A little off the beaten track.

August in Bafra on the north-east coast of Cyprus; Kaya Artemis (see picture below) the brand new 5* hotel is full to bursting, there’s not a space to be had around the pool and the clean, creamy-coloured sandy beach – rather hot on the feet – looks appetizing, but the people on it don’t.
Husband and I are curious as ‘Artemis’ has opened in a blaze of glory, and a mega-marketing frenzy, hence the maximum capacity.

Bafra is easily combined with a trip to the Karpaz peninsula, which has national park status. The area is commonly known as ‘the pan handle,’ - due to its elongated shape, looking at a map of Cyprus it is easily recognizable – and is untouched by the 21st century. There are tangible signs that the Romans were here for a quite a while and many, many beautiful churches, some neglected and un-worshipped, would keep religious historians happy for weeks.

Scuba divers love this coastline; there are wrecks and amphora here on a scale unprecedented anywhere in the world, yet divers go for days without seeing anyone.

The favourite resting place for divers, tourists and locals is the Malibu (see picture below). A recently refurbished family-run hotel -as far away from the grandeur of ‘Artemis’ as you can get - with around 30, clean, comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, it is always busy, but laid-back and friendly, typically Cypriot. It is set on the beach of a small harbour with a few small fishing boats moored that bring in the local catch for dinner. Fresh fish apart the Malibu isn’t renowned for its food so don’t rely on a good hearty breakfast to keep you going for the rest of the day.

Dipkarpaz is the most remote village in Cyprus, around 12 miles from the tip, The Dipkarpaz ‘Arch-houses’ is a government subsidised B & B. http://www.karpazarchhouses.com/ For those that want to step back in time, the 12 houses have a rustic charm, all having been renovated from traditional houses they all have mod-cons. By that I mean, showers, toilets, cooking facilities, fridges and air conditioning, don’t expect plasma TVs and games consoles! They are clean and comfortable, and for 17 euros for your room and breakfast you can’t complain. Don’t expect to just turn-up though, this splendidly isolated spot is often full.

In Northern Cyprus you can be what you want. In this small area there are seven miles of deserted ‘golden beach,’ (see picture) 5th century churches, ancient ruins, tombs and temples, a Roman harbour, 5* hotels, traditional Cypriot accommodation and hospitality, small fishing villages, out of this world scuba-diving, scenic mountain treks, peace and tranquillity, clean, fresh air and almost constant Mediterranean sunshine. A little off the beaten track and a world away from………….well, everything really.

By web author.