Getting around Cyprus

We%26#39;re going to Cyprus in 3 weeks time; never been there. We%26#39;re staying at Protaras, at the Pernera Beach Hotel.

The only thing I know about Cyprus is the fact that it%26#39;s split and half owned by Turkey, half by Greece. Is there a problem moving around Cyprus and going into differently %26#39;owned%26#39; areas?

If we have to travel through the Dhekelia area (ie the army area) will we need to make sure we have ID with us?

Sorry if this is completely wrong, but as I say, I%26#39;ve never been there and don%26#39;t know a lot about the place. Needless to say I can%26#39;t wait to go!

Any hints or tips would be greatly appreciated - not just on moving around. My husband and I will be travelling with our two girls aged 5 and 7. We will have a hire car.

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If you are staying in the southern part of Cyprus hire companies will not allow you to take your car into the north - it invalidates any insurance. If you do decide to travel to the north I believe you will have to arrange a hire car on the other side of the %26quot;green line%26quot; and you will need your passport and driving licence. Also don%26#39;t forget the northern part of the island obviously does not use the cypriot pound but turkish lira. I have not travelled to the north but that is simply because of my own principles but I know many people who have and have friends who actually stay in the Kyrenia region who say it is very beautiful. Without wishing to get into any political debate about the rights and wrongs of the north/south divide (past contributors to this Forum will know this can open up a whole %26#39;minefield%26#39; of personal feelings about the matter), as you are staying in the Pernera region, which is the area I always stay at, you might want to have a look at the view point at Dhekelia which is the last house in the south before the buffer zone. It is very interesting and admittedly, whilst you will only see one side of the story, it will give you an insight into why the island is divided. Plus, the lady who owns the house makes the most delicious cakes and tea. Tour companies however do arrange day trips to Famagusta and these can be booked at any of the travel companies in Pernera.

The area you are staying in is lovely, quieter than Protaras itself but with plenty of good restaurants. La Cultura De Gusto is fabulous, The Jolly Waiter, Evandrea, Blue Bay (which you will see from your hotel) to name but a view are all well worth a visit. I hope you have a sea view because the views are stunning. Protaras is only a 5 minute drive away or a 15/20 minute walk along the costal path. There is a water park in Protaras for the children or a very big one at Ayia Napa which is only a 20 minute drive away. There is a lovely beach in front of the Pernera Beach Hotel and another one just round the corner in front of The Golden Coast Hotel. As you are hiring a car I would suggest a trip to Konnos Bay which is a stunning beach and only a 15 minute drive from Pernera and very safe bathing for the children. The sea at this time of the year is gorgeous to swim in. The Troodos mountains and Cape Greko are worth a trip (let hubby do the driving and you enjoy the views), a trip to the western coast of Cyprus will take you 2-3 hours each way but it is a lovely coastline and if you go inland anywhere in Cyprus you will find some of the old Cypriot villages where time seems to stand still.

As its your first time in Cyuprus the water is safe to drink but I would recommend bottled water - tap water tastes a bit %26quot;tinny%26quot; and shouldn%26#39;t be drunk by children and babies because of the high mineral content. Nordic bottled water is the nicest. Prices in Cyprus are similar to the UK, perhaps a little cheaper.

The temperature will be very hot with unbroken blue skies and I wish I could get in your suitcase but I have to wait until October!

Sorry if I have gone on a bit, I admit I am a bit of a Cyprus nut but hope you enjoy the island as much as I and other contributors on this forum do. If you want any more information please ask.

Hope you have a really good holiday and don%26#39;t forget to post your review on TripAdvisor when you get back.

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Brilliant - thanks ever so much for all the information; that was just what I was looking for! It%26#39;s making me even more excited to go now!

Mich

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Sorry Kath....you say the last house in Dkekelia to look over to the other side. I think you mean Dyrenia.

michlancaster....there is no need to for you to go through Dhekelia these days. The new road bypasses it. Dhekelia lies between Larnaca and Ayia Napa and you would only probabaly go through it if visiting place like Xylophagou. If you do pass through, just keep your camera hidden. You%26#39;ll see quite a few places around that have %26quot;no photography%26quot; signs. I once found my way almost on the old airport a Nicossia and a Candian UM soldier ran out at us. How we laughed!

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Oops! UN.....also in answer to your question....no need for ID to go through Dhekelia.

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You can take a hired car into the northern part of the island but you will have to purchase additional insurance at the border. They also take Cyprus money in the north. I would suggest a trip to St. Hilarion if you go.

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Hi , If you hire a car through www.economycarhire.com and choose Oasis car hire they are not only the cheapest but also included is fully comp insurance with no access , they also allow you to take the car to the North side . When you do though you will have to buy insurance at the border before you cross , the last time i went it cost me £12 cy for 3 days . I have an apartment in Kapparis beside Paralimni and go to the North side quite a lot . The North side is very cheap for eating and drink . For example the wife and i had a good main course and 2 large drinks and garlic bread , total bill worked out at £6 cy . I hope this info is of use .

Peter Walter .

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Hi there.

We are two ex-pats living in Turkey and are planning a short trip to Northern Cyprus in a couple of weeks time. We know we can fly to Ercan Airport in the north and hope to stay in Famagusta for a few days. We have friends in Larnica and would also like to visit there for a few days.

Could somebody tell me the easiest way to do this? Read Kath%26#39;s post and she seems to be in the know.

We don%26#39;t want to plan a trip then find out there are restrictions. Also, would we have to go back to Nicosia to get across the border or can we do it further east?

If it proves difficult, then it%26#39;ll be a simple few days here in Turkey ... but that%26#39;s what we don%26#39;t want!!!

Any help greatly appreciated.

The Boyz in Fethiye!

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Hi Nigel and Ian,

They have opened the border crossing in Ledra Street, Nicosia on April 3rd this year.

Hows life on the strip?

Will be back in Fethiye soon

Brummie Gil

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