Discover Northern Cyprus: A Hidden Treasure of the Mediterranean
Northern Cyprus is a destination where time slows down, ancient ruins whisper stories of empires past, and the sea sparkles with untouched clarity. Tucked away on the northeastern corner of the island, this region offers a blend of warm Mediterranean charm, deep cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. Unlike more commercial destinations, Northern Cyprus feels authentic, personal, and quietly luxurious. Whether you're drawn by its golden beaches, Byzantine castles, sleepy mountain villages, or rich cuisine, Northern Cyprus is a Mediterranean haven waiting to be explored.
Kyrenia (Girne): Coastal Enchantment
Nestled between the Beşparmak Mountains and the turquoise sea, Kyrenia is often described as the jewel of Northern Cyprus. Its picturesque old harbor, filled with traditional fishing boats and waterfront restaurants, creates the perfect setting for slow afternoons and sunset dinners.
Kyrenia Castle stands proudly at the harbor’s edge, its massive walls protecting centuries of history including the famous Shipwreck Museum. Nearby, the romantic ruins of Bellapais Abbey echo with poetry and music, perched on a hillside with views that stretch over the town and sea.
Just outside the city lies St. Hilarion Castle, believed to have inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Climb its craggy paths and you’re rewarded with some of the most dramatic panoramic views on the island.
Top accommodation in Kyrenia includes:
- The Arkin Colony Hotel – Located in the heart of Kyrenia, this hotel offers classic elegance with rooftop dining, a serene spa, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Rooms are tastefully furnished, and the ambiance is refined yet warm.
- Lord’s Palace Hotel Spa & Wellness – This luxurious property offers beautifully appointed rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, and wellness experiences with Turkish hammams, massage therapies, and private relaxation suites.
- Dome Hotel – One of Kyrenia’s oldest and most beloved hotels, set directly by the sea. Guests enjoy the calm atmosphere, spacious rooms with balconies, and fresh seafood served daily at the open-air terrace.
- The Savoy Ottoman Palace – Inspired by Ottoman architecture, this hotel provides regal comfort with grand interiors, lush courtyards, and impeccable service.
- The Hideaway Club – A boutique, adults-only retreat tucked into the hills with sweeping views, personal service, and tranquil gardens.
Famagusta (Gazimağusa): History Etched in Stone
On the eastern coast lies Famagusta, a city with a rich tapestry of Gothic and Ottoman influences. Once one of the most prosperous ports in the Mediterranean, today its walled old town is a treasure trove of medieval architecture.
Stroll through the quiet streets and you’ll encounter the awe-inspiring Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, formerly St. Nicholas Cathedral, showcasing intricate Gothic architecture transformed into Islamic elegance. The surrounding Venetian walls still stand tall, encircling ancient streets where time seems suspended.
The nearby ruins of Salamis, an ancient Greek city-state, sprawl across the coastline. Its amphitheater, Roman baths, and gymnasium are bathed in golden light and often uncrowded, offering a peaceful connection to the past.
Recommended places to stay in Famagusta:
- Arkin Palm Beach Hotel – Set along the golden sands of the eastern coast, this refined hotel offers rooms with sea views, direct beach access, and gourmet dining. Its garden-like terrace and palm-lined beach area are perfect for unwinding.
- Salamis Bay Conti Resort – A larger property ideal for families, offering multiple pools, restaurants, evening shows, and spa facilities. The private beach and kid-friendly amenities make it a favorite among vacationers.
- Port View Hotel – A contemporary hotel in the city center, offering clean, modern rooms and easy access to historic sites and local restaurants.
Nicosia (Lefkoşa): The Living Capital
The last divided capital in Europe, Nicosia is a fascinating blend of politics, culture, and everyday life. The border runs through the city, but both sides share a common rhythm—cafés, artisans, history, and resilience.
Walk through the old walled city, past the impressive Selimiye Mosque, originally the Cathedral of St. Sophia. Büyük Han, a 16th-century caravanserai, now houses art galleries, craft shops, and shaded cafés where you can sip Turkish coffee.
The city is home to museums, contemporary art spaces, traditional hammams, and vibrant shopping streets. It’s not just a place of the past—Lefkoşa is very much alive.
Where to stay in Nicosia:
- The Arkin Nicosia Hotel – A polished, modern property with fine dining options, a rooftop pool, and a central location that caters to business and leisure travelers alike.
- Merit Lefkoşa Hotel – Stylishly designed, offering elegant rooms and exceptional breakfast spreads. Ideal for exploring both the old city and modern avenues.
Karpaz Peninsula: Where Nature Still Rules
The northeastern finger of the island, the Karpaz Peninsula, is one of the last untouched places in the Mediterranean. With golden beaches, rustic villages, olive groves, and free-roaming donkeys, it’s ideal for travelers who seek peace and raw beauty.
Golden Beach is widely regarded as the best beach in Northern Cyprus, stretching for miles without crowds or commercialization. Apostolos Andreas Monastery, perched near the edge of the peninsula, adds spiritual charm to the dramatic coastal setting.
Inland, the village of Dipkarpaz remains beautifully preserved with Turkish and Greek Cypriot influences still interwoven. Here, traditional life continues much as it has for generations.
Peaceful retreats in Karpaz include:
- Karpaz Gate Marina Hotel – Stylish, intimate, and located beside a luxury yacht marina. It offers modern design, a lovely pool area, and Mediterranean cuisine with sea views.
- Blue Sea Hotel & Villas – Set near the beach with eco-conscious values, this property combines simplicity with warm Cypriot hospitality. Perfect for couples and families looking to disconnect.
- Oasis Hotel Karpaz – A boutique stay close to nature, surrounded by greenery and within walking distance to quiet beaches. Rooms are comfortable, and the atmosphere serene.
Beaches of Northern Cyprus: From Secluded to Lively
From secluded coves to buzzing beach clubs, Northern Cyprus has a coastal experience for everyone.
- Alagadi Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is a protected nesting site for loggerhead and green sea turtles. Volunteers offer educational tours in summer evenings.
- Escape Beach near Kyrenia is perfect for younger crowds and families, with beach bars, DJs, and water sports.
- Acapulco Beach offers a full-scale resort experience with a vast sandy shore, aqua park, and spa.
- Korineum Beach is more upscale and quiet, connected to a luxury golf resort.
Mountain Villages and Hiking Trails
Away from the coast, the Beşparmak Mountains provide a backdrop of pine forests and scenic ridgelines. Villages like Karmi, with stone houses and vibrant flowers, feel lifted from a fairytale.
Hiking trails lead through history—past old chapels, hidden monasteries, and breathtaking cliffs. Springtime sees wild orchids bloom across the hills, making it a paradise for nature photographers and walkers alike.
Local Cuisine: Flavors of the Land
Food in Northern Cyprus is deeply satisfying, rustic yet full of complexity. Meals are social and often feature a generous meze spread of dips, cheeses, olives, and grilled vegetables.
Try şeftali kebabı, a grilled meat delicacy wrapped in caul fat, or kleftiko, lamb slow-cooked in a clay oven. Enjoy hellim (halloumi), either grilled or served fresh with watermelon. Locally caught fish like seabream or red mullet are grilled simply and served with lemon.
In mountain villages, don’t miss homemade molohiya, a traditional stew, or a glass of zivaniya, the local spirit.
Culture and Warm Hospitality
Despite its complex history, Northern Cyprus is warm and welcoming. The people are known for their hospitality, and visitors are often treated like guests rather than tourists.
Handicrafts such as lace-making in Lefkara, carpet weaving, and olive oil production reflect the deep artisanal traditions. Festivals, folk dances, and music events take place year-round, especially in summer.
Why Visit Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus offers something rare: authenticity without overcrowding. Ancient ruins stand quietly among olive trees. Castles crown hillsides untouched by modern development. The beaches are wide, the villages timeless, and the welcome always warm.
This is a destination for those who love discovery, beauty, and unfiltered experiences. From the castles of Kyrenia to the wilderness of the Karpaz Peninsula, Northern Cyprus is a Mediterranean gem that rewards slow exploration and open curiosity.
