Coldwell Banker Around the World: April 2022

With 300 days of sunshine, golden beaches, and stunning countryside surrounded by ancient historical cities, North Cyprus offers unexpected wonders. “North Cyprus is a piece of heaven where you will find peace, friendly people, the best service and the best investment opportunities,” says Aylin Pelin Onar, owner of Coldwell Banker Maximum and Global Luxury Ambassador. As the third largest island of the Mediterranean, North Cyprus is a growing destination for both tourism and investment endeavors. It’s no surprise that the swooping views from mountains to sea, and an impressive 10-year return on real estate investment has the luxury real estate market booming in North Cyprus and is expected to keep expanding to sustain the demand. Aylin Pelin Onar continues, “We benefit from the knowledge, technology, training and international network of Coldwell Banker to the fullest. With this, we have succeeded to be a company that broke new ground in North Cyprus.”

Aside from the luxurious real estate, North Cyprus has a growing tourism industry and welcomes visitors around the world for lazy resort vacations or activity-packed adventures. The culinary experience of North Cyprus cannot be compared to many other parts of the world, as a meal begins with, traditionally, 24 types of hors d’oeuvres before the main meal is even served! After indulging in the local delicacies, you should be sure to stroll the eclectic villages and handcraft markets, try your luck at a popular casino, meet with friendly locals, or sit along the harbor with a cocktail as you watch the world go by. There is so much more to learn about this hidden gem of the Mediterranean… read on!

Where do you live: North Cyprus

What is the perfect weekend day like: Wake up and enjoy a leisurely Turkish breakfast with coffee before exploring the wonders of North Cyprus. Those who are seeking a relaxing break away from the hubbub of everyday life will discover an air of quiet relaxation, time to re-charge their batteries amid the stunning scenery and the delicious cuisine.

What are the common modes of transportation there: The best way of getting around is to rent a car, ride by scooter, bus or taxi.

Tell us about the foods your area is known for: North Cyprus offers a plethora of restaurants and taverns to choose from, ranging from Classic European cuisine, Chinese and Far East Cuisine, Sushi, Indian, and of course the indispensable Kebab of Turkish Cuisine. With so much culture, Cyprus has become an “oriental” school of cuisine, having synthesized its Eastern and Western flavors. Fresh meat, seafood, vegetables and fruits are consumed daily. At dinnertime, it is traditional that twenty-four types of “hors d’oeuvres” and mezes are served before the main meal. Because our country is a very touristic place, the restaurant industry has become quite developed and we have restaurants that can compete with the world’s most famous names. The quality of food and service in these restaurants is at world-standards. Of course, if we add the unique views of Cyprus mountain and sea, we can say that our restaurants have a distinct place in the world.

What is your favorite meal? At home or at a restaurant: I love our traditional cuisine. The mezes like cacik, hummus, pastrami, yoghurt, fava, fresh almonds, pickles, cucumbers, and a variety of olives are all incredible to start a meal. Also grilled foods like grilled halloumi, meatballs, shish kebab, Shefali kebab, lamb chops are served. Then, the special main meals like kleftiko, küp kebab, colocasia with lamb, mulukhiyah, pastries, bumbar, traditional Cyprus meatballs and stuffed squash blossoms are presented. Fresh and diverse seafood has a special place in Cyprus cuisine. Be sure to also try the famous beverages of North Cyprus like brandy sour, limonata and of course, Turkish coffee.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region, why: There are so many places to discover:

Kyrenia Harbour – Even if you just visit for a stroll around, Kyrenia Harbour is a great place to relax, enjoy some traditional cuisine or a cold beverage and watch the world go by.

Karmi Village – The village which holds the church of Virgin Mary in the Central Square, hosts visitors from afar throughout the year who walk through the picturesque winding lanes and relax in one of the few pubs and bistros, admiring the seasonal floras and fresh aura surroundings.

Famagusta Walled City – Steeped in history, Famagusta City is full of interesting streets, places of historical interest and small shops and restaurants to visit. This magical place is also known as Othello Castle, of Shakespearean fame.

Salamis Ruins – One of the best tourist attractions in the North of Cyprus, Salamis Ruins, is an ancient Roman city just north of Famagusta.

Bellapais Abbey – This old 13th Century abbey still hosts concerts and events and is truly an amazing sight. Bellapais Village also offers lovely taverns and restaurants and spectacular views of Kyrenia.

Karpaz Peninsula – Also known as the panhandle, the Karpaz Peninsula is well worth a visit while you are in North Cyprus. See wild donkeys and amazing flowers and landscapes.

What is your favorite recreational or leisure time activity: In North Cyprus, you can spend a lot of time with various activities in summer and winter. The natural structure of North Cyprus allows you to enjoy a wide range of activities along the undiscovered beaches, cypress-covered hills and spectacular mountain ranges. To name a few, North Cyprus offers boat trips, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, vineyard/wine tasting tours, golf, historic guided tours, and of course… gambling! Casinos are the center of entertainment in North Cyprus, but there are also plenty of nightlife options such as bars, hotel lounges, and live music and DJs in the hot clubs and pubs around.

Is there a specialty your area is known for: North Cyprus has many local handicrafts and traditions, including Lefkara lace, evil eye bead crafts, wicker baskets and headscarf making. Many of these locally produced goods can be bought in traditional markets, souvenir shops and in small local boutiques in remote villages. The art of these handicrafts is still practiced today, carrying forward many years of cultural knowledge and expertise. The abundance of clay soil found in North Cyprus has allowed its inhabitants to create amazing pottery for hundreds of years. Hellim is a traditional food that has been produced on the island of Cyprus for centuries and is known worldwide for its unique taste.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: North Cyprus is the 3rd largest island of the Mediterranean. Continuing development of new constructions and homes, the luxury market is expected to keep expanding to sustain demand. For investors, North Cyprus is considered a hidden treasure because the return on investment for residential properties tends to be shorter than 11 years.

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why: About 20 years ago, I fell in love with North Cyprus. I cannot think of living in any other place, as I am in love with the friendly, peaceful environment and amazing climate. I’ve found home here.