Safe in Cyprus ?
 

I am thinking of planning a trip to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for a conference. After reading the Consular warnings, viewing the political map and considering the violence in the region, I am re-considering. Anyone been to Cyprus (Northern or Southern) recently who can share advise? Are there many Americans in Nicosia or Famagusta?

No, there are not many Americans in Famagusta, and not many European tourists either. But there are many European tourists in Nicosia`s Greek side. But not because Northern Cyprus would be somehow violent, because it is not. The reason for the lack of tourists in Northern Cyprus is the diffulty to go there: you have to enter through Turkey, from southern Cyprus you can only make a day visit. Southern Cyprus on the other hand is a very popular tourist destination for Europeans, and one of the favourite places where Northern Europeans go to live after they retire.<BR><BR>There is no actual violence there (that was in 1960´s), but the island is divided. A thing that has to be solved before Cyprus can be accepted to EU. What kind of consular warnings you have? Why? My old mother would not live her winters there if it was dangerous.

I thought there was NO-ONE in Famagusta! Wasn't it deserted during the conflict? Today its a ghost town.

I think the violence issue to which Chris refers is more to do with the fact that the Brits (and the Americans) are likely to use Episkopi if they launch an attack on Iraq; which in turn makes it a target. Episkopi on the other hand is about as far from Kyrenia as you can be and still have dry feet.<BR><BR>In 1974 the old town of Famagusta was besieged by the Greek Cypriot National Guard. The siege went on until the Turkish army appeared outside the walls also. <BR><BR>Famamgusta is far from abandoned, tho' given its proximity to the Green Line, I'm not sure it would be my destintion of choice.<BR><BR>This link will give you more.<BR><BR>Since the Turkish invasion (in 1974, not the '60s) there have been flurries of dangerous activity on teh border and every so often teh heat gets seriously raised under the political stuff. Both countries want to join the EU and the pressure on them to resolve this problem is immense.

Wooops!<BR><BR>the Missing Link<BR><BR>http://www.cypnet.com/.ncyprus/magusa.html

I checked the Foreign Office Web site. they have NO warnings posted. What on earth does the State Department say?

sheila<BR>If any tourist wanders into Famagusta they will more than likely be shot!It is very much a ghost town, in the "buffer" zone. Neither Greek nor Turk can enter. The only way you can see Famagusta is through binoculars.

FRANK....well Frank u are completely wrong about Northern Cyprus. I lived there 12 years, 6 of which in Famagusta. The buffer zone / no-mans land is just outside Famagusta and is called 'Marash' in Turkish. It is occupied by the UN (hardly any of them left nowadays) and by some military brits on the 'British Base in Aios Nikolaios.<BR>Northern Cyprus is probably one of the safest places on this planet and very welcoming, like Turkey. There are beautiful beaches, good food and its very relaxing unlike the Southern part which is packed with cheap tourists. The main place to go to in N. Cyprus is Kyrenia...

Welcome to turkish R.of N.Ctprus Chris!<BR>People speak very good english and the island has still remains from Greece and England.The cars are driven right. The citizens are Turkish(Northern Cyprish?) but they don't like turks general.For turkish people T.R of N.C is like Las vegas for Us.Like Dubai no special tax for import so taxis are Mercedes and any brand can be found very cheap.It looks like a typical Med. seaside village but not a country.Very nice beaches good and cheap hotels.Many Germans and Russians for holiday.Enjoy your trip and don't forget to eat hellim(special cheese but delicious)<BR> For any further info please ask

hellim !!! Oh yes, that is a must also with the Ayran (the typical yoghurt drink). FYI the locals are called Turkish Cypriots.<BR>I'll recommend Cyprus to anyone, anyday.

is there a new Famagusta? If not, i've seen quite an optical illusion as I saw a ghost town through binoculars. When Turkey invaded Cyprus in the 70s they drove all the Greek cypriots out of the city but have not allowed resettlement in case of sanctions. All hotels which I have seen advertised as being in Famagusta are infact several miles outside. I'd love someone to solve the mystery for me!

We have just returned from Cyprus and the hotels in the Famagusta that the tourists flocked to in the 1970s are definitely totally desterted and left as they were on the day that everyone left.

ttt

well- whats the correct answer?

The truth is that Famagusta is NOT a deserted city and there are fabulous hotels all over the north. You were looking at the wrong place. I would definitely recommend the north for a quiet relaxing holiday. the beaches are fabulous and almost untouched.

Northern Cyprus is, of course, an unrecognised rogue state, but with luck, the UN proposals of last November will fix that problem

Well you are both right. The main part of Famagusta where all the hotels were IS deserted. However, new hotels have been built at the edge of town in the Turkish part, and of course, there is the old city of Famagusta (Magosa?) which was always in the Turkish part.

I AM FROM MICHIGAN, I WENT TO SOUTHERN CYPRUS, LARNACA, IN JANUARY. ITS FINE. NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT AT ALL. ITS A VERY QUIET SIMPLE PLACE.<BR><BR>MATT