Leisure in North Cyprus
Activities
Golfing
Golf in North Cyprus started in 1926 in the village of Yesilyurt near Lefke by the Cyprus Mining Corporation. Quietly growing, and quietly attracting overseas golfers, this small course has had a big significance in a land suffering a sports embargo.
Not many people even know of the club's existence in the Lefke area, and those who do may have only found out from reading articles in the local press. Nonetheless the club has over 1000 members, coming mainly from North Cyprus, Turkey, the UK and Croatia
If you prefer the cooling sea breezes on the coast to accompany your golfing in North Cyprus, then the CMC golf club is for you. The course features 11 holes, looped to give a testing 18 hole course with a total par of 72 and a total distance of 5,768 yards. There are enough features to challenge the experienced golfer as well as the novice, especially on the seaside holes, where you will have a cooling breeze even on the hottest of days. In places, greens are replaced with browns, a mixture of sand and oil that provides a good surface for putting. The course is open every day, a nominal green fee is payable, and you can hire clubs. You will not need special clothes except for special shoes to protect the grass. However jeans and T-shirts are not permitted on the course.
A warm welcome is assured to all guests, and the best days to meet and play with the local members are Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The CMC golf course is watered from a nearby dam, so it does not affect the drinking water stocks in Northern Cyprus.
The new Korineum Esentepe Golf and Country Club is the first 18 hole international standard golf course in Northern Cyprus, and boasts the usual range of features, including greens, sand bunkers and water hazards. The 6,600 yards-long course is set amongst natural greenery and scenery, including mature trees and shrubs, so it feels like a long-established golf course in North Cyprus, not a new and soulless one. The greens are watered from two man-made reservoirs, which again reduces the environmental impact on the North Cyprus water reserves.
You can practice your swing at the 30 bay driving range, which is a spacious 295m x 100m, or take a lesson from the golf academy (with three holes of its own). After all that exercise, you can relax at the 19th hole in the clubhouse with a cooling drink or enjoy a meal at the 200-seat restaurant. Golf carts are available for those who prefer to ride rather than walk on their round of golf in North Cyprus.
The excellent Cyprus climate means that keen golfers can play all year round. From November to March the climate is cool and ideal for golf, so long as you don't mind the occasional rain shower. By May, the midday sun means you should opt for early tee times to avoid the heat, or come in September and October, which offer near ideal playing conditions.
Paintball
In less than a decade, the sport of paintball has become one of the world's most exciting outdoor participation sports. Paintball is played in over two dozen countries by millions of men and women of all ages, races and lifestyles. Paintball is a combination of the childhood games of "Tag" and "Hide and Seek", but much more challenging and sophisticated. Although there are many different styles of games, typically a group of players will divide into two teams to play "Capture the Flag". The object of the game is to capture the opposing team's flag while preventing them from capturing your own.
Paintball is played by people from all professions and lifestyles. It is a sport where men and women compete equally, and where age is not dominated by youth. Physical size and strength are not nearly as important as cunning and determination. Being able to think quickly and decisively and good sportsmanship is what makes you a winner. Above all, paintball is fun. It's a chance to relax from your day-to-day responsibilities and rekindle your spirit of adventure.
Go-Karting
The few karting circuits have become usual stops for the fans of the sport in recent years. Professionals, as well as beginners, frequent karting circuits in North Cyprus. There are two major Karting circuits on North Cyprus, both close to Nicosia, the Cemsa sporting centre and the Zet karting circuit. The ZET International Karting Circuit, which exceeds the highest European standards and has one of the best racing surfaces in the region, has become a frequent stop for the fans of the sport since its opening in 2000. This remarkable structure which is un-matched even in Europe and is expected to contribute immensely to the Karting sport, provides drivers with 5 different racing distances, namely 300, 600, 900, 1100 and 1200 meters. The asphalt platform is 7 meters wide and has sand and earth barriers.
Paragliding
The coastal mountain range of North Cyprus offers a fantastic opportunity for paragliding. Soar like a bird, taking off at 2000 ft from the stunning Kyrenia Mountains down to the coast of North Cyprus. Paragliding in North Cyprus is the way all paragliding should be: exciting, uncrowded and remarkably affordable.
Ten Pin Bowling
Ten pin bowling is very popular in North Cyprus. For enthusiasts, there are bowling alleys in Nicosia and Famagusta. In November 2009, a new leisure complex was opened along on the Kyrenia bypass. Not only does this have a bowling alley, but electronic games for all ages, along with several cafes, bars, and a restaurant.