Why Northern Cyprus is novelist Martina Cole's perfect escape from a life of crime

By Martina Cole
Published: 13:19 BST, 25 September 2012 | Updated: 14:56 BST, 25 September 2012





















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[/img] Write stuff: Kyrenia harbour is a fantastic setting for dinner


While there I went to Bellapais Abbey, called The Abbey of Peace, which was built by monks early in the 13th Century.

The view from there threw me - it was just amazing. You could see down to Kyrenia, but also across the Mediterranean to Turkey.


I thought I'd love to have a house there one day. Then 12 years ago I started popping to Northern Cyprus more often, every year in fact.
I was by then travelling the world to promote my books, but Cyprus was the only place I returned to for pleasure. I was in love with the place - the food, the weather, the landscape and the people.


I've also realised another dream of mine; I always wanted my own bookshop, so a couple of years ago I opened BestSeller Books in Karakum and recently opened a second shop down the road in Alsancak.




So much more than kebabs and meatballs: Top chef Allegra... Answer to my prayers: Martina first visited Bellapais Abbey 30 years ago, and now owns a house and two bookshops nearby


If you're in the harbour at Kyrenia you have to try some of the fresh fish, there are always signs for canli balik - today's fish.

At the Harbour Club Restaurant you can choose which one you'd like to eat.


The smells of cooking - especially lamb and fish - are all around and mouthwatering. Vegetables include potatoes in olive oil and parsley, pickled cauliflower and asparagus.
And you must try lamb chops in yoghurt and spices.


The Turkish breakfast menemen includes scrambled egg, onion, tomatoes, green peppers, ground peppers, salt, oregano and mint. Black or green olives are sometimes added.




The Six Brothers restaurant in Kyrenia's harbour is an excellent place if you're with children. They always make families so welcome and there is a play area opposite. In Karakum there's an Indian restaurant called Al Shaheen with the best Indian food I've eaten outside of India.
It's much spicier than you get in Britain. Also I'd recommend eating at The Colony Hotel in Kyrenia.


My own personal favourite though is Kybele, close to the Bellapais Abbey. The wonderful Gengis runs it and in summer meals are served outside.

In winter you can eat inside, which also gives stunning panoramic views from a cosy atmosphere. I never tire of the view from there even 30 years on from first seeing it.


If you've not got a hire car, getting about to explore and discover places is easy as taxis are very cheap.

As you drive about you can see on the sides of every road lovely fresh fruit and veg stalls. Cyprus is getting more supermarkets, but even in these the fruit and veg is super fresh.


Before I bought my house I used to try out the island's hotels for my stays.

For old world charm try The Colony Hotel. It also has a pool on the roof and the view from it is spectacular. Cratos Premium Hotel is out of this world. It is made up of marble, gold and stunning chandeliers and even has its own port full of restaurants and bars as well as a huge underground casino.





[img][/img] Town and country: Nicosia is a beautiful city nearby with good shopping


The Rocks Hotel is also brilliant.

On my world travels I've seen lots of big hotels, but this beats them all. It is on the sea front in Kyrenia and, like Cratos Premium, also has a casino. In fact there are casinos everywhere on the island. Most of them have great restaurants and put big shows on as well as great artists.




They're a fun night out. Other good nights out can be had at the Salamis Amphitheatre in Famagusta, where I've seen concerts by UB40 and Randy Crawford. It's a stunning setting among ancient Greek ruins.