The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea - Cyprus - 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, are significantly different from the southern shores. Here is another government, customs, leisure features - the region is worthy to talk about in detail, and even more worth a visit.
Geography
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Geographically, it refers to Asia, although for many people it is an integral part of the history of Europe. It is separated from the nearest coast: 75 km from Turkey, 100 km from Syria and 350 km from Egypt. The area of the island is 9250 square meters. 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 territories are controlled by the UN (a buffer zone between the states is located here), a little less 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. The latter belong to 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 relaxation. There are long hot summers and short mild winters. The beach season begins on the island in late March and ends in mid-November. The island position of the Republic creates excellent conditions for life: the sea softens the heat in the summer and does not significantly reduce the temperature in winter. The average annual temperature is 23 degrees Celsius. In the summer, the thermometer usually keeps 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. Most precipitation falls during the period from November to February, summer is usually very dry. On average, there are 310-330 sunny days in a year in Northern Cyprus.
History
The first settlers in Cyprus appeared in the Neolithic era. But the cooling led to the fact that the population left this territory for a long time. Today, archaeologists find in Cyprus numerous remnants of the Philia culture, 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 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 is part of the Hellenic state, and later becomes a Roman province. After the fall of Rome, Cyprus was ruled by Byzantium. During this period, the Cypriot Orthodox Church is developing here. In the 12th century, the troops of Richard the Lionheart invade the island. Later, Cyprus came under the influence of the King of Jerusalem. At the end of the 15th century, the island became part of the Republic of Venice. This territory was very advantageous from a strategic point of view, so 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 established. At the same time, Greek and Turkish residents got along well with each other. In the first half of the 19th century, Greece began active uprisings against the power of the Ottoman Empire, this trend also comes to Cyprus. But Cyprus fails to achieve independence. In 1869, the rule of the British Empire was established here.
After World War II, in which the Cypriots were on the side of Britain, the movement for independence and a return to historical roots increased. The fight lasted for several decades. In 1960, Cyprus was recognized as an independent territory and divided into two parts according to ethnicity. But the tension between these two regions did not decrease; it came to armed conflicts. In 1974, an increase in the military presence of Greek troops on the island 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 appeared, with a predominantly Turkish population. However, neither the UN nor the international 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 departed to the Turkish diaspora, but today there is a rapprochement of parts of the island. The wall separating ethnic areas was destroyed. Between them, free movement is established. Such a long and rich history is stored in Cyprus in the form of various, interesting sights.
Administrative division
The Republic of Turkey establishes its own administration in its part of the island. Five administrative districts are allocated here. The list is: Levkosh, Gazimagus, 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 to be its own. Therefore, sometimes confusion may arise in the name of the cities. The pairs of names look like this: Lefkosa - Nicosia, Magos - Famagusta (Amochostos), Girne - Kyrenia, Guzelyurt - Morfu, Iskele - Trikomo.
Features of rest
Picturesque nature, a large number of attractions, low prices for accommodation and food - all this is provided by the resorts of Northern Cyprus. Comparison and description of the south and north indicate 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 pristine form. Due to the fact that industrialization did not capture this part of the island, here you can admire landscapes that are not disfigured by human presence. There are fewer tourists in this region, so the beaches are cleaner and prices are lower.
The locals are a 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 sites. Most of the beaches are sandy, although there are pebble 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 mark for outstanding cleanliness. 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 the freshest fruits and vegetables, as well as freshly caught fish and marine life.
The capital of the region
In the ancient city of Nicosia, southern and northern Cyprus merged. 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 one 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 a checkpoint. In Nicosia, many ancient monuments have been preserved, among them you must definitely see the bastions and walls of the Venetian fortress, the authentic quarter of the Old Town of Laika Getonia, the ancient Kyrenia Gate, the palace of the Archbishop. 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 abound with epithets, fade in front of this ancient settlement. It combines magnificent historical monuments, the colorful life of the eastern city and an excellent beach holiday. Tourists will be interested in visiting the Old Town with its many ancient buildings, the Othello Tower, St. Nicholas Cathedral and the Lal Mustafa Pasha Mosque in the same building.
Salamis
The 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, a gymnasium building, a public pool. The city is famous for its magnificent sea views. You can go here 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. There are magnificent beaches for every taste: from luxurious, well-equipped areas with cafes, playgrounds, entertainment to clean and secluded areas for a romantic pastime. In addition, the city is very rich in attractions, among the most important: Kyrenia harbor with a magnificent Kyrenia castle and fortress, the Church of the Archangel Michael, the castle of St. Hilarion.
Morphou
The northern part of Cyprus, whose resorts can compete in the historical heritage and beauty of landscapes not only with the south, but also with Greece, is rightly proud of the cozy city of Morphou. It is located in a charming bay of the Mediterranean Sea and in Turkish is called "Beautiful Garden". 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 hanging out with children. Of the sights here you should see the excavations of the city of Sol of ancient times, the monastery of St. Mamas, the ruins of the ancient palace of Vuni.
Policy
The antique town of Polis in the north-west of the island is so cozy and authentic that you completely forget about time and modern megalopolises here. Northern Cyprus, resorts, the photo of which is easily confused with the views of Greece, is famous for preserving 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 bath of Aphrodite, look into the Akamas National Park, visit the Archaeological Museum.
Practical information
In Northern Cyprus, whose resorts are becoming increasingly popular among tourists, you can get in two ways: through the Greek, southern part (airplanes 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 vice versa - a Schengen visa. The territory of Northern Cyprus has a good road network and excellent bus connections between cities, so it is not difficult to explore the entire island. Cyprus is famous for its safety, there is an extremely low crime rate, potable water flows from the tap.