About North Cyprus
An captivating beautiful island with 340 sunny days, which in the last decade has attracted more and more tourists and foreign investors. It’s a wonderful mix of the old and new world.
North Cyprus is rich in nature and has a rich cultural history. Although it is still largely untouched, it offers a perfect symbiosis of modern comforts while being embraced by fields, mountain ranges and olive groves, bathed in the endless sunshine and the stars of the night.
Nothing seems to be missing here, there is something for all ages and tastes. For those who have previously visited the more established Mediterranean countries and expect North Cyprus to be similar, a surprise awaits. There is an enchanting magic that captures the heart of all visitors, a magic that must be experienced to be understood. This magic is evoked by the wonderful climate, the outstanding natural beauty, the high standard and yet the low cost of living and the friendly culture. Above all, North Cyprus is a place that offers security, beyond congestion and stress. Framför allt är Norra Cypern en plats som erbjuder trygghet, bortom trängsel och stress.
Geography
North Cyprus covers a total area of 3,355 km2 and it is about 36% of the entire island with over half of the island’s 648 km (324 km) of coastline. North Cyprus is divided into five regions; Nicosia in the center of the island, Kyrenia in the north, Famagusta in the east, Güzelyurt in the west and Iskele in the northeast.
Cyprus was divided into two separate states since 1974. Greek Cypriots live in the south of the island and Turkish Cypriots in the north. A border known as the Green Line runs through the island separating the two states.
Beaches, plains and mountains
North Cyprus is characterized by a unique blend of beaches, plains and mountains. The long northern coast is supported by the Beşparmak mountain range (Five Finger), which forms an astounding backdrop with its forested slopes and magnificent limestone peaks, the highest being Mount Selvili at 3357 ft. The lower hills and lowlands are alive with lush greenery, rare species of birds and butterflies, and a natural diversity of flowers that are unmatched in the Mediterranean, with estimated 19 endemic plant species.
Sandy beaches and rocky coves await the discovery along the coast. East of the island, the Five Finger loses the mountain range as it stretches along the narrow peninsula, known as Karpaz or “Panhandle”, a spectacular finger-shaped region of rolling hills and pristine golden beaches. Söder om Fem Finger bergskedjan ligger slätten i Mesaoria och huvudstaden Lefkoşa (Nicosia).
The climate
The climate in North Cyprus is typical of the Mediterranean region and is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Here are some details about the climate:
Summers: Summers are hot and dry with average high temperatures ranging between 30°C and 35°C during the day. Sometimes the temperature can rise even higher, especially during July and August. The nights are usually pleasant with lower humidity. Sunshine is common during the summer months.
Winters: Winters are mild and humid, with average low temperatures ranging between 10°C and 15°C. Rainfall is common, especially during December to February. Snowfall is rare on the coast but can occur in the higher mountain areas.
Spring and Autumn: Spring and autumn are transitional periods with mild temperatures and stable weather. The days are still warm and sunny, while the nights can be a bit cooler.
Winds and Humidity: North Cyprus can experience strong winds, especially during the summer, which can reduce the feeling of warmth. Humidity is usually low, especially during the summer.
Havstemperatur: Medelhavet blir varmt nog för att bada i under sommarmånaderna, med havstemperaturer som vanligtvis ligger mellan 22°C och 28°C från juni till september.
Wild animals and plants
North Cyprus is still relatively undiscovered so that wildlife flourishes, with about 250 bird species landing on the island each year in their journey from east to west. There is also an abundance of lizards, wild donkeys and butterflies, including 19 endemic species, that is, unique to the region, such as the oddly shaped Cleopatra butterflies adorned with the sun’s colors. All of these are part of a rich natural heritage on an island of contrasts extending from the top of Mount Selvili 3000 meters to the tranquil slopes of the sea water, where the famous turtles land to lay their eggs.
The warm climate of northern Cyprus also means that you can enjoy beautiful flowers all year round, making it a true botanical sanctuary. In the autumn and winter, golden oleanders float the hills, while multicolored anemones and crocuses occur before Christmas. But it is in late winter and spring that the island blooms into a festival of colors with orchid and cherry poppies.
Turkish Cypriot cuisine
Turkish Cypriot cuisine is a delicious fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors that reflects the island’s rich cultural heritage. It contains a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients, including olive oil, herbs, spices, vegetables and meat.
One of the most popular dishes in Turkish Cypriot cuisine is “kleftiko”, a slow-cooked lamb or goat dish that is tender and flavorful. Another classic dish is “stifado”, a meat stew made with onions, red wine and cinnamon.
Seafood is also a mainstay of Turkish Cypriot cuisine, with fresh fish and squid often grilled or baked with herbs and spices. Vegetarians will also find plenty of options, with dishes such as ‘dolma’, stuffed vine leaf rolls filled with rice, herbs and vegetables.
Meze, a selection of small dishes, is a beloved part of Turkish Cypriot cuisine and is often served as a starter or shared between friends. Meze dishes can include hummus, tzatziki, stuffed mushrooms, meatballs and grilled halloumi cheese.
Desserts are also an important part of Turkish Cypriot cuisine, with sweet pastries such as “baklava” and “kataifi” filled with nuts and drenched in syrup. “Turkish pepper”, a soft and sweet candy made from gelatin and sugar, is also a popular treat.
In conclusion, Turkish Cypriot cuisine is a feast for the senses, with a variety of flavors and textures that reflect the island’
Healthcare
The healthcare system in Northern Cyprus is modern and efficient, with a range of public and private hospitals, clinics and medical centres. The Ministry of Health in Northern Cyprus oversees the public healthcare system, which is financed through taxes and offers free or low-cost medical care to all citizens and residents.
The private healthcare sector in Northern Cyprus is also well developed, with many facilities offering high quality medical care and service. The cost of private healthcare is generally higher than that of public healthcare, but many expats and tourists choose private healthcare because of shorter waiting times and more personalized care.
Medical professionals in Northern Cyprus are highly educated and qualified, with many doctors and specialists having received their education and training abroad. The official language of Northern Cyprus is Turkish, but many medical professionals also speak English, and language barriers are usually not a problem.
It is advisable for visitors to Northern Cyprus to take out comprehensive travel insurance before travelling, as this will ensure they have access to high quality medical care if required. Overall, the health care system in Northern Cyprus is of a good standard, with modern facilities and highly qualified professionals, providing security for visitors and residents.
Facts about North Cyprus
Official name: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
State: Republic with democratically elected president and government.
Population: 327,000
Capital: Nicosia (Lefkosa)
Area: 3,355 km2
Coastline: 324 km
Language: Turkish and English
Currency: Turkish Lira, properties are sold in British Pounds
Traffic: Left hand traffic as in England
Industries/Employment: Tourism, food and beverage, casino, real estate, public sector, education, mining, agriculture.
Natural Resources: Copper, Citrus, Cereal crops, green fodder, olives, oil and gas under exploration, fresh water (from Turkey)
Cities: Nicosia (capital), Kyrenia, Famagusta, Guzelyurt and Iskele
Religion: Moderate Muslim
Time zone: GMT+2
Electrical: 3-pin electrical adapters required (UK standard)