North Cyprus

When you are dialling from a mobile phone in Northern Cyprus, you have to enter the code 0090 392 followed by the required local number. İf you dialing a mobile number you have to dial 0090 533… or 0090 542… which are the code numbers of two different Networks in North Cyprus.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS :

TOURISM INFORMATION OFFICES :

Famagusta
Fevzi Çakmak Street, Tel: 366 28 64, 366 06 36, 366 53 32

Nicosia
City center : 227 29 94, 228 96 29

Kyrenia
Kordonboyu Tel: 815 21 45, 815 60 79, 815 21 18

Güzelyurt
Güzelyurt Municipality , Tel: 714 20 18

Iskele
Iskele Municipality : 371 25 21

Yenierenköy
Tel: 374 49 84

WORKING HOURS :

Government offices :

Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Friday: 08:00-15:30
Thursday: 08:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00

DIALLING CODES

When dialling North Cyprus, you will need to dial 0090 followed by the relevant code depending on if it is a landline or a mobile. If dialling a landline the code will be 392, or for mobile's, if the service provider is Telsim you will use 542, and for Turkcell 533. (most people will give you the full number so you should already know which one to use). This will then be followed by the persons personal number.

When dialling the UK from North Cyprus, you will need to dial 0044, followed by the number, omitting the initial 0.

CURRENCY

The currency in North Cyprus is Turkish Lira. As with other currencies, the exchange rate fluctuates daily. There are plenty of money exchange bureau's in all of the main cities. You can also withdraw Turkish Lira from the numerous ATM's or, alternatively, most restaurants and shops will accept payment from a major debit or credit card. If you think you might use your card abroad, you will need to inform your bank before going on holiday, to make sure there are no block's put on your card. Travellers cheques and Scottish banknotes are not widely accepted and can be difficult to exchange. Most restaurants and shops will also accept Sterling, Euro's and US dollar notes, but any change will be given in Turkish Lira.

ELECTRICITY

The voltage supply is 220/240. As in the UK, 3 pin plugs are used on most things and you will rarely need an adapter.

DRIVING

Driving is on the left hand side, the same as in the UK. To be able to hire a car you will need your driving licence, passport and must be over the age of 25. You will need to carry your car hire agreement form with you when driving, together with your driving licence. Dangerous driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will not be tolerated and you will receive a heavy fine if you are stopped by the police. You cannot park where you see double yellow lines or black and white kerb stones.

WEATHER

North Cyprus is an all year place to visit as the temperature is still nice even through the winter. However if can get cooler during the evenings.

LOCAL TIME

North Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. British Summertime operates exactly as it does in the UK, with clocks moved a head one hour in March and back one hour in October.

LANGUAGE

The language spoken in North Cyprus is Turkish. However, English is also widely spoken. Most hotel and restaurant staff will speak some English and are always happy to learn more. They will also be pleased hear you try a little Turkish, even if it's "please" - lutfen, "thank you" - tesekkur ederiz, "hello" - merhaba or "the bill please" - hesap lutfen.

NUMBERS

1 Bir Beer
2 İki Icky
3 Üç Ooch
4 Dört Dirt
5 Beş Besh
6 Altı Al-ter
7 Yedi Yah-dee
8 Sekiz Sekeez
9 Dokuz Dockooz
10 On On

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

* Ramazan (End of Ramadan) or Seker Bayram (Sugar Bayram) (3 days holiday)
* Kurban Bayram (Feast of the Sacrifice) (4 days holiday)

There is a wide range of accommodation offered in North Cyprus ranging from 5 star Hotels, Hotel-Bungalows, Hotel-Apartments, camping and Self Catering Apartments, Villas to small family-run bed and breakfast establishment.

If you planning a holiday break and looking for fantastic holiday for a good value, North Cyprus is the perfect destination to choose. Very unique accommodation places and good value, you will pay less and get good Accommodation in Northern Cyprus. Most of them are just near the beach.

North Cyprus is about 4 hours away from London. You can fly to Northern Cyprus via Istanbul or get direct flights to Northern Cyprus by flying to Larnaca airport or paphos airport and get a accommodation in Northern Cyprus. Most tourists are already using direct flights especially to Larnaca Airport, South Cyprus.

Accommodation standards are high in Northern Cyprus, the standards checked regularly by tourism board, and hoteliers association, you can find accommodation in North Cyprus from cheap to high class accommodation in North Cyprus. The country has accommodation places such as bungalows, holiday villages and hotels from 2 stars to five stars.

Most of the tourist places in Northern Cyprus are in Kyrenia. You can find every kind of accommodation place in Kyrenia region. There are a few in Famagusta and Bogaz region.

Famagusta Walled City, North Cyprus.

Famagusta in Northern Cyprus is a fascinating medieval walled city with oodles of charm and there is are lots to explore. When you enter the city you can’t miss the historic walled city of Famagusta with its mposing towers that encircle the old city and protect the harbour.

The Lusignan kings of Cyprus first built walls around Famagusta, then the Venetians improved them, possibly with the help of Leonardo da Vinci! These massive walls are eight metres thick and fifteen metres wide, with bastions and towers guarding very corner. The Turkish invaders who came in 1571 besieged the city and pounded it with cannon balls; you can still see these missiles littered around the old city amongst the ruins of churches damaged in the siege. The Turks found it tricky to breach the walls, defended by a large wide moat that you can actually drive along today.

The hungry and disease-ridden Venetians eventually surrendered, by waving a flag from the Ravelin, or White Tower, one of two entrances to Famagusta. The Ravelin houses the Akkule ören Yeri attraction, and kids will love the maze of corridors and guard rooms that twist and turn throughout the building. Look up, and you can see the smoke holes, where the bitter smoke from the mighty cannons escaped.

The best way to explore the walled city of Famagusta is on foot. As you wander amongst the narrow streets of the old city, every turn reveals a magnificent building or ruined church that bears the scars of that historic siege. It’s also a great way to shop where the locals do, or that unusual gift or holiday souvenir. Suddenly you emerge into the sunlight of the main square, so stop and have a real Turkish coffee at a café and admire the impressive former St Nicholas Cathedral, now a mosque. Walk towards the sea, and you can climb Othello’s Tower, and view the sea from the top of Famagusta’s walls.

Nicosia North Cyprus.

Nicosia, or Lefkoşa (called so by local Turkish Cypriot population), is the capital and the largest city of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It is situated at 35°10' north, 33°21' east, which is in the centre of the island, in Mesaoria plain. This geographical position has defined the destiny of Lefkosa as the economic, political, and cultural centre of the island. Nicosia hosts the main government headquarters and foreign representatives. It is also the seat for the United Nations and the European Commission offices. It is the most commercialized city of North cyprus. Most of the main business and organizations are based in the city.

Lefkoşa is currently the only divided capital city in the world, with the northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) parts divided by the "green line", a demilitarized zone maintained by the United Nations.

At present there are 3 main order crossings between South and North Nicosia. These borders are Ledra Palace check point (for pedestrians) and Lokmacı check point. Both borders are in the center of Nicosia and you can only cross on foot. Other check point is Metehan Border (Ayios Dhometios) which you can cross on foot and with motor vehicles.

It is necessary to have your passport/ID card presented to the authorities at the checkpoints. If you are an EU passport holder or have a visa to cross the border, you need fill a little white visa slip with your name, passport number and nationality, then you will be allowed to pass.

Kyrenia, North Cyprus.

Originally a small fishing village Kyrenia was founded in the 10th century BC and has developed and expanded into a beautiful and bustling harbour town - a perfect location for the first time traveller or regular visitor to North Cyprus. The horseshoe harbour with its bars, restaurants and colourful yachts dominates the town and is the heart of Kyrenia for both tourists and local alike.

The streets of Kyrenia are full of shops selling jewellery, wooden crafts, designer clothes as well as souvenirs to remind of your holiday in North Cyprus. A visit to the 7th century Byzantine Kyrenia Castle is a must as well as one to the world famous shipwreck museum located in the castle grounds where the oldest ever shipwreck to be discovered is on display.

A short distance from Kyrenia is beautiful monastery village of Bellapais with its fantastic panoramic views and the spectacular ruins of the 11th century Gothic Abbey where in the summer months an impressive classical music festival is held. Do not miss the bird watch view Kyrenia from here.

Named after a saint who escaped from Jeruslaem after the Arab conquests, St Hilarion Castle, which is a short distance from Kyrenia, offers the most spectacular views of both the mediterranean and the surrounding countryside. All the Kyrenia town centre attractions are easily accessible by foot and all other areas by taxi, dolmush (local minbus system) or by car rental.

Cyprus has always been an important trading post between the empires of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and throughout history someone has always wanted to take it off someone else. First the Mycenaeans grabbed it, then the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Assyrians and Persians. Alexander the Great took it off them...

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North Cyprus is a treasure chest of mediaeval castles, abbeys, amphitheatres, and monuments offering a wealth of interest to both amateur and professional historians and archaeologists. The most important finds of the island`s Antiquity are displayed in the Cyprus Museum which now remains on the south of the border, however, many interesting examples and some new finds can be found in the local museums of North Cyprus.

Northern Cyprus hosts over 1600 plant specia of which 22 are endemic, 350 species of birds, of which 7 are endemic, and 26 different species of reptile and amphibia.

The two main reasons for this amazing diversity are, firstly, that Cyprus was not affected by the last ice-age (which wiped out many species from areas further north)... 

Northern Cyprus provides all kinds of entertainment activities for sport keeners and those who prefer tranquil vacation. In case you haven't defined what type you are, look up for some tips which will help to find out what suits you better.

North Cyprus beaches provide great opportunities for all kinds of sea entertainment ... 

The newly refurbished Ercan Airport, (pronounced airjan), situated approx 25 minutes drive from Kyrenia, handles the bulk of the tourist traffic, whilst Gecitkale serves as a back-up airport. Daily flights from many mainland Turkish cities, as well as flights from Europe, supply the majority of the visitors to the island...  

Cypriot cuisine has been influenced by different cultures throuhout history. Therefore there isn' t any dish, which we would call ‘ Cypriot ' only. However with little variations from their originals Cypriots have developed quite tasty dishes. Each dish has a peculiar taste and cooking and presentation reflects the character of the people of Cyprus...

All types of banking services are on offer in Northern Cyprus . A number of local, Turkish and international banks all provide banking facilities and services in the key towns of Lefkosa , Kyrenia and Famagusta. Banking hours change between summer and winter however the large number of ATM machines available, ensure that cash withdrawal can be made 24hrs a day.