Northern Cyprus offers a unique blend of Mediterranean living with affordable costs, making it an attractive retirement destination. Kyrenia, Iskele, and Famagusta are highlighted as top towns for expats, each offering distinct attractions such as historical sites, beautiful beaches, and vibrant communities. Kyrenia is known for its mountains, historical legends, and expat-friendly areas like Alsancak and Esentepe. Iskele boasts sandy beaches and local taverns, while Famagusta combines city and beach life with rich historical and cultural sites. The article emphasizes the region's appeal through its natural beauty, historical significance, and community amenities.

Hünkar beğendi, a Turkish dish of Ottoman origin, is a lamb dish served on crushed eggplant with a sauce similar to béchamel. The dish's origins are debated, with some attributing it to Sultan Abdülaziz's admiration for French culture and cuisine, possibly influenced by Empress Eugénie. However, historical records suggest the recipe existed before Eugénie's visit. The dish may represent a fusion of Ottoman and European culinary traditions or simply the innovative palate of a traveling Sultan.

Cyprus, known for its beaches, is also gaining attention for its wineries, which blend tradition and innovation. Tsiakkas Winery, founded by Kostas and Marina Tsiakkas, exemplifies this with its unique wines and family-driven story. Indigenous grape varieties like Xynisteri and Mavro are used to produce commandaria, a historic wine. The island's high-altitude vineyards offer breathtaking views and unique wine characteristics. Wine tours are budget-friendly, and the best time to visit is from April to June, though each season offers a unique experience.

The article provides tips for solo travelers with a poor sense of direction, including preparing before the trip, using travel apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, and Maps.me, and buying a local SIM card or eSIM. It emphasizes the importance of confidence and self-belief over reliance on technology. Personal experiences from travel bloggers Claire Ramsdell and Christina Jane illustrate how getting lost can lead to unexpected adventures and the discovery of new places.

Prague offers a rich blend of historical and cultural experiences, from the grandeur of Prague Castle and the historic charm of Old Town Square to the vibrant atmosphere of Letná Park and the city's renowned beer gardens. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks, enjoy panoramic views, and immerse themselves in the local art scene. The city's efficient public transport system makes it easy to navigate, and the best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the city is adorned with blossoms or autumn foliage. Key attractions include the Pilsner Urquell Experience, local breweries, and various cultural centers like the National Gallery and DOX Centre for Contemporary Art.

Prague offers a rich array of attractions and activities for first-time visitors, including the historic Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and Wenceslas Street. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from Letna Park, explore lively parks and beer gardens, and taste Czech beer and food at renowned spots like Pilsner Urquell Experience and Lokal restaurant. The city is also a hub for art and culture, with street art, museums, and theatres. Prague's efficient public transport system makes it easy to navigate, and the best times to visit are during spring and autumn for their vibrant natural beauty.

The article provides a detailed guide to some of the best hotels in Cyprus for various preferences and budgets in 2023. It highlights the Gillham Vineyard Hotel for wine lovers, Acapulco Resort Convention SPA Hotel for a budget-friendly family resort holiday, Djumba Hotel & Cafe and Hotel Valide Hanim Konak for a boutique hotel experience in the city, Revakli Ev Guest House for an authentic experience away from tourist crowds, Anassa Hotel for luxury, S Paul Hotel for a mix of traditional and contemporary, Casale Panayiotis Traditional Village Hotel & Spa for a romantic getaway, and NissiBlu Beach Resort for proximity to the famous Nissi Beach. Each hotel's location, unique offerings, and amenities are described to help travelers make informed decisions.

Cyprus offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from five-star resorts to boutique hotels. Key recommendations include Gillham Vineyard Hotel for wine lovers, Acapulco Resort Convention SPA Hotel for budget-friendly family holidays, and Anassa Hotel for luxury. Other notable mentions are Djumba Hotel & Cafe and Hotel Valide Hanim Konak in Nicosia for a boutique experience, Revakli Ev Guest House in Karpaz for an authentic stay, and NissiBlu Beach Resort in Ayia Napa for access to the famous Nissi Beach. Each hotel offers unique amenities and caters to different preferences and budgets.

Kleftiko, also known as thief's kebab, is a traditional Greek dish with a rich history of being cooked by thieves in the mountains to avoid detection, by sealing the cooking area to prevent smoke from escaping. The dish is simple, typically consisting of lamb slow-cooked with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes with potatoes and roasted peppers. In Cyprus, Yorgo Kasap Restaurant in Kormakitis, run by Maria and her family for almost fifty years, is renowned for its kleftiko. The restaurant is a melting pot for Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Maronites, and tourists from various countries. The article suggests renting a car to visit Kormakitis due to unreliable public transport and highlights the village's slow life and multicultural identity.

The article introduces readers to four Turkish egg recipes that can add variety to their breakfast routine. The recipes include Menemen, a dish debated for its inclusion of onions, Sucuklu yumurta which features a type of beef sausage called sucuk, Mucver which is a courgette pancake, and Cilbir, a less popular but TikTok-famous dish that combines eggs with yogurt. Each recipe is described with its ingredients and a tip or alternative suggestion. The article also promotes Morrisons on Amazon for readers to order the necessary ingredients for these recipes, highlighting the convenience of home delivery.