As the world moves toward responsible tourism, North Cyprus is setting an inspiring example with a number of exciting new eco-tourism initiatives in 2007, including the launch of the Buyukkonuk eco-village tourism project and the new Kyrenia Mountain Trail, supplementing other more established projects such as the turtle conservation projects on the island.

Buyukkonuk: Eco-village Tourism

The ancient village of Büyükkonuk has been selected as a pilot village in the Karpaz region for developing eco-village tourism with its own bed & breakfast guesthouse, restaurant, tourist information office and craft shop & activity centre operating, with additional accommodation planned for next year.   At Delcraft (www.ecotourismcyprus.com), the village activity centre and guest house, you can make traditional hellim cheese and olive bread, try your hand at milking goats, walk with shepherds behind their flocks of fluffy sheep or take a walk through bright blooming fields during the wild flower season.  

Kyrenia Mountain Trail

October 2007 sees the launch of the new Kyrenia Mountain Trail, a new 143 mile (230 km) trail across the stunning coastline of Northern Cyprus, one of the last areas in the Mediterranean yet untouched by mass tourism.   Founded and developed by the Kyrenia Mountain Trail Association, a group of volunteers, this new sustainable tourism project aims to promote walking and mountain biking across some of the island’s most stunning natural and historic sights.   The trail, which runs at an average of 2,000/2,500ft, passes through the famous wild donkey sanctuary, profusion of bird life, and in spring, symphonies of blooming wild flowers and orchids. The trail also leads upon three ancient castles, a Maronite monastery, Coptic churches and Roman and Byzantine settlements – reflecting the island’s rich and colourful history.

http://www.kyreniamountaintrail.org/