WHAT TO DO IN CYPRUS?

Cyprus is located right at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea and is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean. It is one of the perfect choices ,for a perfect life with its warm climate, hospitable people, delicious food and much more.

From the Ancient Salamis Ruins in Famagusta to the Apostolos Andreas Monastery in Dipkarpaz, from the historical Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia to the Ancient City of Soli in Güzelyurt, you will encounter history at every step you take in Northern Cyprus. Cyprus is a paradise for history lovers.

Northern Cyprus also has some of the most popular and cleanest beaches in the world.

Mackenzie Beach, Palm Beach, Silver Beach and Glapsides Beach are very popular choices for both tourists and locals. You can swim on almost all the shores of the island, but we still recommend you to choose the beaches that has facilities of municipalities and private businesses for safety.

One of the most preferred activities, especially by young people in Northern Cyprus, is camping. While the mountains of Kyrenia are especially preferred, coastal areas, forest areas and special caravan areas are among the favorite spots of campers.

Along with all these, windsurfing, parasailing, diving, hiking and trekking, hunting, picnics, cultural festivals, eco festivals and more, there are activity options suitable for every lifestyle in Northern Cyprus.
•    Taste at least 5 different Cypriot dishes.
•    Swim at at least one beach in Famagusta, Kyrenia, Iskele and Guzelyurt.
•    Visit the Apostolos Andreas Monastery in Dipkarpaz and feed carob to the wild donkeys there.
•    Shop in the Nicosia Arasta area.
•    Collect strawberries in Yeşilırmak.
•    Visit the ancient Sunken Ship Museum in Kyrenia Castle.
•    Go to Cape of Victory (Zafer Burnu), the easternmost point of the island.
•    Visit the Museum of Modern Art.
•    Enjoy the view of Kyrenia from top of St. Hilarion Castle.
•    Camp in Kantara.
•    Visit the citrus orchards in Güzelyurt.
•    Take a tour in Famagusta Kaleici.
•    Watch the hatching of Caretta Carettas at Altinkum beach.
•    Windsurf or parasail at Iskele Long Beach, Mackenzie.

There are many things to do visit in Northern Cyprus. Here are some interesting places to visit.

Visit Nicosia, The Divided Capital

The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is a very interesting place. The city is the only world capital that is split between two countries (in a similar fashion as Berlin during the communist times). The southern part is in the Republic of Cyprus, while the northern part is in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus. The south is more prosperous, the north is a bit behind.

In North Nicosia, you really feel that you are in another country – Turkey, perhaps. The border area is guarded by police officers and the UN is in control of the “no man’s land” between both nations.

To cross from south to north, you must show your passport twice, once to each “border” control. During the summer months, there is usually a line. Apart from the thrill of crossing one of the most unique borders in the world, you will be able to visit a few mosques, old caravansary and see many street art murals in North Nicosia.

Among other things to see in North Nicosia, I recommend sticking to the old quarter. Girne Gate, one of the three gates that led into the old Venetian forts is another highlight. In 1821, the gate was restored by the Ottomans and a dome was added to it.

Mevlevi Tekke, a museum with 16 tombs of noble Mevlevis, is another historic monument worth a visit, located just south of Girne Gate. It is believed that the Dervishes Mevlevi arrived during Cyprus with the Ottoman conquer.

Another place to visit in Nicosia is the Great Khan, kind of a caravanserai (old market and hotel) located only 1km from the border. Built in the 15th Century,  the Khan is considered one of the best examples of old Ottoman architecture in Cyprus. On the ground floor, there are several rooms that were used for trade, while the bedrooms are located on the upper floor. Today, it is a place for entertainment, exhibitions and has several restaurants.

Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

This building located in Gazimagusa (Famagusta), was built in the 14th century as a Gothic church by the Lusignan people. When the Ottomans arrived, it was turned into a mosque. When the construction of the church started, in 1298, an African fig tree was planted by the entrance. Today, the tree is still there and it adds a lot of character and beauty to the (today) mosque.

Bellapais Abbey

Among the places to visit in North Cyprus, you should also include Bellapais Abbey. Built in the Gothic style, it is at the foot of the Besparmak mountains. British author Lawrence Durell lived here in the mid-20th century and this is where he wrote Bitter Lemons. In the book, he mentions the beauty of the abbey several times. The house where he lived is now open to visitors.

Bufavento Castle

As you can see, you’re not short of things to do in North Cyprus. Bufavento Castle is located on the Besparmak mountains and it is the tallest of three castles in the area. Climb up to the castle is not an easy task, but you will be rewarded with some amazing views.

St Barnabas Monastery

This is a beautiful Christian orthodox monastery built in honour of a saint that came from a Jewish family. History says that a young Barnabas moved to Jerusalem to study and converted into Christianity. After that, he returned to Cyprus and preached the Gospel together with St Paul. Today, the monastery is a museum and it has a church, a beautiful courtyard, sleeping quarters and a chapel where the body of St Barnabas was buried.

The Golden Beach

Sunbathing at the Golden Beach is among the things to do in North Cyprus – after all, this is a Mediterranean island! This 2km-long sandy beach is located on the Karpaz peninsula and you will most likely have it all for yourself. There is hardly any infrastructure, so you can swim in peace and enjoy the beautiful views.

Girne Castle (Kyrenia Castle)

Girne Castle is one of the most impressive monuments in all of Cyprus and is the most important landmark in Girne Town (known in Greek as Kyrenia). The original building was very different from what we see today, which is a result of many renovations over the centuries. In the castle, there is a shipwreck as part of the permanent exhibition. It is believed that the ship was built in the 3rd century BC, so it is the oldest commercial vessel ever recovered from the bottom of the sea.

The Ancient City of Salamis

Another great place to visit in North Cyprus is the ancient city of Salamis, founded by Tefkros in the bronze age. It is located close to the present-day city of Famagusta (Gazimagusa). These Roman ruins were discovered during excavations between 1952 and 1974 and are among the most popular tourist attractions in Cyprus.