Holidays in North Cyprus

Tucked away in its own corner of the Mediterranean, Cyprus has always been a special place to spend a holiday and few places are more special than the north of the island. The first human settlements in Cyprus date back to the stone age and its strategically important position on many sea routes means that it has been occupied by numerous races ever since. From the Hittites, the ancient Romans, the Byzantines, the Lusignans, the Venetians and up to the modern age, all these people have left their influences.

Thanks to all these cultures, North Cyprus enjoys an incredible treasure trove of architectural heritage. Here, visitors will find three true Crusader castles. Two are in reasonable condition, but the third, St Hilarion Castle, is in a truly remarkable state of preservation and many of the original features remain. The ancient port city of Kyrenia has its own castle, built by the Venetians, which dominates the city’s impressive and beautiful old port. Nearby is the mountain village of Bellapais, where the 13th-century abbey is an impressive structure that is still used today as a venue for music concerts. In virtually every city and town, you will discover ancient memories of Cyprus’s past.

On the east coast is the town of Famagusta. The city still has its massive walls surrounding the oldest part of the city and there are many delights to discover here too, including several churches and mosques and the Tower of Othello, part of the original citadel. A few miles north along the coast will bring you to the ruins of Salamis, a site that will amaze you with its size alone. Once the capital of Cyprus in Roman times, the city was abandoned to quicksand after a series of earthquakes. Today, only part of the city has been excavated, but the amphitheater and a few other buildings have been restored and are incredible in scale.

These are just some of the treasures that await you on a Cyprus holiday, but don’t get the idea that North Cyprus is all about the past. Although there is a relaxed atmosphere, the country is certainly part of the 21st century. Modern technology is carefully integrated into an antiquated way of life. In terms of activities, holidays in Cyprus offer everything you could wish for. Although many simply choose to stay with a coffee in Kyrenia Harbour, or relax by a pool or on the beach, there is plenty for the more active. From mountain walks to jeep or quad safaris, from paragliding to go-karting or horseback riding, all kinds of land sports can be practiced. For water lovers, whether above or below the waves, there is more than enough to keep them busy for weeks.

There are really two different sides to North Cyprus. One day you may choose to spend hours exploring deserted forests or wandering miles of sandy beaches where you are more likely to come across a family of turtles than a family of tourists. The next day, you may decide to spend some time investigating the bustling streets and alleys of one of the cities, browsing the shops and trying to decide what to pack your suitcase with. Either way, the day will most likely end with a perfect meal, because in North Cyprus, excellent cuisine and traditional hospitality always seem to combine to provide happy and unforgettable memories. A meal by the harbor one night, or the next, a dinner under the illuminated walls of Bellapais Abbey against the background of some opera. Or just a simple kebab in a cafe. The ingredients are always fresh and the welcome is warm.

In terms of places to stay, there is something for everyone. From small family-run properties with a handful of rooms, to boutique hotels with standards that will amaze, to major international resort hotels with every facility imaginable. With a holiday in Cyprus, you are sure to return with a wonderful tan and some wonderful memories, and with a desire to get back there as soon as possible!