The Karpaz peninsula of North Cyprus, since British times also called the ’panhandle’, is the most unspoilt and most beautiful part of the island of Cyprus. You cycle through traditional villages with churches and mosques standing side by side, passing almond, carob and olive groves. Hibiscus, Jasmin, Bougainvillea and Oleander blossoms, Orange and lemon trees accompany your tour. Beautiful unspoilt sandy beaches invite you every day for a swim or a walk! Millions of migrating birds can be seen, turtles come out of the sea and lay their eggs in the sand; maybe you will see a group of shy wild donkeys playing on the shore. In spring time North Cyprus is famous for its wildflowers, especially for its orchids. Further highlights are ancient Salamis, the world famous king tombs, the Saint Barnabas monastery, medieval Famagusta, the genuine Cypriote hospitality with its delicious food and last not least 340 days of sunshine.
On your first stage you will cycle to the world-famous royal tombs and to Saint Barnabas monastery. After that, you will discover the Roman town of Salamis. The combination of ruins, sand dunes and seascape is very scenic. In spring time the area is covered by the yellow blossoms of the acacia bushes the British planted in the old times. Then, you cycle to the church of Panagia in Iskele, where you can admire its beautiful Byzantine frescoes. Your day will end in Bogaz, which is well-known for its outstanding seafood restaurants.
Today you will cycle across the Karpas peninsula. Olive, carob and fig trees edge the wayside. The traditional villages are adorned with bougainvilleas, hibiscus and jasmin. Shady coffee houses invite you for a rest. Your final destination, the hotel Nitovikla, is on the whole peninsula famous because of its great Cyprian kitchen.
Today you will start cycling close to the sea, before reaching the most exposed village on the peninsula, Dipkarpaz. It includes many different guesthouses with small garden and fields. In this Arcadian area are many things to visit.
Today you will cycle along the southern coast. Your first destination is a long paradisiacal sandy beach - one of the few areas in the Mediterranean Sea, where the Caretta-Caretta and the Green Turtle can still lay their eggs. Wild donkeys also live in this area, which you might see on your way to Cap Andreas with its lonesome monastery.
On the last stage, you will cycle through an idyllic, Arcadian landscape to the southern coast of the "panhandle". On your way to Kumyali, you will pass lonesome villages and have the possibility to go to some quiet beaches.
Today you cycle across the Kyrenia mountains on the north coast. It goes uphill (+400m), but it is worth for the amazing few over the coast. Your lonely located bungalows is directly at the beach (+350m).
The route today is along the Girne/Kyrena north coast, which is one of the most beautiful harbour cities of the middle sea. How would it be with a short detour to the BellapaisS. It is one of the most wonderful gothic buildings in Levante. You stay overnight in the hotel near the harbour.
Day
10
Departure or extension
Tour character
You cycle mainly on quite, flat roads roads, sometimes smaller hills, but you will be compensated with wonderful sea views (a bit more traffic around Famagusta).
Traumhafte Landschaft, Gastfreundlichkeit toll, perfekter Service.Sehr persönliche und super freundliche Betreuung. Man ist überall willkommen, außer bei einigen Hunden :-)