Match Med in heaven
North Cyprus is a destination of discovery, says NICK DALTON
IT’S warming up in North Cyprus. Winter here at the far end of the Med means balmy days and now it’s on its way back to being a holiday hot spot – for those in the know. You want the culture, the children want the beaches. You want the sun, from a lounger, while they want the sun from the top of a waterslide.
Yet what you want the most is a great family holiday at a great price – and holidays with flights start below £200.
North Cyprus, the Med as it used to be, has always been euro-free and it’s easy to find dinner with wine for £15. There’s a whole world here for all the family.
There are contemporary resorts and historic towns, mountains and places to explore such as crusader castles and hilltop Bellapais abbey. Then there are countless miles of beaches: soft, sandy and safe.
It’s easy to explore on the quiet roads (drive on the left just like home) with car hire from £13 a day.
Cyprus Paradise, the first firm to bring Brits here, almost 25 years ago, offers low prices without cutting corners. Flights have proper baggage allowance (20kg), there are no surcharges, no taxes, no credit card fees and everything’s ATOL protected. This year there’s also a bonus, free, full-day tour of the capital Nicosia with all holidays.
You’re relaxed before you start, and then you can explore.
Historic
Historic harbour town Kyrenia has a castle overlooking a café-lined waterfront. The Five Finger mountains offer a dreamy backdrop and beaches stretch in either direction. The walled town of Famagusta has a lovely quayside, historic buildings (Othello’s Tower, mentioned in Shakespeare’s play) and gorgeous beaches.
Coastal treasures include the Karpas Peninsula, where wild donkeys roam and turtles nest, with divine stretches of sand, hidden bays and rocky headlands perfect for a family walk. There’s a huge variety of family-friendly hotels. Prices start at £199, B&B, for seven nights at Club Simena, hotel rooms plus bungalows amid lush grounds and a pool with water slides.
Altinkaya Holiday Village in the mountain foothills between Kyrenia and Bellapais has two pools, a free summer beach shuttle and an English pub. Seven nights B&B, from £219pp.
Grand Pasha is an extravagant affair, off Kyrenia’s seafront, with indoor and outdoor pools, varied restaurants and a stylish spa. Seven nights from £349pp, half-board.
One of the best deals is seven nights, light all-inclusive (buffet meals), from £395pp at newly-built Lord’s Palace in Kyrenia. There’s a rooftop pool with views over sea and mountain, elegant spa, garden and private sandy beach.
If you fancy a glitzy retreat, the Cratos is a seafront resort and marina near Kyrenia. It has water sports, spa and cool, contemporary rooms. Seven nights full board from £469; light all-inclusive (buffet meals) from £569pp. If you fancy an extra treat, the Cratos has a wide choice of restaurants serving everything from Chinese dishes to fabulous local cuisine.
North Cyprus is the timeless Med that you’ve always dreamed of, yet with all the comfort and style you could desire. Go for a spring break or wait until the summer for it to work its blazing charm. INFORMATION: Cyprus Paradise (020 3150 0330/cyprusparadise.com/ express)