Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and with mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer is the season of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breezes create a pleasant
atmosphere in the coastal areas. Winters are mild with some rain, but even in January(usually the coolest month) there are generally six hours of bright sunshine during the day. During the summer months very light clothing is all that you will need. In spring and autumn daytime temperatures are generally warm enough for light summer clothing, but in the evenings, one might feel the need for a light jacket or pullover. In winter, you should be prepared for all kinds of weather that a European spring may bring. It is advisable to pack a light jacket and pullovers, although you may not need them during the day.
Each adult is permitted to bring 400 cigarettes, 500gr tobacco or 50 cigars, 1 litre of wine or spirits and up to 100cl of perfume. Duty-free shops can be found at Ercan Airport and the ports at Kyrenia and Famagusta.
Power is supplied at 240 volts and wall fittings are generally the U.K. three-pin type.
First Aid / Ambulance For all districts Tel: 112
Forest Fires For all districts Tel: 177
Police Nicosia Tel: 228 3311
Police Kyrenia Tel: 815 2014
Police Famagusta Tel: 366 5310
Police Güzelyurt Tel: 714 2140
Police Karpaz Tel: 381 2325
The Central State Hospitals is in Nicosia and there are other smaller hospitals in Kyrenia, Famagusta, Güzelyurt and Lefke. There are also clinics in smaller towns and some villages.
The culture of a place is always reflected in its kitchen, and Northern Cyprus is no exception, Cypriot cooking, like its people is unique. A typical Turkish, or Turkish Cypriot restaurant meal consists of meze, kebabs(lamb or chicken) or fish, followed by fruit and coffee. Meze is a selection of hot and cold appetizers. Cypriot home cooking different and is
only found in a handful of restaurants in Northern Cyprus, so you will have to look out for them. Probably the most famous of Cypriot culinary specialities is hellim cheese. This full-fat soft cheese is made from whole goat's milk, salt and a touch of mint. It is typically served with salads, cucumber or melon. It also makes an excellent side dish, as well as fried or grilled topping. Another speciality is molehiya, a green leafy vegetable which grows only in Cyprus and on the banks of the Nile. It is usually cooked with chicken or meat and is delicious and wholesome. Another interesting vegetable, unknown outside Cyprus is Kolokas, a root vegetable which when cooked(again with lamb or chicken) has the texture of potato but a sweeter taste. Cypriots have two kind of unique kebabs and both of them can be found quite easily in restaurants. One is Küp kebab(lamb or goat)wrapped in foil with potatoes and herbs and cooked for hours in a clay oven. The other is sheftali kebabs, which are small spicy and sausage like. They are skewered and cooked over hot charcoal. Of course you will want a drink with your meal. Turkish wines are a great favorite with the meal, but there are locally produced drinks too. There are Turkish Cypriot beers, raki and brandy. One favorite amongst visitors, usually as an aperatif, is brandy sour, a cocktail made with brandy, lemon juice and angostura bitters. For those who prefer something non-alchoholic, there is some home-made lemonnade called limonata.
Social Life
A wide range to suit all tastes, serving local beers, raki brandy, and imported alchohol.A must is the famous brany sour, a local cocktail.
Trekking
Turtles
Scuba
Bird Watching
Karting
Shooting
Paintball
Camping
Horseriding
Hunting
Water Sports
Sightseeing Tours
Wildlife
How to Come
There are three airlines which fly to Northern Cyprus. These airlines provide regular daily flights, via Turkey to Ercan. For information about time tables ...
Airlines
There are three airlines which fly to Northern Cyprus. These airlines provide regular daily flights, via
Turkey to Ercan. For information about time tables, prices and reservations, please contact the numbers below:
CYPRUS TURKISH AIRLINES / HEAD OFFICE :
Bedreddin Demirel Cad. Yenisehir Lefkosa / Cyprus
Phone: +90 392 228 3901
Fax: +90 392 227 4304
The conversion to metric measurements took place some years ago. However it is still possible to talk in terms of inches, miles etc. The traditional Cypriot measurements of "oke" can still be used to buy meat and vegetables. One oke is equal to 1.23 kg.
The population of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was recorded as being 183,220 in the last census in 1996. 50% of the population live in the cities and 50% in the country side, 99% of the adult population are literate.
The postal service in Northern Cyprus is reasonably fast and efficient. Please remember that to receive mail from abroad letters must be addressed "Mersin 10-Turkey"
1 January - New Year`s Day
23 April - Children`s Day
1 May - Labour Day
19 May - Youth and Sports Day
20 July - Peace and Freedom Day
30 August - Victory Day
29 October - Turkish Republic Day
15 November - Northern Cyprus Republic Day
There are also several religious holidays or "Bayrams" which, like the Christian festival of Easter, change every year.
The code for England is 00 44 followed by the local number but omitting the first number (0). From abroad the code is 00 90 392 followed by the local Cypriot number. Public telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecommunications Office.
Australian Representative
Tel: 2277332
French Cultural Assosiation
Tel: 2283328
German Representative
Tel: 2275161
Turkish Embassy
Tel: 2272314
Fax: 2282209
UK Representative
Tel: 2283861
Fax: 2287054
USA Representative
Tel: 2252440
Fax: 2252442
Crime levels are relatively low in Northern Cyprus and police are always willing to assist if you need them.
It is illegal to import narcotics into Northern Cyprus.
A valid passsport is necessary for entering and a visa is granted on entrance to Northern Cyprus. Since 1993 Turkish citizens can visit Northern Cyprus by identity card.