Did you know that people of Cyprus are great hosts and that hospitality is one of their cornerstones? A visitor here will never feel lost in a strange land. In fact, it adds to the experience of a wonderful holiday.
If not right away, you must experience a visit to the one of the famed Turkish coffee-houses. Every town and village has one. It’s a place where men talk, exchange ideas and sip their coffee, while playing a round of black gammon, the national game. If you are lucky, while at it, you may be able to smoke a hubble-bubble pipe.
It would be a sin to visit Cyprus and not indulge yourself with the famed Turkish bath. A large heated stone gives off steam making you perspire, while an attender rubs you down.This is most refreshing and unique to the region. The old baths are also an architectural delight.
Visit the ancient St. Sophia Cathedral, now known as the Selimiye Mosque. Built in 1228, it is a prominent landmark in North Cyprus. Move on to see the Kyrenia Gate, one of the three entrances to the city, which was built by the Venetians during the period when it was a walled city. Outside the gate, you could be standing in the exact same spot where merchants argued and fought with guards to be let into the city with their wares. From here, move on to Mevlevi Tekke, also known as the Museum of the Whirling Dervishes. Though the practice has been discontinued, their dresses and musical instruments are on display and provide you with a sense of the gyrations, whose descriptions are found in old Cypriot texts. Besides this, the museum also has several other artefacts that celebrate the local way of life. Move on to see the Bedestan, which was until recently a covered market.
After this, head to the Buyuk Han, also known as the Great Inn. In the days of old, it used to be a source of refuge for rich merchants. During the colonial days, it was briefly used as the Central Prison. Being a focal point for a few millenniums, North Cyprus offers a lot of interesting places and antiques that offer you a glimpse of what life was like in the days gone by.
Being in the Mediterranean, North Cyprus is well connected and the weather is pleasant and enjoyable for most of the year. A visit here will leave you with some wonderful memories of a great holiday!
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in North Cyprus? Then below is a selection of apartments in North Cyprus and villas in North Cyprus that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
