Kyrenia (Greek) or Girne (Turkish) was a very charming little town - now a medium-sized town with charming bits - in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). To get there: 1. You can take a day-trip from southern Cyprus. 2. You can fly to the TRNC (Ercan airport), via Istanbul, from the UK and Germany, I'm not sure about other countries.
Brief history: The site of amazing civilisations from thousands of years ago - there are still ruined cities, castles, monasteries - all can be explored at little cost. Cyprus is a divided island - Greek-speaking in the south, Turkish-speaking in the north. There was a bloody confict in (and leading up to) 1974 which saw the island split in two when Turkish troops invaded to stop a reported genocide of Turkish Cypriots. No other nation except Turkey recognises the TRNC. Re-unification talks between the two parts of the island keep happening and collapsing.
Nature: The scenery is breathtaking - a craggy mountain range rises up from near the sea and spans nearly the whole island. Most of the castles are perched on outcrops on these mountains. There is lots of woodland for walks, picnics, bird-spotting (350 species). During the spring, the flowers are lovely (1600 species of plant). Compared to many holiday destinations, there is a lot of peace and quiet - a lovely place for a romantic break for two.
Nightlife and shopping: If you're into clubbing and designer labels, Girne and the rest of Northern Cyprus is not for you! There is nightlife in some of the hotels - but if you prefer a quiet meal, with genuinely friendly restaurant owners, on a warm jasmine-scented evening, outdoors watching the sun go down - then this is definitelly the place for you.
One example: my family and I went to a small roadside restaurant, the 80-year old owner served everyone - he was attentive, friendly, not overbearing and most importantly - really wanted everyone in the restaurant (including himself) to have a wonderful evening. Local people were amongst the customers, one man brought in a guitar-like instrument, one had a drum and everyone danced with everyone. The owner then said that he was having the rest of the evening off, and everyone had to serve themselves!! No-one minded - it was like one big family, people making coffee for each other.
What to do: Drive up into the mountains and go walking. Eat very simple, tasty food at very low prices. Go snorkeling in the sea. If you want to go shopping, there are reasonable shops, markets, roadside traders (a huge bag of oranges or watermelons can cost just one pound).
Accommodation: You can hire houses/villas in the villages, there are hostels here and there, and hotels of every standard. You can also camp - almost anywhere you want (but no fires in the forests please).
Conclusion: Kids might get bored, so not ideal for most families. It's ideal for couples who want a quiet, warm romantic holiday in a country where people are not out for your money - service in Northern Cyprus is almost always warm, genuine and brilliant. Also, there is very little crime. Simple, wonderful.
More information: www.holidayinnorthcyprus.com
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I was in Cyprus this year and really hated it. I did not think it was a place for couples, but for single people looking for some fun. I am glad you had a good experience, though! Good review.
luckyarchers 19.08.2004 18:11
This is the sort of relaxing holiday I would enjoy!
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Advantages: Very pretty harbour, cooler to walk round and explore at night, amazing castle Disadvantages: Girne town centre is VERY HOT to walk around in the day, inadequate infrastructure to cope witht he amount of litter generated by tourists
venusbabe2004 06.08.2005 (06.08.2005)
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Review of Kyrenia (Girne)
Advantages: Very pretty harbour, cooler to walk round and explore at night, amazing castle Disadvantages: Girne town centre is VERY HOT to walk around in the day, inadequate infrastructure to cope witht he amount of litter generated by tourists
venusbabe2004 06.08.2005 (06.08.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Kyrenia (Girne)
Aug 19th, 2004
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