Visitor's Guide
Language
Turkish is the official language and English is widely used and
understood in official and commercial circles. There are several
first-class Turkish language teachers available, and some British
residents avail themselves of their services.
Climate
Typically Mediterranean with long dry summers and short, rainy winters.
The average annual temperature is 19ºC (66ºF). The temperature in
midsummer can soar over 40ºC (105ºF) with the warmest sea temperature in
the Mediterranean, averaging 21ºC (75ºF) . The winter moths are very
mild and there is an average annual rainfall of 500 mm.
Geography
An area of 3,355 square miles encompasses the northern part of the
island, which is the third largest in the Mediterranean. Nearly half of
coast-line of the island is also part of the TRNC. About 45% of the area
is arable land, 20% of which is irrigated. Nearly 20% of North Cyprus
total area is wooded and there are extensive re-forestation programs in
progress. It is situated at the cross-roads of east-west and north-south
navigational routes, is only 70 kilometres south of Turkey and 385
kilometres north of Egypt. Owing to the location of Northern Cyprus and
its proximity to the rich Middle Eastern countries, it provides an ideal
place for foreign investment.
Major Towns
Lefkosa (Nicosia), is the capital of the TRNC, which has a population of
approximately 35,000, where the main administration and business centers
are. Other major towns include : Gazi Magusa (Famagusta) which is a
flourishing tourist, industrial and commercial center, as well as being
the country's principle port, Girne (Kyrenia) a town of touristic
importance with a wonderful yatch harbour. Town maps can be obtained
from the Tourism offices in Lefkosa.
Time
Local time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Mains Services
Mains power 220/240 volts AC. (British Standard 3 pin plugs are used)
Water by mains supply and in some properties supplemented by wells.
International telephone system plus facsimile and internet.
Cuisine
Turkish Cypriot cooking is fascinating blend of East and West. Northern
Cyprus is famous for its “Þeftali Kebap” (pronounced as Shephtaly
Kebab), “Hellim” (a kind of cheese, which can be made from sheep or goat
milk, or both), “Meze” (hors d'oeuvres consisting of as many as 20 or
more small dishes), “Zeytinli - Hellimli” (Olive Bread and Bread with
Hellim cheese), “Tarhana Çorbasý” (Soup made from mixing of wheat with
yoghurt and pieces of Hellim cheese), Molehiya (a kind of plant cooked
with tomatoes, onions and usually lamb meat), etc. As a loyal
Mediterranean, North Cyprus has quite tasty olives and olive oil.
Transportation
Visitors can get to TRNC by air or by sea. Ercan State Airport is 7
miles (12 km) east of Lefkosa, which enables flights of Cyprus Turkish
Airlines and Turkish Airlines. There are several ferry-boats of
different lines operating between ports of Girne and Famagusta in
Northern Cyprus and, ports of Mersin and Antalya in Southern Turkey. For
local transportation apart from taxis and private hire cars, there are
daily bus services between the towns. Daily flights from many Turkish
cities, as well as flights from Europe, supply the majority of the
visitors to the island.
Tourist Sites
Information on tourist sites and accommodation facilities are usually
organized under four district regions: Lefkosa, the capital city; Girne,
the area of north coast between the sea and Besparmak mountains, where
the majority of holiday complexes are found; Gazimagosa, the ancient
port with its long open beaches; and finally, Güzelyurt: the western
coast famous for its citrus groves. |
