Turtles take to the tides

Mother Nature works her magic in North Cyprus during the summer months as newly-hatched sea turtles take their first steps on to the stunning beaches.

Until August female turtles arrive on shore to lay their eggs in secure nests in the sand. July to October is the cracking season as the eggs hatch and thousands of tiny turtles head for the open seas.

At dawn or dusk holidaymakers can watch nature’s miracle unfold as they join experts from the Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT) at Turtle HQ, based at Alagadi Turtle Beach, east of Kyrenia.

Direct Traveller, the first and leading UK tour operator offering direct flight holidays to North Cyprus, offers a range of fantastic value packages that make a once in a lifetime trip to see the turtle hatching a possibility for all the family.

North Cyprus is outside the Eurozone, so summer 2009 is an excellent time to make the most of the favourable exchange rate.

The tranquil bays and beaches of North Cyprus are a sanctuary for both the green and loggerhead turtles that reside in the Mediterranean seas. More than 80 beaches around Kyrenia, on the Karpaz peninsula and in Famagusta Bay are favoured nesting grounds for the destination’s favourite residents.

Both green and loggerhead turtles are listed as endangered species and are heavily protected.

In an effort to protect the turtles, the Department of Environmental Protection has imposed measures between May and October that forbids access to a beach between 10pm and 8am, forbids fires or lights on the beach and use of a speedboat within one mile of the shoreline.

Direct Traveller recommends the following as the best hotels for couples and families who want to see the baby turtles’ journey to the sea:

Malpas Hotel, Kyrenia, North Cyprus
Seven nights from only £479 per person, including free upgrade to half-board, until late September

The Malpas Hotel is close to turtle hatching beaches. Offering luxurious, modern amenities located within close proximity. On sight facilities include two outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa with indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, gym & treatment rooms, children’s facilities, a jazz bar, casino and a private beach with sea front restaurants.

Fly from 18 regional airports across the UK. Prices start from just £479 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin room, for seven nights on a Half board basis. This package includes return flights, transfers, taxes and rep service. For more information or to book go to directtraveller.com.

Majestic Beach Hotel, Famagusta, North Cyprus
Seven nights from only £405 per person until late September

The Majestic Beach Hotel is located on the beautiful coast of Famagusta, within walking distance of the fishing village of Bogaz. The hotel is set in a delightful garden that leads to a magnificent sandy beachfront. The hotel facilities include two swimming pools, two restaurants, a lobby bar, swim-up bar and coffee shop. Famagusta is a medieval walled city, renowned for being an excellent place to explore the history of Cyprus and also see the spectacle of turtles hatching.

Fly from 18 regional airports across the UK. Prices start from just £405 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin room, for seven nights on a bed & breakfast basis. This package includes return flights, transfers, taxes and rep service. For more information or to book go to directtraveller.com.