1st time driving over to Karpas peninsula - help/info needed

[Ams]

Hi all

I have decided to spend a couple of nights on Karpas peninsula. This will be my first time driving over into the North (well, I did cross over once in Nicosia, to go to Kyrenia, but it was over 10 years ago and I was a passenger and not paying much attention) and I will be on my own too, so am a little nervous. I also have some questions which I am hoping some members will be able to help me with (quite a few questions in fact!).

1) Which crossing - I figure that it makes sense to cross over in the east of Cyprus. There seem to be 2 crossings I could take. Does anyone have a view of which would be the best one to use? Is either of them easier than the other?

2) Directions - Can anyone give directions on how to get to the crossing/s (considering I don’t know the east of Cyprus very well)? Looking at Google maps I think I should be ok to find my way to Karpas once I’ve crossed, so though I will see if I can buy a local road map?

3) Car insurance – Am I right in thinking that the place to buy car insurance for the north will be at the crossing point and I won’t miss it? I’m presuming this should be easy enough to do. Does anyone know if the insurance includes breakdown cover?

4) Is there anything else I should know in advance before crossing?

5) Phone – I believe my Cyta mobile won’t worth in the north, is that correct? I’m a bit worried about this part as I’ll be on my own and it’s good to have a phone in case of emergency.

5) Cash/currency – Can I pay for most things in Euros, or do I need some Turkish lira? The accommodation and diving centre have quoted me in Euros, but what about local tavernas, petrol stations etc? If necessary is there somewhere near the border where I can change money? Will my Bank of Cyprus card work up there?

6) If anyone has any tips of places I should definitely visit on the panhandle do let me know.

Thanks for your help, sorry about all the questions!

Amanda

[WHL]

Black knight crossing Ay Nik drive to Larnaca then towards Ayia Napa
turn off at Dhekelia head towards Famagusta
get insurance at the crossing
no breakdown, only third party
speed cameras everywhere and they are on it so dont speed
euros accepted everywhere
phone will go on their network
Saint Andreas monestery good to ses, kantara castle too

[PaphosAL]

As RW points out, your CYTA mobile,will not work once you are out of range of coverage from the South. If you have a UK mobile take it, it will,work.

But at a big price on TRNC mobile tariffs, so don't use it for idle chat! Just keep it in case of emergency, yeah?

Why on earth can Cyta not arrange mobile phone roaming in the North, for crying out LOUD? Are they that blinkered still?

AL

[Ancient History]

Mobiles will generally work as far as Bogaz but after that, no. Besides the places already mentioned I would also recommend the archaeological site of Ayios Philon (Ayfilon) which is above a lovely stretch of beach and also makes for a very pleasant place to stop and have a drink or something to eat (the Oasis at Ayfilon). Golden Beach, 5km from Apostolos Andreas Monastery also has great swimming, etc. The archaeological site of Aphendrika (Afendrika) is also fascinating and worth a visit in my humble opinion. I would recommend getting a good guide book before you go as it will help.

[PeteandSylvi]

As RW points out, your CYTA mobile,will not work once you are out of range of coverage from the South. If you have a UK mobile take it, it will,work.

But at a big price on TRNC mobile tariffs, so don't use it for idle chat! Just keep it in case of emergency, yeah?

Why on earth can Cyta not arrange mobile phone roaming in the North, for crying out LOUD? Are they that blinkered still?

AL

Al, surely you have noticed there is a political situation regarding the TRNC? Hardly CYTA's fault. There was talk of joining the systems up for roaming some time ago prior to Erdogan becoming Turkey's elected dictator.

Pete

[RattyPatty]

Purchase a local Sim when you get there.

[PeteandSylvi]

If you plan to go up the panhandle, and it is worth it, check out the fun and very enjoyable beach chalets you can stop at. There are several along the south coast including my favourite near the top of the panhandle with a lovely beach, mainly wooden but some metal chalets where the food is absolutely superb.

Travel right to the tip and see the tiny police station where we were invited in for coffee when the policeman, who is now a Facebook friend, became curious as to what we were looking for on the rocks. Dominic will probably have guessed there is a geocache there!

Don't forget to buy some carrots for the donkeys you will meet on the way!

http://www.seabirdmotel.com/ Booking is advised as it's very popular.

Pete

[Ams]

Hi

Thanks everyone for your very helpful replies. I'm so busy at work I haven't had time to digest them yet but I will go through it all and plan my trip - I do need a break!

I did want to stay at the Seabird, I thought it sounded perfect, but I contacted them by email, text, Facebook and through their website and got no reply. I know I could have phoned but I was annoyed with them by then. I emailed Balci Plaza and they replied within an hour with a very friendly email and he's been very helpful since, so that decided me. It's a also a lot closer to the dive centre, which is convenient. I may regret it when I drive up and see the Seabird cabins....

Thanks again all,

Amanda

[Biggles]

We've stayed at the Seabird Motel and it's wonderful but the reason they probably haven't replied is that they were shut down by the police within the last week or so. They're cracking down on places without the necessary permits.

[PeteandSylvi]

We've stayed at the Seabird Motel and it's wonderful but the reason they probably haven't replied is that they were shut down by the police within the last week or so. They're cracking down on places without the necessary permits.

That's a great shame. I hope they can get it sorted.

Pete

[Ams]

Thanks Biggles, I did wonder. All the reviews I had read on Seabird were so good it was very strange that they weren't answering.

Guess that means I won't even get lunch in their taverna.

It is a shame, as it sounded like a perfect place to me.

[WHL]

Got this from their facebook page..go down its in English.
https://www.change.org/p/kktc-eski-eser ... ef=Default

[Biggles]

Got this from their facebook page..go down its in English.
https://www.change.org/p/kktc-eski-eser ... ef=Default

That's old news from at least two years ago when the police first started cracking down and is for a different set of premises.

I've just checked the SeaBird FB page and this was posted two hours ago:

Good day, friends! Our restaurant is still open! At the moment we are doing our best to fix stone houses to fulfill our obligations towards our customers! Will post updates here. Stay in touch!

It's disappointing that it's been (hopefully temporarily) closed as it's a stunning place to stay; no, the food isn't five star, but the accommodation is much, much better than you would expect for somewhere so remote and the sea and bay are the perfect place to relax.

[Biggles]

Got this from their facebook page..go down its in English.
https://www.change.org/p/kktc-eski-eser ... ef=Default

The full story re this set of premises (not Seabird Motel)

http://www.lgcnews.com/court-demands-de ... bungalows/

[PaphosAL]

As RW points out, your CYTA mobile,will not work once you are out of range of coverage from the South. If you have a UK mobile take it, it will,work.

But at a big price on TRNC mobile tariffs, so don't use it for idle chat! Just keep it in case of emergency, yeah?

Why on earth can Cyta not arrange mobile phone roaming in the North, for crying out LOUD? Are they that blinkered still?

AL

Al, surely you have noticed there is a political situation regarding the TRNC? Hardly CYTA's fault. There was talk of joining the systems up for roaming some time ago prior to Erdogan becoming Turkey's elected dictator.

Pete

Of course I know the political situation since 1974, Pete! I'm not as dumb as I look, LOL!

But my take on this was that Cy Gov is providing electric to to the TRNC area for many years, to boost their supply, at a price, of course...

So why can the two sides not bang heads and share mobile phone coverage between them?

Cheers- AL

[PaphosAL]

Received a FB notification today that the restaurant is still open however, having eaten there last year it's not an experience I'd wish to repeat.

Enlighten us please, RW, when all the other posts here on PL suggest that the food is fabulous in that area?

Thanks- AL

[PeteandSylvi]

But at a big price on TRNC mobile tariffs, so don't use it for idle chat! Just keep it in case of emergency, yeah?

Why on earth can Cyta not arrange mobile phone roaming in the North, for crying out LOUD? Are they that blinkered still?

AL

Al, surely you have noticed there is a political situation regarding the TRNC? Hardly CYTA's fault. There was talk of joining the systems up for roaming some time ago prior to Erdogan becoming Turkey's elected dictator.

Pete

Of course I know the political situation since 1974, Pete! I'm not as dumb as I look, LOL!

But my take on this was that Cy Gov is providing electric to to the TRNC area for many years, to boost their supply, at a price, of course...

So why can the two sides not bang heads and share mobile phone coverage between them?

Cheers- AL

Actually there is an amount of sharing roaming coverage through Primetel but you have to specifically switch it on.

I never heard of ROC selling electricity to TRNC. However after the idiot President blew up the power station here there was a connection and the ROC bought electricity from TRNC. All done through a 3rd party company a long arm's length from governments.

Ultimately Al what you are asking is for common sense to prevail. Unfortunately you are dealing with politicians and common sense does not come into it.

Pete

[PaphosAL]

understood, Pete...

But if memory serves me correctly, PRIOR to that fiasco, south was regularly supplying north with electric mains? Maybe Max or Devil can enlighten us here?

AL

[Ancient History]

Got this from their facebook page..go down its in English.
https://www.change.org/p/kktc-eski-eser ... ef=Default

This FB post about Burhan Kalin being arrested is from last year, so out of date therefore. However, the police have been cracking down on establishments so Sea Bird may indeed be one of those affected.