Interest Tourism in North Cyprus
Bird Watching
It is possible to watch 347 different species of bird in Cyprus. However, only 46 of these are native of Cyprus, and 7 of these are the endemic sub-species (that is only found in Cyprus). 119 out of the 347 birds that can be observed on the island are of winter-migrant breeder type, and 90 of these migrate to Cyprus regularly every winter-time. 29 of these winter-migrants migrate to the island less regularly than others. Together with the native Cypriot birds 27 of them migrate to Cyprus for breeding purposes.
Apart from these, there are 220 other species of birds that use Cyprus as transit while migrating to other lands. 200 of these 220 species regularly pass as transit from Cyprus during their migration season. These are mostly the birds breeding in Europe, and migrating to Middle East and Africa. There are also birds that occasionally come to Cyprus by mistake, when they lose their groups, or their ways. There have so far 51 of this latter type recorded.
Cyprus is on a north-south migration route and there are many birds in transit, some in vast flocks, some in small clusters. These migrating birds may only rest for a few days to a week. March to May is the period of north-ward migration and August to October the southward.
| Griffon Vulture | Kizil Akbaba (T); Gyps fulvus (L) |
| Status | Winter visitor; resident breeder. |
| Hirundelle | Kir Kirlangici (T); Hirundo rustica (L) |
| Status | Migrant breeder. |
| Golden Oriole | Sari Asma / Incir Kusu (T); Oriolus oriolus (L) |
| Status | Winter visitor, passage migrant. |
| Pochard | Elmabas Ordek / Bozdalagan (T); Aythya ferina (L) |
| Status | Migrant breeder. |
| Cyprus Pied Wheatear | Kibris Kuyrukkakani (T) |
| Status | Migrant breeder (Endemic); the most distinctive and interesting species of all the endemic birds in Cyprus |
First institutionalised attempts at the protection of the birds in Northern Cyprus started in 1989, with the foundation of the North Cyprus Society for the Protection of Birds, NCSPB (or KUSKOR). The association works in close co-operation with other environmentalist association, especially the local North Cyprus- Greenpeace Movement for the protection of the natural beauties, the wild animals, and the endemic birds of Cyprus.
NCSPB stages public educational programmes throughout the year in village coffee shops, hunting clubs, sports clubs, and schools. These programmes, consisting mainly of introduction of birds and their environment, last year (1994) alone presented to more than 800 people in over 40 villages, which pleased both the people who listened to the casual chats and the NCSPB. The results achieved out of these programmes were important because most of the listeners were hunters.
Herbarium, Flora, Botanic
North Cyprus has more to offer than its sun and sea, natural beauties and historic sites. One surprising attraction is the North Cyprus herbarium, which charms lovers of our wild flowers as well as providing a research center for botanists.
Most people can confidently name the more showy blooms in the countryside; shepherds and foresters know dozens more. But how many of those seventeen North Cyprus "endemics", found nowhere else in the world, would you recognize?
It was to fill this need that the collection of pressed and labelled plants originally made by the resident English botanist Deryck Viney in the course of writing his illustrated Flora of the country was adopted by The Forestyr Department and formally opened to the public, on 9.11.1989. Since then it has expanded to include examples of nearly all the 1250 native plants species. And for the guidance of visitors it has special displays of flower photographs, specimens of all those seventeen "endemics" photographs of the oldest and biggest trees, and a seperate collections of bulky fruit.
The herbarium is housed in the ALEVKAYA Forest Station on the mountain ridge between Esentepe and Değirmenlik. It can be approached either by mountain road or by a lower tarmac road or by coastal road through Karaağaç or Esentepe.
Via the mountain road coming from Girne, drive past the Beşparmak mountain and on top of the hill make a left turn to ALEVKAYA past the quarry. This is a roughly 9 km. drive along a narrow road but the views make this route worthwhile.
The other route takes the road, further down the hill, signposted to ALEVKAYA. You can also reach the Herbarium via the northern coastal road by turning south either at Karaağaç or Esentepe.
Scuba Diving
Welcome to the fascinating and unique underwater world of North Cyprus, where you can enjoy one of the longest diving seasons in the Mediterranean.
You will find crystal-clear, unpolluted water where the marine life is still undisturbed. Underwater visibility can be more than 30 meters.
Down in the deep and warn blue you will meet sting rays, amber jacks, scorpions, bream, grouper, cuckoo, wrass, and now and then a sea turtle. The under water terrain is furthermore an ideal place for octopus and moray eel, colorful sponges, soft, soft corals, as well as treasures from ancient times.
You can choose from about twenty diving sites east and west of Kyrenia as well as diving safairs to other places along the coast. These are sites that will give the experienced diver thrills and the warm, crystal-clear water and limited depth provide perfect learning condition for beginner.
You can experience wreck diving including the site where in the 1960's on of the wold's oldest shipwreck was found - 2 300 years old, dating from the time of Alexander the Great. The excavated hull of the ship, together with its cargo of amphorae and millstones is hosed in a special museum in Kyrenia Castle.
You will be accompanied by professional drivers who will do everything to give you an unforgettable diving holiday. We also want to inform you that Scuba Diving along the coast of North Cyprus is not allowed on your own. And it is illegal to move or ouch any historical artifacts.
Trekking and Hiking
Hiking tours for people of all ages and physical disposition are organized by a number of centers in the Girne area generally conducted in the Girne mountain range. One particular tour party, organized by "Mountain Climbing Sport Association", meets every Sunday between October and the end of April, and twice a month (again on Sundays) between the summer months from May to the end of September. During the winter, the tour programme is published at the beginning of every month explaining the route and where to meet etc. All walks, as well as being good exercise, endeavour to show walkers interesting natural and historical features. The tours generally start at 7.30 am and finish between 10 and 11 am. It is essential that you wear proper grooved walking shoes. You must also take your own water, and a hiking stick is advisable.
Turtle Watching
Since 1992, Marine Turtle Research roup, in conjunction with the Society for the Protection of Turtles in Northern Cyprus and the Department for Environmental Protection, has been undertaking an annual survey, recording the turtles activity during the summer months.
In the company of the team at Alagadi Beach (30 minutes drive from Kyrenia) you can share this unique event.
Just before sunset you join the students at their base, "The Goat Shed" at Alagadi. First you are given information about the turles and the project, and then, when darkness falls, you will be taken down to one of the two Alagadi bays. There you will wait while the students survey the beaches. As soon as a female has begun to lay, you are, in slience, allowed to approach the nesting place. (No photoflashes are allowed at this impartant time.)
And there, before your eyes, you can witness this one hundred million year old wonder, as soon after the other these mother-of-pearl shimmering eggs, the size of table tennis balls, are dropped into the nest cavity.
On a lucky night you will be able to experience this unique happening several times before you return to your hotel, tired but happy.
Incubation is indeed not by the female turtles but by the warmth of the Cyprus sunshine. After about 50 days the small hatchlings begin to emerge from the surface of their sandy nests.
This is another fantastic experience that takes place in some forty nesting beaches around Northern Cyprus.
All are welcome to participate in this event as well to witness up to a hundred of these amazing little creatures, not more than 6-7 cm long, fight their way from the nest down to the sea, is an unforgettable sight. It is sad fact that only one in thousand survive. Even less would survive if it was not for the special conversation project taking place here in North Cyprus concerning this endangered species.
We feel it is our responsibility to help these creatures to survive and to be able to continue, without threat to their nesting grounds, to visit our island. This has been their home much longer than it has been ours.
The best times to observe the nesting is at the end of June and beginning of July. To observe the hatching is the best during end of August and beginning of September.
Go Karting
The ZET International Karting Circuit, which exceeds the highest European standards and has one of the best racing surfaces in the region, has become a frequent stop for the fans of the sport since its opening on the 20th of May 2000.
This remarkable structure which is un-matched even in Europe and is expected to contribute immensely to the Karting sport, provides drivers with 5 different racing distances, namely 300, 600, 900, 1100 and 1200 meters.
The asphalt platform is 7 meters wide and has sand and earth barriers.
(Zet Karting & Leisure Centre Ltd. Tel:(+90 533) 866 6173)
Paintball
In less than a decade, the sport of paintball has become one of the world's most exciting outdoor participation sports. Paintball is played in over two dozen countries by millions of men and women of all ages, races and lifestyles.
Paintball is a combination of the childhood games of "Tag" and "Hide and Seek", but much more challenging and sophisticated. Although there are many different styles of games, typically a group of players will divide into two teams to play "Capture the Flag". The object of the game is to capture the opposing team's flag while preventing them from capturing your own. As you attempt to capture the flag, you can also eliminate opposing players by tagging them with a paintball expelled from a special CO2-powered paintball gun. Games usually have a time limit of 15 to 30 minutes depending on the type of game being played. Win or lose, everyone has a great time and there's always the next game waiting for you.
A paintball is a round, thin-skinned gelatin capsule with coloured liquid inside it. When a player is tagged bye a paintball, the thin gelatin skin splits open, and the liquid inside leaves a bright "paint" mark (or a "splat" mark). A player who is marked by a paintball is eliminated from the current game. The "paint", which is non-toxic, non-caustic, water-soluble and biodegradable, rinses out of clothing and off of skin with mild soap and water.
Paintball is a very safe sport when the saftey rules are followed. Players must always wear special goggles and masks, made specifically for paintball, to protect their eyes and faces during the game and while in any area where shooting of paintballs is permitted, such as the target range. Paintball guns are tested with a chronograph to ensure the paintballs do not exceed a safe speed (generally 300 fps). Referees are on the field to control the game, enforce rules of safety and fair play, and assist players with their equipment.
Paintball is a sport played by people from all professions and lifestyles. It is a sport where men and women compete equally, and where age is not dominated by youth. Physical size and strength are not nearly as important as cunning and determination. Being able to think quickly and decisively and good sportsmanship is what makes you a winner. Above all, paintball is fun. It's a chance to relax from your day-to-day responsibilities and rekindle your spirit of adventure.
CONTACT:
REZ:+392 822 2858
REZ: 0533 865 4959
INFO: 0532 331 9162
E-MAIL: actionsportspaintball@hotmail.com
Shooting
TRNC Shooting Federation was first born in 1974 under the name of Hunting and Shooting Federation. In 1996 Hunting and Shooting was divided into two different federations, Hunting Federation and Shooting Federation,which is the Federation standing now.
According to the ambargo which is held against TRNC, we are not able to participate in any international competitions, which we have been struggling for many years. Considering all these negativity, we are still continuing to stand on our own feet.
Shooting in TRNC is done with the rules of ISSF and International norms with international, modern and high technology ranges.Gonyeli Shooting Range has Trap Range, Trap-Skeet Range, Compaq Sporting Range, Skeet Range and Magosa Shooting Range has Trap Range and Skeet Range.
(For more information please call (+90 392) 223 3852 or mehmet.ulku@emu.edu.tr)
Horse Riding
Currently there are three riding clubs offering tours and training.
Çatalköy Riding Club
Situated 45 minutes east of Kyrenia, the riding club in Çatalköy provides fully guided riding holiday. The rides are led by professional team and taken mainly in the Kyrenia Mountain range. One can learn how to ride a horse and walk with horse. Skirting the forest tracks is supplied with picnic activities and reaching historical sights. The riding holiday includes comfortable accommodation and organized catering during rides. Airport pick-up can be arranged.
| Telephone: | 0090 533 8454741/42 |
| Tel/Fax: | 0090 392 8244030 |
| E-mail: | info@catalkoyridingclub.com |
| Website: | www.catalkoyridingclub.com |
TunacRiding Club
It is situated in Karaoglanoglu - Kyrenia. With 42 horses it gives certificated courses to both locals and tourists. During these courses, one can learn how to ride a horse (padoc) and to wander around with horse. The club also arranges guided tours with picnic. To wear a helmet is obligatory during the courses.
Tel: + 90 392 822 23 93 - 90 392 822 28 68 (UP)
Cyprus Gardens Holiday Village
Among the other facilities of the village, horse riding is another attraction to both tourists and locals. One can learn horse riding or just make guided tours around the village itself. The total number of horses is 17.
Tel: + 90 392 371 25 52 - 90 392 371 27 22 (UP)
There are unspoilt areas in North Cyprus that are suitable for camping. You can feel the nature in North Cyprus camping life.
There are several official camping sites in the Kyrenia and Famagusta areas which offer services such as washrooms, toilets, restaurants, bars, etc. However the more intrepid visitor may wish to venture out into the wild where there are no such facilities. There are no restrictions on such activities except that lighting fires in forest areas is an offence.