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North Cyprus |
North Cyprus is situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, it is the third largest island in the Mediterranean sea . Its excellent infrastructure, high quality of life, low cost of living and generous tax incentives attract people from all over the world. Mountainous villages, crystal clear waters sandy beaches, green valleys, landscapes, 340 days of sunshine a year and most important of all the smiling genuine hospitality of local people. North Cyprus has it all and more. You can discover rare plants and wildlife, such as orchids and Greenback turtles, or you can simply curl up with a good book in the warm sunshine under your very own tree of idleness. The possibilities are endless in North Cyprus.
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Ten reasons to choose North Cyprus:
- North Cyprus has natural beauty, full of unique historical treasures.
- There is virtually no crime, vandalism, pollution and no traffic congestion.
- It has some the best English speaking schools and universities in the world.
- As the property market is booming, it is a very good investment.
- The sun shines for approximately 340 days of the year.
- The relaxed atmosphere is ideal for a retirement or holiday home.
- The cost of living is much lower than in the UK.
- The law is based on the British Judiciary system.
- The health services are par with the UK. However, in Cyprus there are no waiting lists
- North Cyprus is the place, where your dreams come true
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Capital City and Major Towns
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The capital of TRNC is Lefkosa (Nicosia), which has a population of approximately 35,000, where the main administration and business centres are.
Other major towns include Gazimagusa (Famagusta) which is a flourishing tourist, industrial and commercial centre, as well as being the country's principle port. Girne (Kyrenia), which is, a town of touristic importance with a wonderful yacht harbour, Guzelyurt, and Iskele.
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Geography
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Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean (3,572 miles²) the first being Sicily, followed by Sardinia. Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean sea, it is approximately 113 km (71 miles) south of Turkey, around 120 km (75 miles) west of the Syrian coast and 320 Km (200 miles) from the Egyptian coast.
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Religion |
The dominant religion in the TRNC is Islam. Approximately 99% Muslim and the remaining 1% is Orthodox, Maronit and Catholic.
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Language |
The main language is Turkish but over 90% of the population speaks English.
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Population |
The population of the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) is 265.000.
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Flag |
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Currency |
The official currency is the Turkish Lira (YTL). All major currencies are accepted through out the Island and can be easily exchanged at any bank, foreign exchange bureau and shops.
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Time in Northern Cyprus |
Local time is two hours ahead of "Greenwich Mean Time" (GMT), however, from April to September, the local time is three hours ahead of GMT. For the rest of the year the time difference is two hours.
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How to get to North Cyprus |
There are many chartered and scheduled flights from England and other European countries to Ercan Airport.
Flights depart from Stanstead, Gatwick, Heathrow, Glasgow, Belfast and Manchester.
Due to positive recent political developments across the Island, direct flights should come into operation in the near future. For the time being, all flights must land in Turkey before Cyprus. It is not necessary to change planes, and the stop over is a short 30 minutes.
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Visa Requirements |
European Union Citizens, Turkey, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Iceland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Norway, do not require a visa to enter North Cyprus.
Any individuals that do not hold citizenship from the above countries should contact the nearest TRNC Representative or Embassy.
Entry is only permitted for a period of three months and permission to work is not granted. If you wish to extend your stay or be in full time employment, you will have to contact the Ministry of Immigration.
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Public Holidays |
1 January, New Year’s Day
23 April, Children’s Day
1 May, Labour Day
19 May, Youth and Sports Day
20 July, Peace and Freedom Day
30 August, Victory Day
29 October, Turkish Republic Day
15 November, Northern Cyprus Republic Day
Nb. There are also various religious holidays. However, these dates change from year to year.
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Traffic |
Short-term visitors and tourists are permitted to drive on UK driving licences. Cypriot driving regulations are similar to those of the UK and driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
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Car Hire |
Car rental services are available in all major towns. Prices vary, with an average of £20-rental charge per day depending on the vehicle you have chosen.
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Health |
The Health Service in North Cyprus is extremely good. All major towns have hospitals with A&E facilities. It is not neccesary to have vaccines/innoculations prior to your arrival.
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Telephones |
The TRNC has an excellent telecommunication system. Most hotels have internet facilities. Alternatively Internet Cafes are very popular through out the island. Telephone cards can be bought from any supermarket and can be used in all public telephone boothes.
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Tourist Information
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Tourist Information offices can be found in all major towns and hotels. Alternatively, you can contact you local Travel Agent or the nearest North Cyprus Tourist Board.
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Shopping |
With a variety of top brands at low prices, shopping can be truly appreciated. If you are a tourist in Northern Cyprus, you will have the possibility to buy products at Duty Free Prices, from selected stores. Supermarkets stock well-known British products. Turkish produced goods can be bought at a fraction of the price of imported goods.
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Climate |
Renowned for its pleasant Mediterranean climate, Cyprus enjoys long hot summers and short mild winters. The sun shines for approximately 340 days of the year, with the rainy season usually between the months of November and March.
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Opening Hours |
Shops:
(These opening hours are at the discretion of the shopkeepers. Times are for guidance purposes only).
Summer: 08:00-13:00 / 16:00-19:00
Winter: 09:00-13:00 / 14:00-18:00
Public Services:
Summer:
Monday: 07:30-14:00 / 15:30-18:00
Tuesday to Friday: 07:30-14:00
Winter:
Monday to Friday: 08:00-13:00 / 14:00-17:00
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North Cyprus Emergency Numbers |
Forest Fire: 177
Police: 155
Ambulance: 112
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Electricity |
The electric voltage is the same as in the United Kingdom. Therefore, all appliances will work in Northern Cyprus, without the need of modification. The standard three-pin plug is used in all hotels and houses.
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Accommodation |
A wide range of accommodation is available to suit all needs ranging from 5 Star Hotels, bungalows, villas, camping and caravan sites.
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Tourist Attractions |
Over the centuries, Cyprus was colonized by many civilizations, such as the Assyrians, Persians, Egyptians, Romans, Byzantines Louisianans, Venetians, Ottomans and British. All have left there unique legacy in many different forms, ranging from monuments to castles. This has left Northern Cyprus with amazing historical and archaeological sites.
Below is a list of some tourist attractions, ranging from historical to natural beauty.
- Lefkosa
Lefkosa (Nicosia) has an old town centre similar to that of Famagusta. A 5.5 km long city wall surrounds the ancient city centre, which is still intact.
- Five Finger Mountain
To the northeast lies the mythical Five Finger Mountain. This rocky five-finger mountain rises 1050 meters above sea level and harbours the legend of the Byzantine hero Digenis, who defeated the invading Arabs with supernatural strength.
- Golden Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean lies on the Karpaz peninsula on the easternmost tip of the island and is a nesting ground for endangered loggerhead and green turtles.
- Salamis
To the north of Famagusta, lies the ancient city of Salamis. It has great archeological artifacts, including statues, Roman baths and an amphitheatre. The region of Salamis is in no doubt one of the most important archeological areas in Cyprus.
- Kantara Castle
Kantara Castle is the easternmost castles in North Cyprus, built in the 10th Century by the Byzantines as a lookout post against invaders. Lying at 630 meters above sea level, you can witness breathtaking views of the eastern coastline.
The castle was first mentioned in history when Richard The Lionheart captured Cyprus in 1191.
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