North Cyprus Sightseeing - What sights you recommend to tourists?

Izzet



Joined: 01/12/2006
Posts: 920

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 04:02

What would be the first 3 sights you would recommend to tourists visiting North Cyprus?



I say: Kyrenia Castle & Harbour, Bellapais Monastery and Karpas Peninsula



Let's keep our replies short and on topic.



Izzet

Levant


Joined: 04/06/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 05:32

Ancient Ruins of Salamis - This most important ancient city of Cyprus remains the island's most prominent archaeological site.

St. Hilarion Castle - One of three Crusader castles along the Northern Cyprus coastline.

Karmi Necropolis - Karmi may be best known as a special village restoration project, but its tombs date back long before even the Romans arrived in North Cyprus.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 06:35

Old Lefkosa, the Buyuk Han, etc.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 07:03

Maureen Hutcheson's Orchid Walks around Hirsaköy (has to be the right time of year) but it's a great day out and really informative for those interested in the Flaura and Fauna of the island

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 07:30

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/32015.asp for details.



Maureen is one of the most knowledgeable and interesting people you are likely to meet on the island, spending a day learning so much will enrich your love of the island beyond measure.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 07:35

Of course we have to recommend the Marine Turtle Conservation project at Alagadi.



Running from June until Sept... with the best time being when the hatchings are under way which is approx 40 -50 days after the nesting which start towards the end of May.



So that would mean mid-July to end of Sept is peak turtle hatching time.



A chance to see what is quite a breath-takingly beautiful sight.

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 07:47

I found Salamis near Famagusta well worth a visit. One of the better ruins of an ancient city I've been too. the amphi theatre is intact and kids would love it plus the nearby beaches are good. A drive back via Gecitkule and onto Esentepe gives you great scenic views and quiet roads. Best in the Spring as the heat is too much in the Summer walking around old ruins.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 08:13

I went to see Al DiMeola one of the worlds greatest guitarists perform there, the amphitheatre makes a great venue for this type of event. Watch out for the TRNC Music Festival.

mags111



Joined: 17/08/2008
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 08:16

St Helarion Castle, The Harbour and Castle and Salamis

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 08:22

St Hilarion, Kyrenia Castle and for something a bit different Mavi Kosk. (blue villa)



Chris

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 09:46

Mavi Kösk - Warning! Take your passport or Kimlik card as it's on an army base and these have to be handed in on entrance and collected upon departure.



Also, take the commentary provide by the guides with a large pinch of salt... it's largely bunkum with a special mention for the apple tossing and the wine fountain.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 09:50

certainly mavi kosk well worth a lok and follow grouchos instructions, i would also mention Dutch Crusaders walks well worth the effort and salamis xx

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 09:51

Groucho,



I did say that Mavi Kosk was a bit different for one it is in the army base which is a bit exciting for kids! Taking your passport is not exactly a big hassle.



And like most tours people go on while on holiday the facts are exaggerated just to add that little bit of something extra of interest. The guides do a good job with their limited knowledge of the English language. So all in all still worth a visit in my opinion.



Chris

BoTanica


Joined: 22/12/2009
Posts: 714

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 09:51

Agree with Groucho - mavi köşk for a slice of modern history and Salamis for ancient.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 10:21

Chris taking your passport is not a hassle but it is a hassle if you go all the way there only to find you need it and haven't got it, hence the warning.. nothing more than saving folk a wasted journey.

rigsby


Joined: 21/09/2007
Posts: 912

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 10:28

The girne bypass,The dolmus terminus and resident visas office.LOL

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 11:16

There are many sites that have so much interest that are not really marked up...



Old Lambousa by the sea, the forgotten tombs, the partly uncovered bronze age village on the way to Guzlyort(cant spell it), loads of places that no body visits much,....

Perry


Joined: 27/01/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 12:15

Isset - so many great things, but for a first time tourist, and assuming a summer visit :



1. Kyrenia Harbour and Castle

2. Bellapais Abbey and Village

3. Alagadi Beach - Turtle Hatching



Of course then there is Karpas (Golden Beach), St Hilarions, Lefkosa, Salamis, Famagusta and and and..... !

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 12:24

I love Famagusta..but my favourite sights are in Varousha....the dreadful carnage and damage, it always makes me cry and brings home the dreadful suffering of the TC's.



Also walking across Ledra Palace...it is eerie and very emotional.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 12:27

Kyrenia Harbour, Salamis, and sunset at Kervansaray.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 12:30

The historic walks with Hans a definite. Hope he is still doing them in December this year.

kaiserphil


Joined: 14/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 12:35

The coastal drive from Karsiyaka to Sadrazamkoy, including the view of the coast behind as you travel, followed by the cross-country drive from there to Camlibel.

(ignoring the night clubs!)

YeniTom


Joined: 29/12/2009
Posts: 198

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 12:53

The old road from Ziyamet to Dipkarpaz. Wonderful country totally still as it was.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 13:18

The drive to the Blue House turn right onto the main Guzulyert road after veiwing and come back along the coast road. Is that the same route kaiserphil? What is the little village called you pass through it looks greek?

HER INDOORS



Joined: 14/12/2007
Posts: 152

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 16:55

Karpaz including a stopoff at Bogaz harbour

Famagusta walled city

Kyrenia Harbour and castle

kaiserphil


Joined: 14/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 17:23

Woodspeckie - yes, that's it, you can do it either way round. I think the village is Korucam, it is Maronite I believe. There is a small church just outside.

Izzet



Joined: 01/12/2006
Posts: 920

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 21:03

This is looking very good.

I am going to make this sticky for a day!



I see that majority would recommend the Salamis Ruins instead of Bellapais Monastery.

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 22:19

Could I be bold enough to ask WHY? I am intrigued as to why Izzet should be asking, or are you going to start offering tours?



And whilst on the subject, how come some of the main contributors do not have a proper name in their descriptions, nor give e mail addresses - in fact there is nothing whatsoever to identify the real person behind their name.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 22:21

kaiserphil. Thanks for your info I googled Maronite and Korucam (was Kormakiti) some very interesting reading and must stop off to have a walk through the village on my next visit, advised not to take transport through as the streets are too narrow. Apparantly Maronites from ROC cross the border on a Sunday to attend the large St George Church in the centre of the village and it is a very busy day.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 22:28

RE msg 29, Woodspeckie: When you are in Koruçam - don't miss the best kleftico (küp kebab in Turkish) in Northern Cyprus. The restaurant is opposite the church.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 22:45

Thank you Hans will give that a try will the restaurant be open during the day and at Christmas/New Year time when we are there? we have driven past there at least 6 times and only ever stopped at the little church.

fosterscan


Joined: 27/02/2010
Posts: 541

Message Posted:
10/03/2010 22:46

1 the moutain road from st Hilarion Castle to Karsiyaka stopping at the tank.

2 kantara castle for the views to the sea and the drive up not for the faint hearted.

3 the (road)track down from the top of the mountain to lapta

Lemtich



Joined: 15/02/2007
Posts: 1487

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 00:24

If you are visiting Salamis, have a look at the catacomb and icons at St Barnabas Church a couple of miles away on the road back to Lefkosa that avoids Famagusta. There's quite a fascinating legend regarding its discovery. This road joins the Famagusta to Lefkosa dual carriageway just north of the Ercan Airport turn off. Quite a fast road across the Maesoria Plain avoiding speed cameras.



Lem

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 07:19

Izzet,



I didn't realise it was a vote! I thought you were just after recommendations of places to go.. I only mention ones that I thought were not covered or needed clarification... it doesn't mean I don't think the others don't deserve my recommendation.

HarryHornet



Joined: 18/07/2007
Posts: 291

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 08:35

kantara castle



karpaz



lefkosia old town

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 09:47

RE msg 31, Woodspeckie: (...) will the restaurant be open during the day and at Christmas/New Year time when we are there? (...)

=> I don't know, Woodspeckie. But I'll ask when I'm in the area and will let you know here.

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 09:57

Kantara Castle gives you a unique sight of both shores and off to the Karpas Also a good food in the village

At the other end of the island the last village green river cannot spell its name but nice beech lovely views plus crossing due to open soon

Panchocat


Joined: 29/11/2009
Posts: 1333

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 10:19

Bellapais Abbey and village.

Vouni Palace and Soli. The ruins, mosaics and the views all spectacular and Blue House on the return journey.

Kantara castle, the new road makes it easy for the faint hearted then on to Bogaz.

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 10:31

Izzet if you are going to organise tours can you include my fav's and give the historical background..thanks.

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 10:32

Wish I could edit.....



I should have said to include the TRUTH of how Varousha and Ledra Palace came to be.



Long Live KKTC.

kaiserphil


Joined: 14/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 10:37

Mess 28 - MarieB - if you had ever received a torrent of abuse as a result of your email address being visible to all, you would not need to answer that question. Similarly with the name.

I once received abuse from some TCs who had completely misread a posting I had made.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 15:03

Kaiser

Agree with that . I would go even further and turn Marie's question round. Why would you WANT to know a posters e-mail address, to what purpose would you put that information?

My e-mail is private ,same as my address, phone numbers etc.

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 16:29

To Message 41 and 42, the answer for me is that I like to be able to write confidentially to others as I have had them write to me with questions and answers.



As you cannot write on the board unless signed up, it rather makes a nonsense that othgers can't contribute if those of us who are part of it want to remain anonymous.



However, I would suggest that if anyone has received insults from TC's then they get struck off! But then I am not one of the moderators, am I.



(Izzet - are you reading this???)

booitsme


Joined: 04/02/2009
Posts: 667

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 19:28

Famagusta walled city with a stop off at Peteks for lunch or just a coffee and cake

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 19:45

Gulen Kebab, the rubbish dumped opp the power station, the waiters pestering you round the harbour....

carollynne


Joined: 19/11/2009
Posts: 128

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 20:55

Kantara Castle

Karpas Peninsula

St Hilarion Castle

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
12/03/2010 13:53

Woodspeckle - the restuarant opp St Georges church is open for lunch, went there in October - super lunch - little pricey but well worth it. Butchers shop in back, so meat good!!! Parked across the road, no probs.



As to places to go, Soli and Vouni to the west and Salamis to east if you're in to ruins! - Mavi Kisk on way.

St Hilarion and then the drive along the top of the mountain to Karisiyaka - great views

Bellapais, Girne Castle if only a short stay

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
12/03/2010 18:53

Izzet - Expanding on your initial question

To identify three categories of interest to boast tourism and the economy are as follows:-

(1) Historical sites & museums with public transport accessibility - For the culturally orientated

(2) Clean beaches and affordable hotels, drinks & food - For the sun-seekers and the 'chill out' brigade

(3) A night life culture - For the young and the lecherous



A lot more, but kept to the only three idea limit!

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
13/03/2010 08:38

Has any one mentioned Buffevento Castle?? I tried to drive to it twice but the rock slides stopped me risking a puncture. Tempted to go a third time as my Saab is sturdy..but I may try Bogaz harbour or Kantara Castle today. Which would be better???

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
13/03/2010 09:02

Same three as Izzet.. I'd even go as far as saying this applies island-wide as must sees... but don't want to see coach loads of folk from Paphos on the pan handle ;)

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
13/03/2010 10:07

Maybe I'll try both but pop up Kantara castle first.

LivingNC



Joined: 15/07/2009
Posts: 34

Message Posted:
13/03/2010 10:40

made my £1's worth donation today...



good luck guys...

LivingNC



Joined: 15/07/2009
Posts: 34

Message Posted:
13/03/2010 10:48

buffavento castle: http://www.livingnorthcyprus.com/photos.aspx?cid=213



guzelyurt archeology centre: http://www.livingnorthcyprus.com/photos.aspx?cid=433



St. Barnabas Icon and Archaeological Museum: http://www.livingnorthcyprus.com/photos.aspx?cid=550



all other sites here: http://www.livingnorthcyprus.com/ClientList.aspx?r=0&t=8&page=1&rows=10



please note: will be updating the many other sites listings soons as the weather permits...

Cyprusquest


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 428

Message Posted:
13/03/2010 11:47

The Karpas in one it is more like the Island was before "modernisation" & new buildings ruined so much of it

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
13/03/2010 14:59

Couldn't find Kantara castle. Vaguely and muddling contradictory signs. Couldn't get up to Buffevento either. Been to the main St. H. 1 out of 3 is par for me! Had a pleasant Kofte instead by the roadside in the wilderness.

misan


Joined: 23/03/2008
Posts: 95

Message Posted:
13/03/2010 21:00

hello where is mavi kosk

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
13/03/2010 21:53

Not sure but it Kosk a lot to get there!

carollynne


Joined: 19/11/2009
Posts: 128

Message Posted:
14/03/2010 08:27

Msg 55

Corbo, did you turn left after the Exotica Hotel in Bogaz for Kantara Castle? After that its just one straight road up to the top



Carollynne

misan


Joined: 23/03/2008
Posts: 95

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 17:51

hi where is mavi kosk never heard of it

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 18:05

Go to http://www.whatson-northcyprus.com click on Exploring and Guzelyurt the Mavi Kosk tell you there about it. You take the Guzelyurt road from Girne through Camlibel keep on the Guzelyurt road you will come to a right turn with a brown sign saying Mavi Kosk. Take your passport with you leave it with the soldiers and collect on your way out it is a Military zone. Closed on Monday.

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
15/03/2010 20:19

'Msg 55



Corbo, did you turn left after the Exotica Hotel in Bogaz for Kantara Castle? After that its just one straight road up to the top

Carollynne '



I came the other route..said the Bishop to the Actresss..from the Esentepe coast road.



Thanks anyway Caollynne.