Discover the Turkish delights of Northern Cyprus

Murray Stewart

Murray Stewart

In this guide to Northern Cyprus, we'll introduce you to the region's beaches, history, activities and cuisine, and show how it's becoming increasingly popular, quietly establishing itself as an excellent holiday destination.

A travel guide to Northern Cyprus
A travel guide to Northern Cyprus © Neuwieser - Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

For many, Northern Cyprus's relaxing blend of the familiar and the foreign is ideal for that well-deserved break.

We'll show you why, instead of defaulting to the more traditional Mediterranean destinations, you should consider putting Northern Cyprus at the top of your list when on the hunt for a bargain sunshine break.

Any travel guide to Northern Cyprus ought to begin with the weather. Most of us love the sun, and Northern Cyprus has loads of it. April, May, September and October are excellent months for north European visitors, avoiding the searing heat of June, July and August, sometimes in excess of 45°C (ouch!).

Clear Mediterranean waters beckon swimmers for eight months of the year, with only the winter months (November to February) being too chilly for a dip.

1. The great outdoors

Beautiful beaches are, of course, a virtual holiday necessity, and Northern Cyprus certainly ticks this box. The sandy attractions on offer vary from those fully-equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas and beach bars through to quiet, turtle-friendly beaches, and the long stretch of dazzling sands which run for miles north of Gazimagusa.

Finally, the remote Karpas peninsula is fringed to the south by Golden Sands, a beach whose name is appropriate but which barely does justice to its sheer size or slightly backpacker, alternative feel.

Scuba-diving and paragliding top the bill for adrenalin junkies, while more sedate boat cruises, snorkelling, turtle-watching or excellent walking in the spectacular Kyrenia Mountain range are also popular.

There is only one golf course, located at Esentepe, but it is an excellent one, with superb facilities and even a golf academy. A day trip to Lefkosa (Nicosia) will let you see where the Greek and Turkish cultures meet. Don't miss a walking tour of the historic town, easily organised from the tourist office at the Kyrenia Gate which welcomes you to Lefkosa.

2. History

No guide to Northern Cyprus can ignore this compact region's troubled history, both ancient and recent, but the continued division of the island into Greek and Turkish sectors has no impact on holidaymakers' enjoyment.

It has meant that the Turkish sector remains, in parts, comparatively underdeveloped and, as a bonus, English is very widely spoken here and hospitality is second-nature.

A stepping-stone in the mid-Med, Cyprus has been 'stepped on' more often than it would have liked: in short, it's had too much history! From Phoenicians to Romans, Crusaders to Lusignans, Genoese, Venetians, Turks and British; too many invaders have had their evil way with this beautiful island.

On a more positive note, the many traces left behind make it popular for history-lovers keen to visit a few museums and spectacular towering castles, such as St Hilarion or Kantara. Salamis, on the east coast, is the premier historic site, a sprawling mass of atmospheric ruins.

3. Cuisine

The freshness of the cuisine in Northern Cyprus is quite exceptional. Fish and meat of the highest quality are usually cooked simply on a mangal (barbecue); delicious.

Salads are also a true delight, but no one should leave Northern Cyprus without trying a full mezze: with seemingly endless small dishes arriving one after the other, be prepared to raise the surrender flag, or risk exploding.

Kyrenia harbour
Kyrenia harbour - photo courtesy of North Cyprus Tourism

One of the best settings for enjoying such a feast is the perfect, horseshoe-harbour front of Kyrenia. Here you'll find a crescent of excellent, alfresco restaurants, atmospheric lights and ancient buildings, all combining to make Northern Cyprus's main resort-town one of the Mediterranean's most photogenic locations.

4. Accommodation

Although not the capital of Northern Cyprus, Kyrenia town is indeed the top tourist attraction, with loads of accommodation, a castle, a Shipwreck Museum, the best shops and the finest eating options.

For families, a few nearby resort-style hotels are equipped with water-slides and children's pools; for couples, swish boutique accommodation offers a more 'adult' atmosphere; and for high rollers, the top-end hotels almost always have their own casinos! Whichever option you choose, make sure you have a pool to help you escape the heat of the day.

5. Nightlife

While certainly not matching Greek Cyprus for nightlife, those in search of some after-hours action will find enough to satisfy them in the north.

Some of Kyrenia's lively discos head outdoors in summer, relocating to nearby beaches to make the most of the balmy weather and the fresh air. A great experience!

Ready to discover Northern Cyprus? Check out great value deals on escapes to the area.

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Murray Stewart

Murray Stewart

Article updated on Monday 5th August 2019 in: Adventure Culture Europe Food & drink Nightlife

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