Why North Cyprus

Great weather all year!

 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  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.

Fantastic beaches

Beaches are a principal attraction in North Cyprus, and vary widely in character from the busy hotel beaches, which offer many facilities, to the secluded stretches of sand in the Karpaz, where the visitor may have an entire beach to himself. Some of the beaches are unfortunately spoilt by accumulations of garbage: visitors are urged to take their rubbish away with them. A tip: tar may be removed from clothes or the skin by rubbing gently with olive oil. Take a small bottle with you to the beach. Do not forget to use sun-screen lotion - after 20 minutes under the summer sun, you will begin to burn.

Water sports are available on some beaches west of Kyrenia, where Dolphin Sailing, which is recognized by the Royal Yacht Club, offers a wide range of water sports with professional tuition and supervision. In general, the beaches associated with hotels are kept clean and provide facilities such as toilets, deck chairs, parasols, bars and restaurants. Entrance tees vary. The visitor is encouraged to explore for himself, but as a guide, a few beaches are listed below.

Alagadi Beach is t, about 10 miles from Kyrenia. A hundred yards or so past St. Kathleen`s restaurant is a small bridge. Immediately after the bridge, a rough track bears left, leading past a farm and through the dunes to a large, sweeping double bay. There are no facilities, so bring your own refreshments, including water, and avoid leaving litter.

Sunset Beach is located about 5 miles to the west of Kyrenia, past the sloping concrete monument beyond KaraoglanogIu. It is adjacent to the Altinkaya fish restaurant. The sandy beach is well protected and ideal for tiny tots. Toilets and showers are available, and there is a bar and restaurant.

Deniz Kizi is situated about seven miles west of Kyrenia. This sheltered bay is kept clean, and offers a variety of water sports (see Dolphin Sailing above) including windsurfing, parascending, water skiing, and inflatable fun rafts for smaller children. Deck chairs are available for hire, and there are also toilet and shower facilities.

Mare Monte hotel beach lies some 10 miles west of Kyrenia, and provides all the facilities the visitor requires. An excellent location, but the entrance tee is higher than elsewhere.

Golf

Koreneum Golf and Country club - only twenty minutes from Bexame Villa

The best restaurants and fun times are in Kyrenia - Don't get stuck out in the Doldrums.

• 18 Hole international standard Golf Course, Par 72
• The Course is a dramatic 6, 232 metre gem and is designed for golfers of all standards and ages. The Paspalum playing surface is maintained in excellent condition throughout the year, and with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards players will enjoy a true challenge.

Click on the picture to visit the Korineum golf and country club web site

Korineum Golf & Country Club does not limit itself to being a phenomenal golf course. It is also caters for numerous social activities. 3, 300m2 area Club House complete with a Fitness Centre, Unisex Hair Styling Salon, Massage Parlour and Sauna in our project. Our Club House restaurant provides an unmatchable experience with its spectacular variety and quality of cuisine married with a picturesque view. In addition, our specially designed and technologically fully equipped two conference rooms can accommodate 100 and 60 guests respectively. The conference rooms can be combined by means of partition. We are offering new and dynamic settings for dining in our restaurant situated on the terrace, open during the summer months or for enjoying drinks in our bars all year round.

A visit to Korineum Golf & Country Club is an opportunity for all golfers to enjoy the warmth of our first class hospitality, and to experience golf in a setting of unparalleled beauty.

Green fees

Superb cuisine

The best restaurants are undoubtedly in Kyrenia.  And since this is where you'll be heading every evening its handy to have a villa nearby.  A fabulous range of Mezzes, fish, steak, grills and kebabs, and succulent vegetables, not forgetting delicious cyprus potatoes awaits the hungry visitor.  And the patisseries are fabulous and a wide range of deserts such as profiteroles with double chocolate sauce, Beclava ( a local desert) with cake, honey & almonds.  The best restaurant is Niazis which has an open Barbeque as a central feature in the restaurant.  This is situated on Kyrenia Harbour near the Dome Hotel - don't miss it.  Click on the link below.

Ezic Chicken - started off as a chicken diner but don't be put off it is far removed from the American style tacky diners.  Ezic premier is absolutely fabulous, and the architecture is amazing.  Prices are very reasonable well worth a visit and its only one mile from Bexame along the new dual carriageway heading east.

Ezic Premier - a revelation

Prawn & Avacado £3.50.... Fresh fruit cream gateaux Sweet £2.50

Diving at Escape Beach with Amphora Diving

2008 We all took a try dive, (Susan, David James & Rebecca) which was a fantastic experience.  Rebecca at 7 years was the youngest ever client for Amphora, although she was not tanked she kitted up in a wet suit and buoyancy jacket, the instructor provided a mouthpiece and she happily splashed around on the surface.  Try dives cost just £20 and include equipment hire. These are done in the bay where the water depth is up to approx 1M .  After the try dive I decided to enrole in a PADI course - The 4 day course is recommended and with literature comes to £230 with dives every day.  There's a little bit of classrom stuff, not particularly difficult, but essential for safety and the rest is pure exhileration.  I was so thrilled with that course that I decided to do the advanced open water course (£120)during which I took the pictures below on one of the dives. Amphora deduct the cost of the try dive from the course cost!

Richard our instructor with Susan , David, Rebecca and James.

Amphora was the first diving school established in North cyprus .  They have two dive boats and the sites, Paradise, Zeyko and Zephros & Rock Garden are a short journey offshore.

The staff are thoroughly professional and helpful.  Azam runs the school ably assisted by Ercan who did the first ever technical deep dive on the Island.

Escape beach is a lovely spot so its a great place for non divers (The family)to hang out. Escape beach is approx 10 mins drive West and Amphora are at the far end   Although there is a charge for this beach if you use the dive facilities there's no charge.  There's a nice cafe, drinks are expensive so my advice is to take some with you.

Escape beach..

If you have any questions about the Amphora diving experience please do not hesitate to contact us..

Horse riding with Catalcoy Riding club

For established riders see the details of trail rides below,  Excellent value, fabulous views and experienced professioinal trainers and helpers are available on hand.  The school also has lessons including short trail rides for novices and the prices are fantastic.  |James & Rebecca had 6 lessons each £10 per lesson each for half an hour although the lesson lasted much longer.    They each had a shetland pony and both ponies were very well behaved.

 Great value and an excellent team, We highly recommend a visit.  Due to extreme summer temperatures  please contact the club for riding times.

James & Rebecca in paddock 2008.