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About North Cyprus

This quiet backwater to the eastern end of the Mediterranean known as North Cyprus is the last stronghold of unspoiled countryside, which at present is standing up against the mass development projects suffered by many other similar countries. The North Cyprus landscape is a patchwork of mature olive and fruit orchards interrupted only by villages and mountains, guaranteeing the back drop for many years to come. First time visitors to North Cyprus all comment on the hospitality and relaxed environment and generally they all return as they can’t believe this place still exists in the modern world.

THE HISTORY

Cyprus takes its name from being a rich source of copper and is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. According to legend, Julius Caesar gave this island to Cleopatra as a token of his love.

The remains of ruined castles at Kantara Buffavento and St Hilarion bear the insignia of Richard the Lion Heart who was captivated by the area and celebrated his marriage here.

Lost empires from the Hittites of Anatolia to the Ancient Egyptians, from Mesopotamia to the Aegean civilisations all left their splendid remains. Roman Salamis dating back to 100BC, the Chapel of St Barnabas where St Paul visited in early 45AD, Bellapais Abbey and the church founded by Augustinian canons around 1250 and Kyrenia castle used by Byzantines, Lusignans and Venetians.

THE BEACHES

North Cyprus has a varied coastline and amenities for swimmers. On the East Coast between Famagusta and Bogaz, a sandy beach stretches onwards for about 15 miles. On the north coast, on the other side of Kyrenia cosy beaches with bars and sport facilities or isolated coves decorate the landscape.

SHOPPING AND CURRENCY

The unit of currency is Yeni (new)Turkish lira. Major credit cards and sterling traveller’s cheques, English pounds and Greek pounds are all acceptable in most major hotels, restaurants, shops and other outlets. The exchange rate is more favourable if you exchange your currency locally. North Cyprus is a favourite destination for those interested in local crafts. Good local buys are lace work, embroidery, rugs, woodcarvings and leather goods.

MEDICAL INFORMATION
Like much of this part of the world the development and infrastructure in the medical facilities has improved beyond belief. Firstly the modernisation of North Cyprus hospitals has come along and the quest for research has enabled the North Cyprus universities to be involved with medical faculties helping greatly in investigative works. However, even with these positive steps there is still a cautionary approach to medical insurance with many would be North Cyprus home owners acquiring Private Health Insurance via international sources

THE CLIMATE AND NATURE

Cyprus is an all year round destination due to its mild climate. The coolest months are December and January with average temperatures of 55°F (13°C). April to June is when the island is at its most pleasant with flowers and sweetly scented orange, lemon and olive trees. The island is a botanist’s paradise with hundreds of species of wild flowers. Summers are hot in July, August and September with temperatures can rise to 90°F (33°C) or above.

Tourist Information

Time
Local time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Traffic
Same as the UK traffic circulation is on the left. All road signs are international.

Car Rental
This service is available in all main towns and large hotels. Check what level of insurance is provided when renting a car. Rental cars have red number plates.

Driving Licence
A valid British driving licence is recognised in the TRNC for a limited period, as is an International Driving Licence. Anyone owning a car in North Cyprus is required to have, within a year, a TRNC driving licence. If this is not obtained and an accident occurs, the car insurance becomes null and void.

Weights and Measures
The metric system has replaced other weights and measures but the following traditional unit of measurement is still in use:
A DONUM is a measure of land equivalent to about one-third (0.336) of an acre, (or 1600 square yards, 1,388sq.meters or 14,400 sq. ft.)

Pets
Pets can be brought into the country from Europe with little hassle. The Ministry of Agriculture require a certificate from a European vet stating that your animal is free of major diseases. Quarantine is approximately 4 weeks at the Nicosia (Lefkosa) kennels.

Water
Water by mains supply via water tanks and in some properties (in particular with larger gardens) supplemented by wells.
There is a serious shortage of water in some areas and would-be residents are advised to ascertain the position in the area they plan to live, particularly when considering purchase of property. Some areas have better mains supply than others; some have spring water as well as piped water. It is not wise to drink well water unless it has been analysed; septic tanks are the usual method of disposal of domestic waste and sewage and therefore well water cold be affected. Soak-ways are also used.

Electricity
The supply is 220/240 volts AC 50Hz and standard fittings are three pin. 13 Amps are used as in the UK. 3 phase is available. Power cuts do occur, sometimes frequently! Only in remote areas is it not possible to get electricity connected; as a general rule it can otherwise be arranged but can be expensive. Purchasers and tenants should ensure that the electricity supply is connected to their premises or know the cost of connection.

Payment for electricity used should be paid promptly and, if the property is to be left unoccupied for a period of time, arrangements should be made to have the accounts settled otherwise the supply could be cut.

Faults from the mains supply should be reported to the local Electricity Board.

Telecommunications
An international telephone system, the internet, and more recently Broadband are all available in North Cyprus

Refuse Collection
There is usually a refuse collection once or twice a week, from a local pick-up point. This may be paid for annually at the local Belediye Office. However, in the more isolated areas, it is the responsibility of the householder to dispose of his refuse.