Throughout history, the island of North Cyprus has been referred to as the Pearl of the Mediterranean and is considered to be an incredible place with spectacular climate, nature and possibilities for holidaymakers and local residents to create a world of happiness. You can find hundreds of families who have decided to relocate here after a short holiday on the island. It’s impossible to come to North Cyprus and find nothing to do. More often than not, choosing amongst the many activities can be quite challenging.  In this guide, we have prepared a list of the things to do in North Cyprus and the best places to visit in North Cyprus.

 

1. Sunbathing on the Fabulous Beaches

Gazimağusa, İskele, Karpaz, Girne, Güzelyurt... All of these cities have beautiful beaches waiting for those who want to lie under the sun by the sea. North Cyprus beaches are full of beautiful places suitable for all beach lovers. Kilometres of sand make it the most beautiful coastline in the Mediterranean.

Except for the well-known beaches, most of them do not have signs and wait to be discovered.
The majority does not charge an entrance fee whereas some entrance fees are at reasonable prices. All have parking, restaurants, cafes, sunbeds and umbrellas. Places like this offer a variety of water sports and have lifeguards on watch. Also, there are beautiful beaches at many luxury hotels you can enter at a small charge.

North Cyprus hotels and North Cyprus beaches are very famous. Your holiday in North Cyprus will be unforgettable. Check out the famous Long Beach in Iskele Region.

 

2. Enjoying Traditional Food at a Cypriot Meyhane

İt’s easy to satisfy hunger but food at a Cypriot meyhane is a feast for the eyes. Like Italy’s osterias, Spain’s bodegas and France’s bistros, North Cyprus’s food and entertainment places known as Meyhanes are where people come together over excellent meze (appetizers) and drink Turkish Raki and Zivaniya. This tradition dates back thousands of years. Cypriot Meyhanes are distinguished by their appetizers.

If you require a social atmosphere reflecting the North Cypriot food and beverage culture, then you are in need of a Meyhane. The history of meyhanes dates back to the Byzantine era and has changed through history. Its name comes from the Persian word ‘mey’ meaning ‘wine’ and ‘hane’ meaning ‘house’. This word is used to describe small dark places, with a few or no windows furnished with wooden stools and low tables by the bar and barrels of wine lining the walls. Over the years, wine has been replaced with Turkish Raki and Zivaniya.

More than just a mere place to eat and drink, a meyhane is a place where the raki bottles empty, people blow off some steam and prefer to feed their souls rather than their stomachs. This is why the North Cypriot meyhane culture differs from similar places around the Mediterranean. Instead of a menu, you will find that traditional appetizers and food is served to your table until you tell the waiter to stop.

Visit Mackenzi Bay Restaurant and you will get to enjoy one of North Cyprus best Meyhans looking over Long Beach.

 

3. Trying Your Luck at the Entertaining Casinos

Most large hotels are home to legal, entertaining and intriguing casinos if you want to try your luck, there are many options to choose from. You can enjoy yourselves at the casinos furnished with the latest technology offering high-quality services in a trustworthy environment.

 

4. Keeping Up with Nightlife

What’s better than finding yourself on the dance floor after a perfect meal? North Cyprus’s bars and clubs are highly lively and exhilarating. Most clubs are equipped with Europe’s leading music technology and have hosted international artists such as Tiesto, Tinie Tempah, Fatman Scoop. There are numerous open-air clubs on the island and every summer tens of thousands of people reach the peak of entertainment.

Every venue has social regulations which everyone has to abide by. Local residents are used to calming and dignified behaviour. Also, most importantly, ladies can enjoy themselves in a safe and secure atmosphere. If you prefer a quieter set-up, there are many roof and beach bars offering live music, DJ performances, jazz and even Latin music to choose from.

 

5. Hosting Business Meetings at Prestigious and Private Conference Halls

Whether it’s the amenities offered by its finely furnished hotels or its climate and natural beauty, North Cyprus has become a largely preferred destination for business meetings. The island attracts thousands of business people especially from Turkey and the Middle East every year as it is seen to offer the best meeting venues.

Almost all 5-star hotels in North Cyprus have meeting halls furnished with the required technology to host conferences, meetings, art exhibitions and small or larger events.  This Mediterranean island offers its services with its safe and multicultural environment, ten months of sun, golden sandy beaches, magnificent mountains, excellent hospitality, large choice of activities, entertainment and delicious cuisine in order to motivate and encourage your employees or work partners when required.

 

6. Embracing the Unique Landscape While Paragliding

Paragliding is an ideal way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the island from the air. The two main jump sites in North Cyprus are on the Besparmak Mountain range, west of St. Hilarion castle at 2500 and 2600 feet. Another possible jump is over the sand dunes of Karpasia for a gentler low flying glide.

Your pilot can plan your flight according to your preference between a gentle scenic flight or an adrenaline-filled high flight. The pilot will go through the necessary safety precautions and ensure a safe flight and landing. You will be strapped in together with your pilot tandem style and your pilot will steer the paraglide to make sure you have a safe adventure.

Some paragliding information offices are located at Kyrenia Harbour.  Jump days and times are determined according to the weather conditions therefore it is best to book in advance. You are also given the option of having photos taken or videos recorded during the flight and when landing. Whilst this may seem like an extreme activity appealing more to the younger generation, you would be surprised to hear who have taken the plunge.

 

7. Discovering an Amazing World Under Water with Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a very popular activity in North Cyprus. There are clubs that provide training courses, practise dives and sea-based dives.  If you are interested in getting into a wet suit while on holiday, the diverse marine and reef life of North Cyprus will offer you unforgettable experiences.

If you have never tried scuba diving before, do not worry. North Cyprus is the best place to learn. You can participate in practice dives and then go on to do a course. After, you can carry out a sea dive.

There are several diving points on the island.  These include sunken boat and plane remains, caves, coral reefs and an abundance of fish to see.

 

8. Nature Walks up the Beşparmak Mountain Trail

The Besparmak Mountain Trail is also known as the Kyrenia Mountain Trail. İt is a unique walking trail designed to explore the beauty of North Cyprus. Set in 18 stages over 255km, the trail begins at the West Coast of Karmakitis and continues to the tip of the Karpasia Peninsula.
Walk along the peaks of the mountains and explore North Cyprus while enjoying the breathtaking views of the island. Every corner will reveal new landscapes, wondrous nature and wildlife. Along the mountain trail, you will also see secret wonders of the island such as remains of castles used during the crusades and hidden chapels.

As you pass through the villages, you will be met by the hospitality of the locals who will invite you to join them for a Turkish coffee. The Besparmak mountain trail is sometimes rugged and steep with hills or shallow coastlines but cuts through the North Cyprus flora and fauna offering you great views and many attractions along the way.

 

9. Playing Golf with a Spectacular View

North Cyprus’s 18-hole prestigious golf course is located on the coast with a stunning view of the Besparmak mountain range in the background. The golf course in Esentepe is only twenty minutes from the Kyrenia city centre and is equipped for professional and amateur golf players. The course was designed in a landscape filled with pine, carob and olive trees and offers a golfing experience at World standards.

Set over 65 hectares of land, the course has purposefully positioned bunkers and water obstacles specially designed for golfers of all ages expecting a challenge in the game. The playing grounds are maintained in excellent condition all year round therefore, you can practise your swing or brush up on your skills either on your own or with the help of a qualified instructor from the golf Academy. At the end of the day, you can relax at the clubhouse bar and restaurant.

The golf course is a wildlife-friendly area where the preservation of partridges, wild rabbits, foxes and different reptiles is maintained. As well as being a sanctuary for endemic flora such as anemones, cyclamens, various rockroses, sage, thyme and strawberries. It is also located 7 km from Alagadi Beach where Turtles come to lay their eggs. 

 

10. Participating in Bike Tours with Other Cyclists

Groups of cyclists can be often seen in the east of Kyrenia and Iskele travelling long distances. With perfect weather conditions, varied and challenging terrain and beautiful scenery, North Cyprus is the ideal place for leisure and competitive cycling all year round. If you prefer, venture out on your own or follow one of the many cycling routes but be sure you will discover spectacular views, villages, cities and coastlines along the way.

Unexpectedly, you will come across streams, forests, quiet villages, natural, cultural and historical sites while travelling on two wheels. You can either rent your own bike or you can sign up for cycling tours organised by biking clubs around the island.

 

11. Discovering History at St. Hilarion Castle     

St. Hilarion Castle is perched high in the Kyrenia mountain range and overlooks a spectacular view of North Cyprus and the Mediterranean. It is the best-preserved of the three castles located in the Kyrenia mountain range. (the other two being Kantara and Buffavento) and is easily accessed from the Nicosia- Kyrenia main road.

This castle is famous for being the inspiration for Walt Disney’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and offers many opportunities for both those with an interest in history and those seeking spectacular views. Also, on a clear day, you can see the mountains in Turkey.

There are stairs all the way to the top with the peak at 732 metres above sea level. The ascent is steep but there are rails to assist you during your climb. Visitors are advised to wear flat and comfortable shoes and carry plenty of refreshments with them during the warm summer months.

 

12. Uncovering History at the Crowned Jewel of Island - Kyrenia Castle

If only the high walls of the castle located in the popular city of Kyrenia could talk, they would tell you many tales from history. The castle was first built by the Byzantines in the 7th century, possibly over the remains of an earlier Roman fort, in order to protect the city against an Arab sea invasion.   The Byzantine construction of four towers linked by walls was later strengthened and enlarged by the Lusignan. The current appearance of the castle dates back to the Venetian rule in 1489.

Kyrenia castle is located at the entrance of the famous Kyrenia Harbour and seems to stand guard over the port. The castle has been remarkably preserved and is open to visitors. It is well worth a visit. With its rectangular structure, the castle accommodates a cistern, dungeon, chapel and two small museums. Walking along the castle walls, which look onto the harbour, is an exciting experience.

As well as offering a fascinating perspective into the history of North Cyprus, Kyrenia Castle is also home to the Kyrenia Shipwreck Museum where you will find one of the world’s most important and best-preserved pieces of marine history.

 

13. Meting Othello Castle-Shakespeare’s Inspiration

Initially, the castle was built surrounded by moats in order to protect the Famagusta harbour and during this era, it was used as the main entrance to the city. At first, it was named the Harbour Citadel and was built in the 14th century by the ruling Lusignan. İt is believed that the royal family and servants lived here. 

After Cyprus was sold to the Republic of Venice, the Venetians changed the construction completely and turned it into a military fortress. They incorporated the castle into the main city walls and strengthen the town’s defences while the tower provided the harbour protection against possible enemy attacks.

Over time, the citadel was renamed after Giovanni San Michele who was the Venetian engineer responsible for rebuilding a large portion of the city. Moreover, Othello’s Tower came to be known as the ‘impenetrable fortress’ due to the deep moats built around it making it impossible to attack. Shakespeare’s tragic play Othello, written in 1603, is set in a harbour town in North Cyprus and it is believed the great playwright was inspired by this famous castle.

 

14. Strolling the Winding Roads in the Walled City of Nicosia

Nicosia is the capital city of both North Cyprus and South Cyprus and the old walled city has also been divided into two.  While walking through the narrow streets of the old city, you may suddenly come across a border. This area offers tourists the chance to be in two different countries at the same time.

During the Renaissance era, the Venetians built great walls around all the cities in Cyprus in order to protect them from the Ottoman invasion. The finest examples of these walled cities are Famagusta and Nicosia. Construction of the walls began in 1567 and the Venetians commissioned Italian military engineers Giulio Savorgnano and Francesco Barbaro to design them.

The Walls and Gates which have gained the interest of many tourists today have also undergone restoration and are now recognised as the best-preserved Renaissance artefacts in the Eastern Mediterranean. Of the eleven bastions, five are located on the Turkish side of the city and five are on the Greek side of Nicosia. One, however, is in the buffer zone controlled by the United Nation. 

 

15. Discovering the Ancient City of Salamis

Ancient cities can be a window opening into the past lives of different societies and Salamis serves as a reminder of the great cities from the Antique Roman era. İt also shows how far we have come over the past few centuries.

It is believed that Salamis was a capital city from the end of the Bronze age until 1100 BC. It is a large city located in the North of Famagusta which has been ruled by many societies such as the Assyrians, the Egyptians, the Persians and the Romans and has survived. However, it eventually succumbed to the forces of nature. Today this site extends over a square kilometre along the North Cyprus shore and inland but most of the city is buried yet to be revealed.

Salamis was the most important commercial city stretching 2 km along the shore and 1km inland. Most of the excavations at Salamis today have revealed remains dating from this era. Salamis Antique City is the most wondrous place to see in North Cyprus.


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