Paradise at lower price
North Cyprus has the best deals in the Med, says NICK DALTON
NORTH Cyprus is a place of mountains and empty beaches, of monasteries and Roman ruins, of wildlife and charming towns. It’s one of the Med’s most unspoilt spots, warm in winter and divine in summer. What also haven’t changed down the years are the prices, with seven-night holidays from British specialist Cyprus Paradise below £300.
And it’s not just the holiday – you can see the island nation to the full for the cost of a meal in many other countries.
There’s so much to see and do there, such as the relaxed boat tour that departs quaint Kyrenia harbour for swimming and a beach visit with lunch (traditional meze and grilled fish and chicken) – a whole day for £25.
Or spend a day on the Karpaz Peninsula, visiting beaches and mosques, sampling olive oil at the factory, sipping thick Turkish coffee, feeding apples to wild donkeys, enjoying a splendid lunch – and getting back just in time for dinner.
You could take a jeep tour into the Kyrenia Mountains, stopping at deserted monasteries, taking in views over the Mesaoria Plain and miles of sandy beaches, with lunch in an ancient village – for just £45.
Other outings include wine tasting, the lively beach town of Famagusta and a night featuring local food and a belly dancer.
But best value of all is the free day tour of Nicosia – Europe’s last divided capital, filled with character and culture – that comes with all seven-night holidays.
Cyprus Paradise has been offering great-value holidays for 25 years, including flights with meals and full luggage allowance, and transfers – and no hidden surcharges or credit card costs.
Prices start at £279 for seven nights B&B at the Mountain View, just a stroll from the beach and a bus hop into historic Kyrenia. It’s a place of peace and quiet with its own pool amid palm trees in the Mediterranean gardens – and there’s an upgrade to half-board for holidays until June 30 if booked by March 31.
The Lapida Hotel in pretty Lapta, set between sea and mountains, starts at £289 – with a free bottle of wine to greet you.
The British Hotel is right by the harbour in Kyrenia and offers stunning views from its rooftop terrace. Prices from £299, B&B, with wine and car hire for two days. Even five-star hotels are a bargain. A week at the Malpas starts at £319, half-board. Set among fragrant gardens and with a large outdoor pool and seaview sun terraces, there’s a free shuttle to the private beach club and exquisite spa with indoor pool, where you get complimentary entry and 20 per cent off treatments.
Cyprus Paradise’s flagship hotel is the Acapulco Beach and Spa Resort, half-board from £379. It’s perfect for couples or families as it has an aqua park and choice of hotel rooms or garden bungalows. There’s free access to the Ocean spa, with 20 per cent off treatments, and for departures until March 31 there’s an upgrade to a luxury hotel room.
Sitting on a private cove with golden sands, you may not feel the need to explore. But there’s so much to see in North Cyprus that you might not want to miss it… INFORMATION 020 3150 0330/cyprusparadise.com/ express