North Cyprus Brief Travel Guide

NORTH CYPRUS

North Cyprus is a place full of magic; fully deserving the title of "Pearl of the Mediterranean". It is a rich and colourful tapestry of unspoilt natural beauty, ranging form sparkling crystal clear waters and golden beaches to fields carpeted by wild flowers in the Spring and the pine ciad heights of the Besparmak Mountains.
For centuries Cyprus has been influenced by the cultures of many different Nations which has led to an island with a rich and diverse historical and architectural heritage. From Soli and Vouni in the West, Arab ahmet Pasha Mosque in Lefkosa to Salamis and the site of Apostolos Andreas in the East there is much to reflect 9.000 years of civilisation.

Accommodation:

A wide range of accommodation is offered, ranging from 5 star Hotels, Hotel-Bungalows and Hotel-Apartments to Camping and Self Catering Apartments and Villas.

COASTLINE:

The beaches of Northern Cyprus are among the cleanest and safest in the Mediterranean. The average water temperature is 24°C between May and October. The Summer Season seas the Hotel Beaches offering an excellent service to their customers in terms of eating end drinking facilities, not failing to mention the provision of beach umbrellas and beach loungers. Some of these beaches will also offer activities such as water skiing, banana rides, jet-ski. wind surfing and scuba diving.

TRAFFIC:

Please drive on the left. Traffic and road signs are Intematlonal. Maximum speed is 100 km./hr. Vehicles entering Northern Cyprus must be insured upon arrival.

CAR RENTALS:

This service is available in all main towns and large hotels. A British or International Driving License is required. Rental cars have red number plates.

TELEPHONE:

The international phone code for North Cyprus is 00 90 392 followed by the local Cypriot number. Public Telephone booths are available and (telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecommunications office.

POST:

The outgoing postal system is reliable. Incoming mail must have "Mersin¬10, Turkey" and not 'Northern Cyprus' at the end of the address. The history 01 the postal service in Northern Cyprus will definitely be of interest to all philatelists.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

A good, inexpensive network of busses and mini-busses operates between all the main towns in addition there are Dolmus (Shared Taxi's) operating on the same routes. Taxis are widely available and do carry a meter, however, there are standard prices for standard journeys.

TOURIST INFORMATION:

Tourist information offices are available in all the major towns. Tour guides. Hotel Receptionists, Taxi drivers and the locals are also a good source of information.

RESTAURANTS:

A large selection of restaurants exists, ranging from the humble Corbaci (Soup House), where truly ethnic cuisine is served, to fashionable French, Chinese and Indian Cuisine Restaurants. Prices vary accordingly. There are also a number of excellent Cypriot Cuisine restaurants which offer very good value for money.

BARS:

A wide range is available to suit all tastes, serving local beers, raki, brandy and of course imported alcohol. A must is the National cocktail, a Brandy Sour.