What's the current position with regard to visiting Northern Cyprus? Is it possible?

Thanks but I meant visiting from the South - my fault really as I didn't make it clear.

It's a lot easier now than when I crossed a few years ago. Why not hire a car and drive to Nicosia and cross there, so you can take in the city from both sides. It's about a 2 hour drive from Paphos, if that's where you're staying. You will need your passport.

You will have no problem at all visiting the north. I have lived in Northern Cyprus since 2004 and the borders have become alot easier to cross. Dont forget your passport though !

is it safe to travel there an an american this summer, that is to "south" part??

Cyprusnut



My reference to North Cyprus was merely geographical not political. Whatever we think of the current situation there is still a divide and people will continue to refer to "North" and "South".



If you read my posts you will see that I do not "wish to holiday there," merely visit. Yes there are beautiful places in the South, I have seen them. Equally there are beautiful places in the North of the island that I have not seen.



At the end of the day I am visiting Cyprus and am in the fortunate position of being able to go, moreorless where I like.

I took an organised coach trip to North Cyprus this summer. It only cost 14 euros, from the travel agents on the Tomb of the Kings Road, the holiday rep at the apartments wanted 32 euros !!!



I had wanted to see Kyrenia for many years after reading "The bitter Lemons of Cyprus", by Lawrence Durrell, but due to the invasion and having many Greek friends, I never felt comfortable with this.



However the two sides now appear to be trying to solve this ongoing problem, due to the lure of joining the EEC, so I convinced myself it would be OK (convenient)



I can highly recommend the trip, we went to Bellapais first, where Lawrence Durrell lived, this was beautiful with stunning views of Kyrenia below.



Kyrenia harbour was more beautiful than I expected, but the rest of the Town fails to match it.



It appeared to be a mixture of old dilapidated buildings, which could be beautiful if money was spent on them and characterless new buildings. It was obvious that money is in short supply, unlike the vast amount of money which is being spent in the south.



I was a lone female, as my husband and Son were not interested in the trip, and I like to wander at leisure, however this did cause groups of men, at cafes and sitting on benches, to stare and mutter, and although I never felt worried or in any danger I did find this attitude annoying.



Many of the shops sell counterfeit designer goods, which are really cheap and well made, I bought a number of items....happy days



Overall, I have tried to give an honest opinion of my visit, which others may agree with or not, but I would return, even if it was just to shop.

There is no Northern Cyprus!! Cyprus is Cyprus, the northern part of this beautiful island is still recognised as illegally occupied by the Turkish and whilst it may be beautiful it belongs to the Cypriots not the Turkish and whilst you may wish holiday there you are doing no favours to giving the island back to the Cypriots. There are loads of beautiful places around Polis, Acamas peninusular,the bays around Pathos, the orange groves of Limassol, Konnos Bay, Sirena Bay, Pernera, Paralimini, the Troodos mountains.

Cyprus is a country divided by the Green Line, offering the Turkish experience in the north and the Greek experience in the south. Mountain biking and hiking can be enjoyed all over the island while skiing is offered only on the northeastern face of Mount Olympus. Cyprus has a cultural heritage that can be found in the Greek temples, Roman mosaics and 15th century frescoes.