Cities of Northern Cyprus
Nicosia (Lefkoşa)
Nicosia is the capital of Northern Cyprus and the largest city in this part of the island. Located roughly in the center of the island, the city is divided into two parts - Turkish and Greek, respectively controlled by Turkey and Cyprus. The division of the city occurred after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
Nicosia has a rich history that extends for more than 5000 years, and this can be seen in various landmarks of the city. Some of them include the Old City, which is surrounded by medieval walls, St. John's Cathedral, Kara Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Lapta Waterfalls, and many others.
Nicosia is also the cultural and economic center of Northern Cyprus, where many universities, museums, theaters, restaurants, cafes, and shops are located.
Famagusta (Gazimağusa)
Famagusta is a city on the northeast coast of Northern Cyprus, located approximately 60 kilometers east of Nicosia.
The city has a long history, starting from antiquity and ending in the Middle Ages, and is one of the most well-known historical sites in Cyprus. Famagusta has many attractions, including medieval castles, the Catholic Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Salamis.
In addition, Famagusta is an important tourist center of Northern Cyprus, thanks to its beautiful beaches, resorts, and hotels. The city also has many restaurants, cafes, and shops that attract tourists from all over the world.
Kyrenia (Girne)
Kyrenia is a city on the northwest coast of Northern Cyprus, located approximately 20 kilometers west of Nicosia.
The city of Kyrenia has a history of over 6000 years and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Cyprus. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, restaurants, and shops, as well as numerous historical landmarks.
Among the main attractions of Kyrenia are the Kyrenia Castle, which was built in the 7th century BC and rebuilt in the 12th century, the Buffavento Castle, the Bellapais Monastery, the Harem Museum, and many others.
Kyrenia is also famous for its port, from where boats and ferries depart to other cities of Northern Cyprus and the southern part of the island.
İskele
İskele is a city on the northeastern coast of Northern Cyprus, located approximately 20 kilometers east of Famagusta.
The city is known for its beautiful beaches and various water sports, such as surfing, kiteboarding, diving, and more. İskele has several resorts and hotels that attract tourists from all over the world.
Among the attractions of İskele, the medieval Othello Castle, which was built in the 13th century, and the nearby ruins of the ancient city of Salamis, which are located a few kilometers from the city, are worth mentioning.
İskele is also famous for its restaurants and cafes, where you can try traditional Cypriot cuisine, as well as local fruits and vegetables.
Güzelyurt
Güzelyurt is a city on the northwest coast of Northern Cyprus, located approximately 30 kilometers west of Nicosia.
The city was founded in 1570 and is one of the most historically significant places on the island. Among the main attractions of Güzelyurt, the Archaeology Museum stands out, where you can see exhibits from the Roman era and many other artifacts related to the island's history. Güzelyurt also has several medieval castles, such as the Hırkaiş Castle and the Vouni Palace.
The city is known for its fertile lands where fruits and vegetables such as apples, grapes, oranges, lemons, olives, and many others are grown. In Güzelyurt, you can also try local cheeses and wines.
Lefke
Lefke is a city on the northwest coast of Northern Cyprus, located approximately 30 kilometers west of Kyrenia.
The city was founded in the times of Alexander the Great and is known for its historical attractions, such as the Bellapais Monastery, which was built in the 13th century and is a fine example of Gothic architecture, as well as the ruins of the ancient city of Soli, which was founded in the 6th century BCE.
The city is also famous for its green areas and beautiful nature, including mountains and forests, as well as a number of rivers and waterfalls. In Lefke, you can go hiking and biking, as well as visit local farms where cheeses and wines are produced.
In addition, in Lefke, you can try local dishes and drinks, such as local wine and Cypriot coffee...
Lapitha (Lapta)
Lapitha is a town located on the northwest coast of Northern Cyprus, approximately 15 kilometers west of the city of Kyrenia.
The town is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and natural attractions. Visitors can hike the mountain trails, enjoy panoramic views of the sea, and visit a number of historical sites such as the Lapitha Monastery and the Archaeology Museum.
Lapitha also has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars where visitors can try local dishes and drinks, such as Cypriot coffee, local wine, and various seafood dishes.
In addition, the town hosts various festivals and events such as the Spring Flower Festival and the Grape Festival in the fall season, which attract many tourists and locals.
Akıncılar
Akıncılar is a small town located in the northwest of Northern Cyprus, approximately 25 kilometers northeast of the city of Nicosia. The town is situated in mountainous terrain at an altitude of approximately 600 meters above sea level.
Akıncılar is known for its beautiful nature, where visitors can enjoy hiking and cycling, mountain trekking, and fishing in local lakes. There are also many fruit orchards in the surrounding area where visitors can buy fresh fruits and vegetables from the local farmers.
Additionally, visitors can visit the local museum dedicated to the history and culture of the town, as well as sample traditional Cypriot dishes and drinks at local restaurants.
The residents of Akıncılar, who are not so many, are mainly engaged in agriculture and crafts such as carpet production and embroidery. Tourism in this town is not as developed as in other resort towns of Northern Cyprus, but it can be an interesting place for those looking for a quiet and peaceful place to relax in the mountains.
Morfou
Morfou - is a city located in the northwest of Northern Cyprus, on the outskirts of the Pentadaktylos mountain range, approximately 15 kilometers west of the city of Nicosia. The city is located at an altitude of about 200 meters above sea level and is one of the largest cities in the region.
Morfou is famous for its fruit orchards, where mandarins, lemons, oranges, olives, and olive trees are grown. You can also visit the local museum dedicated to the history of the city and its surroundings, as well as a number of local restaurants where you can try traditional Cypriot dishes.
Despite the fact that Morfou is an inland city, it has access to beautiful beaches such as Guzelyali Beach or Kornikion Beach Complex. These beaches are located on the northern coast of the island, just a few kilometers from the city, and are popular tourist destinations.
Morfou is also a well-known center of orange production in Northern Cyprus, and here you can buy fresh oranges and other fruits directly from local residents.
Trikomo
Trikomo is a city on the eastern coast of Northern Cyprus, located near the border with Turkey. The city is located on the Karpasia peninsula, which is the easternmost region of the island of Cyprus.
Trikomo is a small and quiet town, known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views of the mountains. It is also famous for its fish restaurants and traditional markets, where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs.
There are several attractions in the city, such as the Holy Trinity Monastery, which was built in the 13th century and is one of the oldest on the island, as well as the ruins of a medieval castle, which is located on a hilltop and offers beautiful views of the surroundings.
Trikomo is the perfect place for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing seaside vacation, away from the noise and hustle of major resorts.