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Travelling to & in North Cyprus

FLying

We recommend flying into Larnaca airport, situated in South Cyprus (Greek) about 2hr drive away from the wedding venue, because you can get direct flights, it's quicker (when flying from the UK) and can be cheaper as more airlines fly there. This is due to the embargo on North Cyprus - but let's not get into that now...

 

Alternatively, you can fly into Ercan airport which is on the North side (Turkish) and is a 1hr drive from Gillham Vineyard. NOTE that flights into Ercan have to detour through an airport in Turkey; usually Instanbul.

Driving

1. If you're flying into Larnaca...

You will need to get a transfer over the border to the North as it is not possible to hire a car in the South and drive it to the North. You will need to hand over your passport for inspection as you cross the borders but this tends to be a pretty quick process!

 

Transfers typically cost around £85 each way (usually a 7 seater) and can be paid in GBP or TL. Most hotels will be able to arrange transfers on your behalf and Air BnBs will be able to provide details of transfer / cab companies. It's 2 hours to get from Larnaca airport to the wedding venue.

 

2. If you're flying into Ercan...

You can arrange to hire a car from the airport or get a transfer to where you're staying. We haven't flown into Ercan for a while but, based on some quick googling, it looks like transfers are typically £65 each way (for a 7 seater). It's 1hr from Ercan to the wedding venue.

 

General advice on getting around...

If you're staying in Northern Cyprus for longer than a couple of days we recommend hiring a car to get around. Bars, restaurants, beaches, hotels & local landmarks are spread around so having a car gives you the most flexibility to make the most of your stay. Sometimes Rent a Car companies will also arrange transfers for you as well! Here are a few companies we suggest you check out:

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IDIL Rent a Car -  +90 533 851 34 34 (WhatsApp)

Magic Island Rent a Car

British Rent a Car - +90 533 851 73 48 (WhatsApp)

Sun Rent a Car - +90 392 815 23 02  (Phone)

A-One Rent a Car - +90 542 852 30 06 (Phone)

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If you're planning on spending most of your time in and around where you're staying, or are only coming for the weekend, then don't worry; your hotel or Air BnB owner will be able to arrange a taxi or provide a phone number to call or WhatsApp!

Where to stay in North Cyprus

Recommended Areas 

  • ​Alsancak - known for it's sandy beaches, with a good mix of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops (10 minutes drive to the venue)

  • Lapta - loved for the beautiful coastline, restaurants and nightlife (15 minutes drive to the venue)

  • Ilgaz - quiet and friendly residential village surrounding the venue 

  • Bellapais - a beautiful village in the mountains with a good selection of restaurants and an Abbey overlooking the Mediterranean Sea (30 minutes drive to the venue)

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Cyprus is a pretty safe country so staying anywhere won't be a problem. However, to avoid being too far away from the action, we advise staying somewhere in between Lapta (to the West) and Girne / Kyrenia (to the East).

 

Villas & Hotels
We recommend looking at Air bnb or Booking.com to find villas & hotels, though we have outlined some hotels we recommend below!

  • Denizkizi Hotel (Alsancak)

  • Kaya Palazzo (KaraoÄŸlanoÄŸlu)

  • Rocks Hotel & Casino  (Girne a.k.a. Kyrenia)

  • Les Ambassadeurs Hotel Casino & Marina (Girne a.k.a. Kyrenia)

  • Lord's Palace Hotel SPA Casino (Girne a.k.a. Kyrenia)

  • Pia Bella Hotel (Girne a.k.a. Kyrenia)

  • Grand Pasha Hotel (Girne a.k.a. Kyrenia)

  • The Arkin Colony Hotel (Girne a.k.a. Kyrenia)

  • Bellapais Gardens (Beylerbeyi a.k.a Bellapais)

  • Elexus Hotel & Resort (Çatalköy)

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We'd advise looking at booking a Villa in North Cyprus as you can usually find a reasonably sized place with a pool for a very good price!

More info on the way

We will be sharing tips for things like money exchange, using mobile data and places to eat, drink and be merry soon! 

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