Berke Ertopaloğlu – Lapta Holiday Homes

By Margaret Sheard …..

Many people will remember Berke Ertopaloğlu for his brilliant organisation of many Lapta Festivals when he was working for the Lapta Municipality which sadly, now he is no longer with them, have not continued.

Berke has now moved on to pastures new and he is still organising, but in a totally different direction, and he has over the last few years gradually built 4 lovely self-catering holiday homes in Lapta and his organising skills can be seen in this small complex which he now runs with his wife Sibel.

We met up with Berke, Sibel and their daughter Dilaymasal at the complex recently to see if we could be of assistance in promoting his holiday homes for tourists coming to North Cyprus who want a quiet and peaceful holiday in lovely accommodation.   This is exactly what it is, and we were so impressed with the quality of the accommodation that Berke has made available for self-catering holidays.

Berke told us that his grandfather came to North Cyprus from Paphos and was given exchange land which was then passed on to his son (Berke’s father) who has since passed it on to Berke who had the opportunity to build a house and then more to make the complex we were seeing that day.  There is also still a large area of land at the side of the complex but Berke feels he has probably done enough to create a business for himself and his family.

There is a one-bedroom single storey unit, 2 three-bedroom units and a further unit with 2 double bedrooms where Berke and the family live but can let to holidaymakers if necessary.  We looked at the one-bedroom unit which is set at the rear of the complex and would be suitable for those who cannot manage stairs which included a lounge/dining/kitchen area, separate bedroom and a bathroom with shower.

The three-bedroom house was stunning, very well laid out, beautifully furnished with a lounge, very large kitchen, 3 double bedrooms, an upstairs and downstairs bathroom with shower and an impressive upper floor terrace off the landing area with a wonderful view of the mountains.   The other three-bedroom house was occupied but we understand it is very similar to the one we viewed.   Each of the properties has its own outside BBQ.

The decor of the units is extremely good quality and there is such a homely feel with the indoor plants, ornaments and pictures of the family and their own holidays with some of the mementoes they have brought back with them on shelves and tables.

The properties are surrounded by flower beds, shrubs and fruit trees giving a very tranquil feel to the complex and visitors can pick the fruit which is in season while they are there.  They even have lovely names – Olive Tree Villa, Fruit Tree Villa, Pomegranate Cottage and Seaside House.

The properties all have very ample storage areas in both the kitchen and bedrooms, something I have always found lacking in self-catering accommodation I have experienced in holiday destinations in the past, and they all have wood-burning stoves so ideal for a winter holiday.   The stove shown in the photograph also has an oven so can be used for cooking as well. Indeed, there has been a lot of thought put into supplying everything a holidaymaker would need to make them feel at home.  There is a welcome/starter pack when people arrive so they have the essentials to start their holiday.   For those who can’t get away from it, there are TV’s and internet access as well.

Berke is on site and is available 24/7 should anyone have any problems or need advice.   He can arrange car hire for the duration of the stay and if a car is hired there is free airport transfer from and to Ercan Airport and transfers can be arranged from Larnaca Airport for around £50 each way.

Directions to the complex

There is a beach a short walk from the complex, there are many restaurants in the surrounding area, small local supermarkets, one being Blue Song on the Lapta Strip and also larger supermarkets a short drive along the main road towards Alsancak/Girne (Kyrenia).   On Saturdays there is a good market with many stalls at Chateau Lambousa which again is situated just off the Lapta Strip.

There are so many interesting things to see in North Cyprus and with the advent of so many good roads, it is easy to drive south, east and west to see the heritage and culture which abounds in this country.   In Girne (Kyrenia) itself there is the old harbour which is overlooked by Kyrenia Castle, there are many boat trips from the harbour where visitors can see the island from a different perspective.   Travelling east there is a wealth of history in Famagusta, and nearby there are the Salamis ruins which is a large excavated area, and then further north/east the Karpaz Peninsula is an unspoiled area with donkeys roaming freely, beautiful beaches and wonderful views.   In Lefkosa (Nicosia) there is also much to see especially the old town which again has a wealth of history.   In fact, wherever you travel in North Cyprus there are amazing views, delightful small villages, the people are so friendly and welcoming and you couldn’t wish for a more relaxing and peaceful holiday.

Having seen the Lapta Holiday Homes complex I think this would be a very nice place to stay in comfort and be a base for travelling and exploring in North Cyprus.

Lapta Holiday Homes have received a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor and there are many really nice reviews and testimonials from people who have stayed at the complex which can be viewed on the Facebook page shown below.

To contact Berke visit his website by clicking here, Facebook page by clicking here or telephone 00 90 533 834 9878.  Email berkeh2001@hotmail.co.uk or laptaholidayhomes@outlook.com