KeithDecember 23rd – 26th 2022
We decided to spend Xmas in Northern Cyprus, and use the Yesilirmak border crossing for a change.
Our previous excursion to the North was via Nicosia. Having used Google maps and pre booked the hotel we had a rough idea of travel time (2hr 45 mins) and distance (180Km) by car.
Having breakfasted at T for two on Tomb of the kings, which is always consistently good and reasonably priced we set off at about 10.45 am. We took the Mesogi Rd to Polis which was easier for us from TOTK, the other option is via Peyia through Kathikas etc, but you end up at the same place.
We were in no rush and didn’t want to set any records so it was a nice relaxed pace in order to take in the sites and allow for a much less stressful trip. We arrived at Polis about 12 noon, we thought about stopping off for a meander, through the Xmas market, but decided to crack on to our destination.
The drive to the Yesilirmak crossing was very quiet, once past Polis you encounter the coastal hugging road with accompanying coastal scenery, there is a distinct lack of any buildings the further out you travel.
Once you start the ascent into the mountains, it then becomes a slow winding meander through the forested areas, it’s very peaceful and tranquil although you do have to navigate some trepidous climbs and 180° bends, this is the same for both sides of the border, a good 90 minute drive through the forests.
There are some extreme high spots, with fantastic viewpoints, and a nice change to see the sumptuous greenery, and tree laden forested areas.
On arrival at the border crossing, it was very quiet only two other cars, a simple process of showing car registration document, and passports, allows you to purchase the insurance needed to cross, (€25 + €5 for additional driver), then literally cross the road, to show immigration your documents, and that’s that, we were on our way in about 15 mins. the staff here were very friendly and efficient.
Two things to note, opening times for insurance, we were told they only staff the insurance office mon-fri office hours, and try to take a selection of notes as they don’t have much change…..!!
The rest of the journey was very much like the Cypriot side, mountains then coastal areas until you get a bit closer to Girne which I understand is in the Kyrenia area, then it becomes quite busy.
We followed the Google map app which took us on the main road through the outskirts of Girne and on to the hotel turning.
Chamada prestige hotel spa and casino
There is a car park, just opposite the reception area, a short walk and down some steps, the staff were very friendly and helpful, we checked in and were shown to our room.
We were very pleasantly surprised, a lovely large room, with king size bed, and a sea view, through a large, triple balcony window/patio door. Modern decor with plenty of storage space, a safe and a modern ensuite bathroom, TV built into the mirror (only Turkish channels), and free WiFi.
There was no bar as such, the drinks are served from the restaurant, but there is table service, wherever you decide to sit, the waiting staff are very attentive, and we didn’t have to wait long to be replenished, either indoors at the reception area or outdoors on the terraces, however you do need a coat this time of year!
Buffet style meals for breakfast lunch and dinner, the
The spa is excellent clean modern and well laid out, a gym with aerobic machines and weights, sauna and steam rooms plus indoor pool with whirlpool and obviously treatment rooms.
In the lockers which are provided, are a towel a hammam towel, slippers and a wet bag for your swimsuit.
The prices for the treatments are very reasonable, however be careful, as they did put a holiday surcharge on them for the Christmas weekend. The use of the facilities is free to residents as part of the all inclusive deal, again the staff were very friendly and helpful.
More pictures of Hotel and restaurant
