Important Information
When you arrive
When you arrive at Ercan, the newly-built international airport in Northern Cyprus, you will be greeted by our English-speaking representative, who will direct you to your air-conditioned coach, assist you with your luggage and accompany you to your hotel.
It is only a short journey from the airport, 40 minutes or so to Kyrenia. Usually, we will get you to your hotel within the hour, depending on where you are staying.
We do not believe it is necessary to bother our guests with unnecessary representation. You are in Cyprus to enjoy all that it offers. We are aware that too much fuss can be annoying and detract from the whole holiday experience, especially when you have other pleasures to enjoy.
However, should you require any assistance, or wish to book an excursion or hire a car during your stay, our permanent representative, Hetim Turizm, can be contacted on 815 9747. You can either call him directly or, if you wish, the hotel will do this for you. If you are in the area, the offices of Hetim Turizm are situated 200 yards, and on the opposite side of the road, from the town market.
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Reduced prices for children
We have negotiated a reduction in price for children at selected hotels. The reduction applies for children sharing accommodation with two adults.
Please refer to the price panel to see if the scheme is operated by the hotel of your choice. The savings can be considerable so we do advise you to take advantage of the scheme wherever possible.
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Travelling to the Republic of Cyprus
Since joining the European Union in May 2004, the Republic of Cyprus has relaxed its border controls. As a consequence it is now possible for all EU passport holders to travel freely throughout both Southern and Northern Cyprus. Be aware, however, that when travelling from the southern side to the northern side, the limit on what can be taken through, duty-free, is strictly enforced. You could be heavily fined if you exceed the permitted amount.
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Moving about in Northern Cyprus
We highly recommend hiring a car to get the full benefit of exploring and seeing this picturesque Island.
Driving is on the left hand side, just as it is in Britain. The majority of roads are well maintained, and all traffic symbols and signposts are international. An English driving licence is sufficient to hire a car in Cyprus. It is compulsory to wear seat belts.
If you intend hiring a car during high season, we recommend you book well in advance of your departure date to make sure that the vehicle of your choice is available.
Taxi rides are very reasonable but ask for a price before you depart. Buses are also very frequent, and inexpensive, during the day. However departure times are not fixed and buses become less frequent in the evenings and at weekends.
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Peace of mind
Cyprus Direct is a fully bonded member of the Civil Aviation Authority - ATOL Licence No.5582. We also comply with all relevant EU regulation. This ensures that you are fully protected in the event of any financial failure.
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Hotel Ratings
Star ratings are different to what they are in Britain. By and large they are unreliable. That doesn't mean that they are in any way inferior to other parts of Europe, it is more to do with standardisation rather than the quality of the hotels. In fact the standard of accommodation in many 3-star hotels, for instance, is, in our opinion, better than equivalent-rated hotels in England.
We have devised our own star-rating system to assist clients selecting their particular hotel.
Each hotel in this brochure has a rating for a particular aspect, such as food, facilities and accommodation. Five-star is, obviously, better than, say, 3-star. And of course a higher overall rating will be reflected in the hotel's tariff for food, drinks and accommodation, etc.
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Climate
As we have said in our introduction, Northern Cyprus has been blessed with a wonderful climate - on average 320 days of sunshine a year.
April to June is when the island's abundant flowers and scented citrus groves burst into life, creating a cascade of colour and an almost intoxicating fragrance.
August and September is ideal for sun-seekers with temperatures reaching the 90s, and sea temperatures averaging 70. Oppressively hot for some, but for others a sun-worshipper's paradise.
Winters are surprisingly mild with temperatures in December and January often in the high 50s, similar to springtime in England but with longer days of sunshine. Winter is perhaps the most beautiful time to visit Northern Cyprus as the whole Island regenerates after the hot summer months, and the fields are covered in a blanket of wild flowers and greenery. The fir trees, clinging precariously to the mountain side, appear greener and taller, and the air fresher.
Many tourists now visit the island during the latter part of September through to the end of October when the weather is still wonderfully warm yet with a fresh breeze in the evenings. It is almost as busy during this period as it is during the height of the summer season.
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Restaurants and Food
Throughout Northern Cyprus you will find a fascinating blend of Mediterranean and Oriental influences. International dishes, English specialities and local fare are available in most restaurants. Vegetarians will have no trouble finding excellent dishes made from freshly-grown produce.
Meze is a Cypriot speciality. It consists of a number of small hot and cold dishes, similar to hors d'oeuvres, and can be taken as starter or as a main course. Another Cypriot dish is yalanci do/ma (vine leaves stuffed with rice, onions and tomatoes), as is shish kebabs (marinated lamb, skewered and grilled over charcoal).
One dish you should try and that is kleftiko. It is, in our opinion, one of the best dishes in Cyprus. Kleftiko consists of a leg or shoulder of lamb, tomatoes and white wine and spiced with bay leaves and black pepper. It is cooked slowly in a sealed clay oven for about 6 hours. When cooked, the meat is juicy, succulently-tender and full of flavour, the meat almost falling off the bone. A real treat! It is best to order the dish in advance as it is very popular.
Mousakka has layers of minced meat, potato and aubergines topped with cheese and baked in an oven. This dish is popular in the UK, though in Cyprus it seems to taste nicer.
Turkish pizza is different to what you may be used to. It is flat bread wrapped around minced meat, salad and peppers. Variations of this dish are served with a thin, circular flat base with meat, mixed salad (especially tomatoes), spices and herbs.
Fish is also popular and particularly good. It is usually served grilled or as a kebab. Sea bream, red snapper and sea bass are good buys. Mediterranean prawns are surprisingly delicious. So is lobster, but expensive.
Sweets really are sweet but mouth-wateringly delicious. Typical desserts are: lokum (Turkish delight), helva (sugar and ground sesame seed formed into thin wedges) and baklava (mille-feuille pastry, nuts, honey and syrup).
You must try a Turkish coffee. It is, however, an acquired taste and very rich and thick in consistency. It is served in a small cup and usually accompanied by a glass of water.
Turkish wines vary from okay to good. Villa Deluga (rose) is one of the good ones. Doluga white and red are almost as good. Prices vary but expect to pay the equivalent of £8 - £12 a bottle.
The village of Bellepais boasts some of the best restaurants on the island, most of which enjoy breathtaking views. The Abbey restaurant is notable for its three terraces, all facing the illuminated Abbey and the lights of Kyrenia in the distance. And at weekends there is live music and entertainment in the restaurants around the square in the form of singers and belly dancers performing in true Cypriot style. On these occasions the whole family, from grannies to toddlers, stay up late to join in the fun.
Most restaurants at Bellepais will arrange for you to be picked up from your hotel and returned later in the evening, usually without charge. This service is not uncommon with other restaurants in Kyrenia.
Snacks and light meals are generally good value for money, and portions can be large. Cafe Paris (just off the main road, down a small cutting opposite the taxi rank in Kyrenia town square) serve excellent food. It has an idyllic shaded location. Tables are spread around an enormous bougainvillea, the flowers of which are a plummy-purple and cascade over a trellis six metres in diameter. How is it that a gnarled, ugly tree can produce such an abundance of magnificent flowers? And do it for months on end? The wonders of Northern Cyprus!
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Currency
The unit of currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish lira. At the time of printing this brochure the exchange rate was 2.5 Turkish Lira to the pound. Until 2004 you would be a double millionaire and a half (in Lira, that is). However, since the beginning of 2005 Lira notes have been printed with six less noughts. If you are given an old Lira note, and they are still in circulation, remember to knock off the six noughts. To get a feel of the value of the local currency, one Lira is equivalent (approx.) to £0.40p.
Most major credit cards, sterling travellers cheques and pound sterling are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. Hotels will usually exchange pound sterling, and in major cities there are usually a few shops that will exchange sterling.
It is now also possible to withdraw money from cash machines using both credit and debit cards. The amount you withdraw will be paid out in Turkish Lira. Be aware that using a credit card may attract a hefty commission.
Paying for goods and meals in sterling is quite acceptable, though change will be given in Lira.
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Shopping
The cost of living in Cyprus is of great benefit to the European tourist. Local drinks are cheaper than in Britain, so too are cigarettes, fruit and herbs and spices. Clothes are especially cheap and excellent quality.
When shopping, or more likely browsing, you may be invited to have coffee or tea, not necessarily to be coerced, so to speak, into buying something you don't want. Often it is more important to accept a beverage than to actually buy.
There are numerous small to medium supermarkets scattered around Kyrenia. Larger supermarkets can be found on the outskirts of town. 'Lemar' has the biggest chain of large supermarkets.
The majority of shops are open Mondays to Saturdays from Sam to 1 pm and from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. In the winter they keep the same hours but do not close at lunchtime.
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Beaches
The sands and the waters around the Island are of such a high standard that even the green turtles have chosen to lay their eggs here. Green turtles come ashore during July and August and dig holes during the night and lay their eggs. Interestingly, ecologists, and others with an interest in wildlife, students in particular, observe and protect these fascinating creatures from extinction.
Along the north coast running west to Lapta and beyond, numerous bays decorate the landscape. They are great places to visit as the shallow waters are safe to swim in. Bars and taverns can usually be found alongside the beaches.
The Escape Beach, 4 miles west, has water sport facilities with a restaurant nearby where good food at reasonable prices is served. Local buses (catch one in the town square - opposite the car park) run regularly throughout the day along the coast from Kyrenia to Lapta and cost less than one pound one way.
The east coast, towards the Karpas peninsula, has its own treasures; sand dunes bordered by wild olive groves, gently sloping beaches with clear waters. However, due to the rugged terrain a reliable four-wheel drive vehicle is essential.
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