With historical sites, natural beauty and affordability, this undiscovered oasis has it all
Why go?
If you’ve ever visited Cyprus, it’s more likely that you will have visited the south, with resorts such as Ayia Napa topping lists for many travellers. However, a visit to Northern Cyprus, with its long, golden sun-kissed beaches, untouched landscapes, ancient castles and abbeys plus enticing cuisine and friendly locals, is highly recommended. With just one-third of the island’s residents residing in the north, where Turkish is the official language, it is much calmer, so you can enjoy a little peace and quiet while enjoying the local culture, cuisine and traditions.
Relaxing shores
Perfect for couples, girls’ getaways, families, and even weddings, a hugely warm welcome awaits at Karpaz Gate Marina resort, set on the Karpaz Peninsula. Inspiring freedom and relaxation, the resort’s secluded bay on the shores of the northwest peninsula of Cyprus remains undiscovered by many tourists, but is encased in a natural marine and countryside setting surrounded by unspoilt land.
The boutique accommodation has a nautical flair, consisting of 52 cabins that provide a stunning, peaceful vista out to a perfectly blue sea. You’ll find a complimentary beach club with a 33m infinity pool and water sports centre, and the Turkish Haram spa offers an impressive array of treatments.
Sustainable eats
Hemingway’s Restobar – named after author Ernest Hemingway – is situated on the promenade at Karpaz Gate Marina resort. Open all day, you can enjoy breakfast and a daily seasonal menu, with homemade bread and locally sourced dairy, fish, and meat cooked to perfection by exceptionally talented chefs. The resort is also one of the world’s most sustainable, with its eco-friendly approach a running theme. Vegetable and herb gardens and a greenhouse provide fresh produce straight to the plate.
Cool castles
The rugged landscape of Northern Cyprus is also home to many castles that date back to the Byzantine era in the 11th century. Perched on the Kyrenia mountain range, Saint Hilarion Castle is said to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, while the picturesque Kyreneia Castle was built by the Venetians in the 16th century, on top of the original fortifications, and proudly dominates the harbour. You can access a tour of the castle, where you’ll discover stunning views
and maritime artefacts.
Wild beaches
Around a 30-minute drive from the hotel is Golden Beach, one of the most stunning sun spots on the island. The long stretch of sand is relatively untouched and quiet compared to the rest of the island, but the azure blue sea and the odd wild donkey roaming around make it an idyllic spot. Alternatively, Alagadi Beach is just over an hour away and is where the region’s Loggerhead and Green turtles come to lay their eggs during summer. The double bays have numerous rock pools and a restaurant, where you can enjoy a coffee and some traditional lunch bites.
Need to Know
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Flights from London into Larnaca International Airport take four hours and 30 minutes. Cabins cost from £132 per night. Package experiences start from around £512 per person. For more info, go to Karpazbay.com or @karpazgatemarina. You will need a passport to travel from the Greek-Cypriot South to the Turkish Cypriot North through the “green line” (the informal name for the buffer zone between the north and south).
Open 24 hours a day, there is no restrictions to the number of times you can cross, but there are some food products that are not allowed over the border. Check specific regulations with your travel operator.