Northern Cyprus General Info
Cyprus is a paradise island of incomparable natural beauty, full of unique historical treasures.
North Cyprus provides a most hospitable welcome, with its friendly people, and its beautiful natural attractions, unspoilt, unpolluted and uncrowded with miles of coastline and golden sands bathed in sunshine almost every day of the year. There is much of historical interest to reflect nine thousand years of history. Gothic churches rub shoulders with crusader castles, and ruined temples with British Colonial architecture in a fascinating blend of styles. The all-pervading sense of the past adds to the enchantment of the present to make an unforgettable holiday.
Touched by myriad cultures, Cyprus is passionately aware of its identity.
Location:
Cyprus is the most easterly of the Mediterranean islands and the third largest in the area after Sicily and Sardinia in the Mediterranean.
It lies in the clear blue waters of the Eastern Mediterranean. At the nearest coastal points it is 40 miles from Turkey,
North Cyprus is some 100 miles long, 40 miles across at its widest point and has a total area of 1357 square miles, comprising nearly 36% of the island of Cyprus.
Capital:
Nicosia
Useful Tips
Entry Requirements: A valid passport. Children up to the age of 16 should be inscribed on the passport of either parent.
Currency: North Cyprus currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). All foreign currencies as well as traveller cheques are accepted in banks, hotels, and exchange offices. Most of the credit cards are accepted in international hotels,in some restaurants and shops and you can withdraw money from certain banks. The cost of living in North Cyprus is very much to the advantage of the European tourists. There are no limits for foreign exchange imported to North Cyprus.
Language: The official language is Turkish, but English is commonly spoken.
Time Zone: GMT + 2 in winter. GMT + 3 in summer.
Electricity: 240 Volts, 50 Hz. Plugs are in English standards. It is advisable to have an adaptor.
Cuisine: As its Turkish, Greek and Lebanese neighbours, the Turkish Cypriot cuisine is rich and varied. ‘Meze’ is starter and consits of a variety of hot and cold appetizers, salads, meats, vegetables and fish dishes. Variety of ‘kebabs’ can be found including lamb dishes such as shish kebab and doner kebab. If you prefer white meat then we recommend chicken shish or doner kebabs. ‘Sheftali’ kebab is a local dish that you should try. Kofte – meat balls with spices are very popular too. ‘Mineri’, ‘Lahos’, ‘Orfo’ and ‘Barbun’ are the best fresh fish dishes that you might try. Make sure you ask for ‘kalamar’ (squid) as starter at local fish restaurants. You will love the famous Cypriot cheese ‘hellim’ (halloumi). Tasty and juicy are also all the citrus fruits: oranges, grapes, peaches, melons, water melons, graperfruits etc.. At the end of a good meal a food Turkish coffee is recommended. ‘Sade’ means without sugar, ‘orta’ is medium sugar and ‘shekerli’ means with sufficient sugar (sweet). ‘Raki’ is the local tequila – drink carefully!
Area: 3,354 km².
Population: 313,626. (2014)
Climate:North Cyprus enjoys the benefits of the Mediterranean climate. Long hot summers and short winters with little rain. The temperature in summer reaches 30/35 degrees Centigrade. Winters are mild.
Telephone: + 90 392 followed by your number in Cyprus. (Town codes: Lefkosha: 22, Girne: 81, Gazimagusa: 36). If you want to call home from North Cyprus, you will need to dial 00 – your coutry code followed by your number.
Museums: During the summer period (May to September), the museums are open between 09:00 am to 01:30 pm and 04:30 pm to 06:30 pm. During the winter months, the opening hours are as follows: 08:00 am to 01:00 pm and 02:30 pm to 05:00 pm. The museums are closed on sundays and on national and religious holidays.
Shopping: Shopping in North Cyprus is very enjoyable. Salesmen are welcoming but discreet. Objects made of copper, silver, bronze and onyx, Turkish dolls, meerchaum pipes, local embroideries of Lefkara and backgammon (tavla) boards are easily found in souvenir shops. Gold jewellery, leather clothes and textiles are sold at reasonably cheap prices. Prices being fixed there is no bargaining in North Cyprus. The majority of shops are open between
08:00 am – 01:00 pm and 03:30 pm to 08:00 pm, except the market places which are open only in the mornings. Attention: Export of antiquities is illegal!