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.

When it comes to choosing the best accommodation in North Cyprus suited to your own requirements and tastes, take a look at this article which gives food for thought on the individual suitability of available accommodation.  There are so many different types of accommodation from 5 star to 1 star, holiday villages, budget accommodation and guesthouses, that you should have no trouble in finding what you need.

Starting with luxury hotels, you may have a problem in deciding which one to choose!  Classic, modern, themed, opulent are just a few of the words we can use to describe some of them, and you will not be disappointed as we can safely say that they are first class.  With new players coming into the game on a regular basis, you are spoilt for choice.  See our selection of luxury hotels for some ideas.

Hotels in North Cyprus have a great reputation for being able to satisfy families with little or no fuss, so if you are thinking of taking a break with your clan then there are plenty of options available to you.  You can stay in a large resort style hotel or holiday village complete with crèche and play area, with shallow kiddie’s pool to allow for extra swimming lessons, and many often have kids clubs and beach activities which can entertain your children for hours leaving the adults to unwind!  Check out our selection of family hotels in our dedicated article.

Couples and retirees seeking sanctuary are also well catered for with a number of boutique style hotels which can offer privacy, seclusion and above all else, peace and quiet, making you feel like you are a million miles away!  More often these hotels are not located by the beach, but make up for that with a more personal feel and service, often with wonderfully tempting pools and dining facilities.  Click here for our choice of boutique style hotels.

Perhaps you may be in the mood for some pampering and being spoilt rotten, in which case there are some wonderfully luxurious spa hotels, all ready and waiting to rub away your worries and relax both mind and spirit.  Any number of internationally practised treatments, massages and therapies are available, and of course you will benefit from all that the hotel has to offer as well.  See our listing of spa hotels to choose from.

For those of you who do not sadly have the time for any pampering as you may be here on business, there are still plenty of options open to you with most business accommodation being of a very high standard, ensuring that your travel weary feet are able to relax in comfort as well as having all the mod cons to be able to work on the go.  There are many mainstays for business people visiting North Cyprus, so take a look at our selection of business hotels in North Cyprus for more information.

If you are travelling on a budget whilst in North Cyprus then there are many places to stay, and this option is very feasible if you are staying off the beaten track more too.  There are many smaller hotels and pensions in major towns offering small but clean and comfortable rooms, with most catering for bed and breakfast.  You can also do self catering with no problem, but there are also quite a few guesthouses and apartments offering the same service with traditional Cypriot hospitality making them a really enjoyable option to experience.  Take a look at our offerings for budget accommodation.

We hope this article gives you some ideas of the types of accommodation available to you here in North Cyprus.  Feel free to click on any of the links within to obtain more information on specific hotel choices.

If you want to find a hotel that suits the need for some quiet time, as well as an establishment that can cater for excitable kids, then there are a number of great options here in North Cyprus.

During the holiday season hotels and holiday villages will lay on activities and fun days for children, and many have designated pools and facilities for them to spend hours being entertained in.  You can also feel completely at ease with leaving your little devils to make new friends and in the hands of the hotel staff who will make sure that your children are always safe and well looked after.

In this article we will give you a feel for some of the hotels that are suitable for families – some of which provide all of the above facilities, whilst some are just nice places for families to stay without the 24-hour activity schedule!

Jasmine Court Hotel, Kyrenia

This 5 star hotel has one of the best reputations for being a family inspired oasis! There is a special kid’s unit which has its own pool and lifeguard to ensure that children swim and play safely in the water, and it has various activities such as table tennis, pool, billiards, darts and a mini football pitch which should keep all children occupied for most of the day if the pool doesn’t!

If your kids are old enough, then they have an on site diving school to tempt them to try something new, or if they just want to get a thrill from the water they can try inflatable surfing and canoeing.  In the evenings then there is plenty of entertainment to experience at one of the hotel’s Cypriot Nights with folk dancing and music, which the kids love!  All in all, a great hotel to allow families to have a fun packed holiday, with help on hand to allow parents to have some peace too!

Acapulco Resort, Kyrenia

One of the best self contained holiday complexes, with hotel and bungalows, Acapulco has its own beach, pools for adults and kids, as well as various beach and water activities to keep youngsters entertained all day.  Kid’s clubs are organised to help children mingle and make friends, and as well there are separate activities for adults too.

Evenings are fun packed with music and themed events, and once the kids are off to their beds, parents can rest assured that people are on hand to keep an ear and eye on their loved ones.

Oscars Resort, Kyrenia

One resort that can testify to being a true kid’s paradise is Oscars Resort!  Water activities such as wave pool, bumper inflatables, water slide park and designated kids’ pool will most certainly keep children from feeling bored at any time.  The resort also organises a host of other stuff from indoor and outdoor activities including pool games, darts and table tennis tournaments, mini disco and evening restaurant based entertainment.

Kids love this place, and its popularity is testament to its aim of being one of the most popular family orientated hotel resorts here in North Cyprus.

These are our three choices for a perfect family friendly resort offering a packed itinerary for your children and yourselves, but there are many others which you can try, such as Mountain View, Five Fingers Holiday Bungalows, Pine Bay Club, Pitoresk Holiday Village, The Ship Inn and many more.

Palm Beach, Famagusta

If you are staying in the Famagusta area then the Palm Beach Hotel and Salamis Bay Conti are also great for families, with large beaches and shallow waters which are great for kids.  Alternatively, if you have chosen to stay in a quieter hotel with your family, why not think about having a day out at one of the superb beach clubs which can offer a great range of facilities and activities for children to enjoy.

Whether it’s an action packed establishment, or a quieter more family run establishment that caters for children, then you can certainly find something to suit in North Cyprus.

In addition to this article there is also plenty of information and recommendations for other types of accommodation such as luxury hotels, spa inspired hotels, budget accommodation, boutique retreats and business friendly hotels in our other related articles – just click on any of these links.

Having said that, there are some hotel chain groups which are involved in North Cyprus such as the Merit group, as well as Accor which is a huge hotel group that owns the Mercure Hotel for example.  However, each of the major luxury hotels is still individual in design, character and décor, so it doesn’t feel as though you could be in any city in any part of the world when you visit one!

Essential Cyprus has handpicked just a handful of luxury hotels and resorts to give a taster of the facilities and accommodation available in Northern Cyprus.  With the growth in the hotel sector there are plenty to choose from, so this article will just give you a taster of what kind of luxury accommodation to expect.

The Colony Hotel, Kyrenia

The palatial and truly stunning Colony Hotel makes its visual mark on the town of Kyrenia immediately!  Its prime location at the top of the high street at its northern end makes it one of the most popular hotels for travelling businessmen and those who prefer to stay in the more upmarket hotels when in North Cyprus.  The Colony is well known for its high return of guests every time they come to the island.

The Colony, built in a sophisticated colonial style funnily enough, claims to be the only five star hotel in the town to achieve truly international standards…it is certainly one of the finest luxury hotels in the whole of Northern Cyprus incorporating the utmost in taste and class.  Elegantly decorated, the bedrooms and suites afford residents the ultimate in luxury lifestyle with all mod cons and room service at the press of a button.  The hotel boasts many other luxury facilities including restaurants, bars, spa, gym, wellness centre, rooftop pool and much more, but we will let you see for yourself!

The Rocks Hotel, Kyrenia

Located directly on the coastal promenade, but in a nonetheless quiet ‘kordonboyu’ area of the old harbour town of Kyrenia, is the Rocks Hotel.  This luxury five star hotel has been finished with the utmost attention to detail, no expense spared, finest quality fixture, fittings and furnishings.  Residents and non-residents are free to take advantage of the first class restaurants and bars including La Habanera, the live music jazz bar.  Here some of the finest jazz musicians from around the world are regularly invited to perform.

It is an ideal location for meetings, banquets, weddings, conferences and is a regular venue for the Kyrenia Jazz Festival.  The accommodation and service offered to guests is definitely five star, and The Rocks Hotel is also home to the beautiful Rocks pool area and Laguna Bar, the Rocks Casino – yet another classy establishment – together with Roxanne’s Bar and Grill – that completes the Rocks Hotel luxury line-up.

Merit Crystal Cove, Kyrenia

The Merit Crystal Cove luxury five star resort is located just 10km from Kyrenia and positioned on its own private bay, overlooking its own exclusive beach.  This magnificent resort offers its guests the ultimate in all inclusive luxury.  With 32 acres of gardens, health club, fitness centre, casino, swimming pools, bars, restaurants and conference facilities, guests at the Merit Crystal Cove will want for nothing.

The hotel offers memorable luxury accommodation and entertainment, first class dining and night life with the most incredible mountain and sea views which one can truly say are uninterrupted and unrivalled.

Savoy Ottoman Palace Hotel, Kyrenia

This 5 star gem is the latest addition to the sophisticated luxury hotel market on the island and is based just off Kyrenia high street to the eastern end.  Built with an Ottoman theme in mind, the hotel’s architecture is stunning and inside is teeming with luxury design features and opulent furnishings, making it feel exactly like a palace.  Accommodation is luxuriant to say the least, complete with a range suites fit for sultans, where no expense has been spared in creating style and elegance.

You can relax and unwind in true style, with two international restaurants run by award winning chefs, perhaps take a Turkish bath, visit the spa or just relax in your suite with room service at your beck and call.  Its unique style and design make this hotel one which should definitely tempt those eager to try somewhere a little different.

Mercure Hotel, Karaoğlanoğlu

A modern 5 star hotel with a unique design based on the Kyrenia Castle, this large hotel is located on the coast to the east of the town.  It offers guests all there is to be had in the luxury stakes and is decorated and furnished to high standards.  The Mercure’s king suites allows for private dining for your own guests with butlered service available.

The well equipped spa offers guests luxurious treatments as well as an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna.  There are two large outdoor pools, and with several international restaurants located within the hotel you will be spoilt for choice for dining experiences.  It’s an ideal hotel for professional functions such as conferences, weddings and other events.

Kaya Artemis, Bafra

This huge 5 star complex located on the south eastern coastal region north of Famagusta will not fail to take your breath away on first sight.  It’s built, themed and designed on Greek mythology, Artemis being the virgin goddess of the hunt and the Moon; daughter of Leto and twin sister of Apollo.  Opulence is the major word for this resort, offering the largest room capacity in North Cyprus, with Greek statues and columns featuring heavily in the luxurious external gardens.

Kaya Artemis offers several luxury standards of accommodation including suites and individual villas to suit your tastes; it has its own shopping centre, several indoor and outdoor pools, wellness spa and beauty parlour, and the hotel has its own exclusive beach area.  A trip to this area and the Kaya Artemis resort is bound to relax and inspire you.

That concludes our choice of the luxury hotels in North Cyprus, but there are more for you to try so take your pick!  If you are looking for family hotels, boutique hotels, budget hotels, business or spa hotels then please click on any of the links.

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 a couple in search of a romantic destination hotel or perhaps you’re retirees seeking some well deserved relaxation and peace, then there are some wonderful boutique hotels to try here in North Cyprus.

Often smaller and family run, they are more than likely to be very individual in style and therefore more likely to appeal to those who seek accommodation that feels more personal and sophisticated.

Hopefully in this article we can provide you with some establishments which fit these criteria, with most of them having been established for a number of years, and whose return rates and repeat visitors speak for themselves.

Hideaway Club, Karaman

This mountain retreat offers a range of accommodation, such as Connoisseur Suites and Club Rooms, all with modern facilities and breathtaking views of St Hilarion castle and Kyrenia.  It is a great place to relax and unwind, and guess what, they don’t allow children under the age of 12 from March to October, hopefully guaranteeing you the peace and quiet you desire!

Its family run and friendly atmosphere ensures that you are catered for in all areas, and with an attractively designed 22 meter freshwater pool and poolside area, which is a step away from the hotel bar facility, you should find yourself filling your days with a good book and a constant supply of beverages.  The evenings will find you dining at their premier restaurant, offering a varied selection of Ottoman and International cuisine.

This is a hotel for couples and people who just need to get away from it all, and its customers return on a regular basis, making it one of the most popular boutique style hotels in North Cyprus.

Bellapais Gardens, Bellapais

If you want to experience a traditional Cypriot style hotel, then the Bellapais Gardens is a charming example not to be missed.  Set in this much loved village with the huge Bellapais Abbey dominating the stunning views, this hotel will grab your attention as soon as you enter.  The reception area is true Ottoman style with huge floor cushions for you to sink into, and it has some wonderful pieces of carved furniture that will make you want to take them home!

They have a choice of 17 chalets, all lovingly decorated and furnished to a high standard, and all with sea facing balconies so that you can watch the sun go down in the evening with a good quality wine delivered to your room.  The restaurant is extremely popular with residents and non-residents alike, being part of the Slow Food Association.  The hotel pool sits just 30m away from the impressive Abbey, so wherever you are, whether that be in your room, the restaurant, or by the pool you have access to gorgeous panoramic views.

A great choice for anyone who wants to stay somewhere with class, but also a hotel which remembers its guests and makes you want to return time and time again.  Again another plus perhaps is that they do not accept children under 12 at any time of year.

Bella View Hotel, Bellapais

This really is an exquisite and unique boutique hotel again situated in Bellapais, which is itself an enchanting enough location.  This establishment offers 21 rooms, which are really lavishly appointed with superb furnishings giving a really exclusive feel with a definite personal touch.

Elegant and sophisticated, this hotel would suit those wishing to spoil themselves by the wonderful pool and terraces which offer some of the best views to the east and west, and those who want to experience fine a la carte dining at The Sofa restaurant within the hotel.  Room service, concierge and personal service is at the heart of this hotel, and it caters exceptionally well for those who want some private time during their stay.

The Residence at Bellapaix, Bellapais

Yes one more to add to the list in Bellapais!  This really is the ultimate in style and exclusivity.  Picture-book as a description would not do this unique gem justice, but suffice to say it’s a magical place to stay.  Each of the 10 rooms have been individually designed and decorated to fit a certain civilisation in Cyprus history, and you will not be disappointed with the levels of comfort or service to ensure your stay is as enjoyable as possible.

Each room has its own terrace or balcony, with only one room enjoying suite status.  A hotel pool is available as is restaurant, and all for great value with prices starting at £30, making this special hotel the absolute in affordability too.  Again, no children are allowed here.

That concludes our selection of rather unique and personal hotels, but as with all things, you may find another which is just as suitable!  If you truly believe in the individual and personal, we can definitely say that the above establishments fit the bill nicely!

If you are however looking for something completely different then our other articles on different types of accommodation can be found by clicking on this link for North Cyprus Hotels.

If total relaxation of mind, body and spirit is what you are looking for when booking a hotel for your holiday, then North Cyprus has a lot to offer for the earnest spa lover.  You can choose a complete spa getaway or a weekend full of the best treatments that the world has to offer, at one of the many 5 star hotel resorts.

Facilities are of the best quality, packed full of tasteful furnishings and mood calming music and lighting, so that you really do feel as if you are in a secluded and private retreat.  On researching this article, we were pleasantly surprised at how seriously the spa world takes itself here, with a wide range of treatments and pampering options to really go to town on!

In this article we will give you a few ideas of where the best places to be are when you are in need of some down-time during your holiday, or indeed for your entire holiday!

Acapulco Resort & Spa, Kyrenia

Sumptuous surroundings greet you here, with a tantalising range of therapies, treatments and beauty options to choose from.  Rooms are private, there is a Jacuzzi tub, and all treatment rooms are complemented by candles and incense to really get you relaxed.  A chill out room with full length loungers provides a comfortable area to get yourself ready for your next treatment, but the resort also has a fitness centre should you wish to pump some iron instead!  The Acapulco can offer a pre-booked spa getaway, or you can choose on arrival and it has a great range of treatments to choose from.

Malpas Hotel & Resort, Kyrenia

This rather grand hotel will certainly tickle your taste buds when it comes to the treatments available on the menu at the Malpas Spa and Wellness Centre, and the variety of treatments certainly ensures you are in for a real treat.  On entering the lower floor spa, you will feel as if you are in an oasis of calm and tranquillity.  Mood lighting, soft music and helpful staff will help you choose your spa programme to suit your mood, and you will be able to take advantage of such delights as a steam room, indoor pool, Turkish bath and fitness centre as part of your spa holiday.  Professional masseurs offer a great range of massages to entice you too, with the stone therapy being amongst its most popular, along with aroma and hydrotherapy too!  Again, you can pre-book your spa holiday or book your stay and then choose what you want to experience on arrival.

Colony Hotel, Kyrenia

One of the most tasteful hotels around provides a spa and wellness centre that bases itself on rejuvenation and relaxation, with a range of tempting treatments to try as well as a modern exercise room with personal trainers on hand to assist you in choosing what’s best for your needs.  You can spoil yourself rotten with a great range of massages including Swedish, sports, deep tissue and orthopaedic, as well taking advantage of their solarium, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.  Given the environs of the Colony that just ooze class, this is a great bet if you want to be in the centre of the town, but still want to feel like you are on a desert island!  Choose your spa package when pre-booking, or book yourself in and take your time in hand picking your treatments.

Mercure Hotel, Kyrenia

Why not try this uber cool spa with a unique range of Far East inspired massage therapies, from shiatsu, thai and mandara, to reflexology and stone.  Chakra based techniques ensure that you feel at one with life and nature, and give a boost to your own well-being.  Medical massages are also available by trained specialists and are tailored to specific areas of the body.  Besides the top class treatments, you will be treated to wonderful surroundings and facilities such as Turkish bath, scented saunas, indoor pool and Jacuzzis.  Pre-planned packages are available, or book your stay and choose when you arrive.

Rocks Hotel, Kyrenia

Classy and classic, this spa ticks all the right boxes being located at the elegant and stylish Rocks Hotel.  Dark wood, tasteful décor, furnishings and discreet lighting all help to make this one of the most popular spas around. You can partake of a Turkish bath, sauna, Jacuzzi and a myriad of modern and traditional treatments.  Relax in between treatments with a herbal tea in the relaxation lounge, treat yourself to a massage from a range including stone, Thai or Bali to help rejuvenate, inspire and relax.  Being located in the centre of town, this is a great place to stay if you feel rejuvenated enough to go sightseeing after your spa pampering!

That concludes our round up of spa inspired loveliness, but again there are more spas and wellness centres around, so if none of the above fits the bill (we can’t see that happening though!) then check out our article on Spa Therapy choices in North Cyprus!

For other hotel options feel free to check out our articles on family friendly, boutique, budget, business and luxury hotels.

There is only one passenger airport in North Cyprus, it’s called Ercan Airport and in recent years it has seen massive refurbishment and now serves people wishing to travel to and from North Cyprus.  It’s located a 40 minute car journey from the harbour town of Kyrenia and 15 minutes from Lefkoşa.

Direct flights are not officially available to North Cyprus from anywhere other than Turkey.  If you’re flying to and from the island from any other destination you have an hour’s stop-over on the Turkish mainland.  On the way to Cyprus passengers can alight in Turkey for onward destinations whilst other passengers remain on-board and new ones embark for the one hour continuation flight to Northern Cyprus.  Plans for the future include challenging the UK government on their ban of direct travel to North Cyprus, so watch this space!

Alternatives exist for those who want a guaranteed direct flight to Cyprus – now that the border is open between North and South for those with valid passports and visas it’s possible to fly to either Larnaca or Paphos and hire a car or get a taxi to Northern Cyprus.  It has proved a popular option for many, as major carriers such as British Airways, Monarch and Cyprus Airways are frequent flyers to airports in the south, and many would rather spend the additional travel time in a taxi coming through the border to the north rather than sitting on the tarmac inside a plane.

Prices too are extremely competitive if booking well in advance, so it’s down to personal choice for most as to which airport they arrive into, however we at Essential Cyprus advocate the use of Ercan for your flights to North Cyprus – it’s a good little airport and you would be helping the Turkish Cypriot economy no end if you used it – would be easier to say this if flights were cheaper though!!

Flights to Ercan Airport from the UK are currently offered by the likes of  Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines.  CTA, otherwise known as KTHY, the state airline, is currently not an operating airline having been forced to close due to financial issues in 2009.  Our article on airlines serving Ercan and the south (via the links above) including the still even cheaper option of airlines such as EasyJet will give you more food for thought on the options available to you.

Plans are also afoot for 2009 to introduce new markets to North Cyprus, with the TRNC government in the frame to sign deals with tour operators in Italy, and CTA about to launch flights to the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Finland and Norway.  It remains to be seen if these initiatives will boost the ever competitive worldwide tourism sector, but it’s a good start.  However some would argue, perhaps justifiably, that more departure points in the UK and other European countries are more important.

In terms of getting flights to the UK and the rest of Europe from North Cyprus, there are many tour operators and travel agents in Kyrenia and Lefkoşa and you can usually walk in, pay in cash and book there and then for next day flights.  Prices start from as little as GBP 150, and it’s usually possible to have an open ticket for up to six weeks.  You can also use travel agents in North Cyprus to book flights from airports in the south too, and book tickets for family and friends who are coming to North Cyprus, with all that’s required is for them to either print off an e-ticket or collect tickets at check-in on departure.

We will continually add articles on the options available, and obviously things change all the time, so we will try to keep you abreast of what’s on offer, including articles on destination holidays that you can book from North Cyprus, weekend jaunts, price comparisons and much much more! In the meantime please click on any of the tags below for related articles.