North Cyprus Inform

Holidays in North Cyprus

The unique climate of Cyprus offers all year-round opportunities for a perfect holiday. Rainfall is concentrated in December and January and the average sea temperature is above 20°C for more than half a year. Cyprus is renowned for its wild flowers which carpet the island in spring (there are more than 38 species of orchid alone) and scent of orange, lemon and grapefruit blossom fills the air. The coastline of North Cyprus offers some of the finest and safest bathing areas in the Mediterranean. Although most holiday establishments have modern pools, the crystal clear waters of the eastern Mediterranean are wonderful for swimming, snorkelling, sailing and water-skiing.

Most of the holiday complexes are situated near the picturesque ancient port of Girne on the north coast or Gazimagosa in the east. The narrow fertile northern coastal strip is backed by the spectacular Besparmak Mountains - also known as the Girne range, studded with its medieval castles and fortresses. The rugged slopes are covered with Aleppo pines, olives and carob trees, with small villages nestling in the hillsides. Nearer to the coast, most restaurants and shops are spread along the coast road.

A legacy from the British colonial days means that traffic drives on the left and since most hotels can assist in car hire, travelling around is no problem. Inland, behind the rocky Girne range and the imposing Five Finger Mountain, stretches the huge fertile Mesaoria plain, Ercan airport and the island's capital, Lefkosa.

Along the east coast lie the ancient fortified city of Gazimagosa and the nearby ruins of Salamis. To the north east, the landscape becomes more broken and open fields give way to small pastures enclosed by stone walls and interspersed with olive trees and rocky outcrops. The beaches here are a blend of rock pools and sheltered sandy bays.