Hiring a car is obviously one of the best options available so that you are not restricted.

However, there are some organised sightseeing trips and walking tours that your hotel or holiday village will be happy to help you arrange, and there are regular mini-bus (dolmush) services between all the major towns and regions, but these options may not be flexible enough for you.

Car rental here in North Cyprus is affordable and common practice and you will have no problem being able to find a company to supply you with a car for the duration of your break, although most companies state a 3 day minimum rental.  However it’s not unknown to be able to get a day’s rental in low season!

There are plenty of car rental companies to choose from and with modern technology it is easy to book direct online before you arrive. In peak season your choice may be limited by demand…North Cyprus is such an attractive destination for its sun, sea and sand, its places of cultural and historical interest that it’s not only tourist accommodation that is in demand during the long hot summer, but rental cars as well.  Be sure to book your car well in advance to avoid disappointment and to get the most choice, the best deals and the most competitive prices.

Depending on the season prices do vary with low season usually stated as being November to March, mid season April to June and high season July to October.  Many hire care companies will advertise special deals well in advance of the holiday season so it would be wise when deciding on your timetable to book early to take advantage of any deals available. More often than not if you choose to book online you will also receive a discounted price.

For the independent travellers your hotel or holiday village will be able to recommend a car rental company to you for sure, as often family members run a care hire company!  If you’re renting a villa or borrowing a friend’s holiday home then check on the internet for companies offering the best deals and book before you travel.  Major car rental companies like Avis, Budget and Hertz haven’t established offices in North Cyprus yet, so all the organisations offering cars here are small local companies.  As such you can be assured a personal and friendly service.

Most hire companies now run a collection service if you are arriving at an airport in south Cyprus such as Larnaca or Paphos. Normal practice would be to pay the taxi transfer separately and not as part of the hire car agreement, as the hire companies often sub-contract to a regular taxi driver for these pick-ups. Alternatively your car can be ready for you on arrival at Ercan airport in the north, or they can deliver your hire car to an address or pretty much anywhere you choose in North Cyprus and they will collect it from the same spot when you depart.

The range of cars available for rent in North Cyprus is very wide and in recent years has become more updated.  For those who have visited North Cyprus in the past, the days of the Renault 19 and Renault 12 are sadly numbered!  You can now rent the bastions of rental cars such as the Ford Focus or VW Polo or indeed even a top of the range 4 x 4.  Consider what your requirements are and if you plan to see all of the castles in North Cyprus it might be wise to consider a 4 x 4 as the roads are a little rough once you head off the beaten track.  And make sure you insist on a car with air-conditioning…trust us, you’ll need it!

Be sure to bring your driving licence with you of course, and if any other members of your holiday party want to be included on the car rental documents then they too need to bring their licence.  Insurance and tax will most likely all be included in the price, but it’s important to note that the minimum age limit for hiring a car in North Cyprus is 25.  Most hire car companies also offer 24 hour assistance should you have any problems that you may have with the hire vehicle.

If you want to take your hire car over the Green Line to South Cyprus we are afraid you cannot.  It’s not illegal as some may otherwise advise you; it’s just that hire car companies in North Cyprus are reluctant to allow their cars across and therefore do not allow it.

You can easily spot rental cars here as they have red number plates instead of yellow – this should mean that local drivers take care and give rental cars space as they are most likely being driven by drivers unfamiliar with the road…in reality it means that people will speed up and try and overtake you!  Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it!

If you come from the UK you’ll be happy to learn that in Cyprus – both North and South – you drive on the left.  If you spot a car with Turkish number plates watch out as they occasionally forget and wander to the right side of the road as on the Turkish mainland they drive on the right!  It makes for interesting driving!

This finishes our general information on car hire in North Cyprus and hope that it helps in your decision making process.  Good luck and happy driving!

Firstly we will admit to perhaps using the phrase ‘eco-tourism’ a little too freely – however, there really are many ventures in North Cyprus which do try their utmost to offer the environmentally aware visitor a more eco-friendly type of holiday!

Whilst the rise of the 5 star hotel resort seems to be pretty much the dominant force at present on the island, there are major efforts to boost offerings for visitors who wish to experience a more traditional type of existence whilst on holiday.  Projects often funded by the government, grants and aid from the European Union as well as NGO organisation assistance and expertise are already forcing the issue with some success.

One such area of North Cyprus that has already benefited is a village called Büyükkonuk that is a real life example of a sustainable community.  Located at the gateway to the Karpaz region, Büyükkonuk has benefited from funding from the European Union to help its fruition as well as some forward thinking individuals who have realised that mass hotel development is perhaps sometimes not be the first choice for everyone.

The local Turkish Cypriot residents of the village are enjoying their success and actually find the attention they receive from visitors quite exciting, and they have stepped up to the task admirably!  An annual festival has been proof of the village’s success with many visitors coming to sample the delights crafted there such as the handicrafts made by local people.

You can lodge at simple village accommodation, experience traditional Cypriot life with spontaneous and scheduled activities and tours, and the area has miles of undisturbed walking territory and nature to spend your days exploring.  One family business which actively promotes this area and can offer organised holidays and accommodation is Delcraft, run by Ismail and Lois Cemal.  They are extremely enthusiastic about what they do and you will also find yourself hopelessly infected by their enthusiasm!  They have their own website www.ecotourismcyprus.com where you can find out more about what’s on offer as well as details about accommodation available.

A well known English couple in North Cyprus, Maureen and Tony Hutchinson, who have lived on the island for many years, run a similar type of operation from their base in Hasirköy to the west of the island.  Sadly Maureen passed away in 2011 but Tony is hopefully set to continue offering accommodation – although it’s limited to one cottage – but will also offer walking tours including orchid hunting, and promote traditional methods by offering demonstrations on local cooking methods for example.  They can be found at www.walksnorchidsnorthcyprus.com and in our walking groups article for more information.

There are certainly other establishments which can fit into the wider Eco-Tourism bracket, such as old buildings which have been restored using traditional techniques to bring them to life again, to be used as pensions and guesthouses which have proved very popular with the alternative holiday seeker.  A very good example are the Arch Houses in the village of Dipkarpaz which are 12 traditionally restored houses offering bed & breakfast accommodation, and whilst they feature modern facilities such as air-conditioning, they still give guests a feeling of times past and of traditional living.  If you want something even more basic, then there are plenty of small pensions located on the beach areas of the Karpaz too, so if you fancy sleeping in a wooden beach hut close to the lapping seashore then you are well catered for!

Villages in the surrounds of the Lefke region to the west of the island are also set to be part of a government initiative which will include the setting up of pensions and guesthouses in the future; the application process for funds started in late 2008.  With the Troodos mountain range, as well as the ruins of Vouni and Soli not a million miles away, this is definitely something which should help to promote the area and the start up of smaller establishments which can be run by local people.  Old buildings are to be restored along with new construction offering accommodation of no more than five bedrooms, ensuring the environment is considered throughout the initiative.

Besides the accommodation sector, there are also plenty of tour companies which offer itineraries for a more nature and environmental type of holiday, offering bird watching, walking and cycling options whilst also incorporating some of the other sightseeing activities such as the Crusader castles, museums and the like.  Please check our more in-depth article on tour companies to find out more about what’s on offer.

Whilst North Cyprus can’t claim to be a totally eco-friendly island incorporating initiatives rife with environmentally friendly schemes (yet!), there are steps being taken to ensure that at least there is the option available for the growing number of people who respect the need for environmental protection for many years to come, and that is only to be commended.