North Cyprus

Birds and Orchids in Kyrenia, Borgaz, Karpaz, Nicosia and Famagusta

If ever you were in the Greek islands in the 1960's you will immediately know what I mean when I say that huge areas of North Cyprus are completely unspoilt. Since the island divided in 1974 there has been relatively little in the way of tourism development in the country areas although there are signs of change. Some time ago Island Holidays offered holidays in the south of the island but we quickly became disillusioned by the avaricious development and the detrimental effect it has had on the environment. We were delighted when we "discovered" the north of the island with its beautiful mountains and empty peninsulas.

Not only is this part of Cyprus largely unspoilt in terms of development, its people have remained the hospitable, friendly bunch that they always were. They tend to shrug their shoulders at the politics and get on with living and are hugely welcoming to visitors.

The north is incredibly beautiful with the Kyrenia mountains forming a backdrop round almost every corner. From the mountain roads you look over the Mesaryan Plain which crosses the whole island and on down to Mount Olympus and the Trodos mountains in the south. In the fertile plain and coastal districts the old-fashioned methods of farming have ensured that wild flowers flourish, whilst the undeveloped beaches are a sanctuary for Loggerhead and the endangered Green Turtles.Roller - photo: Steve Cale As in other Eastern Mediterranean islands, North Cyprus is a hotspot for bird migration in the spring with the two peninsulas of Korucam in the west and Karpas (known as "the panhandle") in the east providing welcome land for tired migrants.

Of course the history and heritage of Cyprus is well known and the north has its share of outstanding archaeological sites - but here instead of wading through queues of visitors you are more likely to have the place to yourself. Although the main focus of our holiday will be on the birds and the orchids, we will take time to visit such wonderful places as Bellapais Abbey, St Hilarion Castle, the Shipwreck Museum in Kyrenia and, of course, the fantastic ruins of the ancient city of Salamis.

We need this entire brochure to share our enthusiasm for this super place but, instead of that, would simply encourage you to come to enjoy it before the wicked west has its wicked way!