Karpaz Peninsula

 peninsula, invisible

The Karpaz peninsula, the easternmost part of the island, is where the land tapers into a thin strip which stretches towards Turkey. Known as the panhandle of Cyprus it is a breathtaking adventure. Its miles-long secluded beaches where the green of Cyprus blends with the turquoise of the Mediterranean, and its lovely, unspoilt and gorgeous countryside, are so inviting that one can't help falling in love with Karpaz at first sight.



Karpaz is almost totally free from heavy concentration of industry or people, making it one of the least polluted regions in Europe. Back in Roman times, however it was densely populated, and was one of the largest baronies under the Lusignans.



A natural treasure with its wildlife and its golden stretches of sand where visitors may have a whole beach to themselves, Karpaz is simply spectacular.



The area is famous for its wild donkeys, estimated to number around 1500, (although the animal's shyness makes them difficult to count). Most of the donkeys now live in a fenced off reserve on the eastern side of Dipkarpaz.



Designated a government protected Natural and Archaeological Site since 1995, the area is a nature reserve, offering an abundance of birds, wild flowers and marine life.



Only a few hours drive from Kyrenia or Nicosia, Karpaz is another world. It may lack some of the luxuries of the Kyrenia hotels, but it makes up for all such absences with its abundance of tiny fishermen's wharfs, wonderful sandy beaches, spectacular scenery, unique wildlife, on-the-water fish restaurants (which also serve all kinds of kebabs and Cypriot mezes of course) and more.



The locals of the many little villages of Karpaz are some of the friendliest Cypriots you will meet. Ancient towns, ruins, tombs and several Byzantine churches scatter the peninsula waiting to be explored, making for great expeditions.