What to see in Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus is a true jewel of the Mediterranean, offering beautiful beaches, picturesque mountain scenery and a rich cultural history. The town of Kyrenia (Girne) impresses with its romantic harbour, imposing castle and traditional architecture. Furthermore, the area is famous for its ancient monuments, such as the ruins of Salamis and the Bellapais Monastery, which tell stories about the past of this fascinating island. Whether you are a lover of history, nature or beautiful beaches, this part of the island has something for everyone.

Nikosia

Your journey should start in Nicosia, where you will pass through a divided city. First, you'll see the sights on the Greek side, visit the largest archaeological museum in Cyprus, which by the way is completely free, and then walk through the city centre to the Turkish side. Visit the Selimiye Mosque, originally a Gothic cathedral that was converted into a mosque after the conquest.

Nicosia centre and the border

Historical sites

Ancient town Girne

Kyrenia (Girne) is a place you simply cannot miss. This picturesque harbour town, with its views of the majestic Kyrenia Mountains, will draw you in with its atmosphere. It is dominated by Kyrenia Castle, which stands guard over one of the most beautiful harbours in the Mediterranean. Within its ancient walls is a fascinating museum where you can admire a shipwreck, one of the oldest discovered in the world.

Girne Fortress

Bellapais Monastery

The Bellapais Monastery towers above Girne, a hidden gem of northern Cyprus that will instantly enchant you with its tranquillity and mystique. Nestled at the foot of the Kyrenia Mountains, this medieval monastery offers not only fascinating architecture but also unforgettable views of the coastline.

Bellapais Monastery

Famagusta

Famagusta will enchant you not only with its medieval walls, but also with the mysterious, abandoned town of Varosha. Once a bustling resort, it is now a "ghost town," a symbol of the conflict between Greeks and Turks after the 1974 invasion. Its empty buildings and streets stand in contrast to magnificent monuments such as the gothic Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and Othello Tower. These monuments bear traces of Venetian, Byzantine and Ottoman history.

You need several hours, if not a full day, to explore the city. The old town and the ghost town are the two faces of this place located about 2 kilometers apart.

Famagusta

Salamis

Just a short distance from Famagusta are the ruins of the ancient city of Salamis, where time literally stands still. Stroll among the impressive remains of the Roman theatre, baths and gymnasium that reveal the former glory of this ancient capital of Cyprus. Just the sight of these monuments will transport you back to a time when Salamis was the vibrant heart of the island, dominating trade routes and politics. Even after thousands of years, you can still feel its indelible influence

Salamis from above

The most beautiful beaches of Northern Cyprus

The beaches of northern Cyprus are a true paradise. With fine golden sands and crystal clear waters, they offer the perfect environment for relaxing and swimming. Surrounded by breathtaking nature and picturesque scenery, these beaches will enchant you with their tranquil atmosphere and minimal tourist traffic. You can enjoy the adventure of discovering hidden coves or enjoy a quiet moment with a book in hand. Northern Cyprus beckons you not only with its magnificent panoramas but also with the opportunity to experience the magic of unspoilt nature and authentic atmosphere.

Most of the visitors are in the resorts and so the beaches without hotels are completely lonely and just waiting for you.

Golden Beach

Often considered one of the island's most beautiful beaches, Golden Beach is where you can relax on endless stretches of sand and watch the wild donkeys roam free. This beach is ideal for those seeking tranquillity and the beauty of unspoilt nature.

Unfortunately it lies pretty much off the beaten track on the easternmost tip of the island.

Alagadi Turtle Beach

Alagadi Turtle Beach is a true paradise for nature lovers and peace lovers, stretching along the northern coast of Cyprus. Away from the hustle and bustle of hotels and towns, these two large beaches offer not only perfect relaxation but also a unique experience - they are home to turtles that come here every year to lay their eggs. Whilst the beach is the ideal place if you are looking to relax, it is also the perfect place to meet these fascinating creatures. Here, the water is pleasantly shallow, so you can walk quite far from the shore, which makes swimming even more enjoyable.

We were even lucky enough to meet a baby turtle, which made the whole day even more special.

Alagadi Turtle Beach

Famagusta beaches

Famagusta offers several beautiful beaches. Glapsides Beach is a popular destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. Palm Beach is situated right by the gated Varosha area and offers spectacular views of the deserted hotels. Although the water is clear and the beach is well-maintained, the atmosphere of a deserted town gives the place a strange feeling.

How to get to Northern Cyprus?

When travelling to Northern Cyprus, you have two main airport options. The first is Ercan Airport in North Cyprus, which offers direct flights from several European and Middle Eastern destinations (however, all flights pass through Turkey). The second option is to fly into Larnaca in South Cyprus, which is better connected to international destinations. From there, it is possible to cross into North Cyprus by land via several border crossings.

Journey by rented car from the Greek part

Many people will tell you that it is impossible to drive a rented car from the Greek to the Turkish part of Cyprus. However, this is not true. Unless the rental company specifically forbids you to do so, you can go. However, it is important to remember that if you are involved in an accident, you are responsible. This is why they won't let you go to the Turkish part without insurance, which covers what the Greek rental company's insurance doesn't cover. It's important to discuss this with the rental company beforehand, ideally in writing. We rented our car from Elephant Car Rentals.

At the border, we bought a three-day insurance for 20 €, and we were free to cross the border (only passports were checked). No bus or taxi will officially take you across the border (only in the case of an organized tour).

Driving in the Turkish part is also on the left, so there is no change from the Greek part. However, traffic is a bit more chaotic, especially in Girne, where you have to expect traffic jams at all hours.