Northern Cyprus Hotels

Cyprus is in the middle of Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean. This ancient and deep-rooted island always opens its doors to us with its warm climate, sparkling sea and golden beaches. Cyprus, where life has been going on for centuries, where many civilizations have found shelter, the symbol of holiday and entertainment, history and competition, is waiting for you. Not only that, Cyprus, which is the symbol of trade and economy, tourism, is a very sacred place for both Turks and Greeks. Cyprus is a region that must be visited and seen. Although it has only come to the fore with its casinos and beaches in recent years, Cyprus is actually a very important cultural place for both the people of our country and foreign tourists. For one thing, it is a very old place. It is an important trade city whose foundations were laid with the contribution of many early civilizations and reached today with the shaping of Byzantium and the Ottomans. It is an important port city. It is an important city of history. Cyprus is a place that should come to mind when it comes to summer tourism and cultural tourism. We should have a vacation here at least once in our lifetime and while on this vacation, we should get to know the history, culture and different peoples of Cyprus closely. There are not only these in Cyprus. There are also clean and untouched natural areas.You can also visit these places if you wish. Cyprus is a very important island that also concerns Turkey's recent history. Currently, you can enter the island with a Turkish identity and the island is protected by Turkish soldiers. Perhaps a significant number of those reading this article have done their military service here and a trip to Cyprus can be a good opportunity to refresh their memories.

When to Visit Cyprus for a Holiday?

Cyprus, located in the southern Mediterranean, has a Mediterranean climate, meaning it generally enjoys mild and sunny weather year-round. However, the best times to visit Cyprus for a holiday are usually during the spring and autumn months.

How to Get to Cyprus?

Turkish citizens can enter Cyprus without a visa or passport, using only their national identity cards. There are both air and sea transportation options available for traveling to Cyprus.

If you prefer air travel, you can fly to Ercan and Geçitkale Airports from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya. Ercan Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the center of Nicosia. From the airport, you can reach Nicosia and other cities via shuttle services or local transportation.

For those who prefer sea travel, ferries and sea buses operate between Mersin, Taşucu, and Alanya to Famagusta and Kyrenia.

Must-See Places in Cyprus

Cyprus, home to many civilizations throughout history, has traces dating back to the Neolithic Age. Here are some must-see places when visiting Cyprus:

• Kyrenia Castle: Built in the 7th century to protect against Arab raids.
• Blue Mansion (Mavi Köşk): A mansion with an interesting history, built by the famous arms dealer and lawyer Pablo Pavilides.
• Kyrenia Shipwreck: The remains of a ship that sank in the 3rd century BC.
• Venetian Kyrenia Harbor: Now a tourist attraction.
• Folk Art Museum: A two-story historical building located in the harbor.
• St. Hilarion Castle, Bellapais Monastery, and Antiphonitis Church: Historical sites in Kyrenia.
• Great Inn (Büyük Han): An Ottoman-era inn built in 1572 in Nicosia.
• Selimiye Mosque (formerly St. Sophia Cathedral): A mosque that was once a cathedral.
• Venetian Column, Mevlevi Tekke Museum, and Nicosia Walls: Other historical places in Nicosia.
• Venetian Palace, Namık Kemal Dungeon and Museum, Salamis Ancient City, and St. Barnabas Monastery in Famagusta.
• Shopping and strolling in Kyrenia, Nicosia, and Famagusta.
• Spending time on Cyprus' beautiful beaches.

Shopping Recommendations in Cyprus

Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs: Handmade ceramics, woven carpets, glasswork, and wooden carvings.
Jewelry and Accessories: Gold and silver jewelry with traditional motifs.
Cyprus Wines: The island is famous for its wines, and you can visit wineries for tastings.
Local Foods: Olive oil, jams, olives, and spices make great gifts.

Entertainment in Cyprus

Cyprus is known for its vibrant nightlife. Cities like Kyrenia and Ayia Napa have many bars, nightclubs, and beach parties where local and international DJs perform.

History of Cyprus

Cyprus has been home to various civilizations throughout history. It was settled by Mycenaean Greeks in the 10th century BC, later controlled by the Persian Empire, Alexander the Great’s Macedonian Kingdom, and the Roman Empire. The island was part of the Byzantine Empire before facing Arab and Seljuk attacks in the 7th and 11th centuries. In the 12th century, the Crusaders took over Cyprus, and later it was ruled by the Lusignan dynasty. The Venetians took control in 1489, followed by the Ottoman Empire in 1571.

In 1878, the Ottoman Empire leased Cyprus to the British Empire, which fully annexed it in 1914. Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960 but was divided due to conflicts between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. In 1974, after a coup backed by Greece, Turkey intervened, leading to the island's division into the Republic of Cyprus (South Cyprus) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

What is Cyprus Famous For?

• High-quality wines: The island is known for its wine production, especially from Mavro and Xynisteri grapes.
• Cypriot cuisine: Traditional dishes include halloumi cheese, lamb tandir, sheftali kebab, and dried legume dishes.
• Historical sites: Ottoman-era narrow streets, historic buildings, and marketplaces, such as Ledra Street and Selimiye Mosque.

Where to Swim in Cyprus?

Kyrenia: Popular beaches include Escape Beach and Camelot Beach.

Famagusta: Known for its long sandy beaches, with Palm Beach and beaches near Salamis Ancient City.

Larnaca: Popular beaches include Finikoudes Beach, Mackenzie Beach, and Kastella Beach.

Limassol: Known for beaches like Lady’s Mile Beach, Akti Olympion Beach, and Curium Beach.

Best Things to Do in Cyprus

Enjoy the beaches: Cyprus has long, beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sun.

Visit historical sites: The island is filled with historical landmarks from different periods.

Try your luck at casinos: Cyprus has many famous casinos.

Experience driving on the left: Traffic in Cyprus follows the British system, with cars driving on the left side.

Go shopping and enjoy the nightlife: The island is known for its lively entertainment scene.

Take boat tours and try water sports.

Visit museums and cultural sites: Such as the Blue Mansion, Kyrenia Castle, and museums documenting the Cyprus Peace Operation.

Enjoy fresh seafood at local fish restaurants.

Food and Drink Recommendations in Cyprus

Cyprus has a rich and diverse culinary tradition. Some must-try dishes include:

• Sheftali Kebab: A unique kebab dish, rumored to be named after a chef named "Chef Ali."
• Halloumi Cheese: A famous Cypriot cheese.
• Kolokas: A local root vegetable dish.
• Ceviz Macunu (Walnut Jam): A popular local sweet.
• Traditional Cypriot Foods: Mücendra pilaf, lentil soup with noodles, pilavuna, halloumi pastries, küp kebabı, samarella, zivaniya, and alıç jam.
• Fresh seafood and meze: Enjoy a variety of seafood and meze dishes.
• If you want to try local Cypriot cuisine, visit Archwat Restaurant, İkimiz Restaurant, and Bella Moon in Kyrenia. For breakfast, try Destiny Restaurant And Cafe Bar, Ezic Peanuts, or Kyrenia Palace Jakaranda Restaurant.
• Halil İbrahim Restaurant and Beyti Restaurant serve Anatolian cuisine.

If you have a chance, also try Cypriot brandy and local wines. While international fast-food chains are available, there are also many local restaurants serving pide, kebabs, lahmacun, meat, and chicken dishes.