CYPRUS Paradise of the Eastern Mediterranean

Kyrenia, the mystical ancient city in Northern Cyprus has captured my heart with her unspoilt nature and tranquillity. As a South African I have always needed a visa for every country I want to visit over a weekend...or so I thought. Northern Cyprus doesn't require South Africans to have visas on a tourist trip so this got me packing immediately. I was on my way to visit The Ship Inn Hotel in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus... A four hour flight takes you to Ercan airport, where the friendly people of Direct Traveller meets you for pick up and transfer to the hotel. Driving for about 25 minutes through what I can only see as the end of an old city and the beginning of a new era for Kyrenia. Upon arrival at The Ship Inn Hotel (www.theshipinn.com), I was met by my holiday representative who suggested a magical two day tour to understand the history behind this ancient part of Cyprus. First I had to decide which room I was going to be staying in. I cast a quick glance outside at the fabulous pool area. The friendly hotel clerk obviously noticed my indecision and offered me a tour of the hotel rooms. There were garden rooms, two bedroom villas and twin/double bedded hotel rooms. I decided to go for a double room on the middle floor, which had lovely view across the garden and the pool area. All the rooms are very spacious and include airconditioning, ensuite facilities, satellite TV, telephone, stuff to make tea and coffee, a fridge and private balconies and patios which enjoy stunning pool or mountain views. The main hotel offers a heated indoor pool, a jacuzzi, massage therapy services and a sauna. The outer pool also offers a bar with a lunch time menu which will leave you filled to the brim with delicious varieties of food. The Ship Inn is situated below the popular mountains of the St. Hilarion Castle, about one mile from the town centre and two miles from the beautiful beaches of Kyrenia. This hotel has certainly made sure that their guests are comfortable and well looked after: They offer a 24hr taxi service and for the adventurers they offer a car rental service at as low as £60 for 38 days. Every morning hotel guests can enjoy a healthy breakfast comprising of fruit juices, cheeses, cold meats, different breads and of course the much loved English breakfast. Kyrenian Treasures Kyrenia Harbour The horseshoe shaped harbour is the focal point of the town. The historical Kyrenia harbour, with its colourful fishing boats and yachts and its lively bars and cafes is the heart of Kyrenia, both for locals and tourists. Here you have a wide variety of local restaurants with an international flavour. Party animals have Club Nargilem where you can find the Turkish North's only beer: Effes Pilsner. It includes a flavoured hubblybubbly. Bellapais Abbey Bellapais Abbey are the remains of an exquisite Gothic building in the beautiful mountain village of Bellapais. Originally known as the 'Abbey of Our Lady of the Mountains', it's now the scene of many wonderful concerts and a vantage point to view the countless beautiful sunsets. St. Hilarion Castle Rumoured to be the inspiration for the Disney film 'Fantasia', this castle sits atop the mountains overlooking Kyrenia. The Golden Beach The Karpaz peninsula of Northern Cyprus reaching towards the Iskenderun Bay is still absolutely fascinating with its unspoiled nature, fresh air and crystal clear sea. Karpaz has the most unspoiled beaches of Cyprus and the whole Eastern Mediterranean, the most famous being the Golden Beach which is probably the reason why Karpaz is so fascinating to so many people. This long beach with its golden thin sand layers and unspoiled natural habitat is one of the most peaceful places in North Cyprus and also a rare spot where the Caretta sea turtles lay their eggs. Tranquil Karpaz 

St. Andrew's Monastary Situated at the easternmost tip of the island of Cyprus, the monastery has been an important pilgrimage destination for the Orthodox for hundreds of years. The legend of St Andrew is a very interesting story and I can only briefly mention that St Andrew guided a ship of which the crew were tired out by hydration and disease. Thanks to his directions, the ship anchored near a rocky section of Karpaz, where it was impossible to find fresh water. But St Andrew struck the ground with his stick and immediately fresh water gushed from amidst the rocks. The crew drank the water and was cured, while a blind man regained his eye sight. Today still it is believed that the water has healing powers and is better known as holy water. City of Nicosia Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, a status it has enjoyed for a thousand years since the 10th century, though its beginnings date back five thousand years to the Bronze Age. It lies roughly in the centre of the island in the Mesaoria Plain, flanked by the beautiful northern range of Kyrenia mountains and its distinctive 'Pentadaktylos" the five finger mountain. Very important: there is a green line border between North and South Cyprus and the border check points are in Nicosia and you do need a visa if you would like to cross over into equally beautiful Southern Cyprus. After two days of experiencing the true history of Northern Cyprus, I thought it was time to relax on the beautiful beaches of Kyrenia. There are a variety of private beaches and public beaches, the difference is simply that you have to pay as a day visitor and you then have access to a beach bed and your own waiter. My first choice was Escape Beach Club, about ten minutes from The Ship Inn hotel. Wikipedia Pageen. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Republic_of_Northern_Cyprus">wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Republic_of_Northern_Cyprus</a><br />Website  <a href="http://northcyprus.cc/">www.northcyprus.cc</a> This lively resort provides plenty to do during the day and evening with the courtesy of the friendly staff and excellent facilities. It's fantastic and childfriendly with all kinds of activities, particularly water sports.