Formerly called Komi Kebir, the village of Büyükkonuk nestles on the foothills of the Five Finger Mountain Range at the start of the narrow panhandle of Cyprus called Karpaz. This geographic location results in a pleasant combination of both hilly terrain and fertile flat lands, with close proximity to both seashores, to the north and the south.
Traditional crops in this agricultural village include carob, olive, wheat, barley and some vegetable farming in watered fields. Dairy cows, sheep and goats are kept. Forested hills border the village, filling the air with scented pine and wild herbs. Many species of trees, including Cypress, juniper and almond, as well as ancient olive groves, dot the landscape. Orchids and other wildflowers abound in season. Plenty of field tracks and the absence of fences make walking and cycling sports attractive.
The ancient village of Buyukkonuk has been selected as a pilot village in the Karpaz for the development of ecotourism. Further accommodation is being planned and a new restaurant and tourist information centre have been opened in 2006.
DELCRAFT
Originally started in 2000 as a craft shop for locally made handicrafts, Delcraft has expanded to B&B accommodation and an activity centre, which is a meeting place and a start for tours. Lois and Ismail Cemal, the founders of this enterprise, have as their aim to help save traditional Cypriot village life as part of the cultural heritage of this island. They have devised village activity tours and use the local traditions of food and crafts to encourage sustainable development. In this way the visitor is given a unique insight into Cypriot village life while traditional culture is reinforced and maintained.
The European Union, through the offices of UNDP-PFF, have assisted in the enlargement and refurbishment of Delcraft’s facilities. Now there are 10 beds available in the B&B in 4 different self-contained, air conditioned rooms, some with disabled access.
Membership & Visitors
- Current members: 800
Non-working Guests welcome, Work Exchange welcome, Volunteers welcome,