Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus.
If you've never been, perhaps this is the year to discover one of the Mediterranean's best-kept secrets.
September and October... arguably the best time of the year
Forget the crowded beaches and scorching midsummer heat.
September and October are when Northern Cyprus really comes into its own.
The sea is beautifully warm after an entire summer of sunshine. Daytime temperatures are still perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing by the pool, while the humidity begins to fall, making the climate much more comfortable than in the height of summer.
Then, as the sun begins to set, something magical happens.
The evenings become wonderfully comfortable. Warm enough to sit outside in shorts and a T-shirt, yet cool enough to enjoy a leisurely meal without feeling uncomfortable.
It's exactly how Mediterranean holidays are supposed to be.
Eat like the locals
Turkish Cypriots rarely rush their evening meals.
As the temperature drops, families and friends gather outdoors for hours of conversation, laughter and food.
Start with freshly baked village bread.
Then come the cold mezes - creamy hummus, tangy yoghurt dips, olives, salads and countless little dishes bursting with flavour.
Just when you think you've eaten enough...
The grills arrive.
Succulent lamb, chicken, köfte, kebabs and other charcoal-cooked specialities that seem to keep coming.
Of course, if you're simply in the mood for an authentic Turkish kebab with an ice-cold beer while watching the world go by, you'll find plenty of places where you can do exactly that.
Girne (Kyrenia) - the heart of the holiday coast
Most visitors choose to stay around the beautiful harbour city of Girne.
It's small enough to explore on foot, yet lively enough to keep you entertained for days.
Browse the quaint streets filled with independent shops, enjoy the cafés around the historic harbour, visit the castle, or simply sit with a coffee and watch the yachts gently bobbing on the water.
If shopping is your thing, you'll also find plenty of fashion boutiques and designer brands at prices that often compare very favourably with many other Mediterranean destinations.
Beaches without the crowds
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is just how much space there is.
Golden sandy beaches.
Crystal-clear water.
Hidden coves.
Long coastal walks.
And, unlike many of Europe's better-known resorts, you don't feel like you're sharing the beach with thousands of other people.
History everywhere you look
Northern Cyprus isn't simply about lying on a beach.
Within a short drive you can discover medieval castles perched high in the mountains, ancient monasteries, Roman ruins, Venetian walls and charming traditional villages where life still moves at a gentler pace.
Every day can be a different adventure.
Something for every budget
Whether you're looking for five-star luxury with spas, casinos and infinity pools, a boutique hotel overlooking the harbour, or a comfortable family-run hotel offering excellent value for money, Northern Cyprus has accommodation to suit almost every budget.
Getting there
Travellers from the UK have two popular options.
Many fly into Ercan Airport, travelling via Türkiye, while others choose a direct flight to Larnaca before transferring by road across the border into Northern Cyprus. The Larnaca option offers more direct flight choices from the UK but does involve a transfer of around an hour to an hour and a half.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, September and October often produce some excellent-value air fares, making late-season breaks particularly attractive.
More than just another beach holiday
Northern Cyprus isn't for people who simply want to spend seven days sitting around the hotel bar.
It's for travellers who enjoy discovering somewhere different.
Somewhere with genuine hospitality.
Outstanding food.
Beautiful scenery.
History stretching back thousands of years.
Relaxed beaches.
Bustling markets.
Mountain villages.
Lively nightlife if you want it...
...and peaceful evenings beneath a warm Mediterranean sky if you don't.
Perhaps that's why so many visitors come for one holiday...
...and then keep coming back