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.

If you’re looking for a holiday on a budget then there is plenty of choice for you and your family.  You can take your pick from self catering to half board, as well as a choice of bed and breakfast accommodation and guesthouses.  Unfortunately there is no such thing as the Youth Hostel Association here just yet, but there is plenty on offer for those watching their pennies.

There are a number of bonuses to choosing this type of accommodation, as most budget hotels are small family run establishments – perfect if you prefer peace and quiet.  Some suit the more backpacker type of person with plenty of beach hut hostelries dotted around the Karpaz area for example, although there is plenty of slightly higher quality accommodation in this area which suits a smaller budget too.

In this article we will offer some accommodation ideas for you which fit the above criteria, and whilst we will endeavour to cover most areas of North Cyprus, there are plenty more options to choose from all across the island.

In the Kyrenia area there are many hotels and small pensions located in the areas directly behind the old harbour area of town as well as on the outskirts of the town.  The Nostalgia Hotel, a small and pleasant hotel situated behind the harbour has 18 rooms, and you can choose from bed and breakfast, half board or full board giving you different price options.  Or you could try the Hotel British – again with 18 rooms, it can offer similar accommodation and sits directly behind the harbour.  You also have the Sidelya Hotel sitting just behind the harbour – it offers pleasant rooms with some having a sea view.

Moving slightly further into town and there are some very nice hotels such as the Dorana Hotel which has 30 rooms and is located next to the Savoy Ottoman Palace Hotel, or the Bristol Hotel with 18 rooms which is located on the high street.  There is also Sammys Hotel which is within a short walking distance from the town centre, as is the Watermill Hotel.

Moving to the west of North Cyprus and the Sempati Hotel in Lapta or Club Simena in Karşıyaka both offer good standards of accommodation with modern facilities, as does the Riverside Holiday Village, although all rather larger in size than those accommodation offerings previously discussed.  Güzelyurt has a couple of nice hotels to try, The Güzelyurt Hotel has 19 rooms all with mod cons, a restaurant and a swimming pool, or the Lefke Gardens Hotel which has 21 rooms, swimming pool and wonderful gardens as well as a restaurant and which is not too far from the CMC Golf Course.

In Boğaz, just north of Famagusta, you can find a number of cheaper hotels along the coastal route, all offering decent accommodation with some offering really good value, and one such hotel being the Exotic Hotel.  A rather strange name perhaps, but it’s well located near to the old fishing village and its restaurants, as well as being a short journey from the start of the Karpaz region.

The east of the island starts to get more like the real budget side of things, and you can take your pick from some wonderful guesthouses, b&bs as well as camp sites and beach huts.  Bear in mind though, that prices are usually quoted with just breakfast included, so you should factor in cost for your lunch and dinner.

In Büyükkonuk you can try the Delcraft B&B which is run by the Cemal family, it’s a great base to experience local life from, and it offers perfectly acceptable accommodation within wonderful surroundings – it’s great value at £10 per person per night.  They only have 4 rooms, but if they are fully booked they can find you somewhere else to stay with no problem.  In the village of Dipkarpaz try the lovely Karpaz Arch Houses, which are restored buildings now used for accommodation.  Again, great accommodation at great prices with the traditional element foremost in the Arch Houses’ attraction for visitors.

Along the northern coastal stretch of the Karpaz region you can find apartments and small hotels galore which can cater for short and long stays depending on your timetable.  Try the Kaplıca Beach Hotel – or the Theresa Hotel or Balcı Plaza (we have stayed there if you would like to read our review!) which are both in Yeni Erenköy, both offer good accommodation with the latter having apartments a short walk away from a great little coved beach and restaurant.  Another lovely small establishment is the Oasis Hotel which sits next to the ancient Roman City and harbour of Ayios Philon, and with just 6 basic rooms simply decorated and whitewashed, this offers a secluded option.

Alternatively, if you want to be a real beach bum then you are catered for pretty well too!  There are various ways to sleep on the beach, you can choose from beach huts which provide a room and a shower for around £20 a night, or perhaps a tent is more your thing at around £13, and breakfast is included with the price as well.  Try Burhan’s places on Golden Beach or Livana Beach Huts, where you can lay on the beach all day, or explore the Karpaz whilst enjoying your evenings back at the ranch with other guests and a barbeque!

So, this concludes our pick of the best of the budget accommodation, and we are sure you will agree there is much to tempt you if you want to travel around North Cyprus on a restricted budget.  Check our related articles on luxury options, or more family friendly hotels, business hotels, or for those fancying a real treat there are some wonderful spa and boutique hotels to try too!

If you are looking for something different whilst planning a trip to North Cyprus and you enjoy the great outdoors, then there are a growing number of specialist tour operators adding itineraries to accommodate the likes of the walkers, bird watchers and divers amongst us.

North Cyprus has so much to offer those who love an environment orientated holiday, and the world seems to be taking a stand of sorts against mass tourism these days, so it’s nice to see that there are companies who are grasping all that is beautiful about this part of the island and promoting its unique qualities in terms of nature and the environment.

You can do your own research to see what takes your fancy, but we will detail some of the different types of holidays that you can take in North Cyprus, and some of the organisations which can offer some great deals and packages to suit your requirements.

Walking Holidays

There are a variety of companies offering walking holidays which focus mainly on the cultural and historical as well as wildlife and scenery.  Whilst walking with these companies there are scheduled visits to historical sites, cultural centres and other places of interest for example.  When you are doing your research you will find that most of them have a detailed itinerary already available to view, so that you can see exactly what’s planned for the trip and where you will be staying.

Try www.responsibletravel.com or www.kudutravel.com and also check our article on walking groups which gives useful information on ways to go about joining a group when in North Cyprus.

Bird Watching

There are a great many interesting species of birds which are either resident or migratory in North Cyprus, and companies are quick to promote the island’s worth as a great bird watching country.  Specialist operators offer packages from 7 to 12 nights usually, and you will visit different parts of the island renowned for their bird spotting opportunities.

Try www.ornekholidays.com and check our article on birds in North Cyprus and where to see them.

Activity Holidays

If you fancy some action whilst you are visiting or even living in North Cyprus then there are tour operators who can organise an array of sporting activities for you to try, such as paragliding, diving, quad biking, tennis etc.  If you fancy something a little more sedate then there are themed holidays which will allow you to try your hand at making bread and local cheese and take part in traditional village life perhaps.

Try www.iah-holidays.co.uk / www.ornekholidays.com / www.ecotourismcyprus.com, and also check our articles on land and water activities to choose from when in North Cyprus, as well as opportunities to experience a more eco-tourism themed holiday.

Diving

Diving in North Cyprus is a fantastic opportunity to add to your existing catalogue of dives, improve your skills and attain additional certificates, or to learn from scratch.  North Cyprus is well known for its wonderful marine life and some excellent dive sites, with shallow waters that are ideal to learn the basics of diving.

Try www.cyprusholidaysave.com/cyprus/scuba-diving-north-cyprus or check out our in-depth article on diving which gives some useful information on companies and ways to go about diving whilst in North Cyprus.

Orchid Hunting

There are some specialist groups which can take you on walks to some of the best countryside in North Cyprus, where you will be able to find many different and rare varieties of orchid for which the island is famous.  On the itinerary will also be the chance to sample some of the many historical sites that North Cyprus has to offer.

Try www.walksnorchidsnorthcyprus.com.

Golf

What holiday destination these days doesn’t have the opportunity to swing your clubs should you so wish?!  North Cyprus doesn’t disappoint in that area either, and you can book a package deal that will give you the opportunity to try your hand around this challenging but excellent 18-hole championship golf course, Korineum.

Try www.directtraveller.com/north-cyprus/golf-holidays or www.cyprusparadise.com/golfpackages.

Cycling

If you are a cycling enthusiast then how about trying out a weeks mountain biking which will take you from one side of North Cyprus to the other?  Tailored packages to suit, or a set itinerary – the choice is yours – with transfers and bike transportation all accommodated.

Try www.cyprusactive.com

That’s our round up of the more specialist type holidays available here in North Cyprus, and we hope it’s given you some food for thought!

Panayia Kanakaria, Karpaz, North Cyprus

The Karpaz Peninsula is one of the last remaining true sanctuaries of peace and calm, it’s a place littered with historical sites and stunning views where everyone should visit at some point whilst on the island of Cyprus.

To get to the Karpaz you can go either via Famagusta on the south-east coast and turn inland heading north, or you can now take the coastal road via Esentepe and Tatlısu where a new road is being constructed, but as yet it’s not quite finished.

Travelling from the Famagusta side, the first place of interest you will come across is the Panayia Kanakaria, a small domed monastery church built around 1160 located just outside the village of Ziyamet.  A myth in past times describes the mosaic terrace as being able to cure skin diseases so it has suffered much damage and wear over the years, and there is evidence that a Byzantine settlement was here too.  Much has been stolen from this site and remnants were found as far away as America, although the Greek Cypriot authorities have now successfully reclaimed them.

Ayios Thyrsos, Karpaz, North Cyprus

The village of Sipahi, north east of Yesilköy is home to Ayias Trias, an early Christian basilica which originally had three naves and a baptistery.  You can still see some of the colourful 6^th century mosaics, one of which features a pair of sandals which would have indicated a sign of pilgrimage.

Close by is the church of Ayios Thyrsos, built in the 15^th century it has no particular features which stand out, but close by is another medieval chapel with traces of frescoes, and a small cave church which is probably Byzantine – it’s a site worth stopping to explore.

Further south in the village of Kurouva is the site of an ancient Middle Bronze Age fortress known as Nitovikla, which stands dominantly on a cliff overlooking the sea, sadly now it’s just ruins.  It is rectangular in shape and was thought to have been based on an Anatolian or Syrian design and would have been used to defend the city of Karpasia from sea faring invaders.

Ayios Philon, Karpaz, North Cyprus

On the northern coastal road and past Yeni Erenköy you will come across the Theresa Hotel complex.  Just before reaching here, if you turn inland there are apparently two worn down statues and some tombs which have long been pillaged.  At the time of writing we have not yet investigated their whereabouts though.  Opposite the hotel and down a track road is a ruin of a small Byzantine settlement including a domed structure, water system and tombs.

Continuing on the coastal road you will reach the church of Ayios Philon, a church built in the 11^th century and the last remaining structure from the Phoenician ancient city of Karpasia, believed to have been later destroyed by the Saracens.  Built with remains of the city in remembrance to Saint Philon who converted the local population to Christianity, the church still has some remnants of frescoes, and remains of the ancient harbour can be found whilst snorkelling in the area.

Turning south and inland you will find the large village of Dipkarpaz and be able to see the contrast that dots the region, with the silver domed Yeni Cami mosque neighbour to the exquisite 12^th century church of Ayios Synesios.  Added to in the 18^th century, it was originally used by the Lusignans and Venetians as a cathedral.

Aphendrika, Karpaz, North Cyprus

Again travelling eastwards along the coast you come to Aphendrika, believed to again have been an important city in Cyprus around 200BC.  Remains of three churches are still visible here, Panayia Chrysiotissa is the biggest and it was built in the 12^th century, a domed Byzantine church called Ayios Georgios, and another smaller church called Panayia Asomatos.  West of here are numerous tombs of an ancient necropolis with some still visible, and to the east a small citadel of which only the lower parts remain.

The last and most prominent site to see is the Monastery of Apostolos Andreas (St. Andrew), also known as the ‘Lourdes of Cyprus,’ which can be arrived at via the coastal road to the top of the peninsula.  In recent history pilgrims still visited this monastery in their hordes until 1974.  Famous for its ability to apparently perform miricales, the monastery is still used for religious celebrations by the Greek Orthodox community, but is also respected by Muslims too.  The main church dates from around 1740, whilst nearer to the sea is the original 15^th century gothic chapel which is now in decay.

Monastery of Apostolos Andreasm Karpaz, North Cyprus

Heading north-east towards the headland you will come to the cape of Zafer Burnu, on which the site of Kastros stands.  This appears to have been one of the earliest settlements on the island and was probably built around 700BC according to excavation results from 1973.  A temple of Aphrodite is said to have stood here, but it was dismantled and reused when the monastery was built.  An interesting fact – when standing on the tip of the cape you are standing only 60 miles from Syria.

Don’t forget to visit Büyükkonuk on your travels too, a designated eco-tourism village where efforts are being made to revive a traditional way of living amongst its community.  Particular places of interest here are the church of Ayios Auxentios which at the time of writing is undergoing restoration, and also a nearby cave which was home to a German soldier who became a hermit and is now buried in a chamber in the roof of the church!

That completes our review of the places of interest in the Karpaz region; however you will see many more churches and ruins everywhere!  Please click any of the links within the article to find out more about a particular item, or visit our other articles detailing places of interest to the west of Kyrenia, to the east of Kyrenia, in Kyrenia, Lefkosa and Famagusta.

If you want to see the best of North Cyprus you can get to appreciate the landscape via the healthy option of a good bracing stroll across the mountains and lowlands, and there are a few organisations who have sought to accommodate people’s desire for walking and hiking too.

(Please note: in our other articles on land activities and water activities you will find a whole host of things to keep you occupied, things which could even become a hobby or interest which you would like to become proficient in, such as diving for example.)

Some people prefer to spend a day outside, discovering new parts of the island which they had previously been unaware of, taking time to enjoy the local surrounds, nature and wildlife whilst being part of a group which enjoys doing the same thing.  You would be surprised at the amount of open space there still is in North Cyprus, despite the property development over the last few years, and there are some very knowledgeable people who can ensure that you do see as much of it as possible.

In this article we will detail some of the groups and walking opportunities organised by people who have an expert knowledge of North Cyprus, its flora and fauna, and who at the same time help to promote what is best about this little place on earth.

North Cyprus Hash House Harriers

Originating in Kuala Lumpur in the late 1930’s the Hash House Harriers were originally a group involved in running, walking, jogging and then drinking and eating afterwards!  Each harrier group is known as a ‘kennel’ with groups now based all over the world with members and interested parties joining together for a jog, walk, run and then a beer!

The North Cyprus ‘kennel’ holds a walk/run and then a picnic on the first Sunday of each month with meeting points advertised in the local Cyprus Today newspaper.  They have the use of a coach which will collect walkers and drive them to the designated route for the day, and will transport people back at the finish.  They also have a Facebook group which you can join, and you will then be notified of any events taking place.

It’s a great way to meet new people and make friends, so if you would like to take part in the group, or just pop along to see if you enjoy the day, then they would be more than happy to have you aboard.  Contact them via their Facebook Group www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=8762508468&ref=ts or you can telephone Tony Hutchinson +90 (0)392 7213013 or +90 (0)542 8544329.

Walks and Wild Orchids

Orchid walks have been run by Maureen and Tony Hutchinson for over 10 years, these walks are a great way of learning about the rare and exotic orchid population in North Cyprus.  Based in Hasırköy on the southern slopes of the Kyrenia mountain range, Tony and Maureen are experts in the local area and its flora and fauna and they should be able to introduce you to at least 20 or more species of orchid that grow around the island.

Apart from their orchid hunting activities they have also produced a book on the walks and bird spotting opportunities available in North Cyprus, and they also hold activity days which allow visitors to help make traditional Turkish Cypriot cuisine specialities such as Pekmez (grape molasses).

Very sadly Maureen passed away in January 2012 of cancer.  This loss cannot be expressed enough in words suffice to say she was a blessing for lovers of North Cyprus and did so much to promote its environmental wealth and culture.  She is to be held in high esteem for her contribution to the island.  Maureen could be found at the Carpenters market in Karaoğlanoğlu on a Friday, where she sold handicrafts and home made delights such as marmalades and jams, and was more than happy to pass the time of day talking about the activities that you can experience on an orchid walk with her and Tony.

At the time of writing we presume that Tony will carry on with their activities but please do check their website www.walksnorchidsnorthcyprus.com or via email thutchinson@iecnc.org, or by telephone on +90 (0)392 721 3013 or mobile +90 (0)542 8544329.

Kyrenia Mountain Trail Association / North Cyprus Trails

This group has been active since 2007 and their aims are to produce a way marked trail that covers the whole of the Kyrenia mountain range – which is around 230km long, stretching from the east to the west of the island.  They also want to assist in the development of infrastructure such as picnic areas, information boards, and providing data about things to do and see on the walks.  This group offers one a fantastic opportunity for walking and hiking we are sure you would agree!

The group is actively promoting this aspect of tourism as a viable and sustainable business option, and with a huge amount of visitors each year choosing walking holidays, they are doing an excellent job in ensuring the island is prepared to accept them.  At present they are in the process of mapping the routes, which will take some time, but will be a real boost for walkers with professional maps and signage when completed.

The organisation does not specifically have a walking group, but does offer the opportunity to find out more about where to walk, what to see and how you can join specific walking tours and days out which are organised by other operators.

You can contact them via their websites which have some excellent links for other organisations too who provide other trekking options such as cycling, 4×4 tours and more – see www.northcyprustrails.org or via email nick@bointon.com or info@kyreniamountaintrail.org , or by telephone +90 (0)533 845 39 35.

Union of Cyprus Turkish Tourist Guides (KITREB)

KITREB can offer tailored walks and tours around Lefkoşa which are completely free.  Usually meeting on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10am at the Tourist Information Office at Kyrenia Gate, and at 10.30am at the Lokmacı Border Crossing, they will guide you around many of the historical landmarks within the city.

The walks usually last for around 2 hours, and are a great way to familiarise yourself with the rich history of this great city, visiting many of its famous landmarks and buildings.  You can contact them via email kitreb@hotmail.com and for the future their website is www.kitreb.org (being worked on at time of writing) or by telephone +90 (0)392 2284127.  Alternatively you can check out our article on places of interest in Lefkoşa.

For more information on castle walks, then please visit this link. You can also find out much more about tours, tour companies offering walking, hiking, bird watching and orchid hunting holidays in our related articles within our Tourism section, by clicking on any of these links.

North Cyprus has a large festival scene, and there are more and more festivals being formed every year it seems!

The festival season spans roughly six to seven months of the year, with the first events being held around April time and the last ones finishing off in late October, early November.  So you can try to catch one when you’re visiting, or even attend a few if you’re living here on the island!

Village fairs have grown in popularity over the last few years, and some are extremely popular, enabling the public to see traditions and cultural mainstays of Turkish Cypriot life, as well as giving the local population a chance to show off their skills and wares.  The Olive Festival in Zeytinlik for example has really got on the media bandwagon to promote itself, and you can now find out about the festival and the schedule via its Facebook group!  However, the local press will also always publicise these events with schedules appearing nearer the opening of the event.

You can see cookery displays, arts and crafts demonstrations, competitions and also most popular are the folk dance displays that give a great insight into the skill of the dancers as well as the stories that they tell.  You can see and buy lots of local products made in their traditional fashion, and even have a go at making some of them too at the Büyükkonuk Eco-festival.  Festivals are generally organised by the local municipality, and sponsors are often sought to provide finances for some of the larger exhibitions and displays.

North Cyprus is also becoming well known for its international musical events that never fail to impress – with some big names now attending the most popular events.  You can find out about these via the websites set up to promote and detail the names which will be taking part each year.  There are a wide range of artists who take part, from classical tenors to Turkish pop singers, as well as some old favourites such as Boney M and Bonnie Tyler who have performed here in the recent past!

The International Bellapais Music Festival held in May each year at the stunning Bellapais Monastery venue near Kyrenia, has now been running for over 10 years and has featured some truly international classical groups, orchestras and individuals to amaze the crowds.  Equally the International Famagusta Art & Culture Festival is growing in stature, again running now for over 10 years, with theatre and music events mostly being held at the wonderful Salamis Antique theatre.  Find out more about this festival at www.magusa.org, and also via our article giving festival dates.

Besides music and village festivals there are also the cinematic and arts festivals of North Cyprus, featuring something for everyone to enjoy.  Please visit our other festival page for a round up of the individual festivals in North Cyprus as well as articles on folk dancing, cinema and arts for example.

It can be reached along the Geçitkale to Boğaz main road, and you will see signs around 10 miles after turning off the main junction in Lefkoşa.  Turning left you travel up a long straight road through green fields (well it was winter when we visited!) and up into the village which itself sits on the lowland slopes of the Mesaoria Plain.

A traditional farming village still seemingly in full swing, it’s known for its peace and tranquillity and we have to agree as it was quite sleepy the day we went, but that was probably because it was a Sunday!

The main work to have taken place with the funding is the linking of around 3.2km of pipeline to bring water direct to the village from the nearest reservoir, which has made the lives of villagers much more modernised.

The visual restoration that you can see is in the main village square where the mosque is located, all buildings have been restored with the use of traditional materials and building techniques.  You can see the old mill stones once used for grinding seed into flour, but now enjoying their retirement as flower pots.  The buildings surrounding the meydan include a coffee house and little mini-market which have been restored and branded in tasteful lettering.

If you have a wander around the periphery of the village you will find other little bits of interest such as an old cistern bearing the ER mark, which would have obviously been built during the British times, and some examples of buildings built in the ‘kerpiç’ fashion – mud slab bricks basically, but a building technique which has stood the test of time all over North Cyprus.

We also found a great range of tractors, both used and seemingly abandoned, which, for one of our party was very enjoyable!  We had a chat with the local Mukhtar too who was very pleased that so many people were stopping to come and see what all the fuss was about!

Anyway, Kalavaç is a nice little village to visit if you have time on your hands, but try and go on a weekday when people aren’t taking a well earned rest and when the coffee shop will be open!

The Karpaz peninsula has some breathtaking beaches, wonderful walks and is littered with ancient churches, monuments, remains and ruins.  Part of the area is also now a designated National Park, where feral donkeys are allowed to roam free and nature is pretty much left alone.  The Karpaz is also largely an agricultural area producing crops, and you will find that most local inhabitants have animals and land, but tourism also obviously plays a large part in the economy too.

There are now many places to stay on and around the coast and the Karpaz peninsula’s villages, and as the welfare of the environment becomes ever more important, accommodation is being built for the more environmentally minded tourist.  You can choose from very basic accommodation such as beach huts on stilts, or opt for a B&B style pension or even holiday apartments.

There is some development starting to encroach on this area, with property developments and the marina sites at Yeni Erenköy for example, but hopefully strong controls will be put in place to keep the majority of the Karpaz a much treasured and valued area for years to come.

If you’re visiting or living in North Cyprus it would be remiss of you to not take the time to explore this fantastic area of the island.  Our various articles on the Karpaz will give you more of an insight into where to stay, what to see, the beaches, wildlife and how to get there, so please do take a look if you would like to know more.

It is accessible from taking the very scenic coastal road past Esentepe and onto the partially finished new road which will take you to Kaplıca.  You will then venture on to older roads turning right inland signposted for Büyükkonuk and Sazlıköy. Alternatively you can take the inland Geçitkale road to Iskele and Boğaz, turning left at the costal junction, following the coastal road for a few miles until you reach turnings for Tuzluca and Büyükkonuk.

The village of Büyükkonuk and its surrounding area is beautiful, and with efforts being made by its villagers to create a life of self-sustainability, it is fast becoming a great place to visit to see a unique insight into traditional Turkish Cypriot culture.  Today it is mainly an agricultural village, growing crops such as olive, carob, wheat and barley along with vegetables.  Livestock also forms part of the local population’s livelihood with dairy cows, sheep and goats providing milk and meat.

The community is being helped in its efforts by the Economic Development and Growth for Enterprises (EDGE) under the Cyprus Partnership for Economic Growth (CyPEG) project, and funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Turkish Embassy.  This funding has enabled various restoration projects to get underway, such as restoring the town square and church, and it has helped with initiatives to educate the local community on the importance of their heritage and environment.  The local municipality also has a committee dedicated to the involvement of its eco-tourism status and has received help with training its members from the William Davison Institute in Michigan.

Part of a visit to Büyükkonuk should be to see the traditional arts and crafts being made by the local village women, and Eco-Tourism festivals in April and October time have been held to enable visitors to see, taste and buy some of the local produce available.  So far these festivals have been a great success, and two were held in 2008 with demonstrations from villagers in the art of basket weaving for example, as well as macaroni and mud brick making!  Folk dancing displays and donkey rides were also part of the fun!

You can also visit the restored olive mill factory which has been turned into a functioning museum, with its equipment and explanations of the operation as well as its history, and within its grounds there are also some very interesting species of flora that have been grown to give visitors an idea of what can be found in the surrounding areas.  Büyükkonuk also has various trail walks around the local countryside where you can take in the views whilst watching for migrating birds, and perhaps have a picnic.  Kantara Castle, one of the famous Crusader  castles, is also located to the west of Büyükkonuk, a short car journey away.

In Büyükkonuk you can also find Delcraft, a company set up by Turkish Cypriot Ismail Cemal and his Canadian born wife Lois.  This company is dedicated to eco-tourism efforts, providing information, accommodation and holidays for the eco-tourism hungry visitor, and it also has its own craft shop.  You can learn more about Delcraft by clicking on this related article.