14℃

Call Our Experts on

0203 150 0737

Your holiday is safe with us

Lefke

Driving from Guzelyurt towards the west, the road reaches the shoreline surrounding Guzelyurt Bay and the turning to Lefke is to the left from the village of Gemikonagi.

Lefke, Soli, Vouni, Yesilirmak

Lefke was once the centre of the prosperous copper mining industry and there is plenty of evidence from that now long defunct trade. This was a rich area during the middle ages and was an important and wealthy medieval barony. After the Ottoman conquest the town was predominantly Turkish and there are some interesting examples of Ottoman architecture. Most are sadly dilapidated although there are areas where restoration is being carried out. A green and fertile valley runs through the town where there is an abundant variety of trees including walnut, pecan, fig and date palm. This area is reputedly the best for citrus as the good water supply keeps the orchards irrigated all summer. Continuing westwards, the ancient city site of Soli is reached. Founded in the 6 th C BC this was one of the original city kingdoms that controlled Cyprus. Under a vast roof are the remains of mosaic floor panels from the 5 th C AD basilica which can be viewed from raised walkways. A couple of miles furt rther the road branches to the right and climbs to the clifftop site of Vouni. This royal palace offers spectacular views across Guzelyurt Bay and the Troodos mountain range. Only the foundations remain with evidence of storerooms, cisterns and hot baths, in springtime it is decorated with a sprinkling of wild flowers. Between December and May it is well worth the few miles drive further west to see the strawberry fields at Yesilirmak in full production. There are roadside stalls selling the delicious fragrant fruit and other local delicacies.