Northern Cyprus walking tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This programme actively reduces its carbon footprint through clearly defined measures rather than general intentions. The accommodation Mehmetcik uses renewable energy sources, directly reducing emissions during your stay. In addition, the programme is structured to avoid unnecessary transport: on Day 2 (Famagusta), there is no transfer; on Days 4 and 6 (Mehmetcik and Dipkarpaz), there are only short transfers, as the walks begin or end directly at the accommodation.

Food and daily habits are also considered part of the overall footprint. Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available every day, providing a resource-efficient alternative while still reflecting local cuisine. A practical but effective aspect is the widespread use of built-in bidets in Northern Cyprus, which significantly reduces toilet paper consumption across accommodations. Together, these measures create a programme that lowers emissions without affecting comfort or the overall travel experience.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Environmental responsibility is integrated into everyday routines throughout the programme. All accommodations offer free water refill stations, allowing guests to refill reusable bottles rather than purchase single-use plastic bottles. This simple system plays an important role in reducing plastic waste, especially during multi-day hiking programmes where water consumption is high.

At the accomodation sustainability becomes visible on a smaller scale. The property maintains its own farm, vegetable and fruit gardens, offering insight into traditional, low-impact food production. These elements are not presented as staged attractions but are part of daily life at the accommodation, creating a direct connection between guests and local ecosystems. The surrounding landscapes remain largely untouched, and the hiking routes are designed to respect these natural environments while allowing access to their diversity.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Supporting the local economy is a central component of this programme. All accommodations are locally owned and operated, most of them small, family-run businesses. This ensures that the economic benefits of tourism remain within the region and directly support the people who live and work there, rather than external operators.

Two of the three accommodations have their own points of excellence: La Regina Veneziana is a 15th-century building that has been transformed into a Boutique Hotel by its current owner, a female architect who undertook a very sensitive renovation of the property in close cooperation with the Department of Antiquities.

Celebi Garden in Mehmetcik is also female-owned. The owner restarted the ancient tradition of winemaking in the village, and she also secured European funds for a distillery where they produce the traditional Cypriot Grappa, Zivania.

Guests are encouraged to engage with local products and traditions during their journey. In the village of Büyükkonuk, a visit to the local cooperative offers the opportunity to discover traditional crafts and handmade goods. At Celebi Garden Hotel, locally produced wine, spirits, marmalades, and the famous Carob syrup are available, reflecting regional production methods and seasonal ingredients. These interactions go beyond simple consumption, creating a more direct and meaningful connection to the local economy.


EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

The programme is built on cooperation with local partners who operate under fair and transparent working conditions. Three out of four accommodations are owned or managed by women, reflecting a strong presence of female entrepreneurship in the region. All partners are locally based, contributing to stable employment structures within the community.

The last accommodation of this trip is in Dipkarpaz village, one of the few mixed villages in Cyprus, where Greek and Turkish Cypriots have lived together well after the island's division in 1974.

Operational aspects are also designed with this in mind. Transfers and luggage services are organised directly through the accommodations, reducing unnecessary driving distances while ensuring that income remains with local providers. All employees are paid at least the legal minimum wage and receive the required social insurance. At the same time, the programme promotes an inclusive travel environment: all accommodations have experience hosting international guests and are openly welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. This natural tolerance creates a setting that is both socially responsible and comfortable for a wide range of visitors.