Bitter Lemons and Cyprus

[pragmatist]

Winter dreaming again - well it beats the "what makes a liveaboard ?" thread ! Just re-reading Lawrence Durrell's account of living in Cyprus between 1953-1956. It sounds truly wonderful. However neighbours have had package holidays in Cyprus recently and say its getting very built up.

Who can tell me what Cyprus is like now for the cruising visitor ? Is it a place to plan for and dream about - or cross off the list ?

<hr width=100% size=1>a pragmatist is a sailor who now believes it will _always_ rain

 

[boatmike]

No its horrible. Don't go there. Tell all your friends to stay away too. I want it all to myself when I get there! )

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[wishbone]

We have been visiting Cyprus for over 15 years, many things have changed
Getting very busy, lots of building works, lots of Brit’s living there now.
But yes a place to visit, Cypriot people are on the whole very friendly, sailing area is restricted, cheaper as always away from tourist areas, lots of stuff to see, a nice anchorage at Lara bay , get a jeep and drive up through Akarmas reserve west of Paphos, liveaboards seem to be at Larnaca marina. I hope to sail down 2005/2006
Part of my retirement plan. A place to take slowly slowly, learn a little greek most village people do not speak english, some of the best meals can be had in the most unlikley places, once ate in a small village where they had to bring chairs from their house for us to sit on watched their telly and played with their children
both my boys spent most of their holidays there! never been to Disneyland


<hr width=100% size=1>Wishbone
Rolling, rolling, rolling keep them doggies moving!
Where’s me chuck wagon gone?

 

[Richsquest]

I endorse BoatMikes comments " Dont go their its terrible"

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[pragmatist]

So far I'm impressed. Maybe my next-door-neighbour's attitude - "I go to Cyprus to shop" doesn't sum the place up ! Any more comments gratefully received /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>a pragmatist is a sailor who now believes it will _always_ rain

 

[Gordonmc]

I am a fairly regular visitor as my big brother retired there some 15 years ago. Yes, the South is getting busier. Paphos particularly has become very much a modern resort although the upside is towns like Limmasol and Larnaca have brightened up their act.
The sovereign bases have stopped development in some areas on the South coast which makes them attractive; long beaches with occasional tavernas.
There are still untouched places in the Trudos if you have time to search them out. The point of this note, though, is that the North is opening up. Once there is free movement over the Green Line expect an explosion of interest. Contrary to what most tourists are told in the South it is possible to visit the North for a looksee, although for more than a day requires some chicanery... and don't try to bring back goods bought in the North.
Kyrenia has to be the most picturesque port in the Eastern Med. and the last time I visited it was virtually deserted.
Don't visit the North by boat if you intend heading down to the Republic. You'll get the clink.

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[PlanB]

We went to Northern Cyprus (by plane) in October - lovely place although there is a lot of building of housing going on - mostly well controlled. Kyrenia harbour is magic, but not much space for visitors - the marina in the docks had no space at all. Famagusta had no pleasure harbour. Northern Cyrpus does not cater much for boaters of either discipline, surprising really, for an island.