`your guide to northern cyprus`
Transcription
`your guide to northern cyprus`
2 2 3 3 4 4 5 Situated on the Coast at the foot of The Five Finger Mountain the prestigious Korineum Golf & Country Club is proud to be the first 18 hole golf course in Northern Cyprus. Carved from a natural forest of Umbrella Pines and Olive trees, amongst others, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea on one side, and breath taking views of the famous Five Finger Mountain range on the other, this makes for a truly memorable experience you will never forget. 5 Yigor Property Developments wishes you a warm welcome to Northern Cyprus and to Chelsey Village. Our main priority and concern is that you have an enjoyable and relaxing stay, so we have put together a brief information guide about North Cyprus and its‟ amenities for your convenience. A brief introduction to Northern Cyprus... The origin of the word Cyprus is uncertain, some say Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper, while others say that copper is a corruption of the Greek word for Cyprus. Various historians have used various names: Kypros, Kriptos and Kition to name but a few, and now Kuzy Kıbrıs – North Cyprus. SITUATION Situated in the north-eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is about 40 miles from the coast of Turkey to the north, 60 miles from Syria to the east, and 250 miles from Egypt to the south. AREA PHYSICAL FEATURES The most prominent topographical feature of the island is the two mountain ranges separated by a wide fertile plain – the Mesarys (meaning land between the mountains). The northern range is known as the Kyrenia Mountains, and the southern range is known as the Trodos Mountains. The Kyrenia Mountain range is about 80 miles long and is a narrow range running parallel to the coastline, occupying an area of approximately 100 square miles, and it is composed predominantly of limestone, dolomite and marble. It attains an average height of over 2,000 feet, culminating in the highest peak known as Mount of Cypresses near Lapta, at an elevation of 3,557 feet. The largest spring in the island is also found in this range which is chiefly covered with olive and carob trees. Trodos Mountains 7 POPULATION The first count of the population began in 1881, soon after the British occupation of the island in 1878. There are now in the region of 200,000 people living in Northern Cyprus. LANGUAGE Turkish is the principal language, although English is widely spoken and understood. LOCAL TIME Cyprus is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, which means that it is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (UK). SUNRISE & SUNSET (local time) JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY Sunrise a.m. 7.06 6.47 6.19 5.44 5.44 Sunset a.m. 4.54 5.13 5.41 6.16 6.46 JUNE 5.14 7.09 JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER Sunrise a.m. 4.48 5.05 5.34 6.07 6.50 Sunset p.m. 7.12 6.55 6.26 5.53 5.20 DECEMBER 7.20 4.55 WATER Most tap water in the Kyrenia region is quite safe to drink unless stipulated otherwise. It has a relatively high mineral content so some people do prefer to take the bottled variety. It is NOT safe to drink tap water in Famagusta. It is important to drink plenty of water or soft drinks to avoid de-hydration. PLEASE DO NOT WASTE OUT PRECIOUS WATER. ELECTRICITY The voltage here in Cyprus is 240 volts. Sockets are of the 3-pin variety, so there is no need for adaptors. 7 8 CLIMATE By virtue of its geographical position in the north east corner of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus enjoys perhaps the best of the Mediterranean type of climate. There are only two really distinctive seasons, summer and winter, with rather ill-defined transitional periods between each (which vary in length from year to year). From May to September, the sun is very hot and necessary precautions should be taken: Always use a sun protection product. Always drink lots of water. If possible wear a hat or scarf (available in local shops). Wear a t-shirt! It is the equivalent of sun factor 25. You‟ll find vinegar (the colder the better) applied over sore areas will soothe and prevent peeling. Take extra care in open-topped cars or on boats because the cooling breeze can often be deceptive. (The temperature can reach 100 deg F). Heat rash is most commonly caused by too many layers of suntan lotion, the pores can‟t breath. The hottest months are - July & August Costal Districts Lowlands Highlands Average Maximum 90 deg F 32 deg C 97 deg F 78 deg F The coldest months are - January & February Average Minimum Coastal Districts 45 deg F 7 deg C Lowlands 42 deg F Highlands 35 deg F The wettest months are - December & January Average monthly (inches) total Costal Districts 4 8 9 BEACHES The beautiful coastline of Northern Cyprus offers all types of beaches from those with full amenities, to completely isolated coves with total privacy. Many of the beaches are within easy reach of towns. Some of the more popular beaches (such as those with a Hotel or Restaurant), charge an entry fee in the summer months. In return they keep the beach clean, have sun beds and sunshades available, and provide a range of amenities. The coastline of Kyrenia is a series of small coves and bays, some sandy and some pebbled. Topless sunbathing while not illegal, should be undertaken with discretion. Litter can be a problem so please avoid leaving your litter behind. BEACH SAFETY Do not expect to find lifeguards or any form of a flag warning system on our beaches. Never leave children unattended. Do not swim on your own and keep check of the tides, currents and strong winds. Swimmers should not get out of their depth and caution should be taken with all inflatables. Never drink and swim. Allow 1 hour after eating before swimming. AVERAGE MONTHLY SEA TEMPERATURES JAN 11.7 FEB 12.3 MAR 14.1 APR 18.6 MAY 19.5 JUN 24.9 JUL 27.0 AUG 27.1 SEP 25.7 OCT 20.3 NOV 13.9 DEC 11.5 POPULAR BEACHES West of Kyrenia Kervansaray Sandy cove, facilities, 2 miles from town, plenty of restaurants in area, great area for watching the sunset. Escape Beach Full facilities, very smart, 5 miles from town, good for children, busy at weekends & during the summer, water sports. Deniz Kızı Sandy bay, full facilities, steps to beach, 5 miles from town, has some water sports. Mare Monte Long walk down to beach, basic facilities, 8 miles from town. 9 10 East of Kyrenia Çatalköy Halk Plaj Acapulco Vogue Vakıflar Spor Plaji places). Alagadı 5 miles from town with facilities. Clean sandy beach with full facilities, 6 miles from town, very busy. Rocky beach with pool and facilities, 7 miles from town, jelly shoes required! Bay with rocks and sand, 8 miles from town, basic facilities (access road bad in Acapulco Beach „Turtle Beach‟, long stretch of sand, small beach bar & showers, 10 miles from town. Carry along this coast road for some beautiful secluded bays, some marked with green signs and white writing saying HALK PLAJI. Famagusta Region Glapsides Silver Beach Bedi‟s Long sandy beach, basic facilities, shallow water, 3 miles from town. Lovely sandy beach with full facilities, water sports, 4 miles from town. Just beside the Roman ruins of Salamis, sandy beach, basic facilities, 6 miles from town. Vogue Beach Club Kocares Beach More lovely sand, restaurant and facilities, 8 miles from town. Salamis Hotel Beach Long stretch of sand next to Salamis Hotel, beautiful clear water, 9 miles from town. Famagusta Town The town beach is just next to Palm Beach Hotel, facilities. Iskele Beach Near Long Beach Holiday Village, facilities on a lovely sandy beach. Boğaz Village Beach In the fishing village of Boğaz, sandy horseshoe bay, basic facilities. Karpaz Region The Karpaz is famous for it‟s beautiful beaches. As you drive through the region you will pass rocky coves with old Roman Harbours, and wonderful stretches of sand where the turtles lay their eggs. Some beaches will have facilities and you will be expected to pay for the use of them, others you can spend a whole day on without seeing another person. It‟s a super area if you like to explore. Please take care and do not take your vehicle onto any beach. SEA URCHINS Amongst the rock pools and along the rocky shoreline, sea urchins are quite common so do be careful not to tread on them as their sharp black needles can cause a very painful sting. If any part of the needle remains in your body it should be removed immediately. If you are in any doubt at all, or if the pain continues, it is advisable to see a Pharmacist or in extreme cases, a Doctor. 10 11 SAVE OUR FORESTS Summer is the season of forest fires. The slightest carelessness with matches, cigarettes, fires or BBQs of any kind may result in the destruction of large areas of forest. There are many areas where lighting of fires or BBQs is now forbidden. Look out for the warning signs. PLEASE BE CAREFUL CURRENCY The local currency is the Turkish Lira. If you have been before you will have been used to being a „Turkish Lira‟ millionaire, but not anymore. On January 1st 2005 six of the zeros were removed, so what was once 1,000,000 Turkish Lira is now 1 New Turkish Lira. Both the new and old money was used side by side during 2005, however by 1 st January 2006 only NEW Turkish Lira was accepted. Most hotel receptions, major shops and restaurants readily accept foreign currency, especially sterling, and several will also exchange Traveller‟s Cheques for you (with your passport) on the spot. The exchange rate fluctuates daily, so it is best to check the rate before you change your cash (correct rate is shown in banks and newspapers), and not to exchange all your currency at once. Banks are generally busy and there are often queues. The majority of banks are open from 08:00 to 13:00 Monday to Friday. Exchange Bureaus are open from 09:30 to 18:00 Monday to Saturday. Credit cards are accepted in several places but there is usually a handling charge. If you know your PIN number there are cash point machines in the centre of Kyrenia - the machines pay out in Turkish Lira and you will pay your banks handling fee. POST OFFICE Stamps are available from most hotel receptions or directly from the Post Office itself. Cards are widely available. Light mail will take a good week to reach the UK so always write your cards A.S.A.P.! All post may be posted at the Post Office which is marked with yellow and black signs. The letter boxes are also yellow in colour. 11 12 HAIRDRESSERS There are a number of traditional men‟s Barbers and women‟s Coiffures in Kyrenia. Ask the staff for their favourite! The Hair Studio (telephone number +90 392 815 3300) offers hair dressing and a full range of beauty treatments. You will find the prices very reasonable when comparing it to the UK. CHEMIST The Turkish word for chemist is „Eczane‟, and they can be found in most towns and larger villages. Pharmacists normally have a basic knowledge of English, and most medical terms are internationally known and used. If you do have any minor ailments, it is best to try the Chemist before you call a Doctor. There is always a duty chemist open after hours and on a Sunday. This information will be in the English newspaper, „The Cyprus Today‟, or displayed in the windows of the main chemists in Kyrenia. DOCTOR We sincerely hope that you do not fall ill during your stay. However, if you do, you can go to the Kyrenia Medical Centre, Işil Sokak, No 6, Girne. There are several Doctors who work at this private clinic. The telephone numbers are +90 392 815 3282 / 815 3524 / 815 1791. The main public hospital is just past the post office heading east out of Kyrenia. Medical care and medicine can be expensive here so be prepared. Keep all your receipts as most insurance companies will reimburse any medical expenses over and above £35.00. For any major problem or illness you must inform your insurance company direct. DENTIST Mrs. Seda (telephone number +90 392 815 8899). The clinic is just past the post office on the right heading out of town. OPTICIAN Doctor Deniz (telephone number +90 392 815 4950). 12 TELEPHONE 13 There are public telephone boxes outside the telephone exchange in town (opposite the Post Office). These accept credit cards. „Holiday Cards‟ („pay as you go‟) for mobile phones are available from Telsim and Turkcell telephone shops in Kyrenia. Take your phone to the shop with you as not all mobile telephones will work with the holiday card. To dial the UK: 00 44/area code (minus 0)/number e.g. 00 44 208333 4444 RELIGIOUS SERVICES Although you are in a predominantly Muslim country, other religions are catered for. You will hear the Muslim call for prayer five times a day. When you visit a Mosque, please remove your footwear before entering, and remain silent if there are prayers being said. St Andrews Anglican Church, Girne (near the castle), has now re-opened after being restored to its former glory and services are held at 08:00 and 10:00 on Sundays. For more information please call the Vicarage on +90 392 815 4329 or Geoff Clark on +90 533 844 3498. Terra Santa Roman Catholic Church (Ersin Aydın St., turning opposite Dome taxi rank). Mass is celebrated at 12:00 on the first and third Sunday of each month. Telephone number +90 392 815 2225. There are regular services available at the Paphos Gate, Nicosia, on the South side. Maronite Catholic Church of Ayios Georgios, Koruçam. Mass is celebrated every Sunday. MUSEUMS There are many museums and historical sites in Northern Cyprus. If you wish to visit them, the opening hours are: Winter (from end of October until beginning of April): All sites 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:45 Summer Small indoor museums 09:00 – 14:00 Outdoor sites and larger indoor museums 09:00 – 19:00 St Hilarion Castle - closes at 17:30 but the last entrance permitted is roughly 15:30 as it takes about an hour to climb to the top. Kantara Castle - open from 10:00 – 17:00 as is Othello‟s Tower (Famagusta) and Vuni Palace (Güzelyurt) Buffavento Castle - open all day Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays - summer and winter. Antiphonitis - Monastery is closed on Thursday and Friday - summer and winter. 13 14 SHOPPING Most local markets stock everything from baked beans to tennis socks, however there are larger supermarkets in the towns which have a wider choice, and are better value for money. The main delivery days for fresh fruit and vegetables are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Indoor markets are found in both Kyrenia and Famagusta, but the biggest and best one is the Nicosia covered market (which is just beside the Selimiye Mosque). It has a wide selection of not only food, herbs and spices, but also copper, basket ware, lace and fake Levi jeans. Kyrenia has an open market every Wednesday held by the bus terminal. This is predominately for fresh fruit and vegetables, but you will find clothing stalls etc. as well. This market is very popular with the locals. The Bandaybouliya has just been reopened after a caring refurbishment. This covered market contains local craft stalls, café, bar, ice cream parlour and a gallery restaurant where local artists regularly play. Generally it is cheaper than the harbour for food, but is currently closed on Sundays. Basket Ware: Nicosia indoor market and Edremit Village have a very good selection. Spectacles: “Akay Optik” in Kyrenia and Nicosia high street is a family run business famous for its incredibly well priced lenses and frames. Fabrics: Haberdashery stores are in abundance and again very good value for money. Why not have a suit or dress tailor made for you? Gold: As with most Eastern countries, gold is both reasonable and of a high quality. Go to ERDAL‟S in Kyrenia; turn right at the crossroads towards the statue of Atatürk and The Dome Hotel. Hand made lace: Try Nicosia Indoor Market. Spices: Lots of choice and very reasonable. Famagusta indoor market is a good place. 14 15 TRANSPORT DOLMUŞ (translated means stuffed!!) These are usually minibuses or old stretch Mercedes which connect most of the major villages and towns, and they run from morning until early evening, about every half hour. However, please note that the driver will go when he decides to, so make sure you ask him what time he returns, we do not want you to get stranded somewhere! To stop them just wait on the side of the road and flag them down. To get off just shout that you’d like to get out, e.g.”LA Beach Please!” as you are nearing the destination. For longer journeys, i.e.Kyrenia to Famagusta, see the Kombos office just by the roundabout in Kyrenia. TAXIS These are readily available and run 24 hours a day. Bars and restaurants will call a taxi for you, so you don‟t have to worry when you are out wining and dining. The prices adhere to a set tariff and all taxis should be metered. The only increase in fares will be those taken after Midnight. Always ask how much the fare will be before beginning your journey. It is best to specify if you would like a large taxi because some of the Mercedes can carry up to 7 people at once. Our recommended taxi service is; Mr Sertaç +90 542 859 2875 (in the Kyrenia area). CAR HIRE If you have pre booked your car in the UK it will be delivered to your accommodation between 09:00 and 11:00 on the morning your rental begins. You need to have your driving licence. As there is so much historical and natural beauty to see in Northern Cyprus, both organised excursions and car hire are highly recommended and surprisingly good value for money. All car hire vehicles have red number plates. PLEASE NOTE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO TAKE A HIRED VEHICLE ACROSS THE BORDER. 15 16 DRIVING IN THE T.R.N.C. Cypriots drive on the left. UK or International Driving Licence must have been held for a minimum of 3 years and all drivers must be 25 years old or over. The speed limits are displayed in KMs. A rough guide is:- in towns and built up areas 40km (25mph) and on the roads outside 65km (40mph). The Police do patrol these restrictions, and it is fairly common to find groups of them on the sides of the road „armed‟ with radar guns. WATCH YOUR SPEED. Drinking and Driving restrictions are strict. Never drink and drive. It is illegal to talk on the telephone whilst driving, and also eating whilst driving is illegal. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT. Drivers here tend not to use their indicators quite as consciously as on the Continent, so be aware of the vehicle in front of you suddenly disappearing off to the left or right! Horns are quite merrily used especially when overtaking. If an approaching car flashes its lights, it is actually a warning, e.g. maybe you are waiting to turn off the road and the car flashes, it DOES NOT mean proceed as in the UK it means “WAIT! I am coming through and am not going to stop.” Beware of unfamiliar roads, new signs and different standards in driving and attitude. Cars are not obliged to stop at pedestrian crossings. Variable road conditions and drivers attitudes make moped riding very dangerous. We do not recommend moped riding, even for experienced riders. Mountain road, whilst some of the mountain roads now have tarmac and make a very pleasant drive, most are still tracks used by the forestry commission. You should only attempt these roads in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. If in doubt, don‟t go! REMEMBER THE 3 C’s – CARE, COURTESY AND CONSIDERATION PARKING As a general rule you can park where you see a space. If any area is restricted then a NO PARKING sign will be shown. Sometimes it is a „P‟ in a circle with a line through. Parking is also restricted where you see Black & White or Yellow & White lines painted on the kerb; these are equal to double yellow lines. There are now three fee paying car parks in Kyrenia, all centrally located. One you will find just behind the main post office, the second you will find opposite the Rocks Hotel near the Dome Hotel and the third is near the Ataturk memorial. 16 17 PETROL Petrol stations are generally open from morning till late in the evening (approx 08:00 – 22:00). Only a few stations remain open on Sundays. Always fill up before you start on a long journey, however we are getting more and more petrol stations. Generally these tend to be along the main roads, so do be careful once you are off on the beaten track. Remember to check which fuel your car runs on! ROAD SIGNS DUR STOP DİKKAT ATTENTION GİRİLMEZ NO ENTRY YAVAŞ SLOW YOL YAPIM ROAD WORKS ASKERİ BÖLGE MILITARY AREA YASAK BÖLGE FORBIDDEN ZONE FOTOGRAF ÇEKİLMEZ PHOTOGRAPHY NOT PERMITTED Whilst enjoying your stay in North Cyprus please remember to respect the local traditions and the natural environment. . 17 18 TURKISH CYPRIOT CUISINE FOOD (YEMEK) Northern Cyprus offers such a broad range of food and restaurants, there seems to be everything from a cheese sandwich to French cuisines, so you will never be limited for choice! Traditional local specialities are highly recommended such as the Meze, translated means appetiser, which are the superb selection of hot and cold starters such as:Sigara Börek – Filo pastries filled with cheese or spinach, Dolma – Stuffed vine leaves, Köfte * seasoned meatballs and the wonderful Cyprıot Hellım Cheese which is often grilled. Main courses are usually Chicken, Lamb or Fish based. It would be sad to leave Cyprus without trying:Manti – Turkish Ravioli served with the local yoghurt and coated with chilli sauce, Bulgur Köfte – cracked wheat and mincemeat deep fried, Tuzlu Balik – a large fish covered in rock salt and baked in the oven very slowly, and the famous Firin Kebab Kleftico) – lamb cooked in the clay oven. There are also a number of International restaurants which serve alternative cuisine. DRINK (İÇECEK) As well as a whole range of fizzy drinks, local and imported, and fruit juices (fresh Cypriot Orange Juice – Taza Portakal Suyu is especially good), there are several very good local beverages. Turkish Efes Bira (beer) is the most popular. You will also see Gold Fassl which is actually made on the island in Famagusta. (If you like shandy, ask for Beer & ‘Bubble Up’ which is lemonade.) The best wines are those produced in Turkey, although there are some Cypriot wines available; Aphrodite, Kantara and Salamis. The most popular wines are:Çankaya, Nevşah, Efsane, Villa Doluça = white and on the dry side Vadi, Sultaniye, Angora = white and medium/sweet Meze Mousaka Kleftico Halloumi Cheese 18 19 Rakı is the local spirit. It is aniseed based and usually taken with ice and water. It goes very well with meze and fish. Also known as „Lion‟s Milk‟, and you will soon know why when you drink one! Make sure that you take plenty of water. Brandy Sour is a lovely long drink based on Cypriot Brandy, Bitters, soda and lemon cordial, served in a sugar rimmed glass with fresh lemon. It is a very popular drink amongst both locals and visitors to the island. Turkish coffee is served in a small cup similar to an espresso. Introduced by the Ottomans in the 15 th Century, it is drunk sade (without sugar), orta (with some sugar) or şekerli (sweet). Ayran is a yoghurt based cold drink mixed with water and ice and sometimes sprinkled with mint. Excellent drink when hot, for it cools the body down and replaces lost salt. It is also soothing for upset stomachs. TIPPING Tipping is not generally expected, although it is always nice to reward good service. In some restaurants you will find 10% service charge added to your bill. CONVENIENCES Public toilets are few and far between, but it is quite acceptable to use facilities in Hotels and restaurants. (Just smile and look in need!) Plumbing here is not bad, but when a bin is provided to dispose of paper and/or plastic please use it. HOLIDAY READING There is an „English Library‟ in Kyrenia behind the post office. This is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. On Saturday morning there is also a stall for a Cancer Charity Trust. NEWSPAPERS/MAGAZINES You can purchase English newspapers on a daily basis from several vendors, including the larger supermarkets. ‘Cyprus Today’ is published every Saturday and available from most shops, a lively weekly newspaper which will inform you of any special events happening whilst you are here. ‘Daily News’ is the only daily newspaper printed in English that you will be able to obtain. ‘Essential’ is a lively monthly magazine with both local and international articles. 19 20 CASINOS There is also a selection of Casinos where the minimum bet on some of the tables can be as low as £1.00, so you do not have to ‘lose your shirt!’ Dome Hotel Casino The Jasmine Court Hotel Casino Kyrenia The Colony Hotel Casino Kyrenia Kyrenia Kyrenia Club Kyrenia Hotel Casino Kyrenia The Grand Rocks Hotel Casino Palm Beach Hotel Casino Famagusta DISCO Club Night Park is situated just behind the post office. Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights until the very early hours! This is a great disco/ night club which is open air in the summer and has all year round entertainment. Escape Beach has an open air disco bar that is very popular at weekends. Only open in the summer. Mare Monte is another open air disco which is again only open in the summer. Roxanne’s is a lively bar in the centre of town which also serves great snacks and cocktails. The Jazz Bar at the Jasmine Court has live entertainment with both modern and popular jazz music. The Rocks Hotel also has a live music bar that plays both jazz and popular music. Jasmin Court Hotel BRIDGE CLUB The bridge club meets every Wednesday from 15:00 – 18:00 at the Sele Restaurant in Kyrenia. welcome, for further information please call +90 392 815 5111. Visitors are always ROTARY CLUB The Rotary Club of Kyrenia meets every Wednesday at The Dome Hotel at 13:00 for lunch from October till May and then at 19:00 from June to September for drinks. Visiting Rotarians 20 are always welcome. 21 TURKISH VOCABULARY HELLO GOOD MORNING GOOD NIGHT GOOD DAY HOW ARE YOU: YES NO THANK YOU PLEASE CHEERS MILK TEA COFFEE SUGAR WATER BILL WAITER WINE BEACH STAMP EXCUSE ME THERE IS ........... MERHABA GÜNAYDIN İYİ GECELER İYİ GÜNLER NASİLSİNİZ EVET HAYIR TEŞEKKÜR EDERİM LÜTFEN ŞEREFE SÜT ÇAY NESKAVE ŞEKER SU HESAP GARSON ŞARAP PILAJ PUL AFFEDERSİNZİ ............. VAR MER-HABAH! GEWN-IDEEN EEYEE-GECE-LER EEYEE-GEWN-LER NASSIL-SINIZ EVET HAY-YIR TESHE-CURE EDEREEM LEWT-FEN SHAY-ER-FAIR SEWT CHAY CAH-VEY (OR NESCAFE!) SHE-KER SOO HESSAP GARSON SHAH-RAP PILAJ (LIKE THE FRENCH) POOL AHF-EDER-SEENEEZ THERE ISN‟T…………. YOK 21