Comparing Cyprus with Tenerife

flossie44


Joined: 05/03/2009
Posts: 223

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 14:33

We have just come back from 3 weeks in Tenerife, where we first visited 30 years ago, when it was backward in many ways. Now it is transformed (due mainly to EU money) The infrastrucure is excellent ,roads are good and they are now protecting their open spaces. Most places are spotless and they try to use renewable energy.

Flights are cheap and the airport super efficient. Even prices are good, eg on the last night we paid the equivalent of 17 tl for a super 3 course meal. Bearing in mind the poor exchange rate this was excellent value.

Car hire and petrol also very reasonable.

Once you leave the coastal areas there is fantastic scenery and wonderful walking. We also had perfect weather. I must admit , no rain, unusual for this time of year



Can anyone give me good reasons to stick with N. Cyprus? I can think of the kind helpful people and our wonderful views in Malatya. Not much else.



Will things improve, if and when, they join EC or will the government mess it up?



flossie

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 15:34

flossie, I have been thinking the same myself over the last couple of months, I am tiring of the place, mainly down to the dog situation but other things enter into the arena as well, the long expensive flights, the 2 hour difference and the cost of utility bills, food is expensive unless you want to eat the local stuff which mostly I don't, I tend to go for UK branded foods, the rubbish strewn everywhere and so on.



The only thing that keeps me going back is the people and the weather for the most part of the year, but I feel it may be time to move on in a year or so.

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 15:36

Dee you hit the nail on the head, but the people I have met here in the last 5 years have been the best, but alas I am going back because of the family

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 15:37

I was last in Tenerife about 8 years ago and swore I would never go again as everywhere we went we were plagued by Time-share touts.

At least we don't have them here yet.

gates


Joined: 08/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 15:50

if you like teneref you should not have come to north cyprus the only thing i can relate to teneref is basaldon essex and would never want to go back to either concrete jungle

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 15:50

Hi Sheila and Nurse, I wouldnt go to Tenerife anyway, still too long a flight for me, it will be Portugal or Spain, from door to door in under 3 hours and cheap flight into my local airport, to get into Bristol I have to fly from Larnaca and I feel guilty about that, and that is only in the summer.



Being back in the UK and enjoying it has made me think alot, I will be back to TRNC in april till end of June then back here and probably then stay here and look elsewhere, shall we sell up, don't know.

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 15:52

gates, it's horses for courses, we don't all want the same things.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 15:59

dee

Try Benidorm, just been watching series on DVD and looks a great place to mingle with Brits.

AJ

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 16:09

I hate tenerife, going to split my time between UK and Thailand

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 16:11

I have spent time in both countries and I think Tenerife would be my choice if I were to move on permanent basis.The weather over the year is much better than TRNC,much nicer in the summer and not as cold in the winter.The food prices were much better,and a far better choice of wines and beers.Great golf courses as well.Utilities are more reliable,as for the time share touts,I did not see any in March when I was there.If the £ improves against the Euro it will be even better.It is also a duty free island so a lot of your electrical goods are cheaper.Some thing to think about in your cold winter nights that Pipie is having...

Jimmyboy63


Joined: 16/03/2009
Posts: 400

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 16:19

Going to Tenerife for Xmas for the 1st time



Giving NC a miss until May as the last 2 winters have been too cold when we came over

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 16:50

Surely the N.C whingers did some research before they bought here,or did they come for a holiday and were smitten.

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 17:03

It doesn't matter how much research you do, the reality is always different, I have to say I have always loved Cyprus as a whole island but prefer the North.

sporty


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 685

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 17:06

I got a timeshare in Tenerife,best thing i ever did,havnt been there for about 4 yrs now as i keep swopping my time for other places,gran canaria last 4yrs and going lanzarote for the 1st time in feb next year,but i've promised myself not to swop next time and go again,i'm sure its changed a lot,last time i was there they were revamping the street scene in playa,planting trees and putting in seating etc,Siam park is now open also so i'm looking forward to it.

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 17:26

Interesting post Flossie. I spend a winter in Tenerife several years ago and wrote a book. I'm now spending a winter in North Cyprus and writing another book. I'm only one month is so far so maybe need a longer period is needed to fully answer this. The first difference that hits me is that in general people are friendlier here in North Cyprus than Tenerife. Not because they were unfriendly in Tenerife but they are particularly friendly here. The similarity is the bad driving but many of your points I would agree with. I will find out more as the months go by.

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 17:30

AJ, stop being naughty, Benidorm would be a nightmare for me, as would the costa del sol, but there are many parts of spain that are quite beautiful, the same with Portugal, albuifera is not my cup of tea but the little fishing village of Alvor is lovely, who knows what will happen, even I dont lol

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 17:30

I'm only one month is so far so maybe need a longer period is needed to fully answer this.



Excuse my bad English. The sentance should have read..



I've only been here a month so far so a longer period is needed before I can fully answer the question.

Sandie


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 17:48

Friends are in Tenerife at the moment at their timeshare, mainly for the weather, but I think they still prefer the NC. Not been myself so cannot comment. Dee I agree some lovely areas of Spain especially around Tarragona but property very expensive.

everon


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 17:52

we find Spanish waiters very rude, they practically throw the food onto your table and ignore the Brits at the bar

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 17:53

Hi Sandie not sure I would buy abroad again, think I would rent for a long while and see what happens.

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 17:56

Tenerife is rife with drugs, i hate the place, you can get anything you like on the streets there around the hotspots, wooo wooo, as micheal barrymoore would say.. The best thing about tenerife is the runway out of it.! Up TRNC..

flossie44


Joined: 05/03/2009
Posts: 223

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 18:05

I wondered what sort of response I would get and thought that more people would knock Tenerife. We have a small flat in a quiet resort and never ever see Timeshare touts. I agree parts are a concrete jungle but if you get off your backside and explore you realise that there is a wealth of variety out there. Most visitors do not seem to realise that there is life beyond Playa de las Americas and Los Christianos.



We bought in both places with our eyes wide open, having visited many times, various months of the year, but I have to admit (for the first time) that I now prefer Tenerife. I know this is pathetic, but we also have British TV at a minimal cost and for us this is a great plus.



Just booked for March and it cost £88 return from Manchester!



flossie

gates


Joined: 08/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 18:26

i dont know how anybody could seriously compare tenerif with nc unless you were blind folded the only place that slightly comparse is porta belcus and that is cloudy quite a lot of the time i think most horses are blinkered on this message

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 18:26

What size dish did you need to get english tv flossie?

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 18:34

The parts of Tenerife that most tourists see are a bit naff and commercial but the north is quite different and the volcanic landscape and mountain area are quite remarkable. The micro climate is distinctive.

flossie44


Joined: 05/03/2009
Posts: 223

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 18:51

Hi D,



We are in a fairly large complex and I think the dish is about 1.8 metres.



Gates, where on earth is Porta Belcus ? I have never heard of it. If you are referring to Puerto de la Cruz in the North of the Island yes it is cloudy sometimes and has more rain but it is very green and fertile The Anaga mountains in the far north are beautiful, rather like Wales. As a matter of interest where have you stayed in Tenerife and when did you last go?



flossie

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 18:55

So much smaller than the 4.2 I have in TRNC, thats good as well.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 18:55

Why would we like to know your reasons for leaving Northern Cyprus - leave the island for your new paradise and make our life better without your moaning and whinging. I ENJOY EVERY DAY HERE - 24 HOURS A DAY IS NOT ENOUGH FOR ME TO EXPLORE AND ENJOY THE ISLAND (Yes, indeed, I'm shouting).

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 19:44

"Why would we like to know your reasons for leaving Northern Cyprus - leave the island for your new paradise and make our life better without your moaning and whinging,"



Such intelligent comment, incredibly incisive argument, cutting edge wit, simply unarguable, compassion, milk of human kindness...

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 19:51

How are you doing in the UK, Hector? Not easy for you there, eh? Errm, we are fine here, in TRNC, thank you - every day.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 19:56

DC

Thank you for your obviously genuine concern. It is very easy for us actually but you probably don't want to know that. Pleased to hear that 'we' are also fine in the TRNC. Shame that you are so intolerent of those that may not be.

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 19:59

DC

I for one am interested in what Flossie, Dee Smithy and others had to say, don't count us all in with you please....

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 20:14

RE msg 31, Hector: Intolerant? No way. I accept that some people want to or have to leave the island. But I can't stand to read "the reasons" when the time for them is there. No-one in TRNC invited us here, no-one said we had to become expats in TRNC. I wish some people would bear their disappointment with some dignity and would just leave - it has been written before: this is not the UK with a better climate. This is TRNC and if karaoke and cheap, cheap, cheap is your ultimate goal here, yes, you're definitely in the wrong country. Your judgements from afar, Hector, make me think that you should spend more time here. There's no need on this board for know-it-all-swallows in the UK.

gooligan


Joined: 30/01/2007
Posts: 1591

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 20:29

Dutch,Is anyone forcing you to read the reasons?

snakes



Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 1512

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 21:22

Why dont people who dont like this place just bugger off and find a new life where they think the grass is greener? its no bodies fault that they couldnt make it here but their own ! I can understand how they feel from time to time but these feelings rear their ugly head wherever you live !! come on everyone stop all this negativity please !!! had a place in Lanzarote years ago and now it is very different and thats polite ! so come on all you deserters bugger off and try be happy elsewhere but i have a feeling you will start moaning within 2 years ! sorry !!!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 21:29

Snakes, I couldn't agree more. But be careful! You wrote the truth and now the whole anti-DC brigade will focus on you...

snakes



Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 1512

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 21:40

DC no probs thanks for the warning bring it on ! but do I give a **** ! NO!! if I dont like it here surely i've made a mistake and go yet would i post it on here ? naaaaah sorry ! we all make rotten decisions and try to blame everything or anyone but ourselves , wise up everyone and be responsible for your own decisions but totally understand how we all feel from time to time !!!

gooligan


Joined: 30/01/2007
Posts: 1591

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 21:43

I'm sorry snakes but what about the Petch family,ploughed their life savings into buying a place in paradise,builder went tits up (Gary Robb)tried to make a go of it in rented accomodation but got deported.

Things go wrong for a variety of reasons.

Thank your lucky stars it wasn't you,maybe then you would be a bit more sympathetic.

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 21:58

Why get so aggressive DC/Snakes,people were only comparing some of the differences between the two,or is that not allowed.?There are good and bad points with both places,but it appears if any one says anything bad about TRNC you take it very personally and start verbally abusing people for passing their opinions.Its a very nice island but it is not eutopia!!!!

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 22:02

dc,snakes

very intelligent replies ,i for one do not understand why people compare one country to another

if indeed you are fed up enough with a country then leave for pastures better .

just asks yourselves why you left your own country and you more then likely have the answer

right there.

anywhere you live is as good as what you make it.



gooligan



perhaps you missed brits properties been knocked down in spain.



just one last thought for those people who are thinking about moving on from the kktc ,are you

all sure there is a perfect country.



ps

you are always welcome back.





musin



long live the kktc

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 22:15

coachie



how is dc and snakes posts aggressive ,expressive yes ,aggressive no ,let,s keep it real eh.







musin



long live the kktc

gooligan


Joined: 30/01/2007
Posts: 1591

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 22:18

Musin,How is London?

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 23:02

gooligan





far from perfect ,but we like it .



and not half as nice as esentepe.



musin



long live the kktc

gooligan


Joined: 30/01/2007
Posts: 1591

Message Posted:
12/12/2009 23:59

Musin,glad to hear it

snakes



Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 1512

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 00:39

coachie / gooligan i left UK because after 57 years of hard graft without a day of assistance help or benefits i got totally sick of seeing and hearing of millions of people sponging of our taxes by just purely walking in claiming asylum etc and expecting housing and benefits from hard earned taxes of the british people ! my father and many others fought to keep Britain great which purely in my opinion it is far from now ! i chose to move to a country that had no such system and where they put their own first ! it can be annoying at times and frustrating with their ways but i abide by their laws and enjoy the challenge of living in someone elses country being self sufficient ! a lot of people on this forum moan constantly about various aspects of kktc yet it was their decision to move here so in a way they are saying they are daft for doing so ! its similar to me today moaning to mrs snakes about the" bloody rain" yet in july august and september we were desperate for it so i shut up !

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 00:53

snakes - I take on board your reasons; however, I note that you did write "57 years of hard graft", etc. etc.



I could not help but notice that your profile gives your age as 57. Did you not receive an education, NHS care, etc. etc. at least from birth until you came of age and thereafter?



I am no lover of the UK's policies, but, come on - there are far worse places to live. We could move to TRNC tomorrow -we have been visiting for many years and have a holiday home, but, personally, I wouldn't do so. However, having said that, I certainly would not decry ANYONE who has made that choice.



Regards.



J

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 08:21

Snakes I find your posting quite aggressive and unnecessay and if you are going to have a go at least learn how to spell and use appropriate grammar

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 08:48

I must be naive as I thought this was an interesting thread and a valid thing to compare both places. Personally I always have a go at places and things that I like. I met someone yesterday who has lived here for years and is becoming a citizen soon and all she did was criticise the place but she clearly loves it too. Some people are quick to get too defensive about things and attack seems to be the best form of defense.

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 09:05

Corbo I agree, I too love the TRNC but it isn't perfect, esp the dog situation which is the one thing that will drive me to pastures new.

Baspinar Bob


Joined: 15/02/2008
Posts: 618

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 09:07

deecyprus4.

Oh dear,spelling lol.

bob.

measey


Joined: 07/02/2009
Posts: 1037

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 13:52

dont agree meldrew.

snakes



Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 1512

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 14:40

message 47 deecyprus4 ! didnt mean to sound agressive (one or two g's) and thanks for your spelling lesson !!!! check your message !! happy christmas !

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 14:42

Snakes the difference is I wasn't getting angry about the title of the thread lol.

snakes



Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 1512

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 16:02

no ! but you were getting angry with me ha ha lol

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 17:02

We sold up moved to a small island just west of Tenerife called La Gomera in December 2004 .. After 14 months unable to find anything suitable, not being mountain goats & not being able to afford if we had, we came to Cyprus in February 2006 after comimg for a holiday the previous June & buying a bungalow that put a tick in every box of what we were looking for .. The only thing I would have brought with us if possible was the weather .. It is more temporate in the Canaries, not as hot in summer but a lot warmer in winter especially night .. It is far different living in a foreign country than it is going to one for a holiday ..

Know where I would rather live, TRNC without a doubt ..

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 17:22

Message 2 .. deecyprus4 .. "the long expensive flights, the 2 hour difference and the cost of utility bills"



Utility bills wherever you live & from what our son tells us they are astronomical in the UK ..

Why worry about flights if you live here .. No inclination to go back .. Friends & family can take their holidays (if they wish) & stay with us here .. Had more quality time with our daughter in the 4 years here than we ever did in England .. She & hubby have been 4 times ..

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
13/12/2009 23:14

Harita ..What does your son call astronomical?? I pay £90 amonth for both gas and Electricity.That is for a 3 bedroomed detached house wher in the winter I very rarely have the heating off during the day.I have seen posts on here from people saying they are paying that for Electric ONLY. Water Bill is £228 annually. OK your council tax is probably far less than I pay,if there is such a thing out there.If there is then some one wants to start clearing the litter up,its worse than here..I agree with you about the temp.though,that was one of the reason I have not bought out there.Like some one else said Horses for courses..

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 00:04

One of the gripes with the NC whingers is the temperature in the winter, the temperature there today was low 60s ,started my car today in the garage it was -2,you do`nt know what cold is.

littlejohn


Joined: 09/03/2009
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 02:08

For one glorious moment I thought that in Teneriffe all the brit whingers had found another place to go and spoil!!

As long as you don't return to UK that is something to be thankful for.