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.
After a coffee 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. In the spring there are so many flowers, it looks like a garden.
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 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 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!
