Local Life - Wigan - November 2018

72 Travel
Cypriot Sun
By Jess Phillips
The term ‘winter sun’ tends to conjure images of
Asia, the Caribbean or even the Canary Islands.
North Cyprus might not be the first destination
to spring to mind – but it could be the perfect
getaway for beating those winter blues. Grab your
sunglasses and jet off to the city of Kyrenia or the
eastern city of Famagusta for a holiday filled with
glittering beaches and a rich Cypriot heritage. With
an extremely favourable exchange rate currently
running at 8 Turkish Lira to a single pound, you’d be
hard pressed to get better value for money too.
If you opt for a stay in Kyrenia, a city at the heart
of North Cyprus, famed for its picturesque views
and stunning architecture, you’ll probably stumble
across the Harbour at some point. Surrounded by
historic stone buildings with trailing flowers and
vines, Kyrenia Harbour is nestled deep within the
city’s Old Town, and a beautiful spot to see the sun
glinting off turquoise waters, framed by the high
masts of local fishing boats.
Its castle juts out from the harbour, providing
stunning views from the top of the battlements of
the uninterrupted ocean beyond - definitely worth
the slightly taxing walk to reach them. Deeper into
the city, meanwhile, sits Bellapais Abbey, a mostlyintact
thirteenth-century ruin dedicated to ‘Our
Lady of the White Garments’, Ayia Asprophorusa.
But Kyrenia isn’t all this fabulous region has to offer.
With highs of up to 40° in the summer months, North
Cyprus’ coastline is dotted with gorgeous beaches
to help you make the most of the weather, including
Golden Beach north of Famagusta and Acapulco