Go North to unearth the delights of Cyprus

Excellent customer service and lots of information from Leanne at Anatolian Sky Holidays – and the cost, well within budget – made the decision easy to go to North Cyprus.

She recommended the family-owned Pia Bella Hotel, because of its reputation and location.

On the first morning after a good breakfast and a look around its lovely gardens and pool areas, we knew it was the right choice. Then Kerem, our representative from Anatolian Sky, came to see us with invaluable advice on where to go, what to see and how to get there.

We took a pleasant stroll to Kyrenia harbour where the imposing Girne Castle guards its entrance. Moored are craft ranging from fishing boats to masted sailing vessels. Old warehouses converted into restaurants retain the character and charm of yesteryear and we immediately fell in love with the harbour.

Behind is a labyrinth of cobbled streets with shops offering keen prices and a nearby market which provides bargains galore.

We took an early morning 25-minute drive in a dolmus (minibus) costing only £1 to Lapta, which is a typical Turkish Cypriot village, where bougainvillea cascades down walls, and plants and bushes give off exotic aromas. Meandering was a delightful way to spend the morning.

Returning to the harbour for lunch, we had feta cheese salad plus tasty side dishes at under £5 including local beer.

Conveniently located in the harbour is the North Cyprus tourist office, whose staff helped us enormously with information.

We visited Girne Castle where there is an incredible 2,300-year-old shipwreck that when discovered revealed cargo of 92,000 almonds and hundreds of vessels of wine, all intact. You could have quite a party with that!

After two days on land, we put out to sea, joining Skipper Mahir on Sabrina 11, a sleek sailing boat, and headed for Merit Chrystal Bay. This lived up to its name as swimming off the boat provided fascinating underwater views. Lunch onboard was fresh fish, potatoes in mustard sauce accompanied by an array of salads – delicious. This six-hour trip was a sheer delight and great value for money.

Next morning we took an excursion to the 12th century Bellapais Abbey and surrounding village. Nestling in the Five Finger Mountains, we were captivated by its serenity and Gothic architecture.

In the evenings we were spoilt for choice, enjoying meals at restaurants around the harbour costing an average of just £7 per person. We saw the sun disappearing behind the masts, and when lit up at night, the harbour was enchanting.

Our journey of discovery then continued to Karpaz, the region on the peninsula. First stop Bogaz, a picturesque fishing village, where we sampled Turkish coffee.

Karpaz peninsula 

Then we went on an old olive mill where we watched the original process of pressing olives before sampling their range. Lunch at a farm in the mountains with traditional mezes, (Turkish Cypriot hors’doeuvres) then lamb dishes, was simply scrumptious.

On the pristine Golden Beach, home to nesting turtles, even with its length of five miles, you feel you have the place to yourself. A short drive followed to the National Park where we were greeted by the protected wild donkeys.

Final stop, St Andrews Monastery, located on the Peninsula’s most eastern part, is a multi-faith place of pilgrimage where it is said the saint brought healing waters which you can still sample from the well. Karpaz with its characteristic unspoilt villages, endemic plant species, and natural beauty, leaves indelible memories.

The following morning we travelled to Nicosia by local bus, a pleasant journey costing just over £1. Inside the old walls is the area of Buyuk-Han with small streets that are quietly vibrant, and shop prices that don’t dent your spending money. Churches, mosques, bazaars and The Great Inn, a 16th-century watering hole, add to its charm.

Sightseeing in North Cyprus, does not take up full days, allowing time to relax and enjoy the sunshine in the hotel’s garden or nearby beaches.

That evening we visited Niazi’s Restaurant, where owner Ahmet Aydeniz told us that his father had started the business 65 years ago and created a speciality – ‘the full kebab’. First the mezes kept coming, then the kebabs – what a feast, absolutely delicious.

Girne

We joined our holiday rep Kerem again, for an excursion to Famagusta. After a scenic mountain drive we arrived at St Barnabas Church and Icon Museum where we gazed in awe at the artists’ works.

Next stop the ancient city of Salamis, which has the largest Roman amphitheatre in Cyprus. Lunch at the edge of the beach was followed by free time in Famagusta, enjoying its sights.

That evening back in Kyrenia harbour we dined at the Sandal Fish Restaurant, where we ate sea bream and sea bass, excellent value at around £7 each.

Our final tour was to St Hilarion Castle, built into the mountain and about 2,200 ft above sea level. This is the place where Richard the Lion Heart got engaged in 1191 AD. With three levels to visit, plus magnificent views across to Turkey, it’s breathtaking. Then a short drive to Bellapais Abbey – it was so nice we visited twice.

North Cyprus is steeped in history; its cultures and traditions are very much in existence, and hospitality comes second nature from its people. Beaches are beautiful, food delicious and value for money is evident everywhere you go.

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