On
the Eastern coast of the island,
Famagusta town centre is located
in Northern Cyprus, while some
of the historic Famagusta district
lies across the border with the
South. About 700 years ago, Famagusta
was one of the principal markets
of the Eastern Mediterranean and
one of the world’s richest
cities, situated on the busy trade
routes from Britain to India. Famagusta
was also the seat of a Latin diocese
from the twelfth century and had
residential bishops until the end
of the sixteenth. The city is still
protected by ramparts which encircle
the town and the citadel castle
guarding the harbour, one of the
first sites for tourists.
Today Famagusta’s rich medieval
history and architecture is preserved
in the old town which has begun
to see more investment in recent
years. Similar to other parts of
the TRNC, the value of tourism
is growing and foreign investment
has slowly been finding its way
into this historic area. With the
largest university and port in
Northern Cyprus, Famagusta has
seen its population rising in recent
years, along with a continuing
demand for property and new developments.
About 25km north of Famagusta
and situated on the southern edge
of the Karpaz peninsula, Boghaz
is well situated as a base to explore
the region. Just 15 minutes drive
north of Famagusta, don’t
miss this picturesque fishing village
with its mountain backdrop and
golden beaches on the east coast.
Boghaz village boasts atleast a
half a dozen fish restaurants around
the harbour to satisfy the most
particular of visitors. This area
is growing fast in popularity,
but one can still find some peaceful
and enjoyable establishments around
the harbour front.
The Karpaz Peninsula in the north-east
part of Cyprus is said by some
to be “a land where time
stands still”. It is known
for its stretches of sandy beaches
where you won’t see another
person for miles. The area is dotted
with ancient towns, basilicas,
ruins and tombs just waiting to
be explored. The peninsula is also
almost totally free from industry
and people, and remains one of
the least polluted regions in Europe.
There is a substantial amount of
biological diversity with a significant
amount of species, plant, bird
and animal for which the Karpas
is the natural home. About 46 sandy
beaches in the Karpas comprise
the main nestling ground for the
endangered sea turtles in the Eastern
Mediterranean. Also being on one
of the main migration routes of
birds between Eastern Europe and
Africa, each year approximately
300 species, or the equivalent
of millions of birds, use this
route in early spring and late
summer.
|
All flights from the UK to North
Cyprus must touch down first in
Turkey. From Turkey, you can choose
from a number of scheduled flights
from Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Adana
and Antalya, to arrive at Ercan
Airport near the capital of Nicosia.
Holiday packages are recommended
since they can work out much more
reasonable in price, with flights
as well as transfer and accommodation
included.
Cyprus Turkish Airlines and Turkish
Airlines service the region with
regularly scheduled flights to
Ercan Airport. Ercan Airport is
inland and close to the capital
of Nicosia, so transfer arrangements
should be made to any of the coastal
areas.
|
