Cheap and close: The Israelis found the place that is most similar to Turkey
The exclusion of Turkey from the Israeli tourist map has led some of them to look for the closest available alternative: Turkish Cyprus. It's just a short flight, prices are lower, there are casinos, and you can even get hair transplants. “There is no hate. The locals respect us a lot.”
Thousands of Israelis, accustomed to flying to Istanbul, shopping in malls and bazaars, and spending their time in clubs and restaurants, have recently decided to find the closest substitute to Turkey: Turkish Cyprus.
“We feel like we are in Istanbul. “Nice attitude, good food and there’s a great casino and cheap shopping,” Avi explained. “And of course there is no hate. The locals respect us very much and there are no anti-Israel demonstrations here. They want to make a living from tourism and it doesn't matter where the tourist comes from. They compete with Greek Cyprus and do everything so that the tourist has fun and keeps the money with them.
Ruthi, her husband Hagai and some friends also returned a few days ago from their vacation in Turkish Cyprus in the north of the island, whose largest city is Nicosia, and enjoyed every moment. “It is a cheaper place than Istanbul and I even received an offer for a hair transplant at a very low price compared to Israel,” Hagai explained. “I felt at home there. I will go back there for another four days vacation, there is no fear, there is security, there are police on the streets and a really warm and friendly atmosphere towards tourists in general and Israelis in general. “.
Turkish Cyprus (Photo: Tamer Hartevioğlu)
Prices for a vacation in Turkish Cyprus, including flights and a five-star hotel for three nights, range from $480 to $580, depending on the quality of the hotel and its prestige. “The advantage is that the flight to Cyprus includes transfers and it takes an hour and a half to reach the Turkish (northern) part of the island,” Yossi explained.
At the same time, it should be noted that those who cross from the Greek to the Turkish side risk being arrested. “There is no problem with Israeli tourists traveling to Turkish Cyprus, but once they stay in hotels there and there is a stamp in their passport, they can get into trouble on the way back to the Greek part of the island,” explains an Israeli guide . Not long ago, an entire family in Turkish Cyprus was arrested for such a case.
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