North Cyprus

Standing at the crossroads of three continents, Cyprus is a paradise island with a vibrant history, a perfect climate and beautiful coastline lying in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. There is much of historical interest to reflect 9000 years of history and Neolithic remains have shown that this paradise has been inhabited since the new stone age. The Hittites were followed by the Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Lusignans, Venetians and Ottomans. Gothic churches, crusader castles, ruined temples with British Colonial architecture rub shoulders in a fascinating blend of styles mixed with mosques and inns. With such a background, Cyprus has developed a unique character which is a blend of all that has gone before. Part of this unique characters is the natural beauty of the northern part of the island. The coastline offers fine, uncrowded beaches; you can still arrive at a beach and enjoy being the only one there. The mountains provide a lovely backdrop to the beaches but are very well worth visiting themselves.

Kyrenia is a tourist town that embraces you with its fantastic historical atmosphere. The Akats first established it in the 10 th century B.C. and it was an important commercial port of its time. The Byzantines built the Kyrenia Castle to protect this gifted town. Being developed by the Lucinians and Venetians, it maintains its magnificence today. The breathtaking sights of Besparmak (Five Fingers)  Mountains, St. Hilarion Castle overlooking the Kyrenia, the Augustine Monastry in Bellepais Village, historical Afrodisium ruins from Hittitites 700 B.C., Panagia church famous for its icons and the 2400 years old ship-wreck kept in Kyrenia Castle Museum and many more are the remarkable expressions of the city splendour.

Kyrenia, which is worth seeing for its well-improved tourism and historical wealth, appreciates the superior service of the Celebrity group Hotels that is regarded as a leading establisment among its competitors in Cyprus.

In the spring there are many wild flowers including some endemic to Cyprus. What makes Northern Cyprus special apart from its beaches, mountains and natural beauty? Well, to these you add a super climate, the hospitality and the warmth of the Turkish Cypriots

A Corner of Earth Touched by Heaven

BEAUTY OF NORTHERN CYPRUS

Surrounded by the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, North Cyprus is a paradise island that delights and captivates all that visit her shores. Tranquil sandy beaches, dramatic mountainscapes and historic monuments await in a land where the welcome is as warm as its legendary climate.

North Cyprus is famed for its uncrowded beaches. Long stretches of fine sand hug the coastline for miles at a time, interspersed only by the occasional rocky headland. The beaches offer endless opportunities to find a place to relax and to soak up more than 300 days of warm Mediterranean sunshine - perfect if you're looking to go home with a tan.

If exploration is more your style, the serene beauty of North Cyprus won't disappoint. Why not revel in the cool mountain air atop the pine-clad Fivefinger Mountains, or discover the archaeological footprints of ancient civilisations? What you find will leave you breathless!

At sundown, the island's beauty is undimmed. From the fishing villages that dot the coastline to the island's delightful harbour towns, North Cyprus exudes an authentic charm that truly endears it to the heart. There are romantic walks to be enjoyed in the warm night air and fine restaurants in which exquisite local cuisine may be sampled. A multitude of open-air entertainment too offers visitors the opportunity to experience an atmosphere like nowhere else on Earth.

North Cyprus truly is a Mediterranean Utopia that touches hearts and minds. If you're looking for a vacation from which to take away some very special memories, North Cyprus is the place to come to.

North Cyprus
What we offer you is the northern part of the island. Northern Cyprus provides a most hospitable welcome, with its friendly people, and its great natural beauty, which is unspoilt, unpolluted and crowded free.
There is much of historical interest to reflect nine thousands years of history.

How to Come to North Cyprus By Plane
There are frequent scheduled and charter flights out of England and other European Countries to North Cyprus. More than 60 flights per week arrive at North Cyprus airport Ercan during the summer. There are 15 flights from three airports of London: Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow. Most of them arrive in the evening. North Cyprus has direct air links only with Turkey, where all planes from Europe must first touch down.
From Turkey, you can choose from a number of scheduled flights from Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Adana and Antalya.

By Boat
There is a ferry service three times a week throughout the year between Mersin and Gazimagusa (Famagusta). Also a little ferry boat linking Tasucu and Girne (Kyrenia) during all seasons and a new boat link has been established during the peak season between Alanya, Antalya and Anamur to Girne (Kyrenia). You are advised to reserve your places before departure.

Location
Cyprus is situated at the cross point of 35°N latitude and 33°E longitude.

Population
The approximate population of the whole island is 900.000 of which 215.000 live in Northern Cyprus.

Surface Area
Total area of Cyprus is 9251 km². The TRNC is 3242 km² and is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia. Britain, which was the last ruler of the island gave Cyprus its independence in 1960, but before leaving, established two sovereign military bases on the island. These are Akrotiri (124 km²) and Dhekelia (132 km²) and they cover an area of 256km². 244 km² is the United Nations controlled green line (no man's land).

Language
The official language in North Cyprus is Turkish, although English is widely used.

Electricity
240 Volts. Plugs are 3-pin English standards.

Telephone
To elephone North Cyprus dial + 90 392 followed by your number in Cyprus.
For example, to call The Celebrity Hotel  from UK you should dial (00 90 392) 8218751.

As an example to telephone the UK From North Cyprus, dial 00 44 followed by the number in England omitting the first 0 of the area code or mobile telephone number.

Transport
Taxis prices are reasonable . There is also a collective taxi system mainly using minibuses known as Dolmus. Bus departures are frequent between large and smaller towns during the day. Public transport services are less frequent after 5pm and during the weekends.

Climate
Climate of the island is typical Mediterranean. It has dry, long summers, and warm, short, light rainy winters.

Entry Requirements
A valid passport is required for entry.

Car Rental
Prices are excellent for the travellers who wish to act freely. You can hire a car with an international driving licence. Vehicles in North Cyprus drive on the left just like in England. The wearing seatbelts is compulsory. All signposts are international.

Currency
The Yeni Turkish Lira (YTL) is the currency used in North Cyprus. Foreign currencies and travellers' cheques are accepted in banks, exchange offices and the Celebrity Group of Hotels . Most credit cards are valid in many places, but bank charges may apply in some places.

Museums
During the summer period (May-October), opening times vary. In winter times opening hours are as follows: 9am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm. Museums are closed on National holidays. For more information please ask the hotel reception

Tourist Information in UK
North Cyprus Tourism Centre, 29 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3EG, UK. Tel: 0207 631 1930.

Shopping
Popular souvenirs include: pottery items , wicker baskets, copper, silver, bronze, and onyx objects, Turkish dolls, meerschaum pipes and tavla boards (backgammon), jewellery, leather cloths and other textiles can be purchased at low prices. You can find various examples of Turkish Cypriot craft work in many places. Shop opening hours are generally between 9am to 7pm. Export of antiquities is illegal