Cities in Northern Cyprus
Beautiful beaches and majestic mountain peaks, pristine nature and hospitable locals, warm sea and almost three hundred and sixty sunny days a year, ancient monuments and interweaving of different cultures, high-quality service and plenty of opportunities for organizing leisure – this is all Northern Cyprus. That is why it is so attractive for tourists and those who have decided to move here permanently. There really is everything you need for a quality holiday and a comfortable life. We invite you to get acquainted with the largest and most famous cities of Northern Cyprus. Each of them has a special charm and its own, sometimes difficult, history.
Cities you must visit
All the cities of Northern Cyprus are majestic settlements, spread out among natural landscapes almost untouched by civilization. Often they are located at the foothills, which is why they have a stepped layout. Clean and pleasant-tasting water flows from the taps in the houses of local residents, and the buildings themselves combine different architectural styles. Each city has two names: one is Greek, the second is Turkish. It’s all about the difficult history and political disagreements between Turkey and Greece, which culminated in the infamous conflict of 1974. As a result, the island was divided into two parts, but the influence of two cultures – Greek and Turkish – is clearly visible in the architecture, traditions, and art.
Nicosia
This city is the capital of two states at once: the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus. The Turkish name of the city is Lefkosa, the Greek name is Lefkosia. As befits every capital, this city is home to the main offices of banks, government agencies, and commercial companies. Nicosia has a businesslike rhythm, and is home to almost a third of the island’s population. In terms of urbanism and the nuances of organizing life, the city is practically no different from the largest European capitals. But it has a much more solid cultural and historical heritage. According to the most modest estimates, Nicosia is already more than 3,000 years old. The first mentions of Ledra (that was the name of the settlement) date back to the 7th century BC. There is no sea in the vicinity of Nicosia, but there are many attractions. We recommend visiting the Dancing Dervishes Monastery, the old Turkish baths of Buyuk Hamam, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Arab Ahmet Pasha Mosque, the Buyuk Han caravanserai, and the Sultan Selim Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral).
Famagusta
Famagusta (Gazi Magosa in Turkish) was once one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean. Throughout its history, the city has been under the influence of various rulers and empires. Richard the Lionheart was also here. Today, Famagusta remains an important commercial, industrial and logistics center. The local attractions are endless. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Dzhambulat Bastion, the ghost town of Varosha – a once fashionable quarter abandoned by its residents after 1974.
Kyrenia
Girne is the Turkish name for a city founded over 30 centuries ago. It was once a city-state, and today you can walk around it in a couple of hours. Despite everything, it is an ideal place for a beach holiday. Kyrenia is located at the foot of the mountains, the historical center and the famous city bay have become the hallmark of Northern Cyprus. There are well-equipped beaches both in the city itself and in its surroundings. We recommend visiting the 7th-century Kyrenia Fortress, Bellapais Abbey, the Icon Museum and the Ethnographic Museum.
Guzelyurt
The modern city, founded in ancient times, is today called the orange capital of Cyprus. Guzelyurt (Morphou) lives in a measured rhythm, somewhat reminiscent of a village way of life. Numerous citrus and strawberry plantations are spread around, and the local museums contain a rich collection of archaeological treasures.
Lefke
A little further south from Guzelyurt there is an even quieter and calmer city – Lefke. Copper was once mined here, and today citrus and olive trees are grown, which is not surprising, because the area is famous for its fertile soil and abundance of fresh water. A favorite place for tourists and locals is Ataturk Park, where fairs, culinary festivals, and music festivals are regularly held. The real pride of Lefke is the European University of Lefke, recognized by the Council of Higher Education of Turkey and the European Union.
Boaz
In the past, this was a small fishing village. Fishing traditions have been preserved here to this day. Only in Bogaz will you be offered a whole kaleidoscope of fish dishes, which you can enjoy in any of the many restaurants overlooking the bay.
Iskele
This small town is located in the northeast of Northern Cyprus. It offers incredibly beautiful landscapes with lush vegetation and many hills. Iskele (the Greeks call it Trikomo) is chosen for the annual grape festival. Large developers have also taken a liking to this area: modern residential complexes with swimming pools and gyms are being built in the city. One of the main attractions of Iskele is the sandy Long Beach, which stretches for several kilometers along the Mediterranean coast. Tourists can also visit the medieval Othello Fortress, built in the 13th century.
Of course, it is difficult to convey all the beauty and charm of the cities of Northern Cyprus in an oral story. You need to see them in person!
