The most interesting places in Northern Cyprus
Less visited part of the island full of monuments
After the partition of Cyprus, tourism in the north controlled by Turkey almost disappeared. Although it has started to develop more strongly in recent years, there are still plenty of deserted places in the increasingly popular Northern Cyprus. Long, mostly sandy beaches are also attractive. The island has a number of important ancient and ancient monuments.
Famagusta
A rich old town surrounded by massive walls with Otel Castle
The old town of Famagusta will appeal to almost everyone with its architecture, monuments and, above all, the atmosphere. The whole city is surrounded by massive medieval walls, inside there is a huge cathedral converted into a mosque and above the port rises the famous Othel Castle. continue reading
Salamis
One of the most impressive archeological sites in the world
About 7 km north of the center of Famagusta is an extensive archeological site. It is a complex of ancient excavations of the ancient Greek city from the 11th century BC Later, under the Romans, the city of Salamis became the capital of Cyprus. During the wars, the city was destroyed several times and at the beginning of the 4th century it was destroyed by an earthquake, yet it was always rebuilt. Eventually to the gradual decline of the city. It led to the clogging of the port. The city was definitely abandoned after the Arab invasions in the 7th century. The inhabitants moved to today's Famagusta. continue reading
Trip to the Karpas peninsula
The most deserted part of Northern Cyprus
After the violent partition of Cyprus in 1974, tourism in the north controlled by Turkey almost disappeared. Although it has started to develop more strongly in recent years, there are still plenty of deserted places in the increasingly popular Northern Cyprus. Among them, perhaps the most deserted part is the easternmost and at the same time the northernmost tip – the elongated Karpas peninsula. There is no public transport in this area, so the only option is a taxi or renting your own car. Driving a rented car does not lack an adventurous touch, driving left on narrow roads full of potholes really requires increased attention. Roads gradually deteriorate with each kilometer and it is necessary to react quickly to unexpected large holes – car insurance does not cover the destruction of tires or chassis. continue reading
Kantara Castle
The ruins of a crusader castle with stunning views
About 60 km northeast of Nicosia, at the beginning of the Karpaz Peninsula, is one of the three crusader castles in northern Cyprus – Kantara Castle. It is a ruin from which there are wonderful views of the entire eastern part of the island. The castle is located relatively high in the mountains and can only be reached by car on a fairly steep narrow road. There is a small car park by the castle and entrance fees are paid here. continue reading
Monastery of St. Barnabas
Preserved monastery and tomb of St. Barnabas
Just a few kilometers north of Famagusta, on the southernmost edge of the Salamis archeological site, in the middle of the fields, there is a very well-preserved Orthodox church with the monastery of St. Barnabas. The church is in the middle of a very pleasant area with a former monastery, which is now converted into an archeological museum. Between the church and the monastery there is a pleasant courtyard with an atrium and a separate bell tower. continue reading
Kyrenie (Girne)
An important port with a medieval castle
The city of Girne (Greek: Kyrenia) is located in the middle of the northern coast of Cyprus. In ancient times, there was one of the city-states, which later in the Middle Ages became a very well-fortified port. Even today, it is the most important port of the Northern Cyprus Republic of Tue. Interestingly, about 6 km west of the city, Turkish troops landed in 1974 and then divided into Cyprus. There is a memorial on the landing site. continue reading
Othell Castle
The scene of Shakespeare's famous tragedy
On the coast of Famagusta, a beautifully restored fortress, called the Othello Citadel, rises above the harbor. The castle was built between 1285 and 1324 in the Lusitanian period to protect the adjacent port. In 1492, the Venetians were rebuilt into the current form of an artillery fortress. continue reading
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
The capital divided between the two states
Nicosia (Turkish Lefkoşa) is located approximately in the center of the island and is the capital and largest city of the island of Cyprus. It is the natural metropolis of the island and a center of trade and finance. In ancient times, the city was called Ledra and even then it was one of the most important in the area and was protected by Venetian walls. The city is divided into Greek and Turkish parts, between which there is a border crossing. In the northern Turkish part is a historically significant part of the city. continue reading
Varosha - a ghost town
A stately resort transformed into a ghost town
Famagusta is a well-known and very popular tourist area. In addition to the historic city, there are a number of very beautiful beaches in the area. That is why a whole complex of modern hotels and accommodation houses was built on the outskirts of Varoš, where a rich clientele from abroad came. However, after the military invasion in 1974, the area was declared a military zone and closed. continue reading
Golden beach
The most beautiful beach in Cyprus
Almost at the tip of the Karpaz Peninsula, on the southern coast, there is a deserted two-kilometer-long beach with fine sand and a gradual entry into the sea. In some guides you will read that this „Golden beach“ is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Hard to judge, but it is definitely the most beautiful beach in all of Cyprus. The whole area is rather stagnant and is subject to nature protection, so the government is not interested in supporting any tourist development in this area. Wild donkeys and sea turtles live here. As a result, there are almost no accommodation and dining options and local roads are dilapidated, but this, on the contrary, reinforces the hope that this part of the island will be protected from turbulent tourist development and wild donkeys and turtles will continue to prosper. continue reading
Dipkarpaz (Rizokarpaso)
A typical peaceful town with a large Greek minority
The town of Dipkarpaz (Greek Rizokaprpaso) is the northernmost town in Cyprus and the gateway to the Karpaz National Park. Both Greek and Turkish Cypriots live here, devoting themselves to peaceful rural life, far from the influence of tourism. continue reading
