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.

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.

When travelling to and from North Cyprus these days passengers can find themselves spoilt for choice in terms of the airline they choose and the airport they fly into!  It wasn’t so long ago that you had to fly into the old and unfashionable Geçitkale airport whilst Ercan, the current passenger airport, was undergoing a major refurbishment.  With the border opening to the south, the choice is even broader too.

Several airlines now offer flights to Ercan airport via Turkey, and it’s worth checking them all out before committing to purchase your tickets.  All of them have the facility to purchase tickets online, with many now changing over to an e-ticket solution meaning no good old fashioned triplicate slips!  However, for some it’s still more preferable to have a travel agent do the searching for you, and to pay in cash at their offices or via credit card on the phone.

PLEASE NOTE that CTA below are not currently an operating airline due to financial issues, however we are keeping the details here in this article in the sincere hope that it will be resurrected in due course!

Cyprus Turkish Airlines, (also known as either CTA or KTHY), is the state run carrier; and it’s now possible to fly to North Cyprus from the UK’s major cities and airports – London Stansted, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham, with winter and summer scheduled timetables offering a wide choice of flight options.  Flights at times can be expensive, but they often release blocks of cheaper tickets at certain times of the year, so it’s always worth checking, but be prepared to book and pay at the same time to take advantage of any offers.

CTA’s head office is in Lefkoşa and they have additional sales offices in Lefkoşa, Famagusta, Kyrenia and at Ercan Airport.  There are also offices in Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, Antalya, Izmir, with general sales offices in Trabzon and Gaziantep in Turkey and Frankfurt in Germany.  In the UK you can find them located at 11-12 Pall Mall, London, SW1.

CTA Head Office North Cyprus: Bedrettin Demirel Avenue, Lefkoşa, Tel: +90 (0)392 228 3901

Reservations North Cyprus : rezervasyon1@kthy.aero – +90 (0)392 227 1240 / 227 1479 / 228 4163 / 228 1463 / 227 1536 / 227 1706 / 228 4161 / 228 1461

Head Office UK : 11-12 Pall Mall, London, SW1

Reservations UK : info@kthylondon.co.uk – +44 (0) 207 930 4851

General E-mail: info@kthy.aero

Website : www.kthy.net

Turkish Airlines (THY), the largest of the carriers serving North Cyprus are not the cheapest airline option by any stretch, but do have, in addition to CTA’s departure points, Dublin on their schedule with a transit change at Istanbul.  Again both winter and summer schedules offer a wide schedule and a great choice of onward journeys from Turkey if you are not travelling to the UK!  However, one major stumbling block seems to be that you can only book flights to Turkey from ‘Lefkoşa’ and not beyond, therefore requiring the need to book an additional set of onward flights.  We could be wrong, but when trying several options it tells you that ‘we do not have permission to book tickets for Lefkoşa.’

So, you may well need to visit a Turkish Airlines office to book your trip, or book it via a travel agent who can get round the issue!  THY have offices in Lefkoşa and at Ercan Airport, as well as many ticket sales offices around the world with offices in Birmingham and London in the UK or example.

THY North Cyprus:

Mehmet Akif Caddesi, No. 52, Köşklüçiftilik, Lefkoşa, Tel : +90 (0)392 227 1382

Ercan Airport +90 (0) 231 4790

Website : www.turkishairlines.com

Pegasus Airlines (PGS), a private Turkish airline making waves in North Cyprus by consistently offering cheaper fares.  Their destinations at present include major cities in Germany and Turkey as well as Amsterdam, Venice and Zurich amongst others.  The one possible downside for the UK though is that they only fly to Stansted presently, but this could well change in the near future.  But with cheap tickets it may be possible to budget in an internal UK flight to get there for your onward journey to North Cyprus!

Beware also that Pegasus, when stopping in Istanbul, only fly into the Sabiha Gökcen airport which is not the main airport in Turkey (Atatürk Airport is the major international airport).  It’s not far out from the main city, but it’s smaller and less well connected with internal flights.  According to friends (having not flown with them ourselves yet) you don’t get a meal on the flight – we are sure that this wouldn’t be a problem for many who have had regular experiences of in-flight meals!!

PGS North Cyprus :

Kaya Bekiroğlu Apartments, Merriduh Asaf Sokak, Köşklüçiftilik, Lefkoşa, Tel : +90 (0)392 228 7311

Yusuf Ziya Apartment, No. 1 Ziya Rızka Caddesi, Girne, Tel: +90 (0)392 815 4681, Email : info@cyprusxp.com

Ercan Airport : +90 (0)392 231 4288

Website : www.flypgs.com

Atlas Jet (AJET) is the smallest operator serving North Cyprus and only accommodates flights to destinations in Turkey – perfect if you just want a short hop to another holiday destination!  Presently you can fly to Adana, Antalya, Ankara, Izmir and Istanbul – of course many carriers will then take you from there to other destinations in Europe should you wish to take a more laborious route!  However, Atlas Jet do fly into Atatürk Airport, so not a bad choice of airline if you want a city break.

Atlasjet North Cyprus :

Girne Caddesi, Lefkoşa, Tel : +90 (0)392 227 9192

Girne Hirondelle Roundabout (connecting with Lefkoşa mountain road), Tel : +90 (0)392 815 6747

Website : www.atlasjet.com

Hopefully this article has been helpful, and although at the time of writing all information was correct, it may be wise to contact the airlines direct in case of any changes!  If you would like to find out more about Ercan Airport, travelling to North Cyprus from the south of the island as well as general information on flights into North Cyprus, see our other related articles.

Since the borders opened between the north and south of the island, the option of travelling into either of the two airports in the south, Larnaca and Paphos, has steadily gained popularity.

The main reasons are sometimes cheaper flights, as most major airlines can be very competitive with their pricing, and the fact that there is no obligatory stop-over in Turkey.  From most European destinations it is only a 4 or 5 hour journey time to the south, whereas it would be a 5 or 6 hour journey time to the north because of the stop over in Turkey.

However, there is also the issue of having arrived into Larnaca or Paphos and then again adding on journey time to get to your destination in the north, with taxi fares and border crossings as additional expenditure and inconvenience.  Nonetheless, many feel that it’s a more viable option for them, and luckily there is plenty of choice for those who find it a more relaxing route to take to North Cyprus.  We will list a few of the airlines serving south Cyprus for you, to give you an idea of travel options.

Cyprus Airways is the official state carrier for south Cyprus serving both Larnaca and Paphos airports, and it offers relatively low fares flying in from all the UK’s London airports and both Manchester and Birmingham in the UK, as well as other major capital cities in the Middle East and mainland Europe.

www.cyprusairways.com

British Airways can often be cheap when booking well in advance, with flights departing from all London airports into both Larnaca and Paphos.  In the summer time they do add on other UK airports, but the norm seems to be internal flights into London and onwards from there.

www.britishairways.com

Monarch Airlines only fly into Larnaca and up until recently only flew via Luton Airport in the UK, but have added Birmingham International, Manchester and Gatwick to their scheduled flights which is good news as price-wise they are extremely competitive.

www.monarch.co.uk

Easyjet, the budget airline, do provide flights but only from mid season the last time we looked, and flights didn’t start until the end of March.  They usually operate flights between London Gatwick and Larnaca and are obviously pretty cheap being a budget airline!  Booking well in advance is the process to get the best fare available.

www.easyjet.com

That’s it for our round-up of our choice of airlines serving the south of the island.  For general information on flights into North Cyprus and airlines serving North Cyprus, as well as information on Ercan Airport please check our related articles.

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!

Package holidays are a relatively new but developing business in North Cyprus.  With this side of the island mainly a destination for the independent traveller until recently, holiday companies are now offering attractive packages to suit most budgets and requirements.

Due to the embargoes and restrictions placed upon North Cyprus you probably won’t find much in the way of glossy marketing material in your local travel agent, but there are plenty of dedicated companies offering package deals over the internet, so this is probably the best place to start your research.

There are many hotels and holiday villages across Northern Cyprus offering different accommodation options, and it is possible to take a two centre or multi-destination package option, sampling two or more hotels or resorts.  The majority of package holidays cater for those seeking sunshine, sandy beaches and a relaxing break, and if you join such a group you will not be disappointed.  They can also tailor a package to suit you and have recommendations on the best deals for families requiring entertainment for example, as well as arranging car hire, insurance and airport transfers.

Some companies however are dedicated to providing more nature orientated packages which incorporate walking and orchid hunting holidays, bird watching holidays with expert guides on hand and a full itinerary to make the most of the wonderful nature that can be seen here.  Some are now even offering a ‘traditional’ Turkish Cypriot styled holiday which will provide planned activities and trips, accommodation at local guesthouses, and a chance to sample local fare.  This is as much of an eco-holiday as you can get here in North Cyprus at the moment, but progress is being made!

Optional day trips and tours to see the crusader castles in North Cyprus, Bellapais Abbey, to visit the donkeys and the Karpaz Peninsula, to take in areas like Salamis, old Famagusta and Lefkoşa and even to enjoy a boat trip on the Med can be arranged with no fuss from your tour operator or through your hotel.  Alternatively, you can hire a car or a taxi and be free to travel around at your own pace.

The following are all links to companies offering package holidays in North Cyprus with self catering, hotel, private villa and holiday resort options, and should offer you a great place to begin your research.  There are a number of other companies out there, and as mentioned you’d be wise to do some detailed homework to find the best packages for your holiday needs and budgetary requirements: -

www.anatolian-sky.co.uk – Tel : +44 (0)845 365 1011

www.cypruspremier.com – Tel : +44 (0)8714 266 888

www.directtraveller.com – Tel : +44 (0)845 123 5383

www.greenislandholidays.com – Tel : +44 (0)207 637 7338

www.metakholidays.co.uk – Tel : +44 (0)208 290 9292

www.tulipholidays.com – Tel : +44 (0)207 254 0066

www.cyprusparadise.com – Tel +44 (0)208 343 8888

Please don’t forget to visit our articles on specialist tour operators, as well as the rest of our Tourism section providing lots of useful information, tips and great ways to enjoy your visit to North Cyprus!  If you are thinking about booking your hotel independently then perhaps our section on the various accommodation options in North Cyprus might be of help.

Each major tourism area has its own government run Tourism Office, and you can find them at the following addresses:

Kyrenia

30, Kordonboyu Sokak (western end of the Old Harbour), Tel: +90 (0)392 8152145

Famagusta

5, Fevzi Cakmak Bulvari (eastern side of the city walls next to the hospital), Tel: +90 (0)392 3662864

Ercan Airport

Terminal Building, Lefkosa, Tel: +90 (0)392 2314737

Lefkoşa

Girne Caddesi (Kyrenia Gate building at entrance to old city), Tel: +90 (0)392 2275051

These offices can provide you with maps of the particular area, brochures and pamphlets about the things to see and do, as well as recommending any tours that may be running at the time of your visit.  Please note that at the time of writing the areas of Güzelyurt, Karpaz and Iskele do not have tourist information offices.

North Cyprus Tourism UK

Prior to a visit to North Cyprus you can always contact the Northern Cyprus Tourism Office, which is based in London, via their website www.simplynorthcyprus.com where you can request a brochure or visit their offices which are normally open Monday to Friday with normal office hours: 29 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3ED.

Another alternative source for information are bookshops, with the trusty Rustem Bookshop on Girne Caddesi (main road from Kyrenia Gate into the old city in Lefkoşa) selling guides books, information booklets and maps as well some excellent pictorial hardbacks.  Also the Deniz Plaza shops in Kyrenia and Lefkoşa sometimes have useful guide books too.  Hotels usually have plenty of pamphlets that you can take as well, with some of the tour companies displaying boards with tours and activities available.

Alternatively you can always swot up before you arrive and there are numerous books to help you with that.  Why not have a read of our Books on North Cyprus article which should prove helpful.

If you’re considering taking a break in North Cyprus why not spend some time exploring North Cyprus’s ancient castles?  Even if you aren’t a keen walker or you’re coming to the island in the heat of the summer sunshine when walking too far is pretty impossible, you can still get close enough to each magnificent castle to be impressed – we promise you!

North Cyprus is home to a trio of Lusignan Gothic Crusader castles: St. Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara, as well as the Byzantine built Kyrenia Castle.  Each dominates its location so that you can’t miss them really!  A word of warning though, there are steep climbs at fairly high altitudes to the Crusader castles, and parents need to keep a close eye on children, and those who suffer vertigo should hold the hand of someone they trust!  Another tip would be to have fluids readily available and to not visit in the heat of the midday sun in the summer time, as it can get a little too hot for many!

Kyrenia Castle

This is an immense Byzantine structure, thought to have been built on top of the foundations of an ancient Roman port, and it dominates the old harbour area in the town of Kyrenia.  The Lusignans also had a hand in its construction too, whilst in later times the British used it as a prison and a police school, and before that the Ottomans used it as a tomb for one of their generals, whilst during the Venetian reign it was altered by fortification.

Kyrenia Castle, North Cyprus

It is well intact and an incredible sight to behold both inside and out.  Visitors to the castle are rewarded with full access to the entire building, and they can scamper around and right up onto the very top totally unrestricted.  Visitors to the harbour area often watch with horror as the plucky castle-goers stand right on the edge of the huge walls looking down at the sea!  Parents with young children should maybe consider reins!  If you do decide to visit the castle, be sure to go to the Kyrenia Shipwreck Museum located within the castle where you will see one of the oldest wrecks ever recovered from the sea preserved and housed.

There is a peaceful courtyard area too, where you can sit under the trees and enjoy a cool drink, and it is has also been the venue to many of the classical music concerts held in North Cyprus each year, providing a wonderful location in which to appreciate a great evenings entertainment.

St. Hilarion Castle

St Hilarion Castle, North Cyprus

To visit St. Hilarion you take the main road to Lefkoşa (Nicosia) from Girne and head up over the Kyrenia mountain range, the castle is signposted off to the west.  Originally St. Hilarion castle was named after a ‘hermit’ monk of the samename who lived and died in a cave on the mountain where it’s built.

Although no original construction date is available, it is estimated that during the 10th and 11^th centuries a monastery was built over the tomb of the Saint and then future occupants of Cyprus – including the Lusignans, Venetians and Ottomans – all had a hand in adding, destroying and altering various aspects of the castle, and it was used as a military outpost, residence and fortress.  More recently in 1964 Turkish Cypriots used it to fend off EOKA inspired attacks.

St Hilarion Castle, North Cyprus

The road up to the castle is a bit bendy but well worth the drive for when you get closer to St Hilarion you realise just what an incredible position it’s perched on, and the views just cannot be replicated anywhere else!  Built 2,400ft up above the plains before it and seemingly growing out of the rocks around it, St. Hilarion is one of the best castles in the world.  A true fairy tale castle that will have both young and old visitors enchanted!

Plan plenty of time to visit the castle as it will take you a good long while to explore all the hidden rooms, tunnels, gardens, views and steep, steep staircases!  And trust us, the climb to the very top and out to Prince John’s Tower is worth it!  Legend has it that Prince John, nice man that he was, threw two of his bodyguards – who he believed were plotting against him – out of the tower and over the cliff to their death.  When you venture to the edge of the tower and look down you can share their final view!

Buffavento Castle

If you’re travelling to Buffavento from Kyrenia you head out east past Ozanköy and Çatalköy, and then instead of turning left towards Acapulco and Turtle Beach you head on up the mountain.  Right at the top of the road you’ll see a signpost to Buffavento Kalesi…now you can either park here in the car park and take our challenge of walking all the way to the castle (about 6km) or if you have a sturdy vehicle (or a hire car!) you can drive the rough track to the foot of the mountain on which the castle is built.

Buffavento Castle, North Cyprus

It’s believed that the castle began life as a Byzantine watchtower before surrendering to Richard the Lionheart when he invaded in 1191.  During the Lusignan period it was used as a prison, and then it fell into a state of disrepair through neglect – which is why it may be the least impressive ruin but certainly the one with arguably the best views.  The castle is indeed not particularly well preserved, but if you visit at the right time it can feel like you are up in the clouds as it’s pretty well camouflaged among the mountain peaks!

The castle sits atop a sheer 3,100ft peak, and when you see it you wonder how on earth you’re meant to access it!  In fact the final climb up to it (which has to be done on foot, or hand and knees?!) takes about 30 – 40 minutes, and you’ll be able to see why the castle needed no other form of protection than its position – as there really is only one way in!

Buffavento means ‘wind buffeted,’ and when you visit you’ll see why!  It is situated exactly where the warm air rises from the plains, the cool air rises from the sea and it swirls and swirls round the castle.  You can reach out and touch the clouds as they circle round you at the top of this amazing castle.

Kantara Castle

Usually accessed from Famagusta or Boğaz, this is often described as the most romantic of the trio of Crusader Lusignan Gothic castles in Northern Cyprus.  You can drive to it from Kyrenia, but it takes at least an hour and a half and the road gets a bit rough along the way!

Kantara Castle, North Cyprus

Kantara (meaning ‘arch’ in Arabic) castle is slightly lower than either St. Hilarion or Buffavento at ‘just’ 2,000ft up, and it is the best preserved of the three.  Its documented history begins in 1191 when Richard the Lionheart ‘acquired’ it, though it’s believed to have been built around the year 900.  The Lusignans are responsible for rebuilding and expanding it, and the Venetians are responsible for dismantling it!

However, despite their best efforts the northern sections of the castle, including an impressive barbican and square tower, are well preserved.  With incredible views of both sides of the Karpaz peninsular and Turkey and Syria on a clear day, the castle is well worth the trip.

If you would like to know more about the many interesting places to visit in North Cyprus, then please check out our articles on museums and other places of interest in our Sightseeing Section.  In addition, if you fancy visiting with a specialised tour group then please visit our articles on tours and tour companies which can accommodate various tailored holidays to suit your preference.  Our article on the ancient history of North Cyprus can also provide you with more information on the various rulers who have overseen and built these wonderful castles.