our holidays in the Manolya Hotel Northern Cyprus

OUR HOLIDAY’S IN THE MANOLYA

We have been asked by Mehmet to show some of the places that we have visited and places that we enjoy eating and drinking at,and generally why we enjoy Northern Cyprus.
There are 3 main reasons for us to come to Northern Cyprus,The scenery,The weather, but most of all the people.
Lets start with the most important the people,we have traveled all over Europe and as yet we haven’t found a friendlier race of people,they always make you welcome whether it be in the towns or the villages.It’s very easy to make friends,which makes you want to return on a regular basis.
Now the scenery,Cyprus has the lot Mountains,plains and a beautiful coastline with crystal clear water and lovely beaches.Also if you visit in the spring time an abundance of beautiful flowers.
Finally the weather,what can you say sun and more sun.In June you can rely on temperatures of around 33 degrees centigrade.July and August get considerably hotter while the spring and autumn are lovely and warm with maybe an occasional shower of rain.
PLACES TO VISIT

Shopping:-
For shopping there is Kyrenia which is fairly small but has plenty of small shops selling pretty much everything from local produce to jewelry and clothes.Every Wednesday they have a local market which is worth a visit.You can easily drive to Kyrenia but park your car in the car park next to the roundabout and walk into the town.Next is Famagusta,there are two parts to this town the old city within the city walls and the new part,again you can buy pretty much anything here.Finally you have Nicosia,this is probably the biggest shopping centre and certainly the hottest,here you have a local produce market and a street market every day (don’t know about Sundays),the best way to go to Nicosia is by Dolmus Taxi or by ordinary taxi but get a price first and ask to be taken to Kyrenia Gate where you will find the tourist information centre.

PLACES OF INTEREST

KARPAZ :-
This you must visit,to us this is the most beautiful part of the island.
We would advise staying overnight at the Balciplaza.
This is a fairly new restaurant with some lovely apartments built in october 2004,a room for 2 people will cost approx £30 per night £45 for 4 people which includes a big full English breakfast,it also has a lovely secluded sandy beach.
The reason we say stop overnight is because it’s a fairly long drive especially if you go over the mountain road through Kaplica, but also there’s a lot to see like the big sandy beaches and the wild donkeys.You can drive for ages and hardly see another person except maybe a shepherd with his sheep or goats.This is also where the green turtles come to lay their eggs but you must remember that these animals are a protected species.

Salamis:-
These are ancient ruins near Famagusta and include an amphi theatre and some lovely mosaic floors.
While your this side of the island and only 5 minutes drive from salamis you should also visit the tombs and also the very lovely St Barnabas monastery you can do all these in a day easily.

Vuni & Soli
These are more ruins but at the other end of the island near Lefke,to get here you will go through Guzelyurt this is the citrus fruit growing area with orange and lemon trees in abundance.
Soli has some very interesting old mosaics and a small amphi theatre while Vuni is the remains of an old Persian palace,the views from here are spectacular.

Castles:-
There are three main castles that we have visited they are Kantara,St Hilarion and the beautiful Kyrenia which overlooks the lovely old harbor with all it’s restaurants.All of these are well worth a visit although the first two are rather high up the mountains,don’t let this put you off because the views when you get there are breathtaking.
St Hilarion is unusual as it’s built into the mountain on 3 different levels and you need to be fit to reach the top.
While your at St Hilarion you should take the road marked koszin restaurant this is a fairly narrow road that will wind it’s way across the top of the mountain
but will give you some of the best photo shots of your holiday and will bring you out the other side of Lapta.

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Holiday in Lapta

Beaches, etc. Around the Lapta....

Friends Beach (small - 10 mins walk opposite the turning on the main coastal road ) - food
LA – Opposite the LA hotel (10 mins walk) right at the main road (10 YLT for adults and 5 YLT for children) – food
Silver Rocks – Pool and sea (Snorkling) no beach – Fantastic food -4 minute drive turn head West on Coast Road on the right after a mile.
Sunset resort – Jet ski’s, etc.. 10 YLT entrance for Adults (Kids free)
Escape (10 min drive) turn left at the main road
‘Guzelyali Club’ - large beach with restaurants (turn left on the main road about a 10 min drive).
Karafaki, opposite Stone Grill restaurant – good when there is a Easterly wind (15 mins drive)
Horse shoe beach (pebble beach – lovely restaurant) - Food
Turtle Beach 20 to 30 min drive depending on traffic – East of Kyrenia on the Esentepe road- Food
Acapulko hotel complex (pools/beach/slide, etc.) just on the East side of Kyrenia on the road to Ensetepe (before turtle beach) food (10ylt for adults and 5 ylt children). This is a recommended trip.
Vogue beach complex - very near Acapulko
Golden Beach - 2 Hour + Karpas/Pan handle – see the wild donkey’s – well worth the drive – if you have plenty of time go via the Esentepe route otherwise go via Nicosia using the main roads (tip. When you see signs for Ercan airport come off, but go in the opposite direction to the airport. This is a very good road and will cut out Famagusta.
Salimis beaches – Near ruins (1+ hour) – See the ruins and then go for a swim

LA Beach and other beaches are run by a hotel/restaurant and as such they can ask a fee to use their equipment (no different than paying for a deck chair at Blackpool, etc.). However, if you go to the far left, in front of the Villas, there should be no problem. This is a common theme if you don’t use their sun beds, etc. there is no cost.

Turtle beach is well worth the journey. Try the second beach, i.e. go up the hill past the first turning and take the tarmac road on the left. This is generally more secluded.

In July/August/Sept you can visit the turtle project and see the release of baby turtles in late August/Sept.

If you find any other beaches, etc. then please let us know.

There are as mentioned 6 beach towels in the master bedroom wardrobes.

Trips

Just a few suggestions:-

Kyrenia –Harbour, Castle and shopping.
Bellapais Abbey – Beautiful ruin, restaurants and a few shops. Belly Dancer display and meal on a Sat night in the main restaurant.
Hilarion Castle. Not for the feint hearted. (There are another 2 castles)
A drive over the mountains (This is not for the feint hearted, but well worth the trip). There is a lovely restaurant called ‘Kazons’ at the Western end of the mountains.
A days boat trip going from bay to bay – The hotel will have details of a good boat.
Lefkosa/Nicosia – Ancient walled city and shops.
Trip to the South side - Nicosia
Salamis Ruins – miles and miles of ancient ruined city only partially excavated (You can really touch and feel history here) Day trip or more if you like history. There are numerous other historical sites.
Pan Handle – Day trip to the tip of Cyprus, wild donkeys and stunning views.
Famagusta – shops and sightseeing. (Go via the mountain road East of Kyrenia/Girne – very spectacular views)

There are a number of site seeing books in the left hand draw with details of other possible trips and things to do.

Activities

Fishing – There are a number of boats in Kyrenia Harbour (£40 per person for about 4 hours)
Scuba Diving – Contact Mehmet at the Hotel
Water sports (Sunset Club – 5 minute drive) In the summer there are a number of places that provide various water sports (if you try them please tell us about your experience)
Horse Riding (details in tourist brochures/paper)
Walking (there are a number of people who organise at a cost walks in the mountains / woods). This is very much a winter stroke spring activity. There are a number of walks in the Mountains from Kozan’s restaurant (They are reasonable but wear good shoes/walking boots).
The wild flowers (April/May) are very spectacular. Apparently there are over 30 types of wild orchids that are not found anywhere else. There are a number people who organise trips to see them.
Golf – An 18 hole golf course near Ensentepe – (East of Kyrenia) – very impressive and apparently you can rent clubs.
Casino’s - You can (so we are told) go to the bigger ones along the coastal road, put a few coins in the machines and get free food, drink and entertainment.
Barber shop – go and try a hair cut / shave it is an amazing experience but tell them not to yank your head at the end!! I’m serious

Restaurants

Manolya hotel – Lapta – Walkable and has different events
Archway – Temlos Zeytinlik (Wonderful, reasonable and you will need to book)
Siver Rocks (West on Coast road and on the right after a few mins) Try the meze and a main meal.
The Saffron (Turn right (West) at the Coast Road 4 min drive on the Right)
Haci Ali – almost opposite the Saffron
Jasmine Hotel/Casino has an amazing meal and folk dance/belly dancer evening on Thursdays (45YLT for Adults half price for kids)
Ambience - Karaoglanoglu
Serenada Court – Lapta (Friendly)
The Corner - Alsancak
Chicken Kebab House - Girne not far from the main car park in a group of restaurants (Fantastic kebabs, very cheap) say Hi to Hazim for us.
Café de Paris (as above)
Patio – Girne/Kyrenia
Pegasos – Karaoglanoglu
Californian – Lefkosa /Nicosia (Very good quality)
Ezic Chicken – Girne – Try the new one near the new road. Drive along the main road and take the bypass to Lefkosa (Nicosia) the restaurant is on the left.
Severn – Karaoglanoglu

We have eaten at all the above and would recommend them all. Some are very reasonable and some more pricey. There is a comprehensive list in the Cyprus Times. There are numerous restaurants within a short drive or walk. If you find a good place to eat then please tells us about it. Finally, some Restaurants do change hands quickly here so the above is just a guide no more no less.

Hotels
Manolya Hotel www.manolyahotel.com
Club Alda
Club Asena
Club Sotira
Villa Mulberry

We hope this information has been useful.

Enjoy your stay.

''A sanctuary of unspoilt beauty''

Cyprus is a paradise island of incomparable natural beauty, full of unique historical treasures.
''A sanctuary of unspoilt beauty''
It lies in the clear blue waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, just 40 miles off the coast of Turkey, 60 miles from Syria and 250 miles from Egypt. After Sicily and Sardinia, it is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. North Cyprus provides a most hospitable welcome, with is friendly people, and its beautiful netural attractions, unspoilt, unpolluted, and uncrowded with miles of coastline and golden sands bathed in sunshine almost every day of the year. There is much of historical interst to reflect nine thousand years of history. Gothic churches rub shoulders with crusader castles, and ruined temples with British Colonial architecture in a fascinating blend of styles. The all pervading sense of the past adds to the enchantment ofthe present to make an unforgettable holiday.
We try to give you more detials about Northern Cyprus. If you need more detials please do not hesitate to contact with us.

LOOKING FORWARD TO A BEAUTIFUL SPRING? PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY NOW

LOOKING FORWARD TO A BEAUTIFUL SPRING? PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY NOW

Northern Cyprus has the ideal climate for the visitor who likes to have a holiday during the winter months of Western Europe.January is the only month that can be considered to be winter here and , even then , the days are likely to be warm , sunny and only chilly when the sun goes down.The months between February and May should be the favourite times to plan your break ; wild flowers carpet the mountainsides giving a rich tapestry of every colour , temperatures are perfect for walking the many trails or driving along the deserted roads.Artists , bird watchers , photographers , botanists, as well as those who just enjoy nature at its best , can enjoy the delights that this beautiful country has to offer.

Visitors to Northern Cyprus in the spring are always delighted by the variety and wealth of wild flowers and orchids they see as they travel around the countryside.From January to early May the whole country comes alive with colour and , as the season progresses, the colours change from the palest pinks and blues of the wild anemones to the deepest reds of poppies, yellows of the buttercups, purples of the majestic thistles.Amongst all the wild flowers are the orchids hiding in secret places, once you know what to look for you will wonder how you could ever miss them ! This is the time of year that the country has to be seen to be believed!

The Kyrenia Mountains are limestone; the flora simulates a chalk flora, with the absence of lime hating plants.The climate is hot and dry in the summer mounths and the soil is baked so hard it is amazing that such beautiful plants survive.There are 1250 native plant species, 17 acedemics (only found in Northern Cyprus ) and 30 different species of wild orchids.

The season for the orchids is mid February to mid May and you can expect to see up to 14 different flowering at one time if you choose to visit in March or April.One of the earliest Orchids is the quite rare Fan-lipped Orchids (Orchis collina); this is seen from late January to the begining of March.The rare Orchis punctulata is prolific in certain mountain areas in early March.

The yellow petals blend in easily aganist thegrasslands but some of these orchids reach 50 cms in height.The beautiful Cyprus Bee Orchids (Ophrys kotschyi) is the orhid endemic to Cyprus and is easily found and recognised in late March.The petals are a deep purple, the dark violet to almost black looking lip is set off with white markings forming a letter H.The size of the Giant Orchid (Barlia robertiana) is so impressive with a delicate perfume to delight all.The Dense flowered Orchid (Neotinia maculata ) is, in contrast , a tiny species easily missed if not pointed out to the newcomer.The dark purple face and velvet texture of the Dull Ophrys (Ophrys fusca) is photogenic ; this species grows to about 30 cm.The green winged Orchid (Orchid morio) is prolific early in the season, colours wary from purple to pink, to almost pure white.The Yellow Bee Orchid (Ophry lutea ) is also small but seen during February and March.Later species include the Holy Orchid (Orchis sancta), the Bug Orchid (Orchid coriophora) and the Ploughshare Orchid (Serapais vomeracia).These are in bloom in late April and continue until May.

In mid February Maureen and Tony Hutchinson start their regular "Orchid and Wild Flower Walks" based from their mountain village of Hisarkoy on the southern slopes of the Kyrenia mountains.This is a very special place for orchids, wild flower and their village is an old, tradinitional Turkish Cypriot village.These walks have been set up for visitors to learn about the Orchids and wild flowers they see and also take in the village life and traditions of Northern Cyprus.This is a day with attractions for anyone interested in folwers , trees, birds, nature, beautiful sceenery and wanting to experience "old CYPRUS".There are regular walks each week from February to mid May and are suitable for all abilities.

A MEDITERRANEAN FIRE

A MEDITERRANEAN FIRE

This fire has been burning since thousands of years in the east of the warmest, calmest and most secret sea.History states that first signs of line in cyprus were already present in the stone age, B:C 4000.This means, the fire of the mediterranean has been passed on from generation tao generation, until it has finally reached our present time.
This very old fire is now burning n us, who have given their soulds to cyprus, in the hearts of the population of today.
Who are thyis people?
Everyone who identifies their own faith with the faith of cyprus, simply everyone!
Turks…Greeks…Armenians…Maronites…Small minorities…Gypsies…
Even people who have moved to cyprus, whether to its North or to its sounth, after 1974, who have protected its individuality and added new movement to its history.
The mediterranean fire, which has been burning warmly and sometimes wildly, since 6000 years or perhaps even longer, has reached a never before seen popularity.
However, the simple truth is the following: today’s Cypriots are the last sparks of the once so strangly blazing fire.
Already the Cypriots living in the stone age, the brone age, the iron age, who later called themselves “Alashiyans”, and the hittites have had an enormous influence on cyprus development.These people have created history, and such additions have carried on and are stil continuing.
The mosaic formed by Egyptians, Akalarians, Dorlarians, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Persians, Macedonians, Ptolomeans, Byzantines, Romanians, Temple knights, Lusignans, Venetians, Turks and English is incredibly confusing.
The relatıonship between Turks and Greeks is the last, but most fragile link making up the chain of cypriot history.Both cultures deeply love cyprus and envy each other for their territories.If only they loved each other as much as they loved cyprus, and hence would no fall for the traps of its politics.If this could be reached, the Mediterranean fire could also burn brightly in the 20 th century and thus spread the warmth of happiness

LAPITHOS (LAPTA) A SHINING STAR

LAPITHOS (LAPTA) A SHINING STAR

Lapta , with its location and natural beauty is one of the island's most popular locations...It has provided shelter for countless civilaitions in the past,
and is now making progress daily , in order to keep up to today's standarts , and evolve even further.The person , who has pushed ahead Lapta's progress greatly is Mayor Fuat Namsoy , who has occupied the post for 13 years and has devoted himself entirely to his duty and the happiness of his town.We talked to Mr.Namsoy about his plans for Lapta's futURE :
THE COPPER AGE , THE BYANTINE RULE AND THE KINGDOM OF LAMBUSA

Lapta is a small town , totally charming , due to its location with the mountains in the back and the beachfront at its fo
ot.The first settlement of Lapta is known to have been established in the Copper Age.Lapta has its Golden Age under Byzantine rule (395-1191) it was highly developed and was thus given the name "Lambusa" meaning luminous or shiny.Tourism in Lapta started after 1974.Nowadays , it is one of the most significant towns due to its natural structure and characteristics its hotels and governmental bureaus.If we compare Lapta to the rest of the administrative district of Kyrenia , it is the one that has preserved its naturalness the most.Tourism is one of the main fuels of the driving power ensuring the development of the Lapta area.

MUSICAL EDUCATION CENTRE AND BALLET SCHOOL

In the last months , a ballet school from the Kyrenia Centre for musical Education opened in lapta ; you were the one who influenced the choice of the location the most . How did this process come about ?

We are applying our efforts to give Lapta a central role and to bring it into focus for more activities and projects.Even if or financial situation maybe unstable , we are doing all we can . The Centre for Musical Education in Kyrenia belongs to Turgay Hilmi and Gölem Özdegirmenci.I contacted Mr. Hilmi as soon as I found out he was looking for a locality for his new ballet school.I said that I could find a remedy for his problem as his activities could be carried out in our area.After we completed the formalities we opened the school for business.Activities such as ballet and yoga take place at the school.Although the school has the existed for less than a year , the demandhas increased to such an extent that the church is too small.We reacted to this problem and rented the large cinema hall belonging to the Kooperatif and are now offering it to the Musical Education Centre for their lessons.Here , there will be many artistic activities such as theatre and ballet courses taking place.

ECOTOURISM AND EXCURSIONS

You are currently trying to enliven Lapta's ecotourism , could you describe your efforts in more detail ?
We have worked mainly with hoteliers to bring the existing resources and beauties of our region into the foreground.For example , there are numerous vilagers doing handicrafts in Lapta.We are currently negotiating with them , in order to be able to offer more possibilities and are marketing their work.Furthermore , we are trying to advertise our local food specialties.We want to emphasise Lapta's values , beauties , and options from a touristic perspective and thus be able to offer these attractions to locals and to tourists.
There are numerous historically valuable monuments and sites in the region of Lapta.Could you briefly mention some?
Antique water mills , historics churches , Ottoman mosques , memorials and orchids in Lapta are worth seeing .Furthermore, there is a tank left in the mountains from the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation.It was left there after it had been fatally shot by Cypriot Greeks.I believe it is definitly worth seeing .In order to do this there are many fixed hiking tracks in the mountains of our area.For example, there is hiking track going to the tank from here, continuing to St. Hilaron Castle . There is another one from the tank to the east leading back to Lapta.We believe the maps and hiking lanes will onjoy quite some popular ity.We are determined to continue all our efforts towards utiliing Lapta's touristic potential to the full extent.