Northern Cyprus Guide

Introduction to North Cyprus

Kyrenia Harbour Girne

North Cyprus

North Cyprus covers 3,355 square kilometres, including the most beautiful white sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. The Kyrenia mountain backdrops are absolutely stunning especially the five fingers range. As far east as the Karpaz, more commonly known as the Pan Handle and as far west as the village of North Cyprus Yeşilırmak, the beautiful scenery is breathtaking. North Cyprus boasts orchards of Olive, Almonds and Citrus fruits. Visitors fall in love with the warm weather and guaranteed sunshine for more than 300 days a year. The lifestyle in North Cyprus is very laidback and the crime rate is extremely low. The cost of living is far cheaper than our Mediterranean neighbours and this together with the other factors mentioned make North Cyprus one of the Mediterranean hotspots for property purchasing.

Thousands of years of history and culture are steeped in North Cyprus, as over the centuries it has been ruled by the Venetians, the Romans, Lusignans, Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, together with the Turks and of course the British. All that have come and gone have left their mark on the islands map including the ancient castles, monasteries and mosques. One of the most beautiful North Cyprus abbeys is Bellapais situated just outside the town of Kyrenia (Girne). The view from Bellapais has to be one of the most romantic sights on our Northern coastline making the Abbey a chosen hotspot for wedding ceremonies for foreigners and ex-pats.

North Cyprus Kyrenia itself is over 6,000 years old dating back to the time of the Byzantines and centres itself around a magical Kyrenia harbour and Castle where you can either stroll around or indulge in some of the finest local cuisine and drinks. Whether you visit North Cyprus Kyrenia during day or night you can’t help but be mesmerized by the wonderful ambience.

There are three historical Castles in Northern Cyprus; St. Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara. St Hilarion takes its name from a monk who had fled from persecution in the Holy land and was living in a cave on the mountain. St Hilarion was originally built as a watch tower to give warning of approaching Arab pirates in the 7th Century. Thousands of tourists every year climb to the highest point if only to have the feeling of being on top of the world.

Whilst in North Cyprus you must visit the Karpaz or ‘the Pan Handle’ where peace and tranquillity are the order of the day. The North Cyprus beaches are endless blankets of white sand with very few tourists. There are many cheap ‘beach huts’ and Bed & Breakfast accommodation should you wish to stay overnight.

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