North Cyprus Resorts: attractions and photos

A large island in the Mediterranean Sea - Cyprus - has a long and dramatic history. Today it is a real Mecca for holidaymakers. The resorts of Northern Cyprus, the description of which we represent, are significantly different from the southern shores. Here, another government, customs, recreation - the region is worthy to talk about it in detail, and even more worthy of a visit.

Geography

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Geographically it belongs to Asia, although for many people it is an integral part of the history of Europe. From the nearest coast it is separated: 75 km from Turkey, 100 km from Syria and 350 km from Egypt. The area of the island is 9250 square meters. Km. Cyprus has a volcanic origin, and most of it is occupied by mountain ranges. Today, the island is divided between three states: more than half belong to the Republic of Cyprus, a little less than 4% of the territories are controlled by the United Nations (there is a buffer zone between the states), a little less than 3% is given to Britain (its military bases are located here). The remaining 36% of the island is controlled by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a partially recognized state in the world. It is the latter that owns the resorts of Northern Cyprus.

Climate

The Republic of Northern Cyprus, whose resort towns are in the zone of the Mediterranean climate, can offer tourists almost ideal conditions for recreation. Here is a long hot summer and a short mild winter. The beach season begins on the island at the end of March and ends in mid-November. The island position of the Republic creates excellent conditions for life: the sea softens the heat in summer and does not allow a significant decrease in temperature in winter. The average annual temperature is 23 degrees Celsius. In summer, the thermometer is usually kept around 30 degrees in the daytime, in winter it goes down to 16 degrees Celsius. Unlike the land, it is much more comfortable to feel meteozavisimye people and patients with hypertension. The main precipitation falls during the period from November to February, the summer is usually very dry. On average, there are 310-330 sunny days per year in North Cyprus.

History

The first settlers in Cyprus appeared in the Neolithic period. But the cooling caused the population to leave this territory for a long time. Today archaeologists find in Cyprus the many remains of the culture of Philia, which existed here in the 2nd millennium BC and was founded by immigrants from Anatolia. Since that time the island has never been empty. Here a unique culture is formed, which absorbs the Achaean and Cretan traditions.

Later, the Phoenicians came to Cyprus and founded 10 independent city-states. In the times of Alexander the Great, the island is part of the Hellenic state, and later becomes a Roman province. After the fall of Rome, Cyprus is under the rule of Byzantium. During this period the Cyprus Orthodox Church is developing here. In the 12th century, the island was captured by the troops of Richard the Lionheart. Later, Cyprus passes under the influence of the King of Jerusalem. At the end of the 15th century the island became part of the Venetian Republic. This territory was very profitable from a strategic point of view, therefore Cyprus was repeatedly attacked by troops of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1571 the power of the Sultan was finally established here. A large number of Turkish people come to the island, new rules are being set. At the same time, the Greek and Turkish people perfectly got along with each other. In the first half of the 19th century, active revolts against the power of the Ottoman Empire began in Greece, this trend also comes to Cyprus. But independence can not be achieved. In 1869, the reign of the British Empire was established here.

After the Second World War, in which the Cypriots were on the side of Britain, the movement for independence and a return to historical roots is growing. The struggle lasted several decades. In 1960, Cyprus was recognized as an independent territory and divided into two parts on an ethnic basis. But the tension between these two areas did not decrease, it came to armed conflicts. In 1974, the buildup of a military presence on the island of Greek troops begins, to which Turkey responded by landing its landing in the north of the island. In 1983, these lands declared independence.

Thus appeared the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with a predominantly Turkish population. However, neither the UN nor the world community was in a hurry to recognize the new state. The Turkish territory is formally considered part of Cyprus, but in fact Ankara rules. Resorts of Northern Cyprus have departed the Turkish diaspora, but today there is a rapprochement of parts of the island. The wall separating the ethnic areas was destroyed. Free movement is established between them. Such a long and rich history is stored on the territory of Cyprus in the form of various, interesting sights.

Administrative division

The Turkish Republic establishes its own administration in its part of the island. There are five administrative districts. The list is as follows: Levkosha, Gazimagusa, Girne, Guzelyurt, Iskela. The main resorts of Northern Cyprus are the centers of the main provinces of the Turkish part of the island. Each of them has a Turkish and Greek name, as the Republic of Cyprus continues to consider these lands as its own. Therefore, sometimes there may be confusion in the names of cities. The pairs of names look like this: Lefkosa - Nicosia, Magos - Famagusta (Amohostos), Girne - Kyrenia, Guzelyurt - Morfu, Iskele - Tricomo.

Features of the holiday

Picturesque nature, a large number of attractions, low prices for accommodation and food - all this provides resorts in North Cyprus. Comparison and description of the south and north indicate the obvious advantage of the Turkish part of the island. The nature here is much more diverse and beautiful than in the south. In addition, it is preserved in a more primordial form. In view of the fact that industrialization has not seized this part of the island, one can admire landscapes, not disfigured by human presence. In this region there are much fewer tourists, so the beaches are cleaner, and the prices are lower.

The locals are very friendly and good-natured people. They are not Turks, in their veins there is a mixture of Greek and Turkish blood, Cypriots even differ in features from the inhabitants of the Turkish coasts.

Beaches are the main attraction for tourists, in the north there are free and private, paid sites. Most of the beaches are sandy, although pebbles also occur. The purity of these places is indicated by the fact that sea turtles continue to lay eggs in some areas . Almost all beaches are awarded the "Blue Flag" badge for special purity. Prices in the region are quite low, here the calculation is in Turkish lira, although you can pay in euros. Northern Cyprus is famous for its natural products, here you can taste fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as freshly caught fish and marine life.

The capital of the region

Southern and Northern Cyprus were connected in the ancient city of Nicosia. Resorts, hotels, attractions lie on both sides of the Green Line - the border between the two states. To date, Nicosia has remained the last city divided between the two countries. The Greek part is famous for its historical monuments and museums, the eastern part is beautiful with its color: noisy bazaars, mosques, cozy gardens. The Turkish side is more colorful and lively, tourists can move from one part to another through a checkpoint. In Nicosia, many ancient monuments have been preserved, among them one must always see the bastions and walls of the Venetian fortress, the authentic quarter of the Old Town of Laika Getonia, the ancient Kyrenia Gates, the Archbishop's Palace. The city is very cozy, and you can just walk around it, enjoying the atmosphere.

Famagusta

The ancient city, founded by the king of Egypt almost 5 millennia ago, who saw Richard the Lionheart, Venetian merchants and Ottoman troops, Famagusta is a real gem of the Republic of Northern Cyprus. Resorts, the reviews of which abound in epithets, fade before this ancient settlement. Here, magnificent monuments of history, colorful life of the eastern city and excellent beach holidays were combined. Tourists will be interested to explore the Old Town with its numerous ancient buildings, the Othello Tower, St. Nicholas Cathedral and the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in the same building.

Salamin

A small ancient city, located next to Famagusta, is attractive with its history. Here you can see the remains of the city of Enkomi (11th century BC) with swimming pools, the Gymnasium building, a public swimming pool. The city is famous for its magnificent sea views. Here you can go for 1 day from Famagusta to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of antiquity.

Kyrenia

If you compare the resorts of Northern Cyprus, then Kyrenia wins in many ways. Here are magnificent beaches for every taste: from luxurious, well-equipped areas with cafes, playgrounds, entertainment to clean and secluded sites for a romantic pastime. In addition, the city is very rich in sights, among the most important: the Kyrenia harbor with the majestic Kyrenia castle and fortress, the temple of the Archangel Michael, the castle of St. Hilarion.

Morfou

The northern part of Cyprus, whose resorts can compete in the historical heritage and beauty of the landscapes, not only with the south, but also with Greece, is rightfully proud of the cozy city of Morfu. It is located in the charming bay of the Mediterranean Sea and in Turkish is called "Beautiful Garden". Indeed, there are a huge number of flowers, fruit trees, oranges. The beaches of Morfu are very clean and cozy, and the local population welcomes guests with great cordiality. The city is an excellent place for a romantic getaway and spending time with children. Among the sights here is to see the excavations of the city of Soli of ancient times, the monastery of St. Mamas, the ruins of the ancient Vuni palace.

Policy

The ancient town of Polis in the north-west of the island is so cozy and authentic that you completely forget about time and modern megacities. Northern Cyprus, resorts, photo of which is easily confused with the views of Greece, is famous for the preservation of the ancient atmosphere. And this despite the fact that all the benefits of civilization are available here. In Polis, you must see the natural monument - the bath of Aphrodite, look into the Akamas National Park, visit the Archaeological Museum.

Practical information

In North Cyprus, which resorts are becoming increasingly popular with tourists, you can get in two ways: through the Greek, southern part (in Larnaca planes fly from many cities of Russia and the world), and from Turkey by airplane or catamaran. To pass from the south to the north you need only a passport, and back - a Schengen visa. The territory of Northern Cyprus has a good network of highways and excellent bus service between cities, therefore it is not difficult to see the whole island. Cyprus is famous for its security, there is an extremely low crime rate, tap water is flowing from the tap.