The Karpaz (or Karpas) Peninsula

To the north east part of the island of Cyprus, lies the region known as the 'Panhandle'. Named the Karpas Peninsula, it is alternatively spelled Karpaz, and extends from near the east-coast town of Famagusta right to the very northern-most tip of the island. The Karpas amounts to a fairly substantial part of Cyprus and is up to 80 kilometres in length and 20 in width. One of the most unspoiled places in the entire of the Mediterranean region, the Karpas is the home of an extensive variety of wildlife and its shores are the site of some of the most beautiful and deserted beaches in Cyprus. The Karpas is rich in subterranean water, the soil is fertile and crops grow in abundance. Old-fashioned in every way, in many of the small villages dotted around the region a tractor is still a novelty and many still rely on traditional horse-drawn methods of working the soil. The region is also well-known for fishing and the villages of Bogaz and Kumyali are the main centres. During the 20th century, mining was commonplace, especially in the northern coastal parts of the Karpas, but mines closed many years ago and today, virtually no evidence of this industry remains with the exception of a few deserted buildings.

Even now, the Karpas region is almost totally free from industry and people, and is one of the world's least polluted, and least developed places. Pine, cypress and maquis trees cover hills, which reach altitudes of about 1,000 metres inland. With this rich back-cloth, the Karpas is truly the nature reserve of Cyprus. Escaping the last ice age, the island has managed to retain a substantial volume of biological diversity and the Karpas is home to many local and migratory species. Northern Cyprus has many endemic species - types of plant species alone number about 1,600, and there are scores of reptiles and amphibians, to most of which the Karpas is the natural home. Insects are also many and varied, including many species of butterflies, some exceptionally rare. This part of Northern Cyprus is situated right on one of the main migration routes of birds between Eastern Europe and Africa and each year approximately 300 species, amounting to millions of birds, use the route. Springtime in North Cyprus is a haven for bird watchers and naturalists, though there is very much on offer all year round. Generally more well-known, protected beaches in the Karpas comprise the main nesting ground in the Mediterranean region for some species of endangered sea turtles. It is quite normal for in excess of 1,500 rare females to lay their eggs on the eastern shores of the Karpaz every year. The last colony of European Audouin seagulls are also found here, nesting on the small Klidhes isles at the tip of the Karpas Peninsula.

Architecturally, the area's scattered, small villages are home to some remarkable churches and mosques, as well as beautiful examples of general small-scale, middle eastern building. However to many people, the highlight of the relatively few man-made structures in the Karpas Peninsula is the Apostolos Andreas Monastery. Situated near the very northern tip of Cyprus, on the point known as the Cape of Saint Andrea, the monastery is dedicated to Saint Andrew. The brother of St Peter, Andrew served John the Baptist and was the first one of the apostles to be called to ministry by Jesus. The monastery is one of the major pilgrimage centres for the Orthodox Church of Cyprus and is considered to be a holy site by all the residents of the island. A fortified monastery stood on the site in the 12th century, and it was here that St Andrew briefly landed in Cyprus during his final journey back to his Palestinian homeland. His steps are said to have revealed a spring, whose waters restored the sight of his ship's blind captain. There is a room under the modern day church in which there are wells containing drinking water.

Nearly every part of the Karpas region is accessible by car, although a full day is really needed properly to explore the region. Don't forget to fill up with petrol before you leave, as there are very few places in the region where garages are open! A visit to the Karpaz really is a worthwhile expenditure of time and for beach lovers, there is an enormous choice, together with the delight of still being able to find miles of deserted sand. For beaches, the eastern coast of North Cyprus is the most favoured spot, though beaches on the north shore can be spectacular too. For parts of the year, some beaches on the north coast of the Karpas are closed to visitors during marine turtle nesting and hatching. There is effectively no public transport into the region, but a small number of companies do offer guided tours. If you are doing the journey by car, plan in advance and it is possible to take in the City of Salamis on the way, though this is likely to leave you a little short of time for real exploration!