Where to relax in Cyprus in the summer

Holidays in Northern Cyprus in both summer and winter can be as active, interesting and comfortable as in the southern part of the island. The main thing is that you do not need to obtain visas for this part of Cyprus, as well as for a trip to Turkey.

Northern Cyprus is famous for its magnificent nature, wonderful historical sights and hotels. The slopes of the mountains are covered with coniferous and deciduous forests. And the sea and beaches here are the cleanest on the entire coast of the island.

For those who love orchids, it is worth going between February and May to the mountains of Kyrenia. On their northern slopes you can see more than twenty species of these beautiful plants. Tours are organized twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday.

Ticket price - 15 British pounds. You need to take care of the ticket in advance, approximately 2-3 weeks before the planned trip.

Thrill-seekers will be offered a jeep ride in the Iskele region. The route of this original safari lies past the ancient medieval castle of Kantara. From the upper observation deck of the castle, a beautiful view of the Famagusa Bay and the Karpas Peninsula opens up.

Diving enthusiasts will also find something to do in Northern Cyprus. There are 10 diving clubs here. Just remember that to dive to a considerable depth here you need to have a certificate. If you do not have this, then you will have to flounder in shallow water with beginners.

Along the coast of the northern part of the island, you can ride a yacht and go fishing at the same time. Excursions by sea in the direction of Karpas are organized daily. Also on a yacht you can get to Tatlysa, and from there to Turtle Bay. This region is the most popular among those who wish to buy property in Cyprus. Until now, about two dozen ready-made villas and apartments are still for sale here.

Not far from Turtle Bay, just some 700 meters, there is a beautiful 18-hole golf course. It is the property of the Kirenium Golf Club. So fans of this elite sport will be able to enjoy a wonderful game here. In addition, in Northern Cyprus you can find other sports activities that can diversify your active holiday. It's easy to rent a bike, surfboard, paragliding, sailing and more.

Active entertainment can be combined with a cultural program. For example, in Bellapais and Salamis there are wonderful concert halls where lovers of classical music gather.

Also Northern Cyprus is a place rich in its history. The most famous landmark of the region is the Hilarion Castle, located in Kyrenia. At first it was built as a monastery. But then it became a royal residence. The castle consists of three levels, each of which was intended for different purposes. It is said that it was the architecture of this castle that became the basis of the Walt Disney company screensaver. Now there is a historical museum.

In the fortress of Kyrenia, which is located on the shores of a picturesque harbor, you can see the most ancient ship raised from the bottom of the sea. The shipwreck museum has been operating here for many years.

Not far from Mount Bushpamrak is the castle of Bufavento. Together with the fortress of Kantara and the castle of Illyrion, it formed the basis of the defense of the island from attacks in the Middle Ages.

Many tourists in Northern Cyprus seek to see the ghost town of Varosha.

It is closely adjacent to the residential areas of Famagusta. Here, in 1970, the most luxurious resort in Cyprus was organized. But after the war in 1974, when Turkish troops entered Cyprus, the inhabitants of the city were evacuated; and since then, the city of Varosha has been a kind of buffer zone, where access is open to Turkish peacekeepers and UN troops.

Until now, the city is empty. Magnificent hotels, beaches, shopping and entertainment centers are gradually being destroyed. Entrance to the city is prohibited. But through a small fence you can see the remains of its former splendor.