Picture courtesy : Alex BushNorthern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus is still relatively undeveloped for a Medierranean island and there are many beautiful and historic places to see and explore. There are ancient ruins at Salamis, Soli and Vouni, mountain top crusader castles at St. Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara, the old town and boat museum in Girne (Kyrenia) as well as the old towns of Lefkosa (Nicosia) and Gazi Magusa (Famagusta).
The beaches and scenery along the Karpaz, or "panhandle" are spectacular and the drive all the way to St. Andreas' monastery, almost at the tip of the island, is well worth it. Many of the beaches are for turtles and early risers can join volunteer groups who clean the beaches, ensure the eggs hatch and the baby turtles make it to the sea.
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The village has most amenities. The village shop, which stocks all the essentials, including fresh bread, acts as the postoffice and a source of general information. There are two bars; The crows Nest pub is open all year round and Spot is open for the summer months. The village has two restaurants; Levant, next to the church and Kismet View in the lower village. |
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The old Greek Orthodox Church is now a museum and is open on most Sunday mornings around 11. The village is small and nowhere is really more than 5 minutes walk away.
There is also a small holiday village (Hilarion) with a good swimming pool about ten miutes walk just below the village on the main road, which is open to all for the price of a drink at the bar. From Karaman, several walks are possible. For the more energetic, Ilgaz is about 5 kilometers away to the west and Zeytinlik is about the same to the east. There are also tough trails up the mountains and along to St. Hilarion Castle, through the pine forest. |