Product Description

A guide to the northern Turkish part of Cyprus - 37 per cent of the island - which still remains less visited than the Greek south. No one denies that when the island was divided in 1974, the Turks took the more beautiful and fertile region, but while holidaymakers jostle for beach space at Paphos and Limassol, it's a case of spot the tourist at Girne (Kyrenia) and Gazimagusa (Famagusta). The Greek Cypriots are skillful political lobbyists and have since 1974 conducted an effective boycott of the north, presenting it as "occupied and inaccessible". They have done a good job, for only an initiated few have been to see for themselves. These have tended to become loyal devotees returning each year to enjoy the wealth of sites and relaxing atmosphere.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #234276 in Books
• Published on: 2003-12-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive, detailed and reliable
I have just returned from TRNC (21/10/01) where I used four guides: This one, the Landmark N Cyprus guide and the Rough Guide and Lonely Planet offerings. Of the four this was the most up to date (despite all 4 having similar publication dates of early 2000), and the most detailed in its descriptions of towns and places to visit. Together with the Landmark guide it had the advantage of being dedicated to the North of the divide. The LP and RG, however were better for listings of hotels, restaurants, etc, the Bradt guide tending to scatter them within the context of describing a tour of an area. The Landmark guide had more and better pictures and a less dry and wordy layout, which I found better for choosing where to go, but this, the Bradt, guide was the best reference once there, with good advice on how to find and tour sites like Salamis. It is also significantly lighter than the glossier Landmark guide.

As a general note the military presence in coastal and other resort areas has reduced significantly and the roads have improved rapidly since any of the guides were published. The other big change that I found was the widespread acceptance of credit cards (dominantly Visa, but in many cases MC too) and far more ATMs not only in the major towns but also in some resort areas.

Covers everything
There's not a great deal of choice which is why it is fortunate this is an excellent book, a must before for those going to North Cyprus. Covers Monasteries and classical ruins, wildlife and Flora. The major cities of Girne (Kyrenia), Lefkosa (Nicosia) and Famagusta. The ordinary tourist stuff, money exchange, transport and where to eat and visit as well as Language etc.

An Excellent Guide to Northern Cyprus
Forget the other so called reviews and all the political stuff. If you choose to visit Nothern Cyprus, which I did, you will find this book invaluable. The book is written in an informative way, which I found to be accurate and honest. It does not get political, but serves to shatter some of the myths (lies) that are circulated by the Greek Cypriot side about Northern Cyprus. If you use this book, it will assist you in enjoying the Northern Part of Cyprus and its friendly people. and if you are a European citizen you can hop over the border to the other side and see the south too, and judge the situation for yourselves