Cyprus is situated in the north-eastern corner of the Mediterranean, some 40 miles south of Turkey, 60 miles west of Syria and 108 miles north of Egypt.   The total area of the Island is approximately 3,572 sq.miles, with Northern Cyprus covering approximately 1.375 sq.miles.

     The whole area has a chequered history of wars and feuds, and a brief resume can be read in the excellent Guide "Northern Cyprus " by Landmark.   The latest dispute centered on the Greeks` desire for Enosis (union with Greece) - which took no account of the Turkish Cypriot population.  The resulting armed insurrection culminated in Turkish forces landing on 20th July, 1974 and taking over 40 per cent of the Island.  As a result approximately 150,000 Greeks moved south and 50,000 Turks moved into the north.  The Turkish armed forces remain in the north.  The founding of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is unrecognised by any other country except Turkey, although with an application on the table to join the European Union, hopes are being raised that unification will at last be possible with the TRNC being recognised by everyone.  Whether this will be a good thing or not rather depends on what could happen after re-unification.

      When you see the wholesale commercialisation that has taken place in the south, and compare this with the so far hardly developed north, with no fast-food chains, no high-rise hotels and a virtually crime-free record, you have to question whether bringing the two sides together will perhaps destroy the very things that at the moment make the north so attractive to visitors and those seeking homes in the sun.  It sounds like NIMBY-ism, but there are many instances of idyllic resorts and islands being spoilt  by over-development and crass commercialisation at the hands of the god of profit!

        My advice is go now whilst you can still experience the peace and tranquility so rarely found these days on an Island that been described as
"A Corner of Earth- touched by Heaven"

     Having bought your guide (see above) written by Kristina Gursoy and Lavinia Neville Smith, do NOT be tempted to buy your map in the UK.  You can obtain maps here of the whole of Cyprus, with one drawback - all the names in the north have been changed by the Turks so that nothing on the map will correspond to directions you will see signposted when you get there!  Kyrenia becomes Girne, Nicosia becomes Lefkosa, and a multitude of small towns and villages have adopted the Turkish name that the present inhabitants came from with the addition of "koy" at the end, meaning "new".  Wait until you arrive before buying your map.

      A must is Girne harbour, and it is a delight to take advantage of the cooling breeze blowing in from the sea, sit outside one of the cafes that form the background of the harbour promenade and sip a cold beer or refreshing brandy sour.  To see the area properly you must hire a car (rates are very reasonable and all the latest models are available - despite any trade not officially  being  recocognised with the countries that produce the cars!)
      Go to Lefkosa and explore the town with its large Selimiye Mosque, the Buyuk Han (The Great Inn) now converted to an artisans` quarter with paintings. ceramics and other artifacts made by local artistic talent.  Go from there and explore the ancient covered market with its myriad displays of every kind of fruit and vegetable imaginable.  Then head for the Saray Hotel and take the lift to the 8th floor.  A lift charge is made, but this ticket can be exchanged for a drink at the roof bar.   From the roof, you can see  nearly the whole town laid out below, as well as the dividing line and the change in architecture starkly showing where the north ends and the south begins!

     An expedition, not to be taken lightly, is to drive along the "pan-handle" to the east of the island.  To fully enjoy the delights of this undeveloped and quite unspoilt region, some arrange for a night`s stay at a simple hotel at the extreme east of the pan-handle.  It can be driven in a day with quite leisurely driving if you start off early enough.  Visit the Apostolos Andreas Monastery at the furthermost tip, and on the drive back admire the simply stunning beaches to your left.  If you watch out, you can find small hotels and tavernas tucked away where you can stop for an ice-cold drink and take in the marvellous views.  On your drive back through Dipkarpaz look out for the herds of wild donkeys that inhabit this region and also the large herds of goats (not wild!).
        Dipkarpaz is home to a community of Greek Cypriots who wanted to stay in their own village after 1974, and it is one of the few places where the two communities live peacefully side by side.

     We had a marvellous holiday in Northern Cyprus, staying at the Hotel Sempati some 18 kms west of Girne - click on the link for more details.  They can arrange flights, car hire and free collection from the airport (otherwise £25) and all rooms are air-conditioned and have sea views.  Email them for more information and mark it for the attention of Erkan.

        Pounds Sterling are accepted everywhere, as are Euros, and the best way to take your spending money is Sterling Travellers cheques.  You will find that except in the more remote villages nearly everyone speaks english, and all are more than helpful and genuinely pleased to see you.  One added advantage for British visitors is that they all drive on the left - at least most of the time!
    
                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                       
Northern Cyprus 
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