At the westernmost edge of Cyprus, where the Troodos Mountains slope down to the sea, lie two villages: Yeşilırmak and Yedidalga. One at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by strawberry and citrus fields. The other on the coast, with its fishing boats and vineyards. Less than five kilometres apart. The bond between them much older.
Also known as Limnidi. Cyprus's strawberry village.
The first recorded inhabitant was Yusuf Mustafa Cefala, who moved down from the hilltop village of Kurutepe (Xerovuno) in 1913. Migration followed, and today the village's population is rooted in families who came from Kurutepe.
The historic grapevine at Asmalı Plaj entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 1947. With a trunk 85 centimetres thick and an annual yield of roughly three tonnes of grapes, it is considered one of the largest grapevines on earth. It is still alive today, and still bearing fruit.
One hundred metres off the village's coast, a small rocky island rises from the sea. Locals call it "Yeşilırmak Rock"; in archaeological literature it is Petra tou Limnidi. Excavations carried out in 1929 by the Swedish Cyprus Expedition uncovered settlement remains here dating to approximately 5000 BC — the Neolithic Age. It is among the oldest known human settlements on the island.
Nearby, on the heights above, stands Vouni Palace. Built in the 5th century BC by Doxandros, king of Marion, this 137-room palace is the only example of Persian architecture in Cyprus.
The soil of Yeşilırmak is generous. The strawberry may be the village's symbol, but it is only one of many crops. The mountain water is plentiful, the sun abundant. Villagers work from early morning into the evening.
In winter, when the mountains are covered in snow, the famous Cyprus mouflon — the island's wild goat — can be seen in herds on the slopes near the village.
Yeşilırmak and its neighbouring villages — Kurutepe, Şirinköy, Bademliköy, Ömerli, Erenköy, Günebakan, Süleymaniye, Madenliköy, Yedidalga, Yörükköy, Yağmuralan — are together known as the "Dillirga" region. An anonymous folk song of the same name has been sung for generations in both Turkish and Greek. It remains an indispensable piece at Cypriot weddings and celebrations.
Also known as Potamos tou Kampou — Gambo Stream.
A coastal village three kilometres west of Gemikonağı and five kilometres northwest of Lefke. Population around one thousand. Its people live by farming and fishing; in summer the population doubles, as Yedidalga serves much of the region's coastal recreation.
Between Yedidalga and Gemikonağı, a 500-metre pier stretches into the sea. Because of its colour, locals call it the Red Harbour. A relic of the CMC (Cyprus Mines Corporation) era, it is one of Lefke's most recognisable landmarks. Some call it "the Eiffel Tower of Cyprus."
Run by the Municipality of Lefke, Yedidalga Public Beach is suitable for both swimming and grilling. The Verigo Festival is held on this beach each year. The shoreline stretches 100–200 metres and the beach includes a restaurant.
Yedidalga and neighbouring Gaziveren are increasingly recognised across Northern Cyprus as destinations for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Northwesterly winds and appropriate water depth make the conditions ideal.
The main addresses in the region that stay open through the day. During festival days they operate at full capacity; reservations for lunch and dinner are recommended.
Yeşilırmak and Yedidalga lie within the district of Lefke. On 7 November 2015, at a ceremony in Falköping, Sweden, Lefke officially joined the international Cittaslow ("Slow City") network. The movement, founded in Italy in 1999, promotes a life philosophy based on production rather than consumption, the preservation of local culture, and environmental care. Over 180 cities from 28 countries are now members. Lefke's Cittaslow identity is a powerful anchor in the region's international profile.
Two villages, two festivals, at the westernmost tip of Cyprus.