Time/Temp. in Cyprus

Things to Do

·         Golden Beaches in North Cyprus: An unfair history of political and economic isolation has ensured that North Cyprus has remained one of the most unspoilt and least developed parts of the Mediterranean. North Cyprus is therefore, home for the most pure, unpolluted and the least commercialized beaches in the Mediterranean...The crystal clear waters will take your breath away....

Most beaches have a charge for access but provide an umbrella and sun longer and a toilet facility. Charges vary from £ 1.00 to £6.00 per person per day. But the best beaches are the ones without facilities, free of charge and totally isolated – you may find that you are the only ones there!

Within only a 15 minute walk from Almond Holiday Village, Alsancak, you will find a beautiful sandy little cove called Camalot Beach. This beach has very safe bathing areas for small children and also offers water sport options, bar and restaurant. This beach will not disappoint you.

Within 30 minute walk from Almond Holiday Village, you will find Sun Set Beach Club, which also offers free pickup from Almond Holiday Village!  This beach is pebbly but offers the best facilities amongst the west coasts....Sunbathing and diving porch, fresh water and sea water swimming pool, play ground, all water sports as well as Boat Trips and Sea Taxis, Quad bikes, Paintball and Music Bar/ Restaurant.

Within a 5 minutes drive west from Almond Holiday Village you will find Lapta Incirli Beach, which is sandy with only a little shack which provides food & beverages, and 10 minute drive west you will find Horseshoe Bay which is a rocky beach, but is wonderful for swimming. The setting is spectacularly beautiful. A photographer’s delight! Both beaches have No facilities available....but not needed against such a picturesque coast.

Only 5-10 minutes drive east from Almond Holiday Village you will find Deniz Kizi Beach, Golden Bay Beach and Escape Beach. All three of these beaches are sandy and provide facilities. Escape Beach which provides exceptional facilities is also the home base for Amphora Scuba Diving and a major stop for Boat Trips. Just a few minutes away from this Beach area you will find Kervansaray Beach, again with facilities and a lovely snack bar – ideal stop for watching the sun set.

There are many beaches to the east of Kyrenia such as Alagadi (Turtle Beach), Lara Beach, Acapulco Beach and Diana Beach....

Famagusta also offers a delightful selection of sandy beaches. But the best beaches are kept as a secret in Karpaz (Panhandle)...miles and miles of golden sandy coastline waiting to be discovered... With its heavenly beauty, it’s pure, untouched virgin nature Karpaz will take you to a world that you will never forget. Karpaz beaches are considered the best coast in both North and South Cyprus.

·         History; For centuries Cyprus has been influenced by the cultures of many different nations due to its critical location just offshore from the Middle East, which has led to an island with a rich and diverse historical and architectural heritage reflecting 9,000 years of civilization. Cyprus is a paradise island of incomparable natural beauty boasting numerous unique historical treasures, living up to its reputation of being the gem of the Mediterranean. Click here to link to – places to visit and build your own itinerary or e-mail us at info@almond-holidays.com for more information on historical tours and icons.

·         Scuba Diving / Water Sports in North Cyprus: North Cyprus welcomes you to the fascinating and unique underwater world of the Mediterranean. You will find crystal-clear, unpolluted water where the marine life is still undisturbed. Underwater visibility can be more than 30 meters. Down in the deep and warm blue sea you will meet sting rays, amber jacks, scorpions, bream, grouper, cuckoo, wrasse, and now and then a sea turtle. The underwater terrain is furthermore an ideal place for octopus and moray eel, colorful sponges, corals, as well as treasures from ancient times. You can choose from over twenty diving sites east and west of Kyrenia as well as diving safaris to other places along the coast. These are sites that will give the experienced diver thrills and the warm, crystal-clear water and limited depth provide perfect learning condition for beginner. You can experience wreck diving including the site where in the 1960's on of the worlds oldest shipwreck was found - 2 300 years old, dating from the time of Alexander the Great. The excavated hull of the ship, together with its cargo of amphora and millstones is housed in a special museum in Kyrenia Castle.

Amphora Scuba Diving Center, situated at the Escape Beach (One of the best beaches on the west coast), is also active at Almond Holiday Village, North Cyprus. Once a week and on request “try dives “are available at Almond Holiday Village for free!!! Also free pickup/delivery from/to Almond Holiday Village to Amphora Diving Center is available.

Besides scuba diving, several local beaches as well as Escape Beach boast all types of water sports such as Jet-Skiing, Water-skiing, Wind Surfing, Parascending and banana rides.Boat Trips from the harbor of Kyrenia can be organized - private charter & daily sailings as well as the fishing trips.....Please get in touch with Almond Holiday Village for more details.

·         Golf in North Cyprus:

CMC Golf Course – Is only 30 minute drive west from Almond Holiday Village, Alsancak – North Cyprus.  It is situated on the Guzelyurt to Leftke road in the village of Yesilyurt. Bordering the lovely coast and beautifull surroundings Cengiz Topel Golf Course is the first golf course in Northern Cyprus. It is open every day to the public. Clubs are available for hire at the clubhouse and the best days to meet and play with the local members are Tuesdays and Thursdays. A nominal green fee is charged.

Korineum Golf Club – The first 18 hole international green golf in Nothern Cyprus! This course is set on the hills of Esentepe overlooking the Mediterranean coastline, and only 40 minutes drive east from Almond Holiday Village, Alsancak – North Cyprus. This brand new course has opened in January 2007, very tastefully designed for your every need providing very high European standards. Visit -www.korineumgolf.com for more details. Trips and packages can be arranged at Almond Holiday Village for Golf Lovers...please ask for more information.  

·         Spa & Wellness in North Cyprus ; Almond Holiday Village is only 4 km away from the 5 star hotel Mercure, which offers the best Spa facilities on the Island at very reasonable costs.  Facials, Turkish bath with the traditional foams & loofah treatments, traditional & Asian massages, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and a heated pool! Treat yourself to an overwhelming experience.

·         Turtle Watching in North Cyprus: There are two main types of sea-turtles nesting along the coasts of Northern Cyprus: these are: Caretta-Caretta (Sini Kaplumbagasi), and Chelonia-Mydas (Yesil Kaplumbaga). They both are listed as endangered species and under strict protection. Since 1992, Marine Turtle Research group, in conjunction with the Society for the Protection of Turtles in Northern Cyprus and the Department for Environmental Protection, has been undertaking an annual survey, recording the turtle’s activity during the summer months. In the company of the team at Alagadi Beach , only 30 minute drive east from Almond Holiday Village, North Cyprus, you can share this unique event. Just before sunset you can join the turtle lovers at "The Goat Shed" at Alagadi. First you are given information about the turtles and the project, and then, when darkness falls, you will be taken down to one of the two Alagadi bays. There you will wait while the students survey the beaches. As soon as a female has begun to lay, you are, in silence, allowed to approach the nesting place. (No photoflashes are allowed at this important time). After about 50 days the small hatchlings begin to emerge from the surface of their sandy nests. This is another fantastic experience that takes place in some forty nesting beaches around Northern Cyprus. All are welcome to participate in this event as well to witness up to a hundred of these amazing little creatures, not more than 6-7 cm long, fight their way from the nest down to the sea, is an unforgettable sight. It is sad fact that only one in thousand survive. Even less would survive if it was not for the special conversation project taking place here in North Cyprus concerning this endangered species. The best times to observe the nesting is at the end of June and beginning of July. To observe the hatching is the best during end of August and beginning of September.

·         Fishing in North Cyprus; Fishing in the Kyrenia Harbour has traditionally been a feature of this area. The eastern part of the harbor has remained the area for local and foreign residents to moor their boats while the west side of the harbor gathers many local and tourist fishermen with their rods.

Apart from Kyrenia, the most developed fisheries of North Cyprus are those of Güzelyurt , Korucam, Famagusta  and the Karpaz Peninsula. The villages of Bogaz and Kumyali belong to the main fishing centers of the Karpaz. The charming coastal village of Bogaz is rich in fish restaurants lining its harbor which make it a truly magnificent feature. There are no restrictions on fishing along coasts in northern Cyprus, which gives you a splendid variety of coasts/coves to explore....

Fishing in the waters of Northern Cyprus has become a facinating experience with the help of favorable weather conditions of the Mediterranean providing the possibility of being able to go out on the sea for most days of the year. From peacock and rainbow wrasses, blennies and gobies, small parrot fish, mackerels, cods, plaices, sea basses, breams, eels, tunas, swordfish and mineri, to the Picarel of Marida (maena smaris), red soldier fish and two siganids (rabbit fish) which belong to the most abundant commercial fish in Cyprus, North Cyprus coasts offer a very large variety of fish, which exceeds 80 species.

Angling in Reservoirs; According to the revised Fisheries Law Cap. 170 of 1990, the Fisheries Regulations of 1990, Regulation 12, special licenses must be obtained for those interested in angling in dams from the Head Office of Fisheries Department and Marine Research in Lefkosia or from the District Offices of Fisheries Department.

Fishing Trips ; Almond Holiday Village, offers many excursions as well as private charter & daily sailings and fishing trips from the harbor of Kyrenia. The more experienced fishermen also have the chance to fish at deep sea. The sailings are available for groups and families wishing to explore the coastline or just relax on the open sea. The season lasts from mid March until the end of November although fishing trips can be arranged all year round weather permitting.

·         North Cyprus International Festivals:

North Cyprus International Bellapais Music Festival:
This festival has been taking place at the historic Bellapais Monastery for 10 years.  The festival takes place between May - June. The festival brings together world famous musicians and performers every year.

North Cyprus International Music festival:
This festival takes place between September and October. During the festival the chamber music, symphonic rock, choir ,  flamenco, tango and recitals are preformed in historical  settings such as Bellapais Monastery, Salamis Amphitheatre and the Kyrenia Castle.

International Spring Concerts:         
Organised by the Friends of Music Association of North Cyprus is very popular amongst the “classical music “lovers. Taking place during April and May every year, held at the Medievil Temple Bellapais Monastery – these concerts should not be missed.

Guzelyurt Orange Festival :This festival has been organized every year since 1977 by the Guzelyurt Municipality during June and July. During the festival you have the chance to taste the world famous North Cyprus Oranges as well as listening to concerts and watching art events and competions beeing proformed.

Famagusta International Festival:
Held between June and July this festival deserves to claim to be the best festival in the Mediterranean. The festival has hosted groups like Aswad, Los Paraguayos and the Berlin Art Ensemble.

Zeytinlik International Olive Festival:
Zeytinlik Olive Festival is  organized  by the Kyrenia  Municipality and  Zeytinlik  Village Headman every year in October since 2002.  This festival is very important as it consists of series of cultural, artistic and social events representing the Turkish Cypriots and celebrating the “Olive “. This festival is one not to be missed.

·         Walking in North Cyprus : The geography of North Cyprus allows for a variety of excellent walks in varying terrain: mountain walks, those along the coastline and the splendid walks inland. The Karpaz peninsula is often considered by locals as a real treat since it is the least developed part of the island and much of its charm lies in this fact. The scenery can be stunning and you might feel that you are the only person on this island paradise. A real sense of the past still persists in this part of the island.  Five Finger Mountains , Alevkayası, Laphetos ( lapta), Kozan, Kantara, Salamis (Famagusta) and Kalkanli (Guzelyurt) are well worth the walk  through stunning countryside following quiet mountain trails leading to imposing Crusader castles. Kyrenia’s harbour front and narrow pretty back streets is another wonderful experience...

Walking and Treking tours are available at Almond Holiday Village, North Cyprus.... Visit www.kyreniamountaintrail.org  This well presented website will give you 600 different routes from Karpaz, Kyrenia and Five Finger Mountains ! You can put together your own itinerary!

·         Orchids Walks in North Cyprus: Because of their rarity and beauty, orchids hold a special fascination for all naturalists. At North Cyprus, the orchid flora consists of 32 confirmed species, subspecies and varieties and a further three or five which presence needs verifying. Some species will be familiar to botanists from north-western Europe, such as pyramidal orchid and autumn lady's tresses, but there are also more exotic species including violet limodore, tongue-flowered serapias, naked man orchid and more. No doubt more observant botanists will find these and other orchid species more frequently but we think it s true to say that they are localized and hence always a delight when stumbled upon.We can arrange Orchid walks/trips at Almond Holiday Village – Please ask at reception for more details. Alternatively you can visit www.walksnorchidsnorthcyprus.com

·         Herbarium in North Cyprus; North Cyprus has more to offer than its sun and sea, natural beauties and historic sites. One surprising attraction is the North Cyprus herbarium, which charms lovers of our wild flowers as well as providing a research center for botanists. Most people can confidently name the more showy blooms in the countryside: shepherds and foresters know dozens more. But how many of those seventeen North Cyprus "endemics", found nowhere else in the world, would you recognize? It was to fill this need that the collection of pressed and labeled plants originally made by the resident English botanist Deryck Viney in the course of writing his illustrated Flora of the country was adopted by The Forestry Department and formally opened to the public, on 9.11.1989. Since then it has expanded to include examples of nearly all the 1250 native plants species. And for the guidance of visitors it has special displays of flower photographs, specimens of all those seventeen "endemics" photographs of the oldest and biggest trees, and separate collections of bulky fruit. The herbarium is housed in the Alevkayası Forest Station on the mountain ridge between Esentepe and Degirmenlik.

·         Bird Watching and Wild Life in North Cyprus: Northern Cyprus plays host to over 1600 plant species of which 22 are endemic, 350 species of birds, of which 7 are endemic, and 26 different species of reptile and amphibian. The two main reasons for this amazing diversity are, firstly, that Cyprus was not affected by the last ice-age (which wiped out many species from areas further north), and secondly, that Cyprus forms a resting and nesting station for birds migrating between Africa and Eastern Europe. It is possible to watch 347 different species of bird in Cyprus. However, only 46 of these are native of Cyprus, and 7 of these are the endemic sub-species (that is only found in Cyprus). 119 out of the 347 birds that can be observed on the island are of winter-migrant breeder type, and 90 of these migrate to Cyprus regularly every winter-time. 29 of these winter-migrants migrate to the island less regularly than others. Together with the native Cypriot birds 27 of them migrate to Cyprus for breeding purposes. Apart from these, there are 220 other species of birds that use Cyprus as transit while migrating to other lands. 200 of these 220 species regularly pass as transit from Cyprus during their migration season. These are mostly the birds breeding in Europe, and migrating to Middle East and Africa. There are also birds that occasionally come to Cyprus by mistake, when they lose their groups, or their ways. There have so far 51 of this latter type recorded. Cyprus is on a north-south migration route and there are many birds in transit, some in vast flocks, some in small clusters. These migrating birds may only rest for a few days to a week. March to May is the period of north-ward migration and August to October the southward. First institutionalized attempts at the protection of the birds in Northern Cyprus started in 1989, with the foundation of the North Cyprus Society for the Protection of Birds, NCSPB (or KUSKOR). The association works in close co-operation with other environmentalist association, especially the local North Cyprus- Greenpeace Movement for the protection of the natural beauties, the wild animals, and the endemic birds of Cyprus. NCSPB stages public educational programs throughout the year in village coffee shops, hunting clubs, sports clubs, and schools.

·         Butterfly Watching in North Cyprus: Cyprus is located in the north corner of the Mediterranean. This situation at the Junction of Europe, Asia and Africa makes its fauna and flora an interesting blend of familiar European and less known Asian and African species and subspecies of butterflies have been recorded. This includes three endemic species. These are: Maniola cypricola, Glaucopsyhce paphos and Hipparchia cypriensis.

The Five Finger Mountains will be the best area watch to see if any butterflies around there. You have chance to see especially Cyprus Meadow Brown,Cyprus Grayling, The Hermit and Eastern Rock Grayling in Alevkaya Forest between May-September. You can watch Painted Lady (vanessa cardui) throughout the year in every type of habitat.

·         Caving: There are several caves in Northern Cyprus that you are free to explore. Hot Cave, north of Agirdag village on the southern slopes of the Five Finger Mountains, is a partially collapsed – entering in not advised. Warm air emanates from the cave, hence the name. Another natural cave in Girne area is the Guvercinlik Cave near Alevkayasi. Access to the cave involves some fairly difficult climbing. There are three more caves in the Gazi Magusa area.  The most stunning cave is Incirli Cave, a hundred meter long passage which contains an amazing collection of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is opened on Sundays (or by special arrangement with the village muhtar),  a small entrance fee is charged. Gastro Cave between Kuruova and Kaleburnu villages is a man made cave containing three rooms. Finally the ominously named Execution Cave, near Kaleburnu where there is set to be a golden earthenware jar hidden somewhere in the cave.

·         Go-Karting in Northern Cyprus: The ZET International Karting Circuit and Cemsa Karting Circuit , both  exceeding the highest European standards – having the best racing surfaces in the region. Both circuits have structure which is un-matched even in Europe and are situated on the outskirts of Nicosia , only 30 minute drive from Almond Holiday Village – North Cyprus.

·         Paintball in North Cyprus: The paintball circuit is only 10 minutes drive from Almond Holiday Village....All gear is available at circuit and paint is just ask for more details....

·         Quad Biking & Safari in North Cyprus: You will be swept of your feet – Just hire a quad bike or book a safari and with professional assistance you can explore the beauty of Northern Cyprus. You can choose between Kyrenia Mountain rides and coastal cruises – or why not have both? The experience is well worth it!  Contact Almond Holiday Village for more details....

·         Paragliding in North Cyprus: The flight of a lifetime....After an easy take off involving a few steps down a gentle slope, from 2500ft/750m, you will be treated to spectacular views of the unique scenery of Northern Cyprus. Whether you want a gentle scenic flight or an adrenaline joy ride, your pilot can tailor your flight to suit you. St Hilarion Castleis on the way to the  Paragliding take off site, and you can get wonderful views of the castle as well as treating yourself to Kyrenia under your feet. Your flight will end after a gentle and controlled landing on the Kyrenia Coast. Pickup from Almond Holiday Village for free, photos and T-shirts are also available. You do not need training as your pilot will guide you throughout your 2 hour lifetime experience. Contact Almond Holiday Village for more details....

·         Horse Riding in North Cyprus: There are several stables offering riding lessons in Alsancak, Lapta and Karaoglanoglu villages – which are only a few minutes local to Almond Holiday Village, North Cyprus. Most stables also allow customers to hire horses to take out in to the mountains and coasts which is a highly pleasurable experience.

Çatalköy Riding Club Situated 45 minutes east of Kyrenia, the riding club in Çatalköy provides fully guided riding. The rides are led by professional team and taken mainly in the Kyrenia Mountain range. One can learn how to ride a horse and walk with horse. Skirting the forest tracks are supplied with picnic activities and reaching historical sites.

Tunac Riding Club It is situated in Karaoglanoglu - Kyrenia. With 42 horses it gives certificated courses to both locals and tourists. The club also arranges guided tours with picnic. To wear a helmet is obligatory during the courses.

Tel: + 90 392 822 23 93 - 90 392 822 28 68

Kozan Mountain Retreat It is situated in the village of Kozan only 20 minutes drive from Almond Holiday Village. This unique spot set among pine trees in the mountains above Karsiyaka has stunning views of the sea and the mountains and provides horseback tours of the Kyrenia Mountains and the village of Karsiyaka. They only have a few horses therefore booking is recommended. Call 0(090) 533 845 7070 for more information.

·         Hunting in North Cyprus: Hunting is the greatest passion of many Turkish and Greek Cypriot man. The season runs from end of October to February. Hunting areas are limited and are published to hunters. Hunting is also limited to Sundays only during this period. Hunting areas are strictly controlled by the government and hunters must be licensed. The most popular prey for hunters is partridge, wood pigeon and hare.

·         Camping in North Cyprus: North Cyprus offers several official camping sites in the Kyrenia area which offer basic but essential facilities such as toilets and showers. Some also have a bar area. But the best camping areas are the ones which are discovered by yourselves, especially Karpaz...of course these do not offer any facilities. Lighting a fire is unforbidden in the forest sites.

·         Kyrenia Animal Rescue (KAR): For those animal lovers, The KAR is located up in the Five Finger Mountains (Besparmak), about 10 miles outside of Girne on the mountain road to Famagusta.When you reach the distinctive Five Finger Mountains, the centre is on the left, you should see the Kyrenia Animal Rescue sign. If you reach the café on the left, you have gone too far. The Rescue Centre was re-located to the Besparmak Mountains in 1999, and is now home to over 200 dogs and puppies and 50 cats and kittens.The centre is fully committed to providing a caring and loving environment for all the animals. Visitors are welcome to see the centre or to take a dog for a walk in the beautiful surrounding countryside. This is a very enjoyable experience for both you and the dogs. The walks take place in the beautiful, picturesque countryside of the Five Fingers Mountain range.  THE CENTRE IS OPEN DAILY 9AM – 1PM 

·         North Cyprus Night Life:For those who wish to experience night life in Northern Cyprus – Kyrenia would be your first stop....The stunning harbor front will offer you a wonderful selection of restaurants, taverns bars and cafes. These are most active in the high season.  Kyrenia also has a few open air discos and beach clubs and a wide selection of casinos if you a feeling lucky! Kyrenia is only 15 minute drive east from Almond Holiday Village, Alsancak. Therefore you have the choice of keeping away from the hassle and bustle in this relaxing, family run holiday village or the chance to be a part of it.

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