If you believe much of the Med has been ruined by high-rise hotels, head to North Cyprus. Although the main tourist hub of Kyrenia – with its perfect Venetian harbour – fairly bustles, surrounding villages appear to be stuck in a time warp. Explore hilltop castles, ruined abbeys and the remote beaches of the Karpas Peninsula, amongst the wildest and most beautiful in Europe. 
Despite its promise of year-round sunshine, North Cyprus is much more than simply somewhere to lie on a beach. It’s a fascinating destination rich in culture and history. Its people are friendly and fiercely proud of their Turkish heritage, and the food is amongst the finest in the Mediterranean.
To really appreciate North Cyprus you need to explore, either by organised tour or hire car. You’ll find ancient cities, castles, historic abbeys, palaces, churches and mosques set against a backdrop of mountains, fertile valleys and traditional villages.
The best base is Kyrenia, a well-preserved port that really comes alive in the evenings. Eat a dinner of fresh fish at one of the many harbourfront restaurants and watch the world go by.
One of the most popular hotels is the Pia Bella. A charming property with two swimming pools set in fragrant gardens, it is located on the outskirts of Kyrenia, a 20-minute walk from the harbour and close to many shops and restaurants.
Bellapais, made famous by Lawrence Durrell in Bitter Lemons, is a short drive away. It’s a romantic and peaceful village with narrow sleepy streets and the atmospheric ruins of the Bellapais Abbey. A short walk away is the Bellapais Monastery Village, an intimate hotel popular with honeymooners. Try our quiz to find the best honeymoon destinations for you.
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