Famagusta

I went today to the north part of Cyprus, which is occupied by Turkey since 1974. Very strange feeling. Living now in Europe where all walls fell, communism died (of natural causes) and there in small Cypriot island is divided into half and seems that nobody wants to do anything about that.

I bought special insurance for the car for 10 Cyprus pounds per day. This insurance is obligatory, one you have from the rental company does not cover north side! With this you go to passport control booth and you fill in piece of paper with proud name Visa. You get a stamp, and off you go onto forbidden land as it used to be quite recently. Only last few years the border opens up a bit.

Right after the border, first shock. Road signs are a bit different and all in  Turkish. City names are in Turkish and are different from what I had on the map. Later on I also could see generally speaking the road markings and directions are not very well developed over there.

Another thing which surprised me was the fact that the place as such looked very nice. Especially north parts and the mountains. Turks took quite nice spots and do not want to let them go.

I had in mind going to Famagusta, and actually Varosha - the ghost town on the east side of the island. City captured by Turkish army and held hostage till now. The area has been blocked and for last 34 years nothing has changed there except the natural degradation. Very sad place, but I wanted to go there from the north side, where you can walk along the beech up to the fence. Famagusta in 14th century was one of the main ports of eastern Mediterranean market. The city of Famagusta is one of the finest examples of mediaeval architecture in the eastern Mediterranean.


From Famagusta I drove west towards Nicosia but about 20 km before I turned right towards Pentadaktylos mountains and towards Keryneia - port at the north and main city of the area. Narrow mountains road with stunning views. Right after reaching the top you face the view of the sea from the distance. Fantastic.
I passed by Keryneia driving through the city traffic and headed further west towards cape Kormakitis, the most northern part of western Cyprus.
After you leave the city behind, gradually the terrain changes and becomes more hilly and wild. Last 20 km or so you drive through typical mountain narrow road with millions of turns but at the same time you have unforgettable view of the sea on you right.  For me it was something new, that is to be in the mountains and at the same time at the sea side. If you have few days in Cyprus recommend to take a small trip to the north. Tomorrow I plan to visit Karpasia (north-east) and reach Cape Apostolos Andreas. I was told that place is even better!

Pictures in the gallery