Explore North Cyprus

North Cyprus (officially the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) is a Mediterranean gem often overlooked on the travel map. For those wondering where is Cyprus on the map, this island lies at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East – only about 65 km south of Turkey’s coast

With such variety of places in Northern Cyprus to discover from crusader castles to pristine beaches.  travelers can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere that combines historic charm with natural beauty. The following guide hook you in and provide practical tips, all in the voice of a 20-year North Cyprus travel expert. Let’s dive in!

Major Cities and Regions

When exploring the Turkish side of Cyprus, you’ll encounter several key cities in North Cyprus and distinctive regions, each with its own appeal. Unlike the crowded resorts of the south, these Northern Cyprus cities retain an inviting, old-world character. Major urban centers include Kyrenia (Girne) on the north coast, Famagusta (Gazimağusa) in the east, the capital Nicosia (Lefkoşa) in the center, and the rural Karpaz Peninsula to the northeast. Beyond the cities, charming north cyprus towns and villages (like Dipkarpaz or Bellapais) offer a glimpse of traditional Cypriot life. Below is an overview of each main area and its highlights:

Top Historical and Cultural Attractions

History abounds in Northern Cyprus, which has seen civilizations from ancient Greeks to Ottoman Turks leave their mark. There are countless places to visit in Northern Cyprus for history and culture enthusiasts. Here are some of the top attractions that showcase the island’s rich heritage:

  • Crusader Castles (St. Hilarion, Buffavento, Kantara)
  • Hilarion Castle
  • Buffavento Castle
  • Bellapais Abbey
  • Salamis Ruins and St. Barnabas Monastery
  • Varosha (Maraş) – The Ghost City

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Hotels in North Cyprus

North Cyprus offers a range of accommodations, from family-run guesthouses to high-end resorts – often at lower prices than you’d pay in the south. Kyrenia is the hotel capital, featuring boutique hotels in restored historic buildings as well as expansive 5-star beach resorts and casinos. Famagusta and Bafra (to its north) also host several large resort hotels.
If you’re looking for luxury on a budget, Northern Cyprus’s resorts are more affordable than those in the south yet deliver great service.

1,763 Reviews

3,270 Reviews

330 Reviews

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3,990 Reviews

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Resturuants & Bars in North Cyprus

North Cyprus offers a rich and relaxed dining scene shaped by Turkish Cypriot traditions, fresh Mediterranean ingredients, and a strong café culture. From seaside fish restaurants in Kyrenia Harbour to family-run meyhanes, rooftop cocktail bars, and village taverns, the island is known for generous portions, warm hospitality, and excellent value. Whether you’re enjoying freshly grilled seafood by the sea, traditional meze with local wine or rakı, or sunset drinks overlooking the mountains, restaurants and bars in North Cyprus deliver an authentic and unpretentious experience that suits every pace of travel.

Groggy lounge

557 Reviews

Alesta Kebab

886 Reviews

5,171 Reviews

North Cyprus Top Sights

Northern Cyprus is blessed with abundant natural beauty – from its coastline of pristine beaches to its rugged mountain interior. For travelers who love the outdoors, Northern Cyprus beaches and wilderness areas offer plenty to see and do.

Beautiful Beaches: It’s often said the north has the best beaches in Cyprus, and it’s hard to disagree. The crown jewel is Golden Beach on the Karpaz Peninsula. an unspoiled golden strip stretching for miles.

Hiking and Nature Walks: The Kyrenia Mountains (also called the Five Finger Mountains) run parallel to the north coast and provide a playground for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Wildlife and Turtle Watching: Thanks to its relatively undeveloped landscapes, North Cyprus supports diverse wildlife. The Karpaz National Park is famous for its wild Cyprus donkeys.

Adventure Sports: For those craving more active adventures, North Cyprus won’t disappoint. The calm Mediterranean waters are perfect for scuba diving

Bellapais Abbey

Based on 6,523 Reviews

Girne (Kyrenia) Castle

Based on 4,153 Reviews

Kantara Castle

Based on 1,612 Reviews

North Cyprus Map

On a map of Turkey and Cyprus, the northern third of the island is the Turkish-administered area, separated by a UN buffer zone from the Republic of Cyprus in the south

This region boasts a rich blend of Greco-Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage, evident in its ancient ruins and architecture. It’s also known to be more budget-friendly than the southern side – dining, lodging, and entertainment here are generally more affordable for travelers

News & Insights

We Write About North Cyprus Alot

Yes, North Cyprus is absolutely worth visiting for its unspoiled beaches, historic castles, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. It offers excellent value for money and a more authentic, less crowded experience compared to southern Cyprus.

North Cyprus is socially conservative but generally safe and welcoming for LGBT travellers. While public displays of affection are uncommon, especially outside tourist areas, visitors rarely face issues, particularly in cities and resorts.

North Cyprus offers historic sites like Kyrenia Castle and Salamis, beautiful beaches such as Golden Beach and Alagadi, scenic hiking in the Kyrenia Mountains, and vibrant local food and harbour towns to explore.

The best time to visit Northern Cyprus is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is warm but comfortable. These seasons are ideal for sightseeing, beaches, and outdoor activities.

The currency in North Cyprus is the Turkish Lira, which has a constantly fluctuating exchange rate. For this reason, shopkeepers and restaurant owners are fully conversant with all major currencies and bills can be paid in UK Sterling, Euros and US Dollars as well as local currency.

If you change your money into Turkish Lira in North Cyprus, you will generally get a much better exchange rate than you would otherwise get in the UK.

There are many money exchange bureaux in all of the major towns. Major UK Credit and Debit cards are widely accepted, and can be used in cash machines, however you should ensure that you inform your bank before you travel so that they do not block your card. You should also enquire about charges to use your card abroad.

Travellers Cheques as well as Scottish banknotes are not widely accepted in North Cyprus and changing them can be very difficult.

No, North Cyprus is generally more affordable than southern Cyprus and many Mediterranean destinations. Accommodation, dining, and transport offer excellent value, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

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