Ercan, Cyprus
As the principle entry point by air into Northern Cyprus
There’s little in Ercan itself you’ll want to stay for. Travel more widely, however, and you’ll make new discoveries at every turn, on the coast at resorts including Kyrenia and inland at its delightful (but divided) capital Nicosia. Now opening up to visitors, Northern Cyprus is quieter and less developed than its southern neighbour, but that won’t last long. Pioneer now and you’ll have this half of the island to yourself.
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Destination overview
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| Language: | Turkish | |
| Currency: | New Turkish Lira | |
| Time zone: | GMT +2 hour (GMT +3 hours in summer) | |
| Flight Time: | 5 hours | |
| Holiday type: | Beach | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 18.9°C (24-hour average) (Data for Nicosia) Rainfall: 358.7mm a year (Data for Nicosia) |
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Must see:
Travel to the midpoint between Kyrenia and Nicosia and stop off at the impressive St. Hilarion castle, a giant fairytale of a place once said to have been besieged by Richard the Lionheart.
Must eat at:
For the ‘full kebab’, try Niazi’s in Kyrenia. Cooked right in front of you on the charcoal grill, your gourmet kebab is then served with a whole selection of mezzes.
Must be there for:
Winters are cool and damp in Nothern Cyprus. 60% of the year’s rain falls between November and February, but, with the onset of Spring, things start to look up. May and September can both be blissful, and less crowded.
Well-travelled tips:
· If you travel to Famagusta be prepared to gamble. The town’s casinos are legendary... as are its bombed-out out former hotels.
· If you venture to Northern Nicosia, which is the part administered by Northern Cyprus, get your bearings by starting at Ataturk Square, which is the hub of this part of town.
Visa:
British citizens need a visitor’s visa to enter Northern Cyprus. These are issued free of charge at entry points.
