“The Mediterranean, as it used to be.”
While most of the Mediterranean has succumbed to the demands of mass tourism and over development, Northern Cyprus stands proud as one of the few holiday destinations that remains culturally and environmentally unspoilt.
North Cyprus makes an ideal holiday destination, offering activities to suit all ages, glorious sandy beaches in between the blue Mediterranean Sea and the stunning Kyrenia mountains, ancient historical sites to explore and even inspirational nature experiences like turtle watching.
Amongst all this serenity and natural beauty, Northern Cyprus has another, more lively side. There are over 300 restaurants, tavernas and bistros on the island, plus activities, attractions and tours for the more adventurous.
With 9000 years of influences from Europe, Asia and North Africa combined in its culture and architecture, North Cyprus offers a truly memorable and romantic location for a wedding or event.
Climate
The climate of North Cyprus is long dry summers and short rainy winters. The average annual temp is 19 degrees (60 farenheight) The temperature in midsummer can soar over 40 degrees (105 farenheight) With the warmest sea temperature in the mediterranean, averaging 21 degrees (75) The winter weather is very mild with an average annual rainfall of 500mm.
Beaches
North Cyprus offers some of the best golden beaches and crystal clear waters anywhere in the Mediterranean, from luxurious private beaches of large hotels to remote ones lost behind dunes. On the East coast between Famagusta and Bogaz, a golden beach stretches for about 15 miles, while on the North coast near Kyrenia, there are cozy beaches with bars and sports facilities. Isolated creeks decorate the landscape for nearly 20 miles, and it is possible for water lovers to enjoy swimming for about 8 months of the year, and also enjoying diving, sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, waterskiing.
Language & Currency
Turkish is the main language of North Cyprus, but English is widely spoken everywhere making it very accessible for tourists. The currency is Turkish lira, which makes events and weddings in Northern Cyprus much cheaper than in destinations inside the Euro zone, but all other major currencies are widely accepted.
Nature & Wildlife
The uniqueness of the Mediterranean climate makes every season different in North Cyprus, and each brings a different array of colourful flora and fauna. The island is home to nearly 2000 different kinds of flowering plants including Gramineae grasses, herbal plants and 30 beautiful species of orchid flowers. Enthusiasts can see presses and preserved specimens and learn more about local fauna at the North Cyprus herbarium, or take one of the fantastic Orchid Walks.
Green (Chelonia Mydas) and the logger head (Caretta Carettas) turtles have been visiting the waters of North Cyprus for over 100 million years, and the green turtle only nests in Cyprus, South East Turkey and Israel. These fascinating creatures come ashore on the deserted beaches of North Cyprus between May and August to nest and Aligadi beach is classified as a special protected area. After sunset, when it is dark, the adult females, sometimes with a carapace of more than 100cm long, make their way up the beach to find suitable nesting place. There, they lay between 65 and 110 eggs, depending on the species. This can be repeated three to five times for each, 10-15 days apart. Up to thirty percent of all green turtles nest on the coast line of North Cyprus, and visitors are welcome to observe this exciting experience.
