North Cyprus – Things You Have To Do If Visiting This Winter

Want to escape the British winter then we have the perfect place for you to visit, North Cyprus. Not only does the island have 300 days of sunshine. It is full magical history, delicious food and friendly Cyprus charm. Northern Cyprus has remained unspoiled by hordes of tourists. The best part though? It’s not inside the Euro zone, which means it offers much better value to its non-European visitors this winter. If you do happen to find yourself visiting, make a point of doing these things.

Take a trip to the star ship

Kyrenia Castle Ship Wreck

A shipwreck museum might not sound like the most exciting thing to do with your day when there are beaches around, but this one is worthwhile. Over 2000 years ago, in the time of Alexander the Great, a Greek vessel sank of Girne.

Kyrenia Castle and Shipwreck Museum

Discovered and raised in 1967, the ship is the only preserved example of classical Greek vessels. Surprisingly, the ship’s cargo of almonds has survived too.

Kyrenia Castle and Shipwreck Museum

Visit the Disney Castle

St Hilarion Castle in North Cyprus

People say that St Hilarion Castle was the inspiration for the classic castle of Sleeping Beauty. Once you see the castle, you’ll definitely agree. Even if it wasn’t Walt’s use though, this is still a great castle – one of the few that actually have the storybook past of knights, kings and battles. The castle was taken by King Richard the Lionheart when he was headed for the Third Crusade.

Kantara Castle in North Cyprus

Kantara Castle in North Cyprus

See the bitter lemons of Cyprus

Bellapais Monastery

The famous tree of idleness from Lawrence Durrell’s Bitter Lemons of Cyprus stands in the tiny town of Bellapais, where the English writer lived for years before the south – north conflict. Take five and have a rest under the tree to see if it still has its power. If it doesn’t, you might want to spend the rest of your day in Bellapais visiting the beautiful 13th century Gothic Bellapais Abbey, set precariously above a 100ft drop.

Bellapais Monastery

Take it all in at the Promenade

Enjoy the beauty of Kyrenia Harbour

In the picturesque port town of Girne in North Cyprus, you’ll find the world-famous crescent-shape Kyrenia harbour, with the Five Finger Mountains in the background. Explore the cobblestone streets and castles close by, but be sure to be in the harbour before dusk. Set yourself down at one of the restaurants on the water and get a chilled glass of wine to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunsets ever.

Go beneath the waves

Diving in North Cyprus

If the famous North Cyprus harbour is a little dry for your taste, take a trip beneath the waves. The world below has remained just as unspoiled. You’ll be able to visit 2000 year old shipwrecks, or dive with stingrays and turtles. Hundreds of loggerhead and green turtles use the beaches in Northern Cyprus to lay their eggs, and if you happen to visit Alagadi Beach, or ‘Turtle Beach’ you might be able to join the resident scientists for a peak at the turtles laying their eggs at night.

Diving on holiday

Visit the other side

Tourists at Fig Tree famous bay beach relaxing.

You’ve come all this way, why not see what’s on the other side? Especially if you find yourself in the divided city of Nicosia, it’s always recommended that you cross the once very troubled Ledra Street, first into a stretch of no man’s land, and then into Southern Cyprus.

Ancient Paphos necropolis known as Tombs of the Kings, Cyprus.

The city has earned the title of ‘Europe’s last divided Capital’, and divided as it may be, remains an unforgettable (and safe) tourist destination. Explore the stunning mosques, colonial buildings and the country’s best museums and be sure to test out at least one or two of the restaurants.

The Morning Fishing

Play golf in North Cyprus

Dining at the Korineum Golf and Beach Resort

Enjoy a round of golf in North Cyprus surrounded by the 5 finger mountains and the stunning Mediterranean coast. The Korineum Golf Course is equipt with an 18-hole championship golf course, this beautiful resort accommodates golfers of all abilities. What also makes the Korineum even more appealing is the fact that North Cyprus is not in the Euro so your British pound stretches further.

Golf in Cyprus

To discover more about a winter holiday to North Cyprus contact Direct Traveller to day by submitting a North Cyprus holiday enquiry.