Accommodation & VIP Transfer

Since 1974 Northern Cyprus has been divided north and south. Turkish Cypriots live in the north, Greek Cypriots in the south. The Green Line through Nicosia separates the two. Northern Cyprus covers about 36% of the island.

Typical Mediterranean climate: dry, hot summers (June–September) and generally mild, rainy winters (November–March). Spring and autumn are pleasant. Annual average about 20°C; summers often above 30°C, January–February around 10°C.

Most people live in towns. Lefkoşa, Famagusta, Kyrenia and coastal towns host both residents and international visitors.

After the first November rains the island greens: tulips, daisies and cyclamen colour the plains. Northern Cyprus is rich in landscapes worth seeing during treatment breaks.

Entry is possible with a valid passport; a stay of up to three months is typically granted and can be extended via immigration. Children under 16 may travel on a parent’s passport. No vaccination requirement. Personal belongings and food are generally not taxed; archaeological finds may not leave the country.

Turkish is official. English is widely understood and spoken in hotels, clinics and tourist areas.

Hotels up to five stars, aparthotels, holiday villages and guesthouses. Most tourist facilities are in Kyrenia and Famagusta; Karpaz is growing. European-standard 3–5 star hotels and villas are available.

From May to October sea temperature averages about 24°C. Beaches offer restaurants, cafés and water sports such as jet-ski and parasailing.

European and local goods plus island crafts sold in Turkish lira. Copper, silver, leather and gold jewellery are popular. Many shops open 08:00–13:00 and 15:30–20:00.

Coastal towns come alive with bars and restaurants. Kyrenia harbour is especially pleasant in summer evenings.

Opening hours may change in summer. Winter hours are often 09:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:45. Closed on public holidays.

Forest fire: 177 · Police: 155 · Emergency: 112 · Fire: 199 · Hospital: 366 5328 · Electricity: 366 5514

Traffic drives on the left. Roads are generally safe; seat belts are compulsory. Ask taxi fares before boarding. Intercity buses run frequently by day.

Red-plate hire cars are available at hotels and in town centres. An international driving permit is usually sufficient.

From abroad dial +90 392 then the 7-digit local number. Area codes include Kyrenia 81, Famagusta 36, Nicosia 22.

The official currency is the Turkish lira. There is no limit on bringing foreign currency; sterling, dollars and traveller’s cheques are accepted at banks, hotels and exchange offices. Credit cards work in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Government offices in summer: Monday 07:30–14:00 and 15:30–18:00, Tuesday–Friday 07:30–14:00; in winter Monday–Friday 08:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:00. Banks in summer 08:00–12:00; in winter 08:00–12:00 and 14:00–16:00. Electricity is 220/240 V with UK-style plugs.

Charters run from Europe; in summer more than 60 weekly flights serve Ercan. Direct flights from Turkey include Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Adana, Dalaman and Antalya. Year-round ferries run Mersin–Famagusta and Taşucu–Kyrenia; extra sailings in high season from Alanya, Antalya and Anamur.

Famagusta — Fevzi Çakmak Caddesi, Tel: 36 62864 · Nicosia — Selçuklu Caddesi, Tel: 22 81057 · Kyrenia — Kordonboyu, Tel: 81 52145 · Ercan Airport — Terminal, Tel: 23 14703

Weddings, circumcision ceremonies, festivals, births and first school days are important. Hospitality is characteristic; elders are served first. Coffee and sherbet drinks of honey, rose, sugar and carob are traditional offerings.

At weddings, henna nights and harvests: karşılama, handkerchief dances, zeybek, women’s dances and dramatized dances. Handkerchief dances are lively; Aziye, İskele, Karagözlü and henna sirtos are well-known examples.

Yemeni, Lefkara lace, hesap work, silk work and plant weaving. Lefkara work is linen and needlework; weaving is common in Mesarya and Karpaz.

Mediterranean and Turkish: vegetables, grills, pastries, fish, soups, kebabs, lahmacun and pide. Molohiya, mezes and sweets are local. Carob molasses, zivaniya, Northern Cyprus brandy and local wines are well known. Chinese, Italian, French and Indian restaurants are also found.