The Olive Festival

October marks the beginning of olive season and the Olive Festival found in the charming village of Zeytinlik is certainly one of the highlights of the season. Zeytinlik is a charismatic village of cobbled streets and during the festivals there are many different stalls to explore. The olive festival is surely a grand setting with wonderful sites and sounds coming from the local vendors lining up the streets. It’s definitely worth a visit in the late summer and early autumn. You can also pick up some authentic cypriot souvenirs such as small adorable woven baskets or ‘Nazar’ jewellery which is the notorious eye symbol gift and iconic reminder of Cyprus.

The Olive Festival, Zentinlik Villagee

Explore Historic Castles & Ruins

As the intense summer heat is turned down slightly in September, it truly is the sweetest most treasured time for exploring all of the different castles, monasteries and ancient ruins of North Cyprus. Some of the great sites to visit during this time include the great marvel of St Hilarion Castle, the stunning Kyrenia Castle in the old harbour, the ancient ruins of Salamis and Bellapais Abbey to name but a few. It’s time to explore North Cyprus through the eyes of time.

Kyrenia Castle, Old Harbour

September Bears Fruit

September and October have lots of seasonal fruits to try out such as pomegranates, pears, plums, figs and the infamous ‘babutsa’ or better known as the prickly pear. Pomegranate juice in its bold pink hue is truly delicious and is full of antioxidants that will certainly cool you down and replenish your electrolytes.

The prickly pear is not for the faint of heart, as it comes straight off the cactus plant with prickles all over it, it really takes an expert to remove it off the plant and ensure all the prickles have been removed. However, once it’s been prepared its sweet taste is truly worth the danger. Figs are another one to try this season and locals describe it as a syrupy tear-drop, it especially goes really well with Halloumi. Time to try the tastes of this season!

Babutsa, known as Prickly Pear

Perfect Beach Weather!

A September tan is certainly a great idea, you still get the glorious sunshine of Cyprus without the intensity. From September, there will also be no crowds on the beaches and you will find yourself in private coves all to yourself. There are many different beaches that are perfect to visit in September/ October. Some to highlight are Alagadi Turtle Beach, where you can view the incredible turtles that hatch their eggs. Another great spot is the infamous untouched Golden beach at Karpaz which is a long stretch of ochre sands located across the stunning coastlines of the notorious pan-handle of Cyprus.

Turtle, Alagadi Beach

Fascinating Tours

The months of September and October are perfect for a Jeep Safari adventure to explore the magnificent mountain ranges of North Cyprus. You explore the terrains in an open jeep and enjoy spectacular views of the five-finger mountains. You also visit an abandoned tank and spectacular deserted monasteries.

Some other great tours to try out are the Full Day Famagusta Tour, the Turtle tour to Alagadi, Half Day Bellapais & St.Hilarion Tour and the Cyprus Night tour including Cypriot cuisine, music & a belly dancer.

Jeep Safari Tour