About Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
- Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is located in the south of Türkiye,
- No visa or passport is required for Turkish citizens to travel from Türkiye to the Turkish Republic of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
- Traffic flows from the right in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, so the driver’s seat on motor vehicles is on the right side.
- Lefkoşa is the largest city in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and also its capital.
- Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has a mild Mediterranean climate, with relatively temperate winters; any time of the year is a suitable time to visit.
- The Turkish lira is the currency used in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
- Turkish is the main language in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: Places to see
Like its Mediterranean neighbors, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus features ancient cities, lovely beaches, magnificent natural beauties and friendly people. Keep reading to discover more about this beautiful island…
Lefkoşa
If it’s your first visit to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, we recommend starting in Lefkoşa. The capital of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and its largest city, Lefkoşa is considered the economic, social and cultural heart of TRNC.
Girne Gate
The Girne Gate was built in 1567 by the Venetians, as part of the city’s walls at that time. It was restored by the Ottomans in 1821 and now houses a tourism office.
Venetian Column
Made of granite, the six-meter-tall Venetian Column features the coats of arms of six noble Venetian families. The Column was moved from Salamis to Leşkoşa in 1489, by the Venetians. Today it stands in Atatürk Square, a central hub of the city.
Selimiye Mosque and Great Inn
The Selimiye Mosque is in a former Catholic cathedral, the construction of which allegedly started in the 13th century. The structure is a stellar example of Gothic-style architecture in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and features a monumental veranda and magnificent triple door.
Adjacent to the Selimiye Mosque is the 16th-century Büyük Han, considered among Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ most beautiful Anatolian-style structures. Once frequented by travelers and merchants, the Büyük Han is now home to an arts center, cafes and shops.
The Museum of Barbarism
The Museum of Barbarism is set in the home of a doctor and his family, who were murdered during the conflicts in the 1960s. Featuring exhibits on both the home’s former inhabitants and the history of the conflict, the Museum is in the Köşklü Çiftlik district.
Girne
Girne has a classic Mediterranean ambiance. This beautiful port city built at the foot of the Beşparmak Mountains also features citrus, olive and carob groves.
Girne Castle
A symbol of the city, the harborfront Girne Castle is believed to have been built upon Roman-era fortifications and reinforced by the Byzantines in the 15th century. In the Castle are works from the Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans and the British. Among these is a shipwreck dating from 300 BC, as well as the sarcophagus of the Ottoman Admiral Sadik Pasha. Visitors can also see various rooms that were used as apartments, dungeons and depots.
Bellapais Abbey
Five kilometers from the city center is Bellapais Monastery. Believed to have been erected in the 1160s, the Monastery offers stunning sea views and mountain views. It currently serves as a theatre for classical music performances.
Girne Harbor
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the picturesque Girne Harbor is home to stylish restaurants and nightclubs as well as a ferry terminal. The streets nearby are lined with old Venetian-style homes.
Gazimağusa
Gazimagusa, also known as Gazimağusa, is one of the most popular cities in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, offering a port and sea tourism along with historical sites.
Othello Castle
The waterfront Othello Castle was originally erected in the 14th century as a moated citadel and later utilized by the Venetians as a bastion extension to the city walls. A notable feature is a marble slab placed above the main entrance, in 1492. Carved into the marble is the winged Lion of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice; The front paws of the lion on land represent Venice’s land power. Its rear paws are in the sea, representing Venice’s maritime empire. The main entrance door is believed to be one of the oldest surviving wooden doors on the island.
Salamis Ancient City
About six kilometers from the city center is Salamis Ancient City. The first settlements in Gazimağusa, thought to be around two thousand years old, were built here. The site features a necropolis, a theatre, basilica and monumental walls.
Salamis Ancient City is accessible via minibus or private vehicle.
North Cyprus beaches
One cannot discuss Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus without noting the island’s wonderful sea and beautiful beaches. We’ve listed the highlights below:
- Glapsides Beach/Gazimağusa
- Alagadi Beach/Girne
- Altınkum Beach/Karpaz Peninsula
- Mare Monte Beach/Girne
Dining in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Visitors will eat well in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Showcasing the finest of the Mediterranean, olives, olive oil and citrus fruits are omnipresent, but the cuisine extends beyond this fare: meatballs, kebabs and pastries are common dishes and, of course, the island’s famous halloumi cheese. Traditionally made with raw milk from goats, sheep and/or cows, halloumi is a medium-hard cheese that is usually fried or grilled.
Do try to sample some (or all) of the following dishes.
- Cyprus-style meatballs
- Halloumi pastry
- Peach kebab
- Piruhi ravioli
- Zülbiye dessert
- Molehiya (A dish made from leaves of the jute mallow plant)
- Purslane meal
Getting around Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Since Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a small place in terms of surface area, the public transportation system is not extensive; taxis and private vehicles are commonly used. In addition, private bus companies operate routes from different districts and cities. Of course, renting a car is another logical option when visiting the island.
Staying in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
As a popular tourist destination, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus offers a wide array of accommodation options, ranging from upscale all-inclusive hotels to modest hostels. Various villas and apartments are also available for rent.
To plan a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus trip easily and quickly, we suggest checking out the Turkish Holidays holiday packages. The service lets you select your ideal accommodation and flights, and puts together the best package for you – so you can focus on the excitement of the holiday!
Getting to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
You can reach Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus by sea or air. Ferries to Girne Harbor depart from Mersin and Antalya. Turkish Airlines operates flights to New Ercan Airport in Lefkoşa (click here for information on flights to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). The airport is approximately 23 kilometers from the Lefkoşa city center. Airport shuttles and taxis operate the airport-city center route, as do VIP transfer services from some hotels.
We wish you travels full of discovery!
