Newbie needs advice/recommendations

[Sams-dad]

Hi guys, just wanted to say hello and its nice to see a friendly forum . My family (wife & 10 year old son) and I are holidaying in North Cyprus for 3 weeks from 16th July 2012, staying over in the Bogaz area and was just wondering if anyone could recommended places to go, things to do, places to eat/drink and pretty much keep a 10 year old boy entertained. Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Sams Dad

[Marions]

wELL,IT IS GOIN TO BE HOT! AND iGUESS YOUR SON WILL WANT THBEACH.. But go easy. Don't le him ge burnt. Butwhen not n the beach, you caexploreSalamis(not in theheat of e afteroon sun_), or you can go onto Yeni erenkoy etc get good map of the area) where youhave the restauant DEKS where yo can also hve a swim. On ino the Karaz, even geting to theMonastery at the nd (you eed carhire).
Bogaz is full of restaurants all of which are reasonable. then a trp to Famagut to seethe sight and taste the wares of thmanycafes and some nice 'etnic' suvenir shops. yo u get the lot thee. History, great grub, and ust dowthe roadyet another beach
Sorry abot this roten typin - computr is hot ad needs t be turnedoff. Notbehaving, ut at last I hve givenn idea. As I ay, get map of t area - e guidedby the loals, ad enjoy! I am ure that thers that live over that way will coe up with even more ieas. Oh yes, by Famagust you havest.Barabus Monastery, and theTombs othe Kings, but appreciae you need a balanceon the 'boring' stuff for your lad.. e might fnd the tomb suitablyspooky~!

[dippersgirl]

There is the Tractor Safari in Dipkarpaz, only 45 mins down the road from you.
We start at the Damla Restaurant (see village map in ‘flickr’) at the Eastern corner of the village of Dipkarpaz, anytime between 9.00 – 10.30, the choice is yours.
We set off towards Ayios Philon on the North coast and have a look at the Byzantine Basilica, the remains of the old Roman harbour and the lovely countryside.
We then head eastwards and up onto the Karpaz Ridge where our first stop is the Yellow Rock/Sarı Kaya. This amazing Rock formation is like no other on the island. The question everybody asks is, did it fall from the sky or did it come up from the earth. You will have to see what you think. We serve freshly brewed Turkish coffee or soft drinks there and give you time to look at the amazing colours of this rock and the views of the hills and the sea.
We then travel to the tiny mountain church of Ayios Philon of Agridhia. Inside you can still some very faded icons. You also have a stunning view of both coastlines and if it’s a clear day you can also see the mountains of Turkey. We travel further along the track, hopefully seeing birds, donkeys and other wildlife. Then we follow the path that will take us down to a secluded beach. Near there you can see the rock houses/tombs of Ourania, one of the ancient cities of Karpasia, or maybe spend some time swimming and sunbathing, The sea is really lovely here and the little beach is sandy making the water a lovely turquoise blue.
In the meantime Pakize and Bülent set the table for your very generous and delicious picnic lunch. Many delicacies like vine leaf dolma, bulgur köfte, little meat or potato filled pastries, delicious salads, rice and more, all made by Pakize, who is an excellent cook. Wine, ice cold beer, fresh juice or home produced lemonade is served to complete your enjoyment. Cold water is available throughout the journey.
Sometimes Tasso the Greek goatherd comes with his beautiful goats and it is amazing to see them pouring down the steep cliff to find the fresh water pool at the other end of the beach. He rides on his donkey and usually can be 'persuaded' by Bülent to come and have a cold beer and let others have a ride on the donkey!
Continued...

[dippersgirl]

When you are ready to move on, the journey takes you to Afendrika, another ancient site, where many people used to live. Only the ruins of three Byzantine churches and the many crumbled walls and some caves tell you that this was once a thriving community. From there we head back to the Damla Restaurant for a final drink and say our farewells. We advise you to bring comfortable footwear and your binoculars (there is a spare pair on the trailer) and your camera. We will stop anywhere you like on the journey to give you ample opportunity to photograph or video.
The trailer has cushioned benches, safety rails all round and a little sunroof. If you have any disability, but don’t want to miss out, tell us in advance and we will make sure you will have all the help you need.
The trailer will accommodate up to ten people
The price is £35 per person all inclusive.
For pictures of past trips look here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/karpazsafari/sets/
Telephone Eva on 05338206798 or Pakize on 05338756299 or email us on tractorsafari@gmail.com for your booking or if you have any questions.

[dippersgirl]

Marcos Gittis(a professional photographer, who came on the safari last year. He liked it so much, he gave his pictures for free), who took these lovely picturfes has produced an excellent Karpaz map, best I've seen and accurate!!
There are various places where they are for sale, but I have a few here, the back of the map shows lots of interesting places to visit.

[dippersgirl]

This is what the map looks like. There is also a red one for the whole island and an orange one showing old Nicosia

[Marions]

Hey Dippers Girl. I think I am losing out here! It is about time I came4 over an d had a go at osme of this. sounds terrific Just a bit far away unless I did a sotp over, but sounds great for children and adulgts like.

[niceone]

My grandson enjoyed visiting Kyrenia castle ( in town)

We went to Zet Carting (twice) which he loved

http://www.zetkarting.com/index.htm

A day in one of the beach resorts is good Acapulco or sunset, they have aqua slides and watersports there is a small fee to go in.

A hire car is a must

A visit to the harbour at night its beautiful

Hope you have a great time

[Soner]

Welcome to the forum Sams-Dad.
Here are my suggestions:
1) Nice restaurant in Bogaz Kemalin Yeri next to the Bogaz harbour.
2) Great beaches between Bogaz and Famagusta "Glapsides" and "Mamosa" (Koca Reis)
3) You should drive to Girne Harbour - use the new motorway from Gecitkale - beautiful scenery on the way.
4) Great restaurant in Girne = "Niazi's" not far from Rocks Hotel
5) Visit Famagusta within the old walls.

Hope you have a great time

[Keithcaley]

1) Give him a map, a compass, a bottle of water, and some Donkey repellent. Drop him off in the middle of the Karpaz, and tell him to find his way home.

2) Buy him a basic book on astronomy, a Star Map, and some binoculars. make him stay up all night until he has identified at least 50 Constellations (He'll see far more stars here than he ever would in the UK). Let him sleep all day, 'cos he's knackered with staying up all night.

3) Buy him a face mask, snorkel and flippers, and an illustrated book on fishes. Drop him in the sea at the end of the Karpaz, and tell him to make his way back home without leaving the water, identifying as many different species as possible on the way.

4) Bring two of his mates along with him - they'll find plenty to do on their own without you having to do anything!

[Sams-dad]

Thanks for all your suggestions,especially Keiths . Really looking forward to spending 3 weeks in the sun and exploring the Karpaz peninsulla. Does anyone have any info on the turtle watching/hatching program?

Regards

Sams-dad

[Keithcaley]

There is a 'Contact' section on this website: - http://www.cypnet.co.uk/ncyprus/green/m ... index.html - They should be able to give you more details...

[dodger]

Welcome Sams dad.Dont forget your vitamin B1.And your avon skin so soft.And any other mossie repellents you can lay your hands on.The karpaz is a must to go and see.Have a great holiday.

Paul.

[Marions]

I know i shouldn't do this, but my messages are not going out as they should. stuck in my outbox. I will ask Soner for help, but for now a personal message to Dippersgirl - just to say, 'thanks but can't do'. Just wanted to ensure she got message. Sorry, off thread, but what can a girl do????