Northern Cyprus: How the other half lives

Prices are low and land rights are being addressed but is it safe to buy in Northern Cyprus? Asks Graham Norwood

Cyprus has long been a favourite for British holiday home owners and now, after decades of uncertainty, the north of the island is becoming as popular as the south.

It is 34 years since the Turkish invasion of the northern third of the island. But today, people can easily move between the Turkish north and the Greek south, and there are relatively few signs of conflict – indeed, the line dividing the communities is itself a tourist attraction. Although the north remains less affluent than the south, all areas have seen major infrastructural improvements as their economies have grown in recent years.

Northern Cyprus covers 3,300 sq km and is widely regarded as less developed and more naturally beautiful than the south of the island, with a profusion of beaches and mountain tracks. It has a rich history, is well known for its flora and fauna and notably boasts 38 species of orchid.

Brief Information about Northern Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sardina  and Sicily.  It lies 70 kilometres south of  Turkey, and 320 kilometres north of  Egypt.  Northern  Cyprus encompasses an area of 3,355 square miles. The natural beauty of the island,the friendliness, hospitality and generosity of the Turkish Cypriots, and the delicious  Turkish cuisine make Northern Cyprus an un spoilt and non-commercialised haven. Along with its rich archeological sites and medieval castles,Northern Cyprus offers the perfect combination of relaxation,water sports,and exciting exploration along its coastline and mountains.

      The Northern Cyprus climate makes the island one of the healthiest places in the world in which to live, consisting of a long hot summer and a short dry winter.  The country enjoys approximately 340 days of sunshine annually.   The local currency  is the  Turkish Lira. Eurocheques, Travelers Cheque's, Sterling, Dollars, and Euro may be used or exchanged at trading / tourist outlets. 

       When dialling from Cyprus, the code for  England is  00 44  followed by the local number, but the first number (0) is omitted.  From  England the code is  00 90 392 followed by the local   Cypriot number.

        In  Northern Cyprus  the rule is to drive on the  LEFT (as in Britain ) , and road traffic signs are international.  Maximum speed changes depending on the location, but it is generally 100 km/hr. on freeways,( main roads ) , and 50 km/hr. within towns.  It is mandatory to wear seat belts.  Drivers are prohibited from driving under the influence of alcohol ; the blood alcohol level must not exceed  50 milligrams / litre ( as in Europe ). 

       Major  towns include the capital , Lefkosa ( Nicosia ), which is the main administrative and business centre,  Girne
( Kyrenia ), a town of touristic importance and archaeological interest,  Gazimagusa  ( Famagusta ), the country`s principal port, and Guzelyurt ( Morphou ), which is famous for its citrus plantations. 

       Local time is two hours ahead of  Greenwich  Mean  Time ( GMT ).

      Turkish is the official language and  English is the second language.  English is widely used and  understood in both official and commercial circles.   

       Ercan  Airport  handles most of the tourist traffic, whilst Gecitkale Airport serves as a back up .  Daily flights from many mainland Turkish cities, as well as flights from Europe, supply the majority of the visitors to the island.  In addition to the air travel,  there is a selection of car and passenger ferries from Turkey to the island, the fastest being  two and a half hours from  Girne  to   Tasucu. 

      Northern Cyprus has a large selection of accommodation units, including  5 Star  hotels, small family hotels,motels,pensions,self - catering villas,apartments and camping facilities.

      Pets can be brought into the country from Europe with little hassle.  The Ministry of Agriculture requires a certificate from a European vet stating that your animal is free of major diseases. Quarantine is approximately 4 weeks at the  Lefkosa  kennels. 

     Land in Northern Cyprus is measured in donums, where 3 donums equal  1 acre and 1 donum equals  1388 square meters.