Undiscovered Cyprus – 8 Days
Type of tour: Self-guided
Level: 2
Duration: 7 Nights
Distance: 26 Miles/day average
Dates: Daily: year-round 2015 (except Jul and Aug)
Tour price: €725
Start city: Salamis, Cyprus
End city: Kyrenia, Cyprus
Tour Description
The Karpaz peninsula of North Cyprus, since British times also called ‘the panhandle’, is the most unspoilt and most beautiful part of the island of Cyprus. You cycle through traditional villages with churches and mosques standing side by side, passing almond, carob and olive groves.
Hibiscus, jasmin, bougainvillea and oleander blossoms, orange and lemon trees accompany your tour. Beautiful unspoilt sandy beaches invite you every day for a swim or a walk! Millions of migrating birds can be seen, turtles come out of the sea and lay their eggs in the sand; maybe you will see a group of shy wild donkeys playing on the shore.
In spring time North Cyprus is famous for its wildflowers, especially for its orchids. Further highlights are ancient Salamis, the world famous kings tombs, the Saint Barnabas monastery, medieval Famagusta, the genuine cypriote hospitality with its delicious food and last not least 320 days of sunshine!
Highlights: Self-guided Daily Program: Self-guided Day 1: Arrival to Salmis Day 2: Salamis – Bogaz (28-32 miles/45-52km) Day 3: Bogaz – Dipkarpaz (35-40 miles/55-65km) Day 4: Golden Beach and Cape Andreas (25-31 miles/40-50km) Day 5: Dipkarpaz – Kumyali (23 miles/35km) Day 6: Kumyali – Tatlisu (25 miles/40km) Day 7: Tatlisu – Kyrenia (31 miles/50km) Day 8: Departure or extra night Included Services: Self-guided Bike Rentals: Self-guided Equipment provided at no additional cost: Pedals: Helmets:
Arrive Ercan (North Cyprus) or Larnaca (South Cyprus) airport, where you can be picked up and transported to your hotel near Salamis (Transfer not included).
Explore by bicycle the Roman town of Salamis. Very attractive is the combination of ruins, sandy dunes and sea panorama. In spring time the area is covered by the yellow blossoms of the acacia bushes the British planted in the old times. The ancient harbour invites you for a swim. Afterwards cycle to the kings’ tombs and Saint Barnabas monastery. (You may also visit the crusader town of Famagusta (busy road).) Cycle further on to Bogaz, a small fishing village with excellent fish restaurants. One night in a hotel next to the beach.
Today you cycle across the Karpas peninsula. Olive, carob and fig trees edge the wayside. The traditional villages are adorned with bougainvilleas, hibiscus and jasmin. Shady coffee houses invite you for a rest. You cycle along the north coast then further on to Dipkarpaz, the last village on the panhandle. The ethical mixed village consists of many little farms with little gardens, lemon and orange orchards, spread around. Two nights in a converted village house.
Today you cycle along the south coast. Our first destination is the long sandy beach. It is one of the very few areas in the Mediterranean where the Caretta-Caretta and the Green Turtle can lay their eggs. You may also see wild donkeys playing at the shore. Cycle to Apostolos Andreas monasteries, a famous pilgrimage place for the Greeks coming from the South. You may also cycle further on to Cape Andreas where once an Aphrodite temple greeted the seafarers. From here itis only a stone’s throw to Syria.
Today you cycle through an idyllic landscape to the south coast of the ‘panhandle’. On their way you may make detours to lonely beaches. The pretty hotel at the end of your cycling tour today in Kumyali (with small pool) is well known for its excellent Cypriote specialities. The sandy beach is 2 km away.
Today you cycle over the Kyrenia Mountains to the North coast. You have to ascend to the pass (+400m), but you will compensated by the great views over the coast and sea. Your isolated accommodation is on the beach again.
Cycle along the North coast to Girne/Kyrenia, one of the most beautiful harbour towns of the Mediterrenean. Maybe you have a detour to the abbey of Bellapais, made famous by Lawrence Durrell. Overnight in a hotel in the harbour area.
The bikes available for rent on this tour (must be reserved at time of booking) include:
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmet rental is not available on this tour. We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.
