Will This Be the World’s Newest Country? 

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The President of Northern Cyprus recently called for international and UN recognition of his autonomous and unrecognized country, publicly asking for a two-state solution. This year will be the 50^th anniversary of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus being separated from the Republic of Cyprus.

However, Türkiye is the only country to recognize Northern Cyprus as independent. This (as well as a whole host of trade embargoes) means that all imported products must be shipped via Türkiye. 

You’ll find that North Cyprus has been visually Turkified, and it feels extremely different to the south. If you’ve visited parts of the Turkish coast before, the scenes will feel extremely similar.

Before you go: History of Cyprus

The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkish troops landing on the north coast. This is a story of two narratives, which often can’t be reconciled.

For local Turkish Cypriots, the invading Turkish troops are often perceived as saviors. However, for Greek Cypriots, Turkish troops on Cypriot soil could only be viewed as a belligerent invasion. After an exodus of Greek Cypriots from Northern Cyprus, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared.

Friends and family became cut off from one another as a border was haphazardly created across the island. This new border runs directly through the capital city of Nicosia. Regardless, for visitors, life is normal here.

Cypriots are a mix of Christians and Muslims who came into their beliefs as a consequence of geography and conquest. The island is well located in the eastern Mediterranean, and many empires seized Cyprus for its strategic advantages and spread their beliefs within its boundaries.

How to visit Northern Cyprus

Don’t quickly overlook visiting Northern Cyprus as part of your Europe trip. There is no need to worry about visa procedures as 194 countries can visit for 90 days visa free. Due to the status of this region, you will not receive a stamp in your passport.

There are flights which serve Ercan Airport, the only public airport located in Northern Cyprus. But for this route you must travel through Türkiye, specifically Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. It’s relatively easy to catch an onward flight to Northern Cyprus.

It is also possible to cross the land border from the south, the Republic of Cyprus. Border crossings are in Limnitis, Nicosia, and Deryneia. Traveling this way means you can utilize the frequent budget flights intended for beach-going tourists from Europe to the airports in Larnaca and Paphos. 

Onward travel is possible by bus. If you choose to do this, crossing in Nicosia would be the easiest route. But Deryineia is also possible with a bus that takes you directly to the border. Once on the Turkish side, it may be worthwhile to hitch a ride from a friendly local as it’s a long walk to the city.

Travel tip: It is advisable that you also leave the island via the way you arrived.

Airport officials have been known to take offence and give you unnecessary hassle on the basis that you crossed into Northern Cyprus via a land border.

Getting around Northern Cyprus

Public Transport

There is a bus network which runs between the main towns, Nicosia (Lefkoşa), Kyrenia (Girne), and Famagusta (Gazımağusa). But getting out into the villages or natural areas will require your own transportation.

Hitchhiking

It may surprise you at how much success you’ll have catching rides from locals. Northern Cyprus is safe – assuming you exercise common sense, of course. If you aren’t on a tight schedule, this is a great way to travel the island and enjoy a more connected experience.

Driving

Incorporate a car rental into your Cyprus itinerary for US$30-$40 per day, available from one of the major towns. Roads are well-surfaced and quiet away from the cities. It’s also worth noting that Northern Cyprus drives on the left. The country is small and perfect for the restless traveler as you will rarely need to travel for longer than one or two hours.

Things to do in Northern Cyprus

In the East

The golden sands of Famagusta

Visit the abandoned resort city of Famagusta. Once a thriving hub and the tourism capital of Cyprus, it’s been derelict since the Turkish invasion. The area was closed to the public for years but it’s now possible to wander its eerie streets. You’ll find the golden sand beach which initially attracted tourists to the island so many years ago. 

The ancient city of Famagusta

The ancient walled city of Famagusta, neighboring the abandoned one, was built by the Genoans and Venetians. It’s certainly an interesting and worthwhile point of interest. Spot the old Cathedral which has been converted into a mosque or wander the thin, winding backstreets. Stop for an al fresco lunch to admire the extraordinary architecture.

Trendy Mağusa

Mağusa is also a university town, so it’s no surprise that the street opposite Doğu Akdeniz University is where the cool kids go to hang out. You’ll find trendy cafes and eateries dotted around the area. If you are in town and looking for some nightlife, pay a visit to Q bar Mağusa or BARCODE for a few drinks and some Turkish rock music.

The ancient city of Salamis

A short drive from Famagusta is Salamis ancient city. If you are interested in Roman history, then this is one for you. The car park is almost on the beach, making it perfect for a dip after a visit on a hot day.

In the North

Karpaz Peninsula and wild donkeys

Karpaz Peninsula is one of the least polluted areas of the Mediterranean. As a result, Karpaz is home to the best beaches and snorkeling opportunities. Wild donkeys populate the landscape; they are descendants of donkeys once used by Greek Cypriot farmers. When the people were displaced, they freed their animals. 

Green and loggerhead turtles

Northern Cyprus has a a marine turtle conservation charity called SPOT which specializes in the protection of green and loggerhead turtles. These special turtles are near Alagadi Beach. During hatching season (July to September), you can help release hatchlings into the sea.

Check their social media as it is necessary to call ahead and book. You might be surprised but seeing these turtles really is one of the best things to do in Northern Cyprus.

Eat in Kyrenia

The north coast and port town of Kyrenia is full of lovely places to grab a coffee. The restaurant zone is located on the old harbor. Head to Kyrenia to sample the fresh fish plucked from the sea, just a few hundred meters off-shore. 

There is also a shipwreck museum inside of the Kyrenia Castle. Here you can see one of the oldest shipwrecks in the world, a 4^th century Greek trading vessel. Visit the municipal market, Girne Açık Pazar Yeri, to pick up some fresh produce or just observe daily life – it’s open every Wednesday.

In the Center

Hike the Kyrenia Mountains

The Kyrenia Mountains span 100 miles, separating the north coast from the central region. It is the perfect place for a hike with many old castles dotted along the ridge just waiting to be explored.

The divided capital city

You can walk the UN-patrolled border of Nicosia and really get to grips with the history of this island. It’s very easy to cross the border by foot, even for just 30 minutes. Nip over for dinner and a quick look around.

Best Beaches in Northern Cyprus

1. Palm Beach – Famagusta

Located on the edge of the militarized abandoned town, Palm Beach in Famagusta was the original tourist beach of Cyprus – and the reason why this island got its reputation for beautiful beaches. The sea is perfectly clear and the sand super fine; jump in a taxi for just a few dollars from the new town.

2. Glapsides Beach – North Famagusta

Walkable from Mağusa, Glapsides Beach has a restaurant offering sunbeds, food, and drinks. It also hosts Kibris Muzik Festival at the beginning of October, with a range of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot bands playing over three days.

3. Mehmetçik Belediye Beach – Bafra

The waters at Mehmetçik Belediye are calm and super blue. There are a couple of luxury hotels that share this public beach – and for good reason. This beach is one of the best on the island, so don’t miss this on your itinerary for Northern Cyprus.

If you have your snorkeling gear, you can even swim out to a shallow shipwreck. It’s tagged on Google Maps.

4. Zafer Burnu Beach – Karpaz Peninsula

Small but picturesque, the Karpaz Peninsula has many rocky bays ideal for snorkeling. Divers visit Karpaz to explore the underwater riches. While only accessible with your own wheels due to its remoteness, Karpaz Peninsula is where you will find the friendly wild donkeys.

5. Alagadi Beach – North coast

Known by locals as turtle beach, it’s one of the largest turtle nesting sites on the Mediterranean. The protected beach is open to tourists between 8 am and 8 pm, with clearly marked nests during the season.

There is one restaurant at the carpark, but this beach is large enough to spread out for some peace and quiet. Turtles and locals alike love this beach, making it one of the best beaches in Northern Cyprus (and visiting Alagadi truly is one of the best things to do in Northern Cyprus generally).

Best time to visit Northern Cyprus

Summer temperatures in this region may be unbearable for some, reaching 30-40 degrees. If that’s the case for you, the best time to visit Northern Cyprus is during spring and autumn. But you’ll never be too far from the coast to cool down on those hot days if you do visit in summer.

Expect to experience relaxed island life here, friendly locals, great food, and an affordable cost of living. Sure, it’s a complicated political situation, but the mix of Turkish and Greek influence makes for a unique experience. With this Northern Cyprus itinerary, you have all you need.

With so much to offer, Northern Cyprus is truly a hidden gem on the Mediterranean.

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