first time visiting Cyprus

McDfamily


Joined: 07/08/2010
Posts: 10

Message Posted:
13/08/2010 22:08

Hello. We are a family of 5 (3children 14, 11 & 9yrs) travelling in July 2011. Looking for suggestions for things to do. Our wish list so far is to see the turtles and scuba dive. Can anyone suggest car hire firms that also pick up from Larnaca airport. The most puzzling query is which currency!!!!!!

Please help!

Many thanks

Lynne & family

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
13/08/2010 22:22

Car hire;-Pacific, Currency;-Sterling,change it when you get here.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
13/08/2010 22:26

Contact ismail - aone.rentacar@yahoo.com.tr

E-mail Address(es):

aone.rentacar@yahoo.com.tr





He charges £25 each way from Larnaca if you also hire a car from him during your stay.



I find its best to take Stirling over and change to TL at one of the many exchange places because you get a better rate.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
13/08/2010 22:27

You could even take Sterling over with you )

britvic



Joined: 05/09/2008
Posts: 3039

Message Posted:
13/08/2010 22:31

Then shop at Starling!



Seriously do take Sterling and change it there.



Vicki

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
13/08/2010 22:31

Lynne

You will get used to Cooper.

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
13/08/2010 22:35

The currency in Northern Cyprus is Turkish Lira.Were are you planning on staying.Welcome to the forum,

Paul

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
13/08/2010 22:38

Lynne. message 6. Welcome, and,



No, you won't

stilluvithere



Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 765

Message Posted:
13/08/2010 22:50

If you want to scuba dive I would suggest Cyprus underwater explorers. A very friendly and children orientated club that don't overcharge for diving. I might even see you there

Crumpy



Joined: 05/06/2010
Posts: 419

Message Posted:
13/08/2010 23:36

Hi Lynne - You wrote that you are "travelling in July 2011" - I wish I planned that far in advance !



However, by that time, Aone Rentacar and Cyprus Underwater Explorers might no longer be in business.

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
14/08/2010 01:26

Msg 10

Prophet of doom,the end of the world is nigh,NC is full of negative people.

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
14/08/2010 01:31

Message 11 - possibly because what Crumpy posted was true? You surely cannot say that many businesses do not go to the wall on a very regular basis? Can you?



Prophet of Doom or Rose Coloured Specs?



You pays your money and you takes your choice (literally, in this case)

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
14/08/2010 01:45

Well I'm fairly sure that Crumpy was joking - 76.3% sure in fact.

If he'd said "There is a 89.34% probability that by that time, Aone Rentacar and Cyprus Underwater Explorers might no longer be in business", then I would have know FOR SURE that he was joking - there is just NO WAY that he could predict that to better than 3 significant figures, using the available data

That was a joke for Crumpy's benefit.

I apologise most sincerely to all other Cyprus44 members.

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
14/08/2010 01:51

Bloody hell Keith - a bit deep for this time of night, surely



By the way, have you had any thoughts on putting in for the next 'Forum Admin' vacancy that may come up - you'd be brilliant.



Kind regards.



Jean (a.k.a. Grovellor) - no, just joking - I think you'd be a very popular choice, if a vacancy arose.

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
14/08/2010 02:04

Jeannie,

Your post about Liz's toes just made me laugh, particularly the reference to Groucho!

He's a lovely bloke you know, but a bit like me - just can't help edu-mu-cating folk - even them as don't want it, and don't need it!

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
14/08/2010 02:16

keith



Yes, I do appreciate that and it was said rather 'tongue in cheek' which is, hopefully, how Groucho will read it. I do know how you feel about 'edumucating' folk I have had so much abuse over the years on here because I have 'dared' to pick up on people's spelling and grammar - and, as you quite rightly say, they neither want nor need it. I can't help it; it tends to be like a red rag to a bull. However, I like to think I've mellowed (fat chance, but we live in hope) in this regard. I appreciate the English language and hate to see it mutilated (particularly by text-speak), but then I'm just old fashioned. Anyway, Keith, many thanks for your message, and don't forget what I said about a possible upcoming (unpaid) job vacancy.



Warm regards.



Jean

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
14/08/2010 02:17

Jeannie, I agree with you on Keith being a mod.



Back to the original post, the hire car company just before the Colony, at the petrol station are very good. (Can't remember the name, I'm sure someone will post the name)



As far as currency goes, all major currencies are accepted. Sterling, Dollars, Euros, yen. Cash is cash to the locals. Bank cards work fine over here as long as you let your bank know you are coming first (anti fraud).



I can recommend a few places to stay if you haven't booked a hotel yet.

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
14/08/2010 02:24

slightly off topic, I was looking at our family tree and we're part of the McD clan. (Few hundred years ago)

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
14/08/2010 07:12

Well then you'll know my uncle Charlie....

Crumpy



Joined: 05/06/2010
Posts: 419

Message Posted:
14/08/2010 08:59

Re : msg 13 - Keith wrote "If Crumpy had said 'There is a 89.34% probability that by that time, Aone Rentacar and Cyprus Underwater Explorers might no longer be in business', then I would have know FOR SURE that he was joking - there is just NO WAY that he could predict that to better than 3 significant figures, using the available data." - LOL



Re : msgs 14 & 17



I also agree with Jeannie and LaptaMike on Keith becoming a mod - he's got a wonderful sense of humour ... and his diplomacy skills recently saved me from an almost certain lynching on another thread ...

ahw7403


Joined: 25/07/2010
Posts: 23

Message Posted:
14/08/2010 10:18

Hello McDFamily! Have noticed that you could be travelling from Scotland -its a long way to Northern Cyprus from Aberdeen, but it will be worth it! If you bring Sterling then it has to be English £10 notes - best not to bring Scottish notes. Might be a good idea to also have some Turkish Lira, which will help you on first day / evening, especially if you are flying via Larnaca on a Sunday from Glasgow. (unsure if you are flying to Ercan from Stansted?) We are flying out in Sept 2010 and staying near Ozenkoy, we have arranged car hire with Kemal & Fahri Karapasha: tel- 0090 392 815 7434; email: karapasha@karapasha.com; web: http://www.karapasha.com. They are meeting us at Larnaca Aiport and have not asked for any upfront payment for Airport Transfers or Car Hire. Happy that we pay on arrival with Sterling/Turkish Lira or Credit Card. They have assured us that our "Hire Car" will be waiting at our rented villa! Discounted Airport Transfers if also hiring a car from KARAPASHA & Sons!

McDfamily


Joined: 07/08/2010
Posts: 10

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 21:40

Thank you for everyone's prompt reply. Yet more questions - sorry!!!!!! How safe is North Cyprus? We holidayed in Spain this year and were continually warned regarding car & apartment safety. How clean are the beaches - safe for paddling & swimming - have read some reviews giving negative feedback. One last question is their plenty to see & do - any suggestions would be great. We so far are hoping to scuba dive & see the turtles hatching. Is Nicosia worth a visit?

Many, many thanks

Lynne & family

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 23:17

hi Lynne & family. NC is very safe, there is a very low petty crime rate. Some beaches can be strewn with rubbish and broken glass although the bigger ones that you pay to go onto and the council beaches are usually cleaned every day (to my knowledge). Lefkosa (Nicosia) will be very hot so I wouldn't bother personally, not a great deal to see anyway. A trip to Karpas, Salamis and Famagusta are a must aswell as Kyrenia Harbour. There are a number of old monasteries and castles you can visit aswell. If you like a bit of hiking its good in the mountains. The mountain behind us is higher than Scafell Pike in the Lake District. There's a few reservoirs you can walk around aswell if you prefer the flat.

stilluvithere



Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 765

Message Posted:
16/08/2010 00:06

Not forgetting St Hilarion Castle, but in July make it a very early start as there is a lot of climbing and it will be hot, the children will love it and the views are amazing. There is a waterpark in Lapta for the children but I have never been so don't know what it is like. Some of the beaches have watersports and if you inclined you can even leap off the mountain strapped to a piece of cloth, I think it is called tandem paragliding.

stilluvithere



Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 765

Message Posted:
16/08/2010 10:03

and we even have a great tenpin bowling alley

stilluvithere



Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 765

Message Posted:
17/08/2010 22:52

A day out on a gulet can be fun

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
18/08/2010 00:14

if going on a gulet I advise the max sun block you can get. Otherwise will really get burned seriously and sun stroke. You don't want to be in hospital for a few days.

McDfamily


Joined: 07/08/2010
Posts: 10

Message Posted:
18/08/2010 23:39

Hello

Still a few queries. Definitely will be holidaying in NC but now can't decide when July or October. A bit worried about the hot temperatures in July and if its quieter in October are the cafes, tourist attractions closed for the season.

This forum is fabulous as everyone has great advice better than a travel agent!!!!

Best wishes

Lynne

stilluvithere



Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 765

Message Posted:
18/08/2010 23:55

The weather in October is normally very nice, still very warm but you could get a shower. Everywhere will still be open as October is a popular month because it has cooled down somewhat

canyavuz


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 363

Message Posted:
19/08/2010 00:22

July and August are the best times to visit N Cyprus.

Temperatures have reached 43 degrees which has been shown by TWO themometers (so surely it was true)! - but on average you're looking at 35/36 degrees during the day and 28-29 during the night.



N Cyprus is very safe - leave your car unlocked, windows rolled down etc and its unlikely that it will be touched.

Although, as always, take your precautions.



Baspinar car rentals are pretty good - Larnaca to Kyrenia for £40, very reasonable price.

Cars are around £18-£20 a day - for a new shape focus.



Beaches are good - if you take a trip to Magusa (Famagusta) then you will encounter some of the cleanest and safest beaches of your life - EXTREMELY safe for children - no pebbles or rocks etc - very shallow for a very long distance.



It is worth going to Nicosia - but bear in mind that them temperature in nicosia is on average 4 degrees higher than Kyrenia - be prepared!

Although worth a day trip

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
19/08/2010 00:29

canyavuz, I think your advice isn't too wise regarding the time of year to visit. Regards everything else, I agree.



I think a family with young children would be best visiting towards the end of sept/start of october.



I have been reliably informed that the rainy season starts on the 21st Oct without fail by a local. He was right last year

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
19/08/2010 00:34

oh i cant think august is a good time, come on we are all indoors, September October to my mind are the best for walking flora fauna etc, still warm enough to sun bathe. I promise you us that live here take to an indoor live, we turn i=on the ac s like your turn on central heating, you will recognize us we are white not sun tanned we know the danger x

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
19/08/2010 00:45

As a Permanent Resident, I'd say that July & August are far too hot if you want to do much sightseeing. Late May & early June or Mid September & into early October are the very best times to visit. They are the times of the year when I first came here over & over gain as a tourist in the 90s, as well.

Most of the TCs that I have spoken to this month have hated the heat & humidity, which have been worse than usual this year. However these months are always too hot for me.

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
19/08/2010 01:24

I agree with the comments already posted. July and August it is bloody HOT! But thankfully there are pools or the sea to cool off in.

However, if you are the kind of family that get used to the conditions quickly, the heat should not be an issue.

What ever the temperature - you will enjoy the holiday 'cos TRNC is a fabulous place.

McDfamily


Joined: 07/08/2010
Posts: 10

Message Posted:
19/08/2010 18:34

Thank you everyone again!! Looks like we will be visiting next October which gives us plenty of time to plan. Only downside is that we will miss the turtle hatching. Hopefully the scuba diving will be good, and I will get to do a bit of sightseeing.

See you next year

Best wishes

Lynne