confused by cyprus holiday reviews

higgi


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 31

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 17:20

Hi all,

I came across this site by accident and i've found it very interesting.

I've been to the south a few times and am thinking about holidaying in the north this summer. Catalkoy has been recommended. However,I have read a lot of negative comments on Trip Advisor about the area and particularly the beaches being dirty (apart from the ones you have to pay for. I realise that a lot of you live there and in no way do I mean to insult or offend anyone, I just thought tis was the best place to get honest help and advice.

We would be renting a villa, preferably somewhere pretty and quietish but within reach of restuarants, bars etc.



Can anyone help because I,m confused now.



Much appreciated

kenny



Joined: 26/05/2008
Posts: 405

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 17:35

welcome higgi,

I hoilday in Catalcoy 2-3 times a year.

come over the place is magnificent.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 17:40

you will need some carhire where ever you stay.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 17:43

forget the negative comments the north is much better more traditional easier to mix in with the locals beaches are brill youll love it

higgi


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 31

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 18:46

Hi,

Thanks for the comments. How does Alsancak differ from Catalkoy?

What about Bellapais, I was advised against it.

Will definitely be hiring a car, don't want to be too far from Kyrenia but not too close either.

skybluesam


Joined: 24/12/2008
Posts: 447

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 18:56

hello, we live in Catalkoy, take no notice, like anwhere else in the world there is good and bad, the local beach is lovely and you are not far from some really natural beaches where turtles lay their eggs.

Nick

kenny



Joined: 26/05/2008
Posts: 405

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 19:07

if you rent up the hill at Catalcoy you'll be

close very close to bellapias.

dont know why you had bad reports about

Ballapias, its gorgeous up in that area.

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 19:09

Sadly your comment about some Beaches being dirty here is correct, it's hard to apportion blame, when I visited Turtle Beach quite awhile ago. the bins provided for refuse were spilling over, this attracts the stray animals. Bins were not emptied regularly, but heard in the summer that it had improved greatly, it is such a shame to abuse a beautiful place. Education from infancy is the answer, so until this is addressed it will not improve.



The beaches where you pay

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 19:12

the beaches where you pay are obviously clean but you will pay from 15 ytl a visit, I would reccomend the Belydeye beach at Kervansarray, it is a lovely setting and was clean when I visited.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 19:12

Just don't be tempted to buy. Visit, rent, go home, stay happy!

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 20:50

Hi higgy,



It is true that some of the beaches could be better and that there is a problem with overflowing bins from time to time. I think the problem stems from the local councils not having enough vehicles and manpower to do everything.

We must not forget, that almost every month there is another complex finished which needs servicing, ie refuse collected. When all the building started, there was very little thought given to how the local councils would cope with all the extra work. Given time I am sure things will improve, especially when all the new owners start paying their taxes. Having said all of this, things are not that bad and Catalkoy is a lovely place to stay. So go north and enjoy your holiday.

The locals are lovely, friendly people and the scenery is beautiful.



The Butlers wife.

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 21:00

The place could be really lovely but unfortunately the builders rubbish and general household rubbish strewn everywhere is an eyesore. those saying it is so beautiful imo must be wearing very dark glasses.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 21:07

you can always take your rubbish back from the beaches if you find the bins are full whats the problem???

fatboy



Joined: 05/11/2008
Posts: 244

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 21:13

re.13

It really is that simple.Nice 1 Les.

Izzet



Joined: 01/12/2006
Posts: 920

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 21:24

it all really depends what kind of holiday you want to have.

may be, you want to reply with a few tips so we can advise further

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 21:51

Of course it goes without saying that if a bin was full the majority of us would bag our rubbish and take it with us to dispose of later.

It doesnt take the brains of Einstein to realise who is leaving beer bottles and soiled nappies aswell as BBQ debris on the beaches, especially July and August weekends, that is why I say education from an early age is vital.

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 21:57

Surely it is a total lack of pride in the country from those who deposit their rubbish indiscriminately.

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 22:01

I would agree that there is a lot to be desired about the cleanliness of some of the beaches and agree with Mindy that a lot of this is due to lack of education from an early age. "Take your litter home with you" sort of thing. Also, the level of building works over the past few years and lack of various councils' resources haven't helped matters. However, there are some good beaches to be found and the one we tend to favour (Golden Bay) still only charge (as of last October) 5YTL as entrance. They have shower/toilet facilities and a nice beach restaurant.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

J

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 22:06

Don't expect the same beaches,bars,restaurants,amenities etc as say the Canary Islands.



But you won't get the timeshare touts and gangs of drunken Brit lager louts either......well not if you're quick...all that's to come in about 5 years!

Perry


Joined: 27/01/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 22:26

Higgi - I cant believe you advised against Bellapais - it is one of the most stunning areas of the whole island of Cyprus. Google Bellapais or check out a North Cyprus tourist web page and you will see for yourself. We used to holiday in and around Paphos many times - the north is much much better. As for the beaches - they tend to get some rubbish on them over the winter and spring - a lot of it is washed up. Last year, in May the schools organised beach clean sessions and they are then fine. The largest beach (which is free) near Girne is Alagadi beach. Also from May onwards, the students arrive to monitor the nesting turtles - they also keep the beach clean. Last summer the beaches were very clean - so dont worry. The biggest negative is that there are still quite a few unfinished properties which look a little scruffy - but its not everywhere and on the whole the place really is great !

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 23:01

Why does everyone talk about beaches all the time when on about holidays??



Yes, some here are a bit rustic and not as well kept as in Spain etc but there is less money available here to maintain them.



However get inland a few miles and there is some incredible scenery. Plus the marvellous St Hillarion castle. Plus the walled city of Lefkosa. Plus the same at Gazi Magusa. Then go along to Karpaz!!!!! Or alternativley travel along to Korucam Point or through Guzelyurt and Lefke.



Northern Cyprus to me is not a beach holiday destination. It is a holiday destination!



Stay at a local hotel, not one of the manufactured resorts, hire a car and explore.



We have lived here for 3 years and are still discovering new delights both in the countryside and in the off beat places in the cities.



As a holiday destination Northern Cyprus has something for the adventurous types not ones wanting to laze on the beach. Do that and you will miss out on a great holiday.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 23:16

David

You have summed up the TRNC in one.

Take care

AJ

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
25/01/2009 23:48

We holiday in Kyrenia over Christmas & New Year, we hire a car and never get fed up travelling around on the uncrowded roads. We also walk around the lovely little villages Esentepe, Tatlisue, Bellapais, climb to the top of Hillarion Castle to see the beautiful views a great holiday at this time of the year. Just visited for the 5th time a little disappointed with the weather but it didn't keep us in.

higgi


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 31

Message Posted:
26/01/2009 00:18

Replying to Izzet, just a peaceful couple of weeks to recharge the batteries, in nice surroundings, no macdonalds, kfc etc, nice people, a couple of nice restuarants and bars, maybe a nice beach or two and some nice scenery to look around. From what I've heard, the north seems to fit the bill.

Perry


Joined: 27/01/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
26/01/2009 00:54

Higgi - It does fit the bill - come and try it out, I am sure you will really like it, and make sure you at least visit Bellapais (try eating at Abbey Bell Tower or Kybel restaurant in the grounds of the old abbey - it is simple stunning !!)

teatime


Joined: 20/10/2008
Posts: 852

Message Posted:
26/01/2009 00:59

Higgi

From what you say you want, North Cyprus is perfect for you. If you do stay in Catalkoy and have a car, there are many buitiful places within a short distance.

For a day on the beach, I would thoroughly recommend Lara's Beach, about ten minutes from Catalkoy, sunbeds with mattresses for hire at a reasonable rate and a super little cafe/reataurant.

I think you'll want to came back once you've been once.

Perry


Joined: 27/01/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
26/01/2009 01:05

Yep Roy, thats our personal favourite ! I noticed last summer that the beach had been cleared of the pebbles and the main bay to the left of the restaurant was all sand - fantastic !

kenny b


Joined: 12/09/2008
Posts: 211

Message Posted:
26/01/2009 01:53

Hi Higgi

First started to holiday in North Cyprus in 2006 been to most holiday destinations in Europe and Egypt.We have returned to the TRNC on at least a dozen times since we purchased an apartment last year.I am planning 4 visits it 2009 I love nothing better than walking around and sitting in Kyrenia harbour watching the world go by fantastic coastline,friendly people,lovely traditional food my daughter her husband and grandson visiting for the second time with us this year they have also fallen in in love with the place.

Hire a car and visit the small cypriot villages we love escape beach and ambiance beach resort.Cant wait to return

kenny b

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
26/01/2009 10:36

Forgot.



Some of best Roman remains anywhere, at Salamis.



The quaint Mavi Kosk.



See the tank that fell off the mountian road above Lapta. Plus get the best views traelling that road between St Hilarion and Karsiyaka.



You should have a good holiday here, there is loads to see although unlike many "holiday destinations" you have to DIY which adds to the enjoyment.

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
26/01/2009 13:50

Higgi.Like you I am going over in June for 2 weeks and I have been a board member since August and have read many posts on the topic of theirbeaches. I nearly cancelled a trip to Egypt in Nov.2008 because of the negative reports about my chosen hotel on Trip Adviser,but my wife convinced me to go ahead,and I was glad I did.Smashing hotel.Going back this Nov.Every where you go has its good/bad points and its a case of suck it and see.Its 45 yrs since I was last there and I have some nice memories of the place and I hope to come back with more happy memories...

Stewart


Joined: 19/07/2008
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
26/01/2009 14:07

Hi



A villa almost anywhere will be suitable, car hire essential, best beaches are those you pay for the SUNBED......for about £1.00 all day!



Everywhere is close to restaurants...Esentepe is about 20mins....Lapta is about 10 - 15 mins



Go ahead and book....any advice, you can email me via stua@fsmail.net ( subject: North Cyprus )

higgi


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 31

Message Posted:
28/01/2009 10:52

Hi,

Thanks so much to you all for your comments. On that basis I think we will go ahead and book.

The cheapest flights I've found are £700 for 2 people for 2 weeks. Does that sound about right for August?

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
28/01/2009 10:58

Higgi - I would suggest you shop around for flights - I think you should still be able to get flights cheaper. Have you tried Pegasus? They were doing some good deals earlier on - worth a try, I'd say.



J

higgi


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 31

Message Posted:
28/01/2009 20:07

Hi J,



Yes that was with pegasus, but it seems a lot cheaper with CTA but it looks like these flights involve a change of aircraft in Bodrum I think it was.

Do you have any experience of that?

higgi


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 31

Message Posted:
02/02/2009 16:01

Thanks to everyon e who replied. We've booked it for august!

We're staying in Dogankoy because it's pretty close to Kyrenia. Can anyone tell me what it's like there?

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
02/02/2009 20:28

Blooming hot in August that's for sure. Good location for getting around although would suggest you have a hire car.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
02/02/2009 20:31

and plenty dosh if youre gonna eat in the harbour restraunts

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
02/02/2009 20:45

Higgi - defihnitely agree with rddci about the car and also with rowlo about prices in the harbour. Keep your eye on the NC Forums - you'll pick up lots of information about lots of matters.



August is far too hot for me, but hope you have a lovely time.



J

higgi


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 31

Message Posted:
06/02/2009 22:40

Thanks all, wheres the best places to eat then? we'll hire a car anyway, but obviously don't want to be drinking and driving, Any recommendations, we don't know the north at all. Also where can I get a map of the area? Thanks



Jane