Northern Cyprus (TRNC, Turkish Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti) is a country on the northern and eastern side of the island of Cyprus. Also known as the “Jewel in the Med”
The climate of North Cyprus is typical Mediterranean with very hot dry summers and cooler winters. The average temperature in July and August can reach up to 40 Celsius and in winter months the lowest temperature tends to be around 15 Celsius.
Northern Cyprus is home to many fascinating sights, below is just a selection:
Kyrenia Harbor and Castle – Kyrenia is often called the pearl of the Mediterranean, and for good reason. Under the scenery of the green Beşparmak Mountains, with its picturesque pier, many boats anchored on the harbor and full of bars and restaurants, continuing the adjacent Kordonboyu Street and the captivating sunsets, this is a complete must-see and the perfect place to take a promenade. It is impossible to see the castle overseeing the harbor, and the castle is well worth a visit with the beautiful views and the shipwreck museum.
Castles – the Beşparmak Mountains are home to three picturesque and well-preserved castles, the St. Hilarion Castle, Buffavento Castle and Kantara Castle. St. Hilarion is just above Kyrenia, and Kantara is closer to the Karpaz Peninsula. All of them offer breathtaking scenery of the coastline and the mountains, and also some refreshing clean air and hikes.
Walled City of Nicosia – this is the destination of the tourists who cross the Ledra Street into the north, even though they miss much more of Northern Cyprus! Nicosia is home to perhaps the most well-preserved city walls that belong to a capital in the world – they have even made their way to the municipal emblem as the symbol of the city. Be prepared to see a magnificent mosque… built in the Gothic style, the Selimiye Mosque (also known as Ayasofya or St. Sophia Cathedral). Enjoy your meal and traditional crafts under the shade of the historical Great Inn (Büyük Han) – a favorite for tourists. Wander around the streets to see the traditional architecture, especially in the Samanbahçe quarter, the 500-year-old and yet active Great Turkish Bath (Büyük Hamam), shop at the historical Bandabulya bazaar, greet the Venetian Column at the historical heart of the city – Atatürk Square – and beware of the historical buildings and museums popping out from every corner!
Salamis ruins near Famagusta – this ancient Greek city is full of statues, agoras, and many more, including an amphitheatre where concerts and other events take place, and all of them right next to the see, with much of the complex still uncovered! This once-strategic great city is worth a visit.
Walled City of Famagusta – Just like the walled city of Nicosia, historical buildings pop out everywhere in this walled city center. Another magnificent Gothic-style mosque, Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, once home to the crowning ceremonies of the Lusignan kings, the well-preserved city walls, the Othello Tower, where the Cypriot section of Shakespeare’s play Othello takes place, and many more!
Bellapais village near Kyrenia – known for its ancient monastery, which consists of picturesque ruins with great Gothic arches and towering stone walls, and a great view of Kyrenia. Cultural events such as classical music concerts take place throughout the year.
Apostolos Andreas Monastery, Karpaz National Park and Cape Apostolos Andreas – located at the tip of the Karpaz Peninsula, farther north than Dipkarpaz, this well-preserved monastery is an ancient site of pilgrimage. Karpaz is very unspoilt, and the only national park in Northern Cyprus is known for its wild donkeys, who are so free they can block the roads – make sure to take photos with them! Near the Apostolos Andreas Monastery is the geographical end of Cyprus, Cape Apostolos Andreas, known as Cape Zafer (Zafer Burnu) locally. And do not miss the idyllic Golden Beach (Altın Kumsal), perhaps the most beautiful beach in all of Cyprus!
Beaches are an important feature of Northern Cyprus, found throughout the coastline from the westernmost Yeşilırmak to the easternmost Dipkarpaz. There is a beach for everybody: for those who like to indulge in the luxury of seaside resorts to those who love the remote unspoilt golden stretches of sand. Below is a list of possible locations for beachgoers:
The northern coast is swarming with golden beaches. Most of these beaches are vibrant, with many seaside hotels and clubs, which include,
Acapulco Hotel – in Çatalköy near Kyrenia. Big hotel built around a large cove, with a big pool and aqua park. Those who wish to stay overnight may check the hotel’s website.
Escape Beach, also known as Yavuz Çıkarma Plajı (Yavuz Landing Beach, a reference to it being the first place the Turkish army landed in Cyprus in 1974) – is home to the Escape Beach Club.
Cornaro Beach Club – associated with the nearby Malpas Hotel, the beach is home to a good fish restaurant [3]
Kaplıca and Tatlısu – for those who like serenity but would like some luxury. Closer to the Karpaz Peninsula, these two villages (around 5 km from each other) host two hotels, restaurants and seaside facilities – Kaplıca, with a longer and cleaner beach, is home to caravans but Tatlısu is calmer with wooden bungalows. The hotels are much cheaper than the great hotels around Kyrenia and in Bafra, but still clean.
Karpaz Peninsula is home to some very beautiful beaches, below are only two:
Golden Beach – dubbed as the most beautiful beach in the whole island, and one of the longest beaches in the island, this idyllic beach is located close to the tip of the peninsula, Dipkarpaz. The colour of the water and the sea is unmatched and with all its remoteness, brings to mind the stereotypical Pacific beaches. However, there are no facilities, so be careful.
Bafra – this long beach is the subject of heavy investment, with many hotels such as Kaya Artemis Hotel (contains aqua park) and Noah’s Ark Hotel recently being built, so this could be a destination for those looking for luxury. Part of the beach is operated by the municipality and is free of charge.
The eastern coast, again containing big facilities such as Salamis Bay Conti Hotel [4]
Palm Beach – located next to the ghost town Varosha/Maraş, this surely is an interesting beach.
Glapsides Beach – a classical scene for Northern Cyprus, golden sands with good facilities
The Dillirga region also contains some beaches, including Aspava Restaurant’s beach. The sand and the facilities here are not as good as in the other areas,
