Ledra Street, the main shopping district in the medieval heart of old Nicosia was divided back in 1964 when British peacekeepers erected what they foresaw as a temporary barbwire barricade between the street’s fighting Greek and Turkish shopkeepers.
Following the 1974 troubles in Cyprus, the barricade became permanent and it remained so until last Thursday. The 3rd of April 2008 should be seen as an historic day for Cyprus because it was on this day that the barricade on Ledra finally came down. But looking to the here and now, how does this historic event affect the way lives are led in North and South Cyprus? What does the future hold for Ledra shopping and duty restrictions for example?
Some of the most commonly asked questions on forums for would be expats thinking of moving to live in North Cyprus full time are all about what there is to do in terms of social entertainment for retirees, families and even children.
There are a whole host of social clubs in North Cyprus and it’s likely you’ll find something that appeals to you – but the good thing is, even if you don’t or you have a particular passion for a specific kind of social activity, you can always set up your own social gathering! In this article I’m going to give you a taster of what’s currently available and tell you how to find out more about what goes on on the expat scene in North Cyprus.
Aside from many of the fantastic hotels in North Cyprus which have a wealth of sporting and leisure facilities and amenities for guests and non-residents, there are also many private businesses serving the requirements of those in search of something to keep them active and entertained.
In fact, North Cyprus is home to a surprisingly high number of gyms, spas, and sporting facilities for such a small nation and if you’re thinking of moving to live here or you’re just an active person coming on holiday to the island and hoping to keep fit during your stay, this is our guide to gyms, spas and keeping fit in North Cyprus.
Now that North Cyprus’s latest asset has finally come to completion we thought we’d better go and have a look at Korineum Golf and Country Club to see what all the fuss has been about. We have to be honest, as non-golfers we were not terribly excited at the prospect of the new golf course and facilities out in Esentepe but suffice to say we were exceedingly impressed by what we found.
Korineum Golf and Country Club has been a long time in the planning and development stages but when you see the amount of effort that has gone into literally transforming the entire massive site, you realize just why it took so long! The visionary behind the creation of this fantastic Golf Course and Country Club has positively and significantly shaped the future of North Cyprus.
Although Girne (Kyrenia) is very much the focus for tourism interest in North Cyprus, few visitors to the island actually choose to stay in the town preferring instead to rent a villa away from day to day life downtown and all of the associated noise and traffic!
Which is why it’s a surprise to us that so much emphasis is always placed on bars and restaurants in Girne – to buck the trend we thought we’d sample nightlife in North Cyprus’ Lapta which is a very popular location to the west of Girne for holidaymakers.
The other day we overheard someone saying: ‘for a country with a slow pace of life things don’t half move quickly in North Cyprus’ - and we couldn’t agree more!
From season to season the physical and economic landscape of Northern Cyprus changes as companies are established, houses are constructed and more people move to enjoy the fantastic quality of life in North Cyprus. But because the landscape has changed it’s time to update you on North Cyprus night life again…
If you were trying to think of an excuse to come and visit North Cyprus again or indeed to buy a property in the TRNC and move over here more permanently then help could be at hand in the form of the brand new and exclusively sumptuously luxurious Vaha Spa and Health Club in Karsiyaka.
The fact that North Cyprus now has a day and residential spa facility is an excellent reason to holiday or reside in Northern Cyprus if ever one were needed after all!
Here’s some fantastic news for all those who come on holiday to North Cyprus, not only has VAT been slashed on many handicraft and souvenir items but you can now shop ‘til you drop and know that you can reclaim every penny of value added tax on all the luxury goods and souvenirs that you buy!
Tax free shopping in North Cyprus is about to become a reality and the only restrictions are that you have to be non-resident (so holidaymakers fill your suitcases) and you have to reclaim the money as you leave the country.
A few miles east of Kyrenia on the way to Alagadi Beach and just after the Acapulco hotel complex is the fantastic and long awaited Vogue Beach Club; the first of its kind on the east of the island of North Cyprus and a definite hot destination for holiday makers and local residents alike.
Vogue has been a long time in the planning and a fair while in the construction but the wait has been well worth it, with those of us who drove by regularly trying to sneak a peak hugely happy with what has been created!
The start of the holiday season always breathes new life into the night life scene in North Cyprus with the invention and creation of bright new venues and the renovation and rebirth of some of the old favourites.
This year was absolutely no exception and we’ve taken a break from sampling what’s on offer to bring you an update! We welcome Cherinis Gardens Bar and Cafe and a new look, new feel, new vibe C’est la Vie.
The Escape Beach Club in North Cyprus is one of the best destinations for those in search of a perfect sandy strip for sunbathing and calm, beautiful and crystal clear waters for safe swimming.
Escape beach is located west of Kyrenia between Alsancak and Lapta and the club is privately owned and sponsored and has turned the entire beach area into a desirable destination for holiday makers and locals alike.
For dinghy sailing, scuba diving and all water sports in Northern Cyprus try Dolphin Sailing Limited.
This wholly owned British company, established in 1983, is operated and managed on a professional basis with great emphasis placed on proper instruction, safety and fun!
In 1990 the very first Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally set sail from Antalya in Turkey sailing to Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus via Bozyazi.
The yacht rally sees participants from around the world joining in for the promotion of yachting and sailing tourism throughout the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The Monastery of Peace or Abbaye de la Paix as Bellapais Abbey was originally known is one of the most excellent examples of Lusignan period Gothic architecture in the Near East.
It is located in the pretty town of Bellapais just 10 minutes from the bustling town of Kyrenia and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Cyprus. Made famous in part by Lawrence Durrell and his book ‘Bitter Lemons’, the abbey is simply not to be missed.
Among the many things Northern Cyprus is famous for, including its golden sandy beaches, stunning mountains, fairytale castles and wild orchids, the turtles who nest in North Cyprus have to be one of the most unique features of the island.
The green and loggerhead turtles favour the same clean and sandy beaches that the human residents and visitors to Northern Cyprus do, making their habitat vulnerable and in need of active protection.
There are two types of shopping in my book, shopping for pleasure and practical shopping! The former includes shopping for gifts and keepsakes, clothes and books, knick knacks and stuff you just don’t need! The latter includes everything else - from the weekly food shop to shopping for DIY materials!
This mini-guide to shopping in North Cyprus covers both angles!
If there’s one thing this island benefits from it’s an abundance of beautiful beaches. From rocky little coves to long stretches of soft clean sand, from deserted wild beaches to miles of perfect coastline - the beaches of Northern Cyprus offer everything.
If Kyrenia is your holiday destination then you’re in a prime location for beach access and choice.
Northern Cyprus is such a beautiful country that you will want to get out of your car and take steps closer to the natural wonders of the land!
There are so many beautiful walks to take...around old walled cities, up deserted mountain tracks, along to breathtaking castles and over sand dunes and along beaches.
North Cyprus is considered to be a relaxing and peaceful Mediterranean destination where the world weary can hide away, seriously relax and unwind. While this may very well be the case, you do actually have a choice when you travel to Northern Cyprus and for the active visitors among you there are an abundance of sport and leisure activities to keep you occupied all day long.
You need never have an uneventful day unless you so choose or unless you can’t hack the unrelenting pace!
If you’re on holiday in Northern Cyprus or you’re thinking of living in North Cyprus you need to know what activities and opportunities there are for a good night’s entertainment - it’s okay, I understand, it’s one of the first things I checked out too!
I’m happy to report that despite North Cyprus’ quiet and tranquil image there are still plenty of places to go to be wined, dined, and entertained and where you can join in and sing, dance or just while away the night with a glass in hand.
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