An early start today. After the delights of a Malibu Turkish-style breakfast ( only 3 of us in the hotel overnight – mega busy !) it was off up the road towards Dipkarpaz, then to “end of the world” ie the furthest point East that you can go on the island of Cyprus. It’s almost become a “right of passage” that going there has to be done. Anyway, it’s wonderfully wild up there, the sun is out and its sensibly warm. What more do you need ? Here’s a taste of what it looks like.
At the “ end of the world” there are a few small islands. Yes, the water really is that colour.
Then you get busy beaches – with all mod con’s……
After a few more off road excursions down to beaches, etc, I ended up for a coffee stop at the Big Sand Beach Bungalows and Restaurant, which has fantastic views from the balcony over the best beach in Cyprus. As it says in my guide book “ it’s known as Golden Sands and the extent of the beach is unrivalled anywhere else in the North”. I agree…….
So back to Dipkarpaz ( all roads lead to Dipkarpaz……..) and then on to another one of my favourite watering holes at Ayos Philon for lunch at the Oasis Hotel & Restaurant. On a beautiful bay, they also have nice looking, simple rooms. Perhaps I’ll stay there next time….
This is the site of the ancient city of Karpasia, a “flourishing Christian community until Arab raiders burnt and sacked it in AD802”. There is a Byzantine church there. last year when I visited, they were just setting up the site with a vierw to starting preservation work. It’s now looking a lot, lot better, complete with information boards, etc. Funnily enough EU funded……how does that work ?????
Then it was along the most southern road to Ziyamet and Bogaz. It’s an interesting road, with many small villages along the way, like Avtepe. It was my the intention to visit the village of Kantara and its castle. From Bogaz up to the castle, its a flat road for a while, but then degenerates into a very narrow and extremely twisty single track road, but with great views – again !!
Unfortunately the castle and the restaurant were both closed, so no cuppa for me. Down the hill then to the main northern coast road and back to Catalkoy.
A great day out. I do like this part of North Cyprus – “far from the madding crowds”. A story by a Mr Hardy, I believe.