Cyprus, a large island in the Mediterranean Sea, has a long and dramatic history. Today it is a real Mecca for vacationers. The resorts of Northern Cyprus, the description of which we present, differ significantly from the southern coasts. Here is a different government, customs, features of recreation - the region is worth talking about in detail, and even more worth visiting.
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. It is separated from the nearest shores: 75 km from Turkey, 100 km from Syria and 350 km from Egypt. The area of the island is 9250 sq. km. Cyprus is of volcanic origin, and most of it is occupied by mountain ranges. Today, the island is divided between three states: more than half belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, a little less than 4% of the territory is controlled by the UN (a buffer zone between states is located here), a littleless than 3% is given to Great 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 located in the Mediterranean climate zone, can offer tourists almost ideal conditions for recreation. It has long hot summers and short mild winters. 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 the temperature to drop significantly in winter. The average annual temperature is 23 degrees Celsius. In summer, the thermometer usually stays around 30 degrees during the day, in winter it drops to 16 degrees. Unlike land, weather-dependent people and patients with hypertension feel much more comfortable here. The main precipitation falls between November and February, and summers are usually very dry. On average, there are 310-330 sunny days in Northern Cyprus a year.
History
The first settlers in Cyprus appeared in the Neolithic era. But the cold snap led to the fact that the population left this territory for a long time. Today, archaeologists find numerous remains of the Filia culture in Cyprus, which existed here in the 2nd millennium BC and was founded by settlers from Anatolia. Since that time, the island has never been empty. A unique culture is being formed here, which incorporates Achaean and Cretan traditions.
Later, the Phoenicians come to Cyprus and found 10 independent city-states. During the time of Alexander the Great, the island was part of the Hellenic state, and later became a Roman province. After the fall of Rome, Cyprus is under the control of Byzantium. During this period, the Cypriot Orthodox Church developed here. In the 12th century, the island is captured by the troops of Richard the Lionheart. Later, Cyprus comes under the influence of the King of Jerusalem. At the end of the 15th century, the island becomes part of the Venetian Republic. This territory was very advantageous from a strategic point of view, so Cyprus was repeatedly attacked by the troops of the Ottoman Empire.
In 1571, the power of the Sultan was finally established here. A large number of the Turkish population comes to the island, new rules are being established. At the same time, Greek and Turkish residents got along well with each other. In the first half of the 19th century, active uprisings began in Greece against the rule of the Ottoman Empire, this trend also comes to Cyprus. But the independence of Cyprus fails to achieve. In 1869, the rule of the British Empire is established here.
After the Second World War, in which the Cypriots were on the side of Britain, there is a growing movement for independence and a return to historical roots. The fight went on for decades. In 1960, Cyprus was recognized as an independent territory and divided into two parts along ethnic lines. But the tension between these two areas did not decrease, it came toarmed conflicts. In 1974, the build-up of the military presence on the island of Greek troops began, to which Turkey responded by landing its troops in the north of the island. In 1983, these lands declared independence.
This is how the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with a predominantly Turkish population appeared. However, neither the UN nor the world community was in a hurry to recognize the new state. Turkish territory is formally considered part of Cyprus, but in fact Ankara rules here. The resorts of Northern Cyprus have gone to the Turkish diaspora, but today there is a convergence of parts of the island. The wall separating the ethnic regions was destroyed. There is free movement between them. Such a long and rich history is stored in the territory of Cyprus in the form of various, interesting sights.
Administrative divisions
The Republic of Turkey establishes its own government in its part of the island. There are five administrative districts. The list is as follows: Levkosha, Gazimagusa, Girne, Guzelyurt, Iskele. 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. Pairs of names look like this: Lefkosha - Nicosia, Magosa - Famagusta (Amohostos), Girne - Kyrenia, Guzelyurt - Morphou, Iskele - Trikomo.
Holiday features
Scenic nature, largethe number of attractions, low prices for accommodation and meals - all this is provided by the resorts of Northern Cyprus. Comparison and description of the south and north speak of a clear advantage of the Turkish part of the island. Nature here is much more diverse and beautiful than in the south. In addition, it is preserved in a more original form. Due to the fact that industrialization has not captured this part of the island, here you can admire the landscapes, not disfigured by the human presence. There are far fewer tourists in this region, so the beaches are cleaner and the prices are lower.
Locals are very friendly and good-natured people. These are not Turks, a mixture of Greek and Turkish blood flows in their veins, Cypriots even differ in facial features from the inhabitants of the Turkish coast.
Beaches are the main attraction for tourists, in the north there are free and private, paid areas. Most of the beaches are sandy, although there are also pebbly ones. The purity of these places is evidenced by the fact that in some areas sea turtles still continue to lay their eggs. Almost all beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for exceptional cleanliness. Prices in the region are quite low, here the payment is made in Turkish liras, although you can also pay in euros. Northern Cyprus is famous for its natural products, here you can taste the freshest fruits and vegetables, as well as freshly caught fish and marine life.
Capital of the region
In the ancient city of Nicosia, South and North Cyprus joined. Resorts, hotels, attractions lie on both sides of the Green Line - the border between the twostates. 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 for its color: noisy bazaars, mosques, cozy gardens. The Turkish side is more colorful and lively, tourists can go from one part to another through the checkpoint. Many ancient monuments have been preserved in Nicosia, among them you should definitely see the bastions and walls of the Venetian fortress, the authentic quarter of the Old Town of Laiki Getonia, the ancient Kyrenia Gate, the Archbishop's Palace. The city is very cozy, and you can just walk around it, enjoying the atmosphere.
Famagusta
The oldest 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, reviews of which are replete with epithets, pale in front of this ancient settlement. Magnificent historical monuments, the colorful life of the eastern city and an excellent beach holiday are combined here. Tourists will be interested to see the Old City with its many ancient buildings, the Othello Tower, St. Nicholas Cathedral and the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in one building.
Salamin
A small ancient city, located near Famagusta, is attractive for its history. Here you can see the remains of the city of Enkomi (11th century BC) with baths, the Gymnasius building, and a public pool. The city is famous for itsmagnificent sea views. You can go here for 1 day from Famagusta to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of antiquity.
Kyrenia
If we compare the resorts of Northern Cyprus, then Kyrenia wins in many respects. There are magnificent beaches for every taste: from luxurious, well-equipped areas with cafes, playgrounds, entertainment to the cleanest and most secluded areas 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.
Morph
The northern part of Cyprus, whose resorts can compete in historical heritage and the beauty of landscapes not only with the south, but also with Greece, is rightfully proud of the cozy city of Morphou. It is located in a charming bay of the Mediterranean Sea and is called "Beautiful Garden" in Turkish. Indeed, there are a huge number of flowers, fruit trees, orange orchards. The beaches of Morphou are very clean and comfortable, and the local population welcomes guests with great hospitality. The city is an excellent place for a romantic getaway and spending time with children. Of the attractions here, it is worth seeing the excavations of the city of S alt of ancient times, the monastery of St. Mamas, the ruins of the ancient palace of Vuni.
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 here. Northern Cyprus, resorts, the photo of which is easily confused with the views of Greece, is famous for preciselypreserving the ancient atmosphere. And this despite the fact that all the benefits of civilization are available here. In Polis, you should definitely see a natural monument - the baths of Aphrodite, look into the Akamas National Park, visit the Archaeological Museum.
Practical information
There are two ways to get to Northern Cyprus, whose resorts are becoming more and more popular with tourists: through the Greek, southern part (planes from many cities of Russia and the world fly to Larnaca), and from Turkey by plane or catamaran. To pass from south to north, you only need a passport, and back - a Schengen visa. The territory of Northern Cyprus has a good network of roads and excellent bus service between cities, so it is not difficult to see the entire island. Cyprus is renowned for its safety, with an extremely low crime rate and drinkable tap water.
