5 All Year
     Travel " All Year Round" fun & adventure in Northern Cyprus. Book Online www. a1cyprus. com N orthern Cyprus has plenty to offer the visitor 12 months of the year. With around 350 days of sunshine, beautiful scenery, colourful spring wild flowers, sparkling blue sea, historical sites, crusader castles, warm and friendly people, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, this country is a must for the discerning traveller. Whatever your interest there is always something here for you any time of the year. All the hotels featured in this brochure can arrange the following pursuits for you. TURTLES Northern Cyprus beaches are very important for the nesting of the seriously endangered Green turtle - Chelonia Mydas and the endangered Loggerhead turtle, Carette Caretta. Thanks to the protection work done by volunteer students from Britain and Europe, in conjunction with the Ministry of the Environment, these turtles are given the best start to their difficult lives. Scientific study is also carried out here to monitor activity and record data; it is known that only one turtle hatchling in 1000 will live to maturity. Nesting of the turtles takes place at night during June and July; the hatching season begins around the middle of July and continues to the end of September. Anyone who would like to experience the nesting or hatching of the Green and Loggerhead Turtle is welcome. CYCLING. The Cyprus climate is perfect all year for those wanting to explore the countryside by bicycle and the scenery cannot be beaten. ORCHIDS AND WILD FLOWERS. Northern Cyprus is a botanists paradise especially in early spring with about 30 different species of wild orchids and an abundance of wild flowers to be seen. WALKING The quiet mountain footpaths, the lovely forest tracks and isolated beaches make North Cyprus a delightful walking experience all year round. A full itinery of walking holidays is available and can br arranged from any of the hotels listed. FISHING. There are plenty of opportunities to go fishing in the clear, blue Mediterranean Sea. In Kyrenia Harbour fishermen offer trips to suit the visitor, all at a very reasonable price. SCUBA DIVING IN NORTH CYPRUS. Beneath the rocky shoreline of North Cyprus lies a virtually untouched world revealing ancient civilisations and a wealth of underwater life waiting to be discovered. Ancient amphora lie encrusted to the rocks as we step back in time to another era. Old style fishing methods assure a natural balance between fish and man with many new species colonising thanks to their migration from The Red Sea via the Suez Canal. North Cyprus has the longest diving season in the Mediterranean with water temperatures ranging from 17c in the short winter up to 29c during the long hot summer. On the deeper sights shoals of Tuna, grouper and barracuda are arriving in greater numbers with regular sightings of pods of dolphin. Turtles are common during the months of May right through until October. In conjunction with TurtleBay Dive Centre a PADI 5* Gold Palm Centre based at Hotel Sempati and operating all year round offering PADI courses from Bubblemaker to Divemaster and for the experienced diver, daily diving, a warm welcome awaits. Please contact us for diving holidays. www. a1cyprus. com PARAGLIDING Para gliders declare that Northern Cyprus is a haven for this eco friendly activity; the countryside is perfect, the mountains beautiful, there are so many wonderful places for " take off". The climate is unbeatable and suitable for paragliding all year round, no problem in summer even when temperatures reach 40C. Single and tandem paragliding can be organised at any time of year, ( in winter weather permitting), by a reputable and experienced company. Tandem paragliding is particularly popular with all age groups. 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 fans of the sport since its opening in May 2000. HORSE RIDING There are several stables offering horse riding for the experienced rider or the novice. At the Catalkoy Riding Stables you are offered a good variety of daily trails or you may choose a fully guided riding holiday. CAROB PICKING. The Carob bean ripens in late August, picking starts around August 25th. The Carob bean was once known as " Cyprus Black Gold" and old Carob warehouses are still seen today along the northern coast of Northern Cyprus and Kyrenia Harbour. In those days the lucrative crop was exported. Today the Cypriot people make the traditional, nutritious syrup called " Pekmez" which is used in cooking and to make a delicious spread when mixed with tahini ( sesame seed paste). Tourists have the opportunity to visit a traditional, Turkish Cypriot village on the southern slopes of the Kyrenia Mountains and help with the Carob harvest and learn how to make " Pekmez". The season is short as the beans must be harvested quickly - August 30th to September 10th is the time to catch this fun thing to do. BIRD WATCHING. Northern Cyprus is a haven for those interested in spotting the most beautiful birds. There is unlimited opportunity to spend a holiday in peace and quiet just relaxing and watching the birds. Best areas are the Karpaz peninsular, the various lake areas, the Kyrenia Mountains and many beaches. Best time to come to see the migrating cranes is early October, the endemic Cyprus Pied Wheatear is seen in the summer months and the endemic Cyprus Warbler is seen all year. OLIVE PICKING The olives are ready for picking from the end of October; the green olives are gathered first, then the ripe, black olives are picked and either salted and preserved, or made into olive oil. By November the various olive presses in the villages are working and the local people take their produce there, in crates, and leave with the most wonderful thick dark green olive oil. At most of the olive presses the machinery has been up dated to give a more efficient production of oil, however, in the Karpaz village of " Buyukkonuk" you can still see the oil made in the original way. In fact, you can take part in olive picking and pressing, experiencing the traditional way of making olive oil and leaving with a jug of your very own olive oil. The 3 day activity takes place in early November and invites visitors to join in, pick your own olives, press them and get your pure Virgin Olive Oil in the special designed olive jar, learn about the Karpaz village and the traditional crafts still done today.

6 West Kyrenia Merit Crystal Cove Hotel All Year
     Travel Based on an All Inclusive concept The Merit Crystal Cove Hotel offers an excellent standard of accommodation in a beautiful sea front location and is simply in a class of its own. Highly recommended for families, couples and indeed anyone who appreciates luxury and all round first class standards. The hotel is set on its own private bay in extensive gardens on a promontory embraced by the Mediterranean Sea. It has a host of facilities to keep all of the family entertained. The swimming pool has a children's section and there is a full range of water sports available. The Merit Crystal Cove is situated 8 miles west of Kyrenia. There is a courtesy bus service to Kyrenia which operates at set times and car hire is recommended for those who would like to explore more of the sites in North Cyprus. The hotel has a restaurant, pool cafe, beach cafe, lobby bar and aquaruim bar providing a full range of quality food s and drinks for customers. Open buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, specified snacks and unlimited local alcholic and non alcholic drinks are included in the price of your holiday. Room service is also available at an additional cost. . Outdoor Swimming pool . Sandy beach . Tennis . Basketball . Health club . Fitness centre . Sauna . Massage ( extra cost) . Unisex beauty salon . Mini market . Hairdresser . Qualified doctor . Babysitting . Laundry service . Casino . Air- conditioning/ heating in all rooms . Telephone with direct line . Internet . Mini bar . Room service . Safety deposit box . Hair- dryer . Satellite TV Guest Services & Facilities Book Online www. a1cyprus. com