A €70 million development of Karpaz Gate Marina has transformed the accessibility of the remote as well as untouched Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), as stated by Karpaz Bay Resort Ltd’s Liza Singer.
Dudu Tresca's photograph of the promenade area of Karpaz Gate Marina
Singer said the challenging project to open up the area as a premium cruising destination and help more visitors experience the coastline, history, landscape and wildlife on offer is vitally important to the TRNC.
Eight years after the ambitious plans were formulated to build one of the most advanced marina facilities in the Eastern Mediterranean, the early success of Karpaz Gate Marina is already proving that this historically significant, non-Turkish investment will have a dramatic and long-term effect on the country.
Karpaz Gate Marina photographed by Dudu Tresca
With no direct flights to Northern Cyprus, the completion of Karpaz Gate Marina, along with its new beach club and associated promenade and facilities, has now opened ‘a gate to the TRNC’ said Singer.
“Our marina, a gate to the TRNC, means that North Cyprus and the Karpaz region are finally on the map. We are seeing the international flags and different nationalities visiting our marina. This investment is allowing people to enter a country that is in many ways isolated. Here, at Karpaz Gate Marina, the entrance is direct and free,” commented Singer.
Karpaz Gate Marina is captured at night by Brazilian photographer Dudu Tresca
“The type of tourists who arrive by boat are adventurous and curious. Therefore, once their vessel is secured and sheltered, they are immediately drawn to explore the surrounding area – to see, touch, smell and feel what the TRNC has to offer.”
Situated on the northern shore of the island’s Karpaz peninsula, the luxury 300-berth marina is surrounded by rich cruising ground featuring remote beaches, sheltered anchorages and a spectacular coastline. Kyrenia Harbour and Famagusta Harbour are within easy reach and the southern Turkish coastline is a short sail away. Ashore, the north-east-pointing pan-handle in the region of Iskele features rolling countryside and ancient Byzantine churches.
The beautiful coastline of the TRNC. Credit to Dudu Tresca
“When we started our development on the island and planned our marina in 2005, the international nautical maps of this area showed an army zone covering all shores of Northern Cyprus,” added Singer. “With negotiation and deliberation, we managed to lift these limitations and re-draft those maps, so Northern Cyprus coasts will be free sailing and cruising grounds.
“To be able to attract yachts to an unknown, unrecognized, internationally embargoed country, and to a remote area like the Karpaz, we knew we had to invest and give significant attention to every detail – attractive berthing packages, maintenance and service, as well as food and beverage hospitality. This investment was a quantum leap in faith and proves the investor has a genuine interest in this country. We knew we would need to educate the world about the TRNC.
One of the picturesque beaches on the Karpaz peninsula. Credit to Dudu Tresca
“I believe that a project like this, especially as Karpaz Gate Marina is a national port of entry to the country, is a long-term partnership between the TRNC and private investor. I personally am very excited about the continuation of this investment and will give my utmost effort to see it materialise in the correct way for the Karpaz, the TRNC and the investor.”
Benefiting from duty-free status, Karpaz Gate Marina, located on the north eastern tip of Northern Cyprus, opened in 2011. It provides 300 berths for vessels up to 55 metres and boat maintenance facilities on site including an 18,000 sq m dry dock for refit and repairs, as well as a substantial 300-ton travel lift that is capable of lifting vessels up to 45 metres and with a beam of up 10 metres.
A perfect bay in Northern Cyprus. Credit to Dudu Tresca. The exhibition, 'Karpaz: Untapped Beauty', is showing at Karpaz Gate Marina throughout July
Karpaz Gate Marina is currently hosting a photography exhibition by Brazilian photographer Dudu Tresca, entitled ‘Karpaz: Untapped Beauty’, which showcases the marina and surrounding area of the Karpaz in a series of panoramic scenes. The ‘Karpaz: Untapped Beauty’ exhibition at Karpaz Gate Marina is open daily from 10am to 8pm until July 30.
