Looking at going in winter. Anyone been around that time of year? Any recommendations?

Hoping it will be sunny in the main. Not expecting it to be hot but would be nice if it is.

Not sure if they are still twitchy if you have been to Greek Cyprus or whether it’s just if you a trying to travel from one to the other. Fairly warm winters so you should get some sunshine. January and February will be mildest but a whole load warmer than here.

Northern Cyprus is the TRNC

Don’t think any issues if you’ve been south. And if we go intend to visit both. Will likely be before January so hopefully twenty’s.

Friends of mine just had a lovely holiday in northern Cyprus and flew home from the south. The only issue they had was when crossing the border, they had 10 packets of tobacco which they were told they were allowed. They had it confiscated and fined 340 euros.

claret3561 wrote:Friends of mine just had a lovely holiday in northern Cyprus and flew home from the south. The only issue they had was when crossing the border, they had 10 packets of tobacco which they were told they were allowed. They had it confiscated and fined 340 euros.

Yes will probably fly to paphos.

Cricketfieldclarets, I'm heading to Cyprus for my 5th hotel holiday there and 3rd this year, during the International break.
A lot of time Ive been birdwatching all over the South. The next trip I intend going to the North and have been advised I need to take my passport, or be refused entry. From reports, I gather it's straightforward going through passport control to the other side.
Although I've not been in Jan, it's probably the wettest and second coldest month and hopefully for you, not as bad as last years record rain fall. The daytime Temps are about 16c and 8c at night.
I always stay in Paphos a 20 min ride from the airport. A trip to the headland to see the Roman ruins is really worthwhile. There are plenty of vehicles for hire, to roam wherever appeals to you and they drive on the left. There's ski ing up the Trudos mountains, if you're into that. Bus fares are also cheap and regular. Very friendly people, who all speak English.

Be advised that there are areas where you must take notice of NOT taking photos, especially near Army bases, or you risk being arrested, as I saw last year.
I didn't look at the soldiers or the arrested person, as we drove past at the base gates. Another Burnley fan I know, was also birding there and he rang me later, to tell me he'd been arrested at an Army base and held for 4 hours. He couldn't understand how I knew and told him the time he was being held under arrest. It was just co-incidence we passed the incident. They'd been watching him from about a mile away taking photos. The police were also called and checked every photo before releasing him, with a warning.

Am going out over the next International break for 10 nights, never been to the Northern side before but will post opinion once back in Blighty. Travelling with CyprusParadise, flying from Luton as it’s lots cheaper and can go straight to Watford on return.

claret3561 wrote:Friends of mine just had a lovely holiday in northern Cyprus and flew home from the south. The only issue they had was when crossing the border, they had 10 packets of tobacco which they were told they were allowed. They had it confiscated and fined 340 euros.

Serves em right...smokers always trying to save a bob or two! Enjoy your Holiday ffs!

Bfc wrote:Cricketfieldclarets, I'm heading to Cyprus for my 5th hotel holiday there and 3rd this year, during the International break.
A lot of time Ive been birdwatching all over the South. The next trip I intend going to the North and have been advised I need to take my passport, or be refused entry. From reports, I gather it's straightforward going through passport control to the other side.
Although I've not been in Jan, it's probably the wettest and second coldest month and hopefully for you, not as bad as last years record rain fall. The daytime Temps are about 16c and 8c at night.
I always stay in Paphos a 20 min ride from the airport. A trip to the headland to see the Roman ruins is really worthwhile. There are plenty of vehicles for hire, to roam wherever appeals to you and they drive on the left. There's ski ing up the Trudos mountains, if you're into that. Bus fares are also cheap and regular. Very friendly people, who all speak English.

Be advised that there are areas where you must take notice of NOT taking photos, especially near Army bases, or you risk being arrested, as I saw last year.
I didn't look at the soldiers or the arrested person, as we drove past at the base gates. Another Burnley fan I know, was also birding there and he rang me later, to tell me he'd been arrested at an Army base and held for 4 hours. He couldn't understand how I knew and told him the time he was being held under arrest. It was just co-incidence we passed the incident. They'd been watching him from about a mile away taking photos. The police were also called and checked every photo before releasing him, with a warning.

Yes. Brother, sister and brother in law have all worked that border with the army. So will be mindful thanks.

Probably fly into paphos and stay in paphos but intend to visit and probably stay north too.

Going to go before January for two weeks if we go.


Yep love skiing. Go most years but won’t be going this year. So depending when we go could get my fix in troodos.

Open to staying anywhere to be honest. But northern Cyprus is definitely on our list.

Re border it sounds relatively straightforward. Can’t be any more complex than Palestine and that was a breeze in act even easier coming back into Israel than it was out despite what the media will say.

The port at Kyrenia is nice....and Bellapaise? Is a must see.

tim_noone wrote:The port at Kyrenia is nice....and Bellapaise? Is a must see.

Wow. Very nice indeed

Bella paise 5minutes from there....

tim_noone wrote:Bella paise 5minutes from there....

It’s just a **** Bolton Abbey

If you do hire a car to go to the North, check with the hire firm, you are allowed to take it and if you've got car insurance cover for your border crossing. My local bird guide is having to get separate cover for our trip North.

cricketfieldclarets wrote:It’s just a **** Bolton Abbey

Magical...emailed you some pictures

cricketfieldclarets wrote:It’s just a **** Bolton Abbey

Probably cheaper to fly to Cyprus than park at Bolton Abbey though!

Foulthrow wrote:Probably cheaper to fly to Cyprus than park at Bolton Abbey though!

very true

claret3561 wrote:Friends of mine just had a lovely holiday in northern Cyprus and flew home from the south. The only issue they had was when crossing the border, they had 10 packets of tobacco which they were told they were allowed. They had it confiscated and fined 340 euros.

Aye, and I bet every penny went into the Greek Cypriot Treasury !!

Unbelievable that anyone even considers stepping foot in an illegal country! Apart from the fact that insurance is negated, it confirms approval of the continuing acts of atrocity carried out by Turkey. Hang your heads.

We had to get car insurance at the border town there is an insurance guy has an office just before the border.
The north is far more prosperous than the South.

Out of curiosity, have you mixed up your North & South? Also, did you make a successful claim against the ‘policy’?

claret3561 wrote:Friends of mine just had a lovely holiday in northern Cyprus and flew home from the south. The only issue they had was when crossing the border, they had 10 packets of tobacco which they were told they were allowed. They had it confiscated and fined 340 euros.

Hard to believe that. Fined 340 Euros for what? Sounds like a back pocket job to me. I have crossed without any hitch as have many friends. Have to say though maybe better flying to the North but that means touch down in Turkey first (Dalaman) as Northern Cyprus is not recognized internationally.

jackmiggins wrote:Unbelievable that anyone even considers stepping foot in an illegal country! Apart from the fact that insurance is negated, it confirms approval of the continuing acts of atrocity carried out by Turkey. Hang your heads.

Palestine was lovely thanks

MrTopTier wrote:

C18D8D41-1635-43E8-95E4-C06CBEE091EB.jpeg

Looks great weather then.

Very interesting place Northern Cyprus. Beaches are superb but it will be a bit chilly for swimming. Nice food, good prices - much cheaer than in the Euro zone in the south. Kyrenia (Greek name) / Girne (Turkish name) is very interesting and you will find plenty to occupy your time. You can see there was a British influence there as there is/was a Bridge club at one hotel and funnily enough the receptionist at the time was from burnley and marries to a local.

jackmiggins wrote:Unbelievable that anyone even considers stepping foot in an illegal country! Apart from the fact that insurance is negated, it confirms approval of the continuing acts of atrocity carried out by Turkey. Hang your heads.

Dear me. Come on. Illegal? Its not recognized internationally and thats why international flights there have to route through Turkey. Which atrocity are you referring to to? Armenia or Kurds (who in case you don't know have been committing terrorist acts in Turkey for years). Unfortunatley atrocities in that region are rather commonplace. I found the Turkish Cypriots to be a warm and welcoming people and it certainly isnt them who have committed as you say any atrocity.

Stayingup wrote:Very interesting place Northern Cyprus. Beaches are superb but it will be a bit chilly for swimming. Nice food, good prices - much cheaer than in the Euro zone in the south. Kyrenia (Greek name) / Girne (Turkish name) is very interesting and you will find plenty to occupy your time. You can see there was a British influence there as there is/was a Bridge club at one hotel and funnily enough the receptionist at the time was from burnley and marries to a local.

Yep the north appeals as it looks nore untouched. Although expect it will all be pretty quiet this time of year.

I suppose ignorance really is bliss. For atrocities, start with the Ottomans. The Northern Cypriots are lovely people, unfortunately they’re being overrun with immigrants of a different faith. I wonder why?

Stayingup wrote:Dear me. Come on. Illegal? Its not recognized internationally and thats why international flights there have to route through Turkey. Which atrocity are you referring to to? Armenia or Kurds (who in case you don't know have been committing terrorist acts in Turkey for years). Unfortunatley atrocities in that region are rather commonplace. I found the Turkish Cypriots to be a warm and welcoming people and it certainly isnt them who have committed as you say any atrocity.

It's not recognised internationally as it's an illegal occupation. Neither are the two airports. I know a woman who as a teenager was forced out of her home in Varosha and 45 years later she still hasn't been able to go back. Oh and her dad has not been seen since that night the Turks invaded.

jackmiggins wrote:I suppose ignorance really is bliss. For atrocities, start with the Ottomans. The Northern Cypriots are lovely people, unfortunately they’re being overrun with immigrants of a different faith. I wonder why?

Ottomons

In that case we should all be tarred with Henry the eights brush.

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Ottomons

In that case we should all be tarred with Henry the eights brush.

Tbf when the Turks invaded in the early seventies.... It was a Brutal occupation against the civilian population ..Murder and gang rape of British people was pretty widespread and property stolen in the process.

tim_noone wrote:Tbf when the Turks invaded in the early seventies.... It was a Brutal occupation against the civilian population ..Murder and gang rape of British people was pretty widespread and property stolen in the process.

I blame the Romans

cricketfieldclarets wrote:I blame the Romans

That's quite a ridiculous comparison and one that makes you look like a bit of a dickhead. Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, not even a lifetime ago, and murder and rape of Greek and British people was indeed widespread. HTH.

Insurance bought in the South won’t cover a hire car in the North and some car hire firms will not allow the car to be taken over the border anyway. You need to buy insurance at the border if crossing. I’m not sure if travel insurance would cover any medical issues. I suspect not.

A big percentage of people in Northern Cyprus are not Cypriots. They Settled there following the invasion, taking over properties which were vacated by fleeing Greek Cypriots

Try reading “the bitter lemons of Cyprus”. It gives an idea of what happened leading up to the invasion.

Anyway. Anyone know if I will need sun cream In november?

cricketfieldclarets, in Nov, it's likely to be in the low 20s, so it's what you decide as to the need for sun cream

It’ll be cold. You can ski there then. Google it.

Clarinetclaret wrote:It's not recognised internationally as it's an illegal occupation. Neither are the two airports. I know a woman who as a teenager was forced out of her home in Varosha and 45 years later she still hasn't been able to go back. Oh and her dad has not been seen since that night the Turks invaded.

Oh yes you can see the empty houses vacated quickly by tge Greek Cypriots. But some are now returning. Its such a shame that the two communities can't live together. Both very accomdating peoples. Birds Without Wings.

I'd like to know who has deemed the actual territory of Northen Cyprus Illegal though.

TheOriginalLongsider wrote:Insurance bought in the South won’t cover a hire car in the North and some car hire firms will not allow the car to be taken over the border anyway. You need to buy insurance at the border if crossing. I’m not sure if travel insurance would cover any medical issues. I suspect not.

A big percentage of people in Northern Cyprus are not Cypriots. They Settled there following the invasion, taking over properties which were vacated by fleeing Greek Cypriots

Try reading “the bitter lemons of Cyprus”. It gives an idea of what happened leading up to the invasion.

Bitter Lemons of Cyprus. I'll read that. Thanks.

TheOriginalLongsider wrote:It’ll be cold. You can ski there then. Google it.

In troodos yes

Stayingup wrote:Bitter Lemons of Cyprus. I'll read that. Thanks.

Tbh it's really about the Author Lawrence Durrell more than anything ..a bit long winded. He stayed in bellapaise. The Durrells series that was on TV highlights his Life...I enjoyed that more than the Book.

Probably inconsequential to some, but ‘My family & other animals’ was set on Kerkyra, a few hundred miles away. It also has an interesting history, though, like Cyprus, it’s only purpose is to provide holiday accommodation....apparently!

Stayingup wrote:Oh yes you can see the empty houses vacated quickly by tge Greek Cypriots. But some are now returning. Its such a shame that the two communities can't live together. Both very accomdating peoples. Birds Without Wings.

I'd like to know who has deemed the actual territory of Northen Cyprus Illegal though.

Not to Varosha they're not, it's still a forbidden zone. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not recognised internationally. The two communities can live together, they did for centuries. Anthropologists have now proven that Turkish Cypriots are descended from the indigenous population whose descendants converted to Islam under the Ottoman rule.
Turkey have brought over an estimated 300000 settlers from the mainland.
And the occupation is deemed illegal not the territory smartarse.

Clarinetclaret wrote:Not to Varosha they're not, it's still a forbidden zone. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not recognised internationally. The two communities can live together, they did for centuries. Anthropologists have now proven that Turkish Cypriots are descended from the indigenous population whose descendants converted to Islam under the Ottoman rule.
Turkey have brought over an estimated 300000 settlers from the mainland.
And the occupation is deemed illegal not the territory smartarse.

Any idea if its suitable swimming weather?

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Any idea if its suitable swimming weather?

Not if you value your nads

Found an excellent deal to Paphos. So looking like fly into there. Probably stay there then drive to the north. Thanks for help so far.

Stayingup wrote:Hard to believe that. Fined 340 Euros for what? Sounds like a back pocket job to me. I have crossed without any hitch as have many friends. Have to say though maybe better flying to the North but that means touch down in Turkey first (Dalaman) as Northern Cyprus is not recognized internationally.

Certainly true and it's been going on for a while.
Same thing happened early this year to a mate who has a place out there. He's there again at present and he's been told it's becoming a quite regular occurence.