Holidays in North Cyprus

North Cyprus is often referred to as the secret jewel in the Mediterranean as it has received very little publicity over the years, following its separation from South Cyprus and its formation as an independent country in its own right.

Thankfully, this situation is finally beginning to change for the better and North Cyprus is growing in positive significance on the world map.

For the first time this year the BBC’s Holiday programme featured the delights of holidays in North Cyprus and did a full length feature on things to do and see and experiences to have when on the island.

The raising of the profile of North Cyprus is having a very positive effect on the fledgling tourism industry here and the Turkish Cypriots are only too delighted to welcome their visitors. Unlike some other countries on the Med where they have been literally inundated with huge volumes of tourists, and where visitors find themselves faced with jaded locals, those forward thinking, mainly independent holiday makers who head for North Cyprus are made to feel genuinely welcome.

This situation is unlikely to change for the worse either. There is actually a shortage of hotel and tourist beds on the island and the government place a restriction on large developments meaning there will never be mass tourism here and the island will remain a Mediterranean haven!

So what does North Cyprus have to offer the holiday maker?

Well, if you’re in search of sun, sea and sand you certainly won’t be disappointed! You have the long, wild, unspoilt and largely undiscovered golden beaches of the Karpas region, you have Alagadi or Lara beach which are more popular with tourists and some of the hotels even have their own private beaches. Then there are a thousand small coves, stony beaches and sandy stretches all around the North coast and if you hire a car, pack a picnic and just head out east or west you’ll find somewhere to lay your towel and chill out! As for sun and sea, you can expect up to 300 days sunshine a year in North Cyprus and of course the island is surrounded by the crystal clear warm waters of the Mediterranean.

If you’re seeking a rural retreat there are many villas for rent and some remote holiday villages and hotels tucked away in the smaller towns and villages in North Cyprus. And if you want a bit of adventure there are plenty of walking and hiking tours and treks, sailing, parascending, horse riding, quad biking or climbing options for you as well.

The best night life is centred around Girne (Kyrenia), here you have a wealth of bars and restaurants to choose from. There are a few late night music venues as well with Nicosia (Lefkosia) also only a 20 minute drive away and offering plenty more in the way of entertainment opportunities.

The island has developed a bit of a reputation as a mini Monte Carlo or Las Vegas as well because there are a fair few casinos tucked away here offering sophisticated gaming excitement in beautiful contrast to the charming, innocent and almost timeless quality the rest of the island offers!

Some things you won’t see in North Cyprus - a million cafes offering full English breakfasts, a million sun beds covering every square inch of the available beaches, huge concrete hotels on every beach front and massive volumes of tourists!

So if you’re looking for a secret island, a hidden haven or an untouched corner of the Mediterranean then consider a holiday in North Cyprus. You might just like it here so much you forget to leave!