The Karpas Peninsula is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Northern Cyprus. The peninsula is renowned for its beaches, but there is more to the place than that.
Location
Cape Apostolos is the farthest extent of the peninsula. The town of Rizokarpaso is its population center. The peninsula is at the
easternmost part of the island.
What to See
The peninsula is home to numerous beaches. Some of the best known are the Escape Beach, Turtle Beach and Lara Beach. Club Acapulco is another popular destination. The peninsula is also home to the wild donkeys, which are symbolic of the country.
It actually takes up a good part of the island. The fact that the Karpas Peninsula is unspoiled makes it a great place to visit. In some places it is 20 km wide and 80 km long.
Those exploring the island will see that there plenty of crops in the area. You will see a lot of tobacco, olives and fruits in the land. There are also many villages in the site. While some employ tractors, most rely on traditional farming.
History
The island’s first settlers were hunters and gatherers who came in c. 8,500 – 8,000 BC. The period from 4,000 – 2,500 BC became known as the Copper Age. By 2,700 – 1,600 BC, horses and cattle had been introduced and pottery making had emerged. The Late Bronze Age commenced in 1,600 – 1,050 BC. By this time, city-states like Kition and Enkomi-Alasia emerged.
The Hittites would rule the area around 1,500 – 1,450 BC. By 1,450 – 1,000 BC, the Egyptians had begun to control the whole island. The Middle Ages saw the island being ruled by different powers, ranging from the Knights Templars to the Ottoman Empire and Great Britain in 1925. Cyprus was divided in 1974 to end the conflict in the island.
Cost
There are many travel tour packages to the island. Some of the packages online cost from 300 to 500 Pounds.
Other Info
The peninsula is also known for its abundant subterranean water reservoirs. There are about 1,600 plant species in the area, 22 of which are endemic. There are about 25 species of amphibians and reptiles.
The Karpas Peninsula is also home to countless types of insects and butterflies. There are more than 300 species of birds in the area. Many more come to the island as it is one of the major routes of bird migration between Africa and Eastern Europe.
