North Cyprus enjoys a very pleasant climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters, and an average of 300 days of sunshine. In August, the hottest month, mean temperatures range from 21°C to 36°C and in the coldest months of January and February, the average temperature is around 10°C, with a winter average of 6 hours daily sunshine and only moderate rain, making it an ideal year-round destination. Often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Mediterranean’ North Cyprus lives up to the highest expectations.
There are so many things to do and see in North Cyprus that it would be impossible to list them all, but here are a few suggestions for your trip…
Kyrenia Castle
The beautiful harbour is dominated by the majestic Kyrenia Castle which houses a museum containing the remains of the one of the oldest ancient ships salvaged from the sea. Overlooking the entrance to the harbour is Kyrenia Castle.
Dating from the time of the Byzantines, its massive defences surround a complex mixture of building styles from centuries before and it is likely that there was a Roman fort here originally. Subsequently enlarged and strengthened by the Lusignans and then the Venetians, the castle is now home to many historical artefacts and is the current resting-place of the world’s oldest shipwreck.
The Shipwreck Museum displays a cargo boat which sank just off Kyrenia some 2300 years ago. It was discovered by a local sponge diver over 30 metres down in 1965, and was salvaged between 1967 and 1969 by marine archaeologists from the Pennsylvania University. It is the oldest shipwreck known, and carbon 14 dating indicates it was built in 389BC, around the time of Alexander the Great.
Bellapais Abbey
To the north-east of Kyrenia (Girne) set on the side of a mountain, this twelfth-century monastery is a fine example of Gothic architecture of the Lusignan period. The abbey comprises of a church, refectory, dormitory and storage rooms grouped around an inner courtyard. It was originally occupied by a French brotherhood, the Order of Premontre, and was known to them as the “Abbaye de la Paix”.
Bellapais Abbey in Kyrenia, North Cyprus which has witnessed singing the old songs for ages now hosts modern and classical concerts. Numerous concerts have been performed in this 13th Century Lusignan Monastery.
Salamis, in Famagusta is another such historic site used for cultural activities and music festivals during spring and summer periods.
Karmi Village
Overlooked by the Gothic St. Hilarion Castle and set deep in the mountainside is the picturesque village of Karmi inhabited mostly by British and German expatriates. Cooled in summer by a light breeze, this lovingly restored village is a refuge of peace and genuine charm. With lovely views of the northern coastline from every corner, the relaxed and informal style of Karmi will not fail to enchant the visitor. With its own village pub, a small selection of local bistros, and a nearby handicraft shop, this region will appeal to anyone seeking tranquillity.
Karmi village, situated up on the mountains, to the west of Kyrenia, was abandoned by its Greek-Cypriot inhabitants during the war in 1974. In time the old houses became derelict and the whole village turned to be a ghost one.
The village has 150 renovated houses, 4 restaurant-pubs, and a grocery shop. The inhabitants of the village are mainly from U.K., Germany, France, Austria, and U.S.A.
Traditional Cuisine
The amount of restaurants and cafes an individual has to choose from in Northern Cyprus is extraordinary. The choices available are broad, you can choose from a traditional Cypriot restaurant serving local specialties to an Indian restaurant, a fast food cafe to splendid international cuisine with silver service.
For traditional mezes, the choices are endless, the quality is usually excellent and the volume of food you will be presented with is almost overwhelming! Both service and ambience are usually fantastic, the quality of the food exquisite and yet the price is highly reasonable!
