50 REASONS TO VISIT NORTH CYPRUS

Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (Saint Nicholas Cathedral)

The building, constructed during the Lusignan era between 1298-1312, is one of the most prominent examples of Gothic architecture in the entire Mediterranean. The Lusignan kings were initially crowned as Kings of Cyprus at the Saint Sophia Cathedral, and later, they were crowned as Kings of Jerusalem at the Saint Nicholas Cathedral. The building was converted into a mosque and opened for worship by the Ottomans in 1571 with the addition of a minaret. The monumental East African sycamore fig tree (Ficus Sycomorus) located at the entrance of the cathedral is the oldest tree on the island. It was planted when the construction of the cathedral began in 1298, and its current height is 15 meters, with a width of 5 meters.

The Great Khan

This is not only a significant site in Nicosia but also one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture on the island. It was built between 1572-1579 as a two-story square structure following the pattern of the Koza Han in Bursa. The Khan consists of a total of 68 rooms, with the rooms on the first floor used as shops and the rooms on the upper floor serving as hotel rooms. Today, the building is used as an entertainment and tourist center, where handmade souvenirs are sold.

Kyrenia Harbor

The historic horseshoe-shaped Kyrenia Harbor, built in the city center, is definitely one of the first places to visit in Kyrenia. The colorful fishing boats and yachts anchored in the harbor make Kyrenia Harbor a favorite attraction for both locals and tourists. Until recently, the harbor was used as a trading center.

Historical Houses of Nicosia

The fortified city of Nicosia has a well-established history dating back to the Lusignan era. One- and two-story houses with bay windows, flat arched entrances, and wooden eaves, located in the narrow streets of the Arabahmet and Samanbahçe districts, are of particular interest to tourists from around the world.

Kantara Castle

Kantara Castle is the easternmost of the castles located in the mountains of Kyrenia, at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level. The castle has a strategic advantage as it offers views of the northern coastline, the Mesaoria Plain, and the Karpaz Peninsula. It was believed to have been built by the Byzantines, but it is first mentioned in written sources during the reign of Richard I. Lionheart, who captured Cyprus in 1191.

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Kyrenia Gates

The Kyrenia Gates are one of the three gates built into the fortifications surrounding Nicosia for the city’s defense during the Venetian era, and they are located to the north of the city walls. They were named the “Del Proveditore Gates” in honor of the famous Venetian architect Proveditore Francesco Barbaro. The gates were renovated by the Ottomans in 1821, and a dome-shaped structure was added on top. Currently, the gates serve as a public tourist information office.

Kyrenia Castle and Shipwreck Museum

Kyrenia Castle, one of the most remarkable historical buildings in Cyprus, proudly stands as a symbol of Kyrenia. Its nearly square architectural structure has undergone numerous changes over the years to reach its current appearance. The ship, believed to have been built in the 3rd century BC and displayed in the castle museum, is considered the oldest commercial ship ever raised from the seabed.

Ancient Salamis City

The ancient city of Salamis, founded by Teucer in the Bronze Age, is located to the north of Famagusta. The earliest findings in the ancient city date back to the 11th century BC. The ancient city of Salamis was discovered during excavations conducted from 1952 to 1974 and is one of the most important places to visit in Northern Cyprus. Ruins of a gymnasium, baths, a forum, and an agora, which can be seen during a visit to the ancient city, belong to the Roman period.

Selimiye Mosque (Saint Sophia Cathedral)

The Selimiye Mosque is one of the most important Gothic-style buildings in Cyprus. The construction of the building began in 1208 and was completed and opened for worship in 1326. The Lusignan kings were crowned in this building. Later, during the Ottoman Empire era, the cathedral was converted into a mosque with the addition of two minarets.

Othello’s Castle

The main entrance of Othello’s Castle, built by the Lusignans in the 14th century, is adorned with a relief of Saint Mark’s Lion above it. The castle acquired its current name during the English colonial era. Part of Shakespeare’s famous play was set in one of the port cities of Cyprus, so the castle was named after the play’s hero.

Ancient City of Soli

The ancient city of Soli is located along the coast of Lefke. It was one of the ten kingdoms of Cyprus but was abandoned due to Arab invasions. There is a theater here, as well as one of the first known churches built in Cyprus, the Soli Basilica, found in the ancient city of Soli.

Vouni Palace

Vouni Palace, built around 500 BC to maintain control over the city of Soli, was inhabited by the residents of Soli until it was destroyed by fire in 380 BC, leaving it deserted. The palace complex, consisting of 137 rooms arranged on three sides of a central courtyard, is located on a high hill to the east of the ancient city of Soli.

St. Hilarion Castle

St. Hilarion Castle is one of the three castles located on the Besparmak Mountain (“Five Fingers”) to the west of the mountains at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level. In the 10th century, a monastery and a church, named after the saint who had moved from Jerusalem to Cyprus and spent his last years there in prayer, were added to the castle. It is said that the famous Walt Disney was also inspired by St. Hilarion Castle, and it is believed that the famous cartoon “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was partly set in this castle.

St. Mamas Church and Monastery

The Monastery of St. Mamas is located in Guzelyurt, and the church inside the monastery was built by the Byzantines. There are many stories about St. Mamas, but the most common one is the story of a Christian saint who lived in the Guzelyurt area. The monastery is currently used as a museum.

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Hala Sultan Tekke

Hala Sultan Tekke, built during the Arab raids between the 7th and 10th centuries, is one of the most important places that Muslims visit in Cyprus. The Tekke is located about 4 km east of Kyrenia.

St. Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum

The Monastery of St. Barnabas was built in memory of St. Barnabas, who was the son of a Jewish family from Salamis. After going to study in Jerusalem, he converted to Christianity and returned to Cyprus, preaching Christianity throughout the island with St. Paul. The monastery consists of a church courtyard, monastery buildings, and a chapel that houses the tomb of St. Barnabas. Currently, the monastery is used as a museum.

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Dervish Pasha Mansion

The two-story classic Ottoman mansion, built in the 19th century, belonged to Dervish Pasha, who was also the publisher of “Zaman,” one of the first Turkish newspapers printed in Cyprus. The mansion is located in the well-preserved Arabahmet district in the fortified city of Nicosia. The mansion was opened to the public in 1988 as an Ethnographic Museum.

Buffavento Castle

Buffavento Castle is located on the summit of the Besparmak Mountain (Five Fingers), east of Kyrenia, and is the highest of the three castles, with St. Hilarion Castle to the west and Kantara Castle to the east. It was named “Buffavento” because the mountain on which it was built is very windy, and Buffavento literally means “defying the winds” in Latin. Looking south from the castle, you can see a beautiful panoramic view of Nicosia.

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Mevlevi Tekke

Mevlevi Tekke is located south of the Girne Gate in Nicosia and is one of the most important historical buildings in Cyprus. It is believed that the Mevlevi sect came to Cyprus during the Ottoman conquest. Mevlevi Tekke, where the tombs of 16 prominent Mevlevi figures are located, is currently used as a museum.

Bellapais

The medieval Bellapais Abbey is located at the foothills of the Besparmak Mountain, east of Kyrenia, and captivates tourists from around the world with its unique Gothic-style architecture and stunning landscapes. The renowned English writer Lawrence Durrell, who wrote his book “Bitter Lemons” while living in the village of Bellapais from 1953 to 1956, constantly mentioned his admiration for the abbey. The house where he lived near the abbey also attracts many visitors.

Golden Beach

The beautiful Golden Beach is one of the pristine beaches of the Mediterranean Sea; it stretches for 2 km along the Karpaz Peninsula with its crystal-clear blue waters and a shoreline of golden sand. Along the entire Golden Beach, you’ll have an exciting opportunity to walk barefoot for several kilometers and cool off by taking a dip in the cool blue waters.

Five Finger Mountain (Beshparmak)

The Beshparmak Mountains extend for 160 kilometers and run parallel to the northern coast of Cyprus. The name “Beshparmaklar” comes from the five-finger-like protrusions of the mountain to the east of Kyrenia. There are many legends about the Beshparmak Mountains. The most common one tells the story of two young men who had a deadly duel over a girl they both loved. The virtuous young man, who won the duel, killed the selfish youth and threw him into a nearby swamp, but he also drowned in the swamp due to his injuries. As he was drowning, reaching out to his beloved person, only his hand up to the wrist remained beyond the swamp, eventually turning into the present-day “Five Finger Mountain.”

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Migratory and Endemic Birds – Flamingos

Thanks to its location, Cyprus is a stopover for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa. In addition to this, the island is also home to endemic bird species such as the Cyprus warbler and Cyprus wheatear. Both of these species have evolved and adapted to the Cypriot environment and weather conditions over the years, differentiating from similar species.

Sea Turtles

For hundreds of millions of years, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and green turtles have visited the island of Cyprus. These amazing creatures visit the shores of Cyprus annually to nest on the golden sands of “Alagadi Beach” (Turtles) on the northern coast, as well as “Golden Beach” and “Ronna Beach” on the Karpaz Peninsula in Northern Cyprus.

Endemic Plants

Cyprus captivates all visitors, with about 1900 different plants in their natural environment. Nearly 1600 of these species are commonly found throughout Northern Cyprus. Of the 120 different plants unique to the island, “Brossica Hilarionis,” “Dianthus Cyprius,” and “Silene Fraudatrix” are just a few of the 19 endemic species that are distinctively found in their natural habitat only in Northern Cyprus. While “Tulipa Cypria” and the Cypriot bee orchid are a couple of the most commonly seen endemic species out of the 40 endemic plants across the island.

Cyprus Donkeys

Cyprus donkeys are one of the many animals inhabiting the island, and they have garnered a lot of attention as a symbol of the island. Typically roaming in groups, they have created a wild habitat for themselves in the natural environment of the Karpaz Peninsula. There is a high chance of seeing donkeys in their natural habitat, especially in the area of Dipkarpaz village and Cape Zafe on the Karpaz Peninsula.

Monumental Olive Trees

It is believed that some of the nearly 2000 monumental olive trees in the Guzelyurt-Kalkanlı area, which are currently under protection, are around a thousand years old. Scientists acknowledge that these trees serve as evidence that Cyprus was the source of the spread of olive trees throughout the Mediterranean.

Karpaz Peninsula

The Karpaz Peninsula, with its historical and natural beauty, is the most untouched corner of Cyprus. The Karpaz houses the only national park in Northern Cyprus, as well as numerous ancient cities, monasteries, and traces of various civilizations.

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Baf Chewing Gum

Traditional Baf chewing gum is a natural chewing gum derived from the trunk of the terebinth tree, Pistacia terebinthus. The chewing gum is amber-colored and very hard. Chewing sticks are wrapped in thin paper packets. Despite a decline in popularity in recent times, it is still beloved by locals and tourists.

Halloumi

Halloumi is a traditional Cypriot cheese typically made from sheep or goat milk. This delightful white cheese can be enjoyed for breakfast, grilled, or pan-fried. Traditional pastries are also made from halloumi, and grated halloumi mixed with dried mint is also used as a topping on pasta.

Traditional Firin Kebap

Traditional Cypriot “Firin Kebap,” also known as “Thieves’ Kebap,” is made from chunks of lamb or young goat meat, which are cooked together with potatoes in traditional clay ovens. “Firin Kebap” is one of the most important dishes in Cypriot cuisine. It is served with strained yogurt, onions, cracked wheat pilaf, and a seasonal salad.

Cyprus Ekmek Kadayifi

This traditional bread pudding is made from two layers of bread filled with a mixture of soft cheese, crushed almonds, and cinnamon. It is then cooked over low heat, slowly drizzled with syrup, cooled in the refrigerator, and served cold. “Ekmek Kadayifi” is one of the most revered desserts in Cypriot cuisine.

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Cypriot Potatoes and Kolokas

Cypriot Potatoes are one of the most famous potato varieties in all of Europe, especially in the UK. Cypriot potatoes, grown in the climate and soil of the island, impart a rich taste to dishes and retain their flavor and shape under any cooking conditions. “Kolokas,” on the other hand, is a potato-like vegetable cultivated particularly in the regions of Karpas and Eşilirmak. Thanks to its large leaves, the plant requires a lot of water. It’s another beloved dish in Cypriot cuisine, often prepared with chicken or lamb. The young shoots of kolokas are called “bullets,” and they can also be deep-fried with potatoes.

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Pirohu

“Pirohu” is another traditional Cypriot baked dish loved by both locals and tourists. It is made from a mixture of Cypriot cheese and dried mint, which is stuffed into small pastry bags, boiled, and served with grated halloumi cheese on top.

Traditional Baskets, Trays, and Baskets

“Selles” (flat woven baskets) and “sestas” (woven trays) are kitchen utensils made from woven wheat straw, colored in natural shades or dyed. More durable woven baskets are usually made from woven bamboo reeds and tree stems and are used for transporting harvested fruits. While these items were used more frequently in the past, they are now used as decorations and are very popular as souvenirs for tourists.

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Pastries and Pies

Pastries play a significant role in Cypriot cuisine, as it has been influenced by many different cultures over the years. Some of the most important pastry delicacies include “Tatar borek,” “Nor borek” (cheese pastry), “Kiyma borek” (minced meat pastry), “Ispanak borek” (spinach pastry), “Kabak borek” (pumpkin pastry), “Mantar borek” (mushroom pastry), “Zeytinli” (olive bread), “Hellimli” (halloumi cheese bread), “Bida” bread, “Chorek” (sweet round bread), “Tahinli” (tahini bread), and “Pilavuna” (a sweet and savory bun filled with cheese mixture).

Meze

Another important dish in Cypriot cuisine is “meze.” Meze is a mix of cold and hot dishes typically served as appetizers before a meal. It includes items like “hummus,” marinated capers and celery “cajik tahini,” “samaralla” (smoked lamb with salt and oregano), fried halloumi “chakistes” (cracked green olives marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and coriander seeds), tongue, brains, and “pastirma” (spicy sausages).

Sheftali Kebap

Delicious “sheftali kebap” is a genuine Cypriot sausage made from a mixture of goat or lamb meat and finely chopped onions, parsley, and greens, which is then wrapped in fat. The tasty end product is then cooked on coals or a grill until it becomes golden-brown.

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Babutsa (Prickly Pears)

Opuntia or “babutsa,” as it’s more commonly known among locals in Cyprus, is the fruit of a cactus that grows in the wild throughout Cyprus. This delicious Mediterranean fruit is usually found in the market and is often gathered in the Serdarlı village area.

Lefkara Lace Embroidery

There are numerous historical examples showcasing the qualities of Cypriot crafts, such as the belief that Alexander the Great’s sword was made in Cyprus and that Leonardo da Vinci admired Cypriot lace embroidery. Lefkara lace embroidery is named after the village where it originated and dates back to the 14th century. While it was once produced for personal use, it is now produced as a commercial product for tourists as a souvenir.

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Molokhia

“Molokhia” is a traditional Cypriot dish made from fresh or dried leaves of the “molokhia” plant. While the dish originated in Arab countries, it has become a delicious national dish in Cyprus over time.

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Zivaniya

“Zivaniya” is a traditional Cypriot beverage distilled from the residues of grapes, including stems and seeds, left over from winemaking. It is a colorless and strong alcoholic drink with a mild raisin aroma and a distinctive flavor. It is recommended to be consumed cold, sip by sip.

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Cheviz Makunu

“Cheviz Makunu” (green walnuts in syrup) is one of the most popular Turkish Cypriot sweets. Fresh green walnuts are soaked in fresh water for a week, and then almonds and cloves are placed in the hollowed center. The candies are then boiled and sugar is added. They are usually served after Turkish coffee.

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Coffee Culture

Social relationships and family ties play an important role in the Turkish Cypriot community. The coffee-serving culture strengthens social bonds in Turkish Cypriot culture, and Turkish coffee is usually a preference for any local family. Another common social activity for Turkish Cypriot women is fortune telling based on the coffee grounds left in cups.

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Golf

Due to the mild climate, Cyprus is a suitable place for playing golf year-round. Recently constructed high-quality facilities enhance the sport’s appeal on the island.

Yakhting

Yachts departing from the harbors of Kyrenia and Famagusta offer various enticing journeys in the clear, warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea surrounding our beautiful island. The rich maritime culture naturally becomes a way of life as Cyprus is an island.

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Trekking

Cyprus’s unique and mild climate provides the opportunity for trekking year-round. Traveling along the numerous trails laid along the Besparmak Mountains, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes and nature, and you may come across historical treasures like St. Hilarion Castle emerging from the natural environment, as if they are rising from the pages of history.

Paragliding

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, paragliding is another sport available to those visiting North Cyprus from April to October. It’s also an excellent opportunity to capture some stunning aerial photos of breathtaking landscapes.

Casinos

For those who would like to try their luck amidst dazzling lights, North Cyprus offers top-quality casinos operating legally in real-time, similar to countries like the United States, Germany, China, and Australia.

Diving

The warm and crystal-clear waters surrounding North Cyprus offer divers from around the world an excellent opportunity to discover fascinating marine life. Thanks to the water temperature being around 20°C in November, the diving season lasts from April to December.