TRNC In Winter

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 00:55

Now that the cooler weather is with us,



and driving in the TRNC is a bit more pleasurable,



roads are quieter and less traffic in general.



This, I think is the best time of year to go for a run in the car.



We love to drive over to the Karpaz or Güzelyurt,



stopping off for a coffee and a nibble on the way there and back.



Try not to stop at the same place twice,



like to try as many new watering holes as possible,



some good, some so so.



What's your favorite driving destination in the TRNC?



Navek

batterboy58



Joined: 20/04/2008
Posts: 442

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 01:58

Hi Navek



Thanks for this post that is actually relevant to Cyprus



Our favourite so far was definitely the Karpaz.

The road from the East to Buffavento and down to the Turkish flag on the hill was a nice drive too.

Will be over next week and are planning our first visit to Lefkosha and the crossing to Ledra St.

We still have much too see, and are looking forward to exploring some of the villages in the mountains too.



John

wysiwyg


Joined: 12/07/2008
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 03:27

Hi Navek, we are enjoying working our way along the North coast road of the Karpaz. It is becoming less used than ever since the new road was started. Last spring we spotted 3 different orchids and a beach full of lovely white bulbs in flower. Still havent found the name of them if anyone knows? - they were pure white with a cross on the head and around 10cm across - they looked like a hybrid daffodil?



We like it when the wind is up a bit and waves crash on the shore etc - reminds us of UK winters but water is still a georgeous blue. We had never been to the Karpaz before we bought a place - not a bad bonus to find huh!

Wysiwigs

Wysiwigs

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 06:33

Whatyouseeiswhatyouget:

The flowers you are referring to are called Sand Flowers or Sand Lillies, its amazing how they only grow right on the beach in the sand, they are highly scented and are of the lily family.

Some people think that they can get them to grow at home and pull them out (sad how they can not leave nature alone, they just have to get a free bulb or two ,only to find out that they will die).

Here is a pic of what I think you are referring to. http://www.sand-flowers.com/UserFiles/Image/1_U.jpg

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 08:00

I forgot to add, I know where they in abundance but will not share that secret.

I shared the secret once of where all teh Anemones and orchids grew up above Karisyaka at the top of the hill, a beuatiful sight when in bloom, it looked like an Alpine mountain side.

Next thing you know, people are up there gathering them by the bushel.

It is illegal to pick wild flowers, specially Tulips, so beware, do not get caught buying them from the kids on the side of the road in Camlibel in spring. It encourages them to pick more and they don't grow back if picked wrong.

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 10:31

Another nice drive if you have the time is the road that goes above Karsiyaka , when you get to the junction (if you turn left it takes you to the tank) just keep going straight, the road will seem a bit scary at times, specially if a lorry is coming up the other way. It lets you down into a small village then eventually on to the Guzelyurt road.

Very nice scenic drive, specially in spring time.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 10:42

I love the drive out to the Karpas. Never done it in winter though.

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:53

Great post Navek. I agree with Turbo the drive over the mountain from Karsiyaka to the Guzelyurt road is nice and not too long. If you drive up to Karsiyaka village on the Olive Oil Factory road then at the top of the junction (with the little shop on your right) just drive straight over and follow the road up through the mountain.

We recently drove out to Vouni Palace stopping at a great restaurant on the way. You drive through Guzelyurt heading for Lefke and then just keep driving along the coast. The restaurant is called Mardin and is in Gemikonagi just before the turning for Soli. It's a great place to go for fresh fish on a Sunday lunchtime and is always full of locals. It has tables right next to the sea and a very large indoor restaurant. Well worth a trip out.

Steve1953



Joined: 04/12/2008
Posts: 298

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 18:30

Looking on the map heading towards the border near Polis, there looks to a small pocket of land belonging to the north. What is it and can you visit it - do they have greek language there as some places on the Karpaz?

Also,I thought that there was a dual community near Farmagusta that can be visited but not sure if on the north or south of the border. Anyone any thoughts? regards,Steve

dickyboy


Joined: 31/12/2008
Posts: 129

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 18:45

Hi Steve



The piece of land that you are asking about is Erenkoy/Kokkina greek) there are only a few people living there at present , but a few dozen Turkish army are stationed there. It was famous for the intercommunal fighting and battles in 1963/64. There is a small harbour there and you can visit by boat.



Hope this helpes you.

dickyboy


Joined: 31/12/2008
Posts: 129

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 18:50

Steve me again, if you go on to Google and type in kokkina or erenkoy there is a Wikipedia article wich makes interesting reading.



dickyboy

come_on_aylin


Joined: 14/06/2008
Posts: 908

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 20:06

I love the drive from Karsiyaka up to Kozan restaurant and then left along by the abandoned tank all the way to St Hilarion Castle. At some points it feels like you are flying rather than driving as it is so high up over Lapta and Alsancak. Definitely not for the faint hearted!



Navek, What do you nibble on?

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 20:10

i have some great pics from driving that route, cloud coming across in front of the car looks like smoke but it was taken mid summer.

the restaurant in kozenkoy is also great for local food.

(not much english spoke)

but mums cooking is great!

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 10:36

Have done the Karsiyaka up to Kozan restaurant and then left along by the abandoned tank all the way to St Hilarion Castle.

Fantastic views, and quiet this time of year, wrap up well.

Also visited Mavi Köşk, (google it) remember to take your passports with you, to get in, it's on a Turkish army base.

Another stop off is The Green Heights Park.

breezyboy


Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 1179

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 13:18

On Saturday we drove through Esentepe and over the mountain road evntually onto the Girne to Ercan road. Fantastic scenery and lots of picnic spots for summer.

Guvenen


Joined: 20/02/2007
Posts: 32

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 15:04

Last year, husband and brother in law hired bikes from Kozan Restaurant and cycled all along the top road to St. Hilarion. Later on in the year we went to Kozan via the main Lefkosa Road, turning right at the speed cameras and then first right again, it was like the middle of nowhere, we eventually got to Kozan village and then up to the Restaurant. He started to take me on the tank route, but had to turn back, as I cannot bear being "on the edge". Wonderful drive though. Can I post pictures on here??

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 15:06

Guvenen you have mail.



Cooper

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 20:44

Hi all these pic's were taken by Guvenen message 16



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0160.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0154.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0153.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0152.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0151.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0150.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0149.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0148.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0147.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0146.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0145.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0144.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0143.jpg



http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/cooper_06/DSC_0137.jpg

jurgen


Joined: 20/12/2008
Posts: 77

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 21:06

Nice pictures , thanks Cooper and Guvenen.

Jurgen

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
07/01/2009 21:29

Hi Guvenen your pictures remind me why we settled here and why we love it so much. We often go mushrooming in the mountains above Lapta in the Winter and the views are spectacular and very often not a villa in sight. Thanks Cooper for posting them.

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 08:01

Thanks for the great pics, in springtime it looks completely different, very lush and wild flowers everywhere.

Skogsy


Joined: 15/05/2008
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 08:40

Those pictures. That is why I love the place. Thanks for posting them for the folk that haven’t spent a lot of time on the Island.

We could have a picture gallery on here somewhere?



Sir Skogs

Guvenen


Joined: 20/02/2007
Posts: 32

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 11:59

Will definitely do it again in March

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 14:55

joandjelly

we also go mushroom picking.

last year too many people were coming to our village for mushrooms.

the locals went mad and there were even fights reported,lol.

so now they say only people who are from the village can pick our mushrooms.

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
08/01/2009 15:22

Will make sure to keep well away from Pinarbasi then FS. We usually go to Camlibel or the mountain above Gecitkoy. Not always very successful though because I can't be bothered to get up early!