admin, Author at Essential Cyprus

In Package Holidays

Specialist Tour Operators for North Cyprus

February 5, 2012 4 Mins Read

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.

In Package Holidays

North Cyprus Package Holidays

February 6, 2012 3 Mins Read

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.

In Information Offices

Tourist Information Offices in North Cyprus

February 5, 2012 2 Mins Read

There are plenty of places in North Cyprus where you can find information on what’s available to see and do here, although we at Essential Cyprus of course provide just as much information if not more!

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.

In Medical Tourism

North Cyprus and Cosmetic Surgery

February 5, 2012 4 Mins Read

You may be surprised to see an article on cosmetic surgery in North Cyprus within our articles on tourism, but it does deserve a mention as ‘medical tourism’ does seem to be gaining in popularity with those seeking to either preserve or enhance their looks, or deal with a certain aspect of their body that is causing them to feel low.

Previously clients have travelled long-haul to the Far East or Eastern Europe for cosmetic procedures, but with North Cyprus only being a short journey away from most of Europe, it is becoming a more favourable option for many.

In Medical Tourism

IVF Fertility Treatment in North Cyprus

February 5, 2012 3 Mins Read

For couples who are experiencing fertility problems and who are looking to pursue options for treatment, then North Cyprus is certainly a location that’s becoming a popular choice for many. In part the relaxing pace of life and warm climate help couples feel more relaxed about treatment, then couple this with the growing number of experienced doctors who are internationally qualified and you have a good location for fertility treatment.

Costs are obviously a large factor for many couples in deciding where to seek fertility treatment options, and as North Cyprus still has relatively low living costs compared to many others, and with its location being a short journey from many parts of Europe, it is becoming more favourable than travelling to other international destinations requiring long haul flights.

In Medical Tourism

Baby Cord, North Cyprus

February 5, 2012 3 Mins Read

Baby Cord is a concept that has been pioneered in the United States for over a decade – the procedure involves baby cord blood being used to treat a number of illnesses in children such as life threatening diseases and disorders. This procedure is one which North Cyprus is involved with as well.

Baby cord blood is proving to be a vital medical resource in fighting devastating chronic and acute diseases, and is invaluable for research for many others. A “haematopoietic” stem cell is the type of cell collected from umbilical cord blood which can multiply and develop into the major components of bone marrow, blood, and the immune system. Other sources of such stem cell collection are bone marrow, which involves a much more invasive and painful procedure to obtain.

In Sightseeing

North Cyprus Sightseeing & Attractions

June 1, 2012 2 Mins Read

Visitors to Northern Cyprus are spoilt for choice when it comes to ‘places to see,’ and whilst you might feel that there is not enough in one place you can always take a day to explore places, fit in some shopping, have some lunch at one of the many restaurants around, and take in the sights in one area.

Perhaps you might like to see some of the history of a town or city such as Lefkoşa or Kyrenia, and there are several museums that can occupy you for hours on end and all within walking distance of each other in either location for example. The area of Famagusta is a real treat for those who love a day out spent exploring ancient ruins too, you must visit the mystical Othello’s Tower.

In Sightseeing

Places of Interest, Kyrenia, North Cyprus

June 1, 2012 4 Mins Read

In central Kyrenia there are many ways in which to spend a day, and you would be surprised how quickly the time goes! It’s a great place to even just spend time sitting in the harbour, people watching, having a drink and some lunch in one of the many restaurants, taking in some of the sights and sounds, and perhaps popping into the odd shop along the way!

Obviously there are the glaringly obvious places of interest to absorb you, such as the magnificent Kyrenia Castle and the Shipwreck Museum housed within it, the stunning St. Hilarion castle as well as other exhibits housed in centuries old buildings, and you can find out more about these in our articles on museums and castles. Also, just taking a walk behind the harbour will introduce you to some interesting and restored houses, as well as the Paşah mosque, all set in a myriad of cobbled and narrow streets which you can get quite lost in!