North Cyprus is a land where time leaves traces instead of scars. With its ancient ruins, charming harbor towns, untouched nature, and spiritual monuments, it offers a rare blend of authenticity and beauty. Whether you’re a history lover, nature explorer, or casual wanderer, here are the places you simply must see during your visit.
1. Kyrenia (Girne) and its Fairytale Harbor
The picturesque town of Kyrenia is the beating heart of North Cyprus. Stroll along the historic harbor, framed by colorful fishing boats and stone buildings turned into waterfront cafés and restaurants. Towering above the scene is the Kyrenia Castle, a majestic fortress that houses museums, ancient chapels, and one of the world’s oldest shipwrecks.
Nearby, the Bellapais Abbey sits peacefully in the foothills, a Gothic monastery with sweeping views over the coastline — a favorite for photographers and romantics.
2. Famagusta (Gazimağusa) – Walled City of History
Step into another era in Famagusta, where Venetian walls surround cobbled streets, medieval churches, and Ottoman mosques. The stunning Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, formerly the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the region.
Don’t miss the Othello Tower, said to have inspired Shakespeare’s tragedy, and the haunting beauty of the nearby ancient city of Salamis, with its Roman baths, theater, and temples stretching toward the sea.
3. Nicosia (Lefkoşa) – The Divided Capital
Nicosia is Europe’s last divided capital, but its northern part is a hub of culture, tradition, and daily life. Within the Venetian walls, you’ll find a maze of markets, historic mansions, and sacred sites.
Visit the Selimiye Mosque, formerly St. Sophia Cathedral, and the Büyük Han, a beautifully restored 16th-century inn now home to artisan shops and cafés. The city blends the old and new with effortless charm.
4. Karpas Peninsula – Untouched and Unforgettable
At the eastern tip of the island lies the Karpas Peninsula, a region of remote villages, golden beaches, and protected wilderness. This is where nature reigns — and it’s here that you’ll find Golden Beach, perhaps the most pristine stretch of sand in the Mediterranean.
Watch for the wild donkeys that roam freely, visit the Monastery of Apostolos Andreas, and enjoy the peace that only comes from being far from the crowds.
5. St. Hilarion Castle – Fortress in the Sky
Perched high in the Besparmak Mountains, the ruins of St. Hilarion Castle are a fairytale come to life. Originally a Byzantine monastery, it later became a key Crusader fortress. Legend says it inspired the castle in Disney’s Snow White — and with its stone towers and sweeping views, it’s easy to see why.
6. Soli and Vouni – Ancient Echoes in Güzelyurt
The ancient city of Soli, with its well-preserved mosaics and basilica, is a must for history lovers. Nearby, the Vouni Palace, dating to the 5th century BC, offers the rare sight of Persian-style architecture and panoramic views over the Güzelyurt Bay.
After sightseeing, relax in the region’s orange groves and enjoy a traditional coffee under the shade of ancient olive trees.
7. Iskele and Ay Trias Basilica
The Iskele region combines coastal beauty with deep history. One of its highlights is the Ay Trias Basilica in Sipahi village, where exquisite 5th-century mosaics decorate the floor of this open-air archaeological site. Also worth visiting is the Panagia Kanakaria Church and the wild natural beauty of Kantara Castle, guarding the coast from above.