NORTHERN CYPRUS…for a holiday that’s completely different!
Situated 50 miles south of Turkey, Cyprus is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean, and the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite! There’s a completely different vibe and experience in the two separate parts.
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Wonderful beaches
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Hiking Trails
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Harbour Towns
The Turkish speaking north has lovely beaches, sunshine and turquoise seas and is a popular destination for a traditional summer holiday. For history and nature lovers, there are also ancient ruins, castles, mosques, rugged coastline and hiking trails waiting to be explored, creating holiday memories that will last a life-time.
WHAT PLACES SHOULD I VISIT IN NORTHERN CYPRUS?
NICOSIA/LEFKOSIA…A divided Capital
Nicosia is Europe’s last divided capital, with the ‘Green Line’ of 1963 separating the north, the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, from the south. Tensions have eased since the division, with people regularly crossing the border to work on the other side. The northern part of Nicosia is completely different to the south, with market stalls, craft shops and the Selimiye mosque. You may be able to catch performances of the ‘Whirling Dervish’ dances too.
Begin your Northern Cyprus holiday!
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Beaches
Northern Cyprus has a mixture of lovely private and public beaches. The Karpaz peninsula has wild, isolated beaches and rugged cliffs. Golden Beach in Nangomi Bay, is the longest with sand dunes and wild donkeys. Protected Green turtle and Loggerhead turtle watching is available at Algadi beach throughout the nesting season.
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Historic towns
KYRENIA with its U shaped harbour, was founded in 1200 BC and was an ancient port. Relax with a lovely meal in one of the eateries, in former carob warehouses, and explore the narrow Old Town streets. Take a day trip to FAMAGUSTA, once Cyprus’s most important city, with its Venetian walls and Gothic buildings.
Castles & Ancient Ruins
Climb Kyrenia castle’s ramparts and the fairy-tale Hilarion castle for outstanding views from the tower. Our favourite is the hike and views from Buffavento castle.
Explore the ruins of ancient Salamis, with its necropolis, gymnasium, baths, theatre and Roman villa.
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Outdoor activities
Swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, para gliding and Gulet boat trips, a Turkish wooden ship, are all available. Hiking is popular (around Kyreni there is a 240km mountain hiking trail) as is bird watching. Wild flowers and orchids are beautiful in the spring.
Food and drink
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences feature widely in the cuisine. Mezes, lots of small dishes, are great. Try kebabs, pide and lachmacun (Turkish pizzas). To drink…Brandy sour, Raki and strong Turkish coffee.
Start your holiday to Northern Cyprus today. Enjoy a relaxing summer holiday or explore the island on an escorted tour.
- In general, car hire, dining and accommodation tends to be better value in the north of the island. The currency is Turkish lira.
- There is an airport in Ercan (Northern Cyprus), but you will need to land briefly in a Turkish airport on the way. Another option is to fly into Southern Cyprus and cross the border.
- We recommend hiring a car (driving is on the left) so you can fully explore the area. We can help you with this, but rental cars can only be taken south to north and not the other way.
