North Cyprus, sshh it's our secret.
North Cyprus is the Med's best kept secret: Loved for its slow pace of life, and welcoming hospitality. Kyrenia and Famagusta combine beautiful bays and enchanting sights with a sunny Cyprus climate all year round, making it an ideal holiday destination.
Northern Cyprus is located at the crossroads of three continents, and just 40 miles from Turkey. Previously a British colony, the island's European influence means that, although Turkish is the official language in North Cyprus, English is still widely spoken and everybody drives on the left.
North Cyprus is bursting with intriguing antiquity and a rich cultural history. The coastline is astonishingly beautiful with its ancient Kyrenia harbour where you can dine al-fresco and Kyrenia and Famagusta beaches that stretch for miles, whilst the depths of the crystal-clear azure seas offers many of the Cyprus region's best dive sites. A labyrinth of craft shops, ancient sites and family-owned restaurants await exploration in North Cyprus' vibrant towns of Kyrenia, Famagusta, Nicosia, whilst idyllic scenery and ancient rustic villages gently dot the countryside. There are key distinct areas in Northern Cyprus offering unique experiences for all types of travellers. Kyrenia, the most desired locations of Cyprus, is unique in its setting with its focal point surrounding the old Venetian harbour. The long northern coastline is backed by the Five Finger Mountains with their dramatic wooded slopes and craggy summits. Castles, ruins and religious relics adorn the mountains, whilst the lower hills and lowlands which are still vastly empty, and also home to some of most desirable hotels featured in our North Cyprus summer 2010 brochure .
Far West, is the most fertile region with citrus groves and olive trees in abundance. To the East, the finger of the Karpaz Peninsula points to Syria. This region is more remote yet home to the most beautiful landscapes in North Cyprus, with deserted beaches and ancient villages with once-grand basilicas, tombs and ruins which bear testament to the areas glorious past. The eastern coastal area is home to one of the most historic towns, Famagusta. It is definitely worth exploring the city centre which has two distinctive zones illustrating both traditional and modern Famagusta.
So, when you arrive in North Cyprus, don't be in a hurry, and just prepare yourself for a relaxing break from the grind of modern life.
