Nature

It is well known fact that North Cyprus is a wonderful place in every season. Despite of its rich and diverse historical and culture heritage North Cyprus has magnificent natural beauty. The richness of the flora partly explained by the uniqueness of the Mediterranean climate. About 1900 kinds of flowering plants including gramineae grasses grow wild in North Cyprus. There are 19 different types of flora which occur here and no where else in the world. Cyprus has also 8 types of herbal plants.

Orchids

Nature has formed orchid flowers in a way that must either make us laugh or excite our admiration, wrote a 17th century German botanist. Out of 20,000 or so orchids known, Cyprus has about 45 kinds and North Cyprus 30 of these.

Presses and preserved speciments, drawing and photographs of all these species can be seen at any time in North Cyprus herbarium. There are also arranged walks to see Orchids. Visit www.walksnorchidsnorthcyprus.com or Tel:7213013 for further details.

North Cyprus Turtles

(Caretta carettas and Chelonia mydas)

For about one hundred million years, our waters have been visited by the green (chelonia mydas) and the logger head (caretta carettas) turtles. The green turtle only nests in Cyprus, south east turkey and sometimes in Israel.

These fascinating creatures come ashore on the deserted beaches of North Cyprus between May and August to nest and Aligadi beach is classified as a special protected area. After sunset, when it is dark, the adult females, sometimes with a carapace of more than 100cm long, make their way up the beach to find a suitable nesting place. There, they lay between 65 and 110 eggs, depending on the species. This can be repeated three to five times for each, 10-15 days apart. When the nesting is done, the exhausted turtles return to the sea. They will perhaps reappear on the same beach again a couple of years later. Up to thirty percent of all green turtles nest on the coast line of North Cyprus. A group of ecologists and students have been observing and helping to protect these rare animals from extinction for a number of years. Visitors are welcome to observe this exciting experience.

Kyrenia

The peace and tranquility of Kyrenia Harbour can be felt even before it is seen. As you stroll along the sea front towards it, there is an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Turning into the harbour itself, your eyes will behold a veritable feast, as tiny whitewashed buildings and colourful fishing boats nestle protectively between the massive Byzantine castle at one end and the colonial customs house at the other. All at once you will understand why this tiny harbour has been called 'one of the most beautiful sights in the world' mail on Sunday 'you' magazine.

Lapta

Situated west of kyrenia, Lapta reflects its past glory into its role as one of the jewels in the crown of north Cyprus tourism industry with its abundance of historical sites, natural beauty, hotels, restaurants and beautifully restored buildings.

Ozankoy

One of the most beautiful villages in Kyrenia. Its wide residential area is engulfed by acres of olive, carob and lemons.

Karpaz

Karpaz is just 1hr 30 min drive from Kyrenia and then you are in the northeastern region of Cyprus known as 'The panhandle' or the Karpaz. A visit to this magical part of the country is a must.