Imagine an island of tranquillity and outstanding beauty, founded by ancient heroes and treasured by Romans, Byzantines and Venetians. Imagine a country where the sun shines for 300 days a year, with soaring mountains and dramatic coastlines, and uncrowded sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. Imagine no more – this is North Cyprus.
Northern Cyprus is the ultimate stress-free Mediterranean holiday, where you can relax on spotless beaches beside the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, or explore ancient monasteries in the cool pine-clad mountains. Dine on the freshest local produce at the most dramatic of locations in friendly North Cyprus restaurants, or enjoy a refreshing drink at a harbour side café. Most of all, enjoy the warm welcome from the North Cypriot people, who are simply delighted to welcome you to their island home.
Want adventure and excitement? North Cyprus offers the adrenaline-seeker the thrills of action water sports on the warm waters of the Mediterranean, challenging diving amongst wreaks and rocks, and the unmissable experience of paragliding from the mountains to the coast, soaring with the eagles. Where else can you play golf in the mountains in the morning, sail in the afternoon and race pro go-karts by night? North Cyprus, of course!
The culture-lover has plenty to explore in Northern Cyprus too, from fascinating Neolithic sites to glorious Roman remains complexes lapped by the sea, Crusader castles perched high in the mountains to monasteries covered in priceless frescoes.
For the nature lover, the North Cyprus countryside is just waiting to be discovered. Walk in the unspoilt beauty of the Kyrenia Mountains, where butterflies rise at your feet and birds fill the air with song. Explore the coves and caves of the dramatic coastline, or marvel as baby turtles struggle from their sandy nests down to the open sea.
General Information
North Cyprus, or to give it its full title, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is a small country measuring 120 miles wide and only 15 miles from its northern coastline to the southern border. Cyprus lies ticked under the west coast of Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean, and the island has always been a meeting point for traders from earliest times. Today’s Turkish Cypriots can trace their ancestry back to, amongst others, the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Romans, Persians and Byzantines, all of whom have left their mark in North Cyprus.
Today, Northern Cyprus is a growing holiday destination, largely free from the tourist developments of its southern neighbour. Ancient sites and good beaches combine with modern hotels in North Cyprus to form an ideal destination for a relaxing break or sun-filled Cyprus holiday.
Any North Cyprus holidaymaker will soon realise that this is a rather special place. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has its own elected government, including their own Prime Minister, and its own judicial system. The Turkish Cypriots themselves are proud of their country and its modern history, and often public holidays celebrate patriotic events in their country’s history. The Turkish government supports the Republic with aid for essential services such as education, as well as encouraging tourism and economic development.
At present, the North Cyprus economy is driven by agriculture or government service, but is growing fast thanks to government initiatives, and the drive of the Turkish Cypriot people themselves. The issue of international recognition still limits the amount of foreign investment, which paradoxically helps preserve the unique feel of Northern Cyprus. Hotels are mainly based in towns, and offer the usual comforts for tourists, but you can also stay in small family-run bed and breakfasts – and really get to know the locals.
The language of Northern Cyprus is Turkish, a language spoken by almost 65 million people worldwide. A smattering of Turkish will not only help you understand the locals better, but can also be very useful in other countries. Turkish used to leave the island to study at universities in Turkey, but now there are no fewer than six universities in North Cyprus, plus a teacher training college.
Any young Turkish Cypriot would be proud to tell you about the great sights and sounds of their island, from North Nicosia’s Venetian Walls to the great-tasting kebabs from a stall near the Selimiye Mosque! The pretty harbour town of Kyrenia has its own Venetian castle, and surprisingly, also some top quality casinos that drawn the rich and the beautiful to the town. Famous author Lawrence Durrell lived amongst the lemon groves at Bellapais, and his novel "Bitter Lemons" tells of the Northern Cyprus of the 1950s. Perhaps the most famous resort is Famagusta, which has been attracting the great and famous since before the partition in 1974, and is once again rising to the top of the discerning tourist’s list. For those eager to really get away from it all, a trek through the Five Finger Mountains takes you close to nature and not other tourists.
The name Cyprus may derive from the copper that was mined in the island and exported all over the ancient world. Alexander the Great was reputed to have worn armour made from Cypriot copper. Others say it was because of the henna (kypros) that grew here.
Weather in Northern Cyprus
For most visitors from Europe, the weather in Northern Cyprus is perfect, with its mild winters and hot summers. From mid May to mid October, the summer days are long, hot and sunny, ideal for exploring the beautiful northern coast or just lazing by the swimming pool of your rental villa or hotel in North Cyprus
Northern Cyprus Temperatures
North Cyprus weather starts to warm up during May, when the temperature rises above 25 degrees. Temperatures then rise steadily into the hottest month of July, when Northern Cyprus can bask in 40 degrees of heat. At night, the temperature can fall to a very pleasant 21 degrees, so you can sleep comfortably in your hotel or villa in North Cyprus. Even in October, Northern Cyprus daytime temperatures can be as high as 26 degrees, so a half term holiday can provide a welcome dose of heat and sunshine for all the family. Only by mid November does the temperature in Northern Cyprus drop to its lowest levels, before starting to rise again in mid March.
Summer Weather in North Cyprus Northern Cyprus summers can be one perfect, hot day following another. Whilst the temperature can be very hot weather in July or August, there is always a Turkish Cypriot cafe where you can cool down with a glass of wine or beer. Head for the northern coast of North Cyprus, and sea breezes provide lovely cooler air; natural air conditioning, if you like! Alternatively, climb up to higher ground, such as the North Cyprus mountain range, where the air is cooler and you get the added benefit of wonderful views across the Northern Cyprus countryside.
Winter Weather in Northern Cyprus Even during January, weather in North Cyprus enjoys up to six hours of glorious sunshine, a real change from the grey gloom of Northern European skies. Northern Cyprus weather temperatures rarely dip below 5 degrees, even in the winter, and the only snow that may fall in the Kyrenia Mountains will soon melt. Northern Cyprus daytime weather temperatures are pleasant enough at 16 degrees that you won’t mind when the rain falls sometimes. North Cyprus rainfall total less than in much of the Mediterranean, with an average of just 500mm.
What to wear in the winter and spring in North Cyprus The weather in Northern Cyprus during winter is much like a European spring day, so dress for possible changes in the weather, from warm to wet. Certainly, you can leave your heavy winter coats behind, and swap them for jackets that keep the wind and rain out when necessary. You’ll need an extra layer for the evenings, which can be chilly, but a good hot Turkish coffee will soon warm you up!
By spring, you can be sure that the North Cyprus weather will be warmer, but bring an umbrella for the occasional rain shower. By May, you’ll be able to leave the extra layer behind, and just wear a jacket to dinner at your North Cyprus hotel or local Turkish Cypriot restaurant.
What to wear in the summer and autumn
The only extra layer of clothing you’ll need during a Northern Cyprus summer might be a light shirt to keep the hot sun off your shoulders. Always bring a hat, sunglasses and apply plenty of high factor sunscreen, as the North Cyprus sun is hot and strong. You’ll probably feel thirsty, too, so carry a bottle of water and drink often.
By October the nights have become chilly again, and you’ll welcome that extra layer or jacket as you dine at a local Turkish Cypriot restaurant, or sip a glass of wine on the terrace of your North Cyprus villa.
North Cyprus History
The island of Cyprus has a long and varied history, ever since the first settlers came to the island in around 8500B.C. The abundance of copper and timber on the island, combined with its position in the middle of the major trading routes made Cyprus irresistible to a whole range of foreign powers, including the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Persians, Egyptians, Greeks and Ottomans.
Romans
Cyprus was annexed to Rome in 58B.C. and by 43A.D. the island had become Christian, as rare mosaic floors in the ancient ruins of the city of Soli, North Cyprus, show. In 330 A.D. Cyprus became part of the Byzantine Empire.
Byzantine
The Byzantine influence can be seen everywhere in North Cyprus, from the original castle structure at Kyrenia through to the Five Finger Mountains. These were named after the Byzantine hero Dighenis, who allegedly leapt from Asia Minor to Cyprus, leaving his finger marks as the mountains.
British
In 1191 Richard the Lionheart conquered Cyprus whilst on his way to the Holy Land on a Crusade, and then sold it to the Knights Templar, who promptly gave it back and Richard sold it again, this time to a French noble, Guy de Lusignan. The Lusignan family ruled the island with an iron fist for the next three hundred years, despite a brief invasion by the Genoese in 1372 and another by the Marmelukes in 1426.
Venetian
When the last Lusignan king died in 1489, his wife gave the island to Venice. The Venetians fortified the island, using it as a military base, and taxed the citizens heavily. It was somewhat of a relief to the Cypriot people when the Ottomans threw out the Venetians in 1571.
Ottoman
The Ottomans instated the Orthodox Church and outlawed the Catholic faith, and allowed Islam to flourish too. The Empire successfully ruled the island for almost five hundred years. By 1878, Britain had joined forces with the Ottoman Empire to keep the Russian threat at bay, and Cyprus became subject to British government and legal systems.
Cyprus in two World Wars When Turkey sided with Germany in World War I, it ended the war a defeated nation, and Cyprus became a British Crown colony in 1925. After World War II, the movement by Greek Cypriots for union with Greece gained momentum, with rioting and violence aimed at the British rulers. In 1957, the UN adopted a resolution to establish and independent Cyprus, and this was ratified in 1960 by the Treaty of Zurich. The Treaty, signed by Britain, Greece and Turkey, also protected the rights of Turkish Cypriots.
Divided North Cyprus Unfortunately the treaty did not last, and civil war broke out in 1963. The UN sent in troops and established the Green Line to try and keep the peace. Matters came to a head in 1974 when the Greek National Guard launched a coup against then President Makarios, to promote unity with Greece (known as Enosis). Turkey promptly intervened to protect the interests of Turkish Cypriots, as the terms of the Treaty of Zurich permitted.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
The Turkish republic of Northern Cyprus was established in 1983, but has not achieved full international recognition. In 2002, intense dialogue between north and south helped ease the tension, so that in 2003, Northern Cyprus border crossings with the south opened up, under more relaxed border entry rules. In 2004, twin referendums were held on united the island according to the UN Annan Plan. Sadly, although this plan was accepted by Turkish Cypriots, it was rejected by Greek Cypriots, and the island remains divided at the time of writing. The Republic of Cyprus (south Cyprus) joined the EU in 2004.
North Cyprus Airports Ercan International Airport North Cyprus
All Northern Cyprus flights must first land in Turkey, and then continue on to Ercan International Airport in Northern Cyprus. Over ninety flights a week arrive at Ercan, with the main airlines providing flights to North Cyprus being Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Cyprus Turkish Airlines and Atlas Jet. From the UK, you can fly to North Cyprus via Turkey from Stansted, Gatwick or Heathrow. Most flights to North Cyprus from the UK arrive in the evening. The stopover in Turkey is not usually more than an hour, and you do not usually need to change planes when flying to Northern Cyprus with Cyprus Turkish Airlines. The short Turkey to Northern Cyprus flight takes less than ninety minutes. Charter airline Atlas Jet offer North Cyprus charter flights from London Stansted and Manchester in the UK, most major airports in Germany, as well as Northern Cyprus flights from France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and even Dubai! Pegasus Airlines also offer Northern Cyprus charter flights from Germany.
Larnaca Airport South Cyprus
If you choose to land at Larnaca airport, the easiest to get to North Cyprus is to take a taxi. Sit back and relax, whilst your North Cypriot taxi whisks you from Larnaca airport direct to your villa or hotel in Northern Cyprus. Alternatively, most North Cyprus car rental firms will collect you from Larnaca airport in South Cyprus, take you to their offices in North Nicosia, and rent you a modern, clean car for touring North Cyprus at your own pace. The taxi driver will do all the North Cyprus border paperwork for you too! You can hire a car at Larnaca airport and drive across the North Cyprus border, but you will need to purchase special North Cyprus car insurance when you cross. Getting a taxi is a lot less hassle, and the journey to the border at Nicosia takes only about 30 minutes.
You can also arrive the way the ancients used to, by sea. The North Cyprus passenger ferries run from Mersin, Tasucu and Alanya on the Turkish mainland to either Kyrenia or Famagusta. There is also a slower North Cyprus car ferry service to and from the same Northern Cyprus ports. The North Cyprus passenger ferry from Kyrenia to the Turkish coast takes about two hours, the Northern Cyprus car ferries take more like five hours.
Northern Cyprus Passport Requirements
North Cyprus visitors require a valid passport. EU residents do not require a visa for Northern Cyprus, nor do residents of Turkey, USA, Canada, Mexico, Iceland, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Israel, Azerbaijan, Australia and New Zealand. You will need proof of your Northern Cyprus arrival and departure dates.
Famagusta Famagusta, North Cyprus Famagusta in Northern Cyprus is a fascinating medieval walled city with oodles of charm and lots to explore.
Famagusta, North Cyprus: a very wealthy town
From humble beginnings, during the 14th century the city of Famagusta grew to be one of the wealthiest trading ports in the Mediterranean, its inhabitants so rich that legend says they ground up diamonds to season their food! The inhabitants built churches and palaces and a magnificent cathedral, safely contained within massive walls that surrounded the city.
However, jealous eyes viewed the city under its Venetian masters, and in 1571 the Ottomans invaded and laid siege to Famagusta. They bombarded it with cannon fire for months, but the strong walls and defensive towers (bastions) kept the invading army out. Eventually the citizens of Famagusta had to surrender or starve to death. The city fell into decline, but a major restoration project began in 1996, and now the old walled city is buzzing once again.
Exploring Famagusta, Northern Cyprus Evidence of the Ottoman bombardment is everywhere in the old city, where churches lie in ruins and cannon balls litter the ground. However, many of the old buildings have been put to modern uses, and the central square is alive with activity around the mosque that now occupies the former cathedral building.
Modern Famagusta spreads out far wider than the old walled city, a bustling town based around the same deep harbour that attracted the original settlers of the town here thousands of years ago. Before the events of 1974, Famagusta was a thriving report town attracting the rich and famous to its beaches and resort hotels, which were mainly based south of the city itself. Now those former hotels lie in the UN buffer zone, and the development has moved north of the city.
Famagusta, a great holiday base in Northern Cyprus
Famagusta makes a wonderful place for a day trip, and an excellent base for exploring the area. You can wander amongst the old buildings of the walled town and gaze down on the modern port from Othello's Tower. There are lovely little cafés and bars tucked amongst the old buildings, ready to serve you a refreshing drink or Turkish coffee when the sun gets too strong – or your legs get too tired!
Just a short journey from this old walled city, you can laze on golden beaches, or explore the extensive ruins of the Roman town of Salamis. The Karpas peninsula and its famous wild donkeys are just a car ride away, and the capital Nicosia is also within easy reach.
If you decide to stay overnight and you are feeling energetic, consider hitting to Lions Garden Disco, only 5 minutes away from the Famagusta town, to cool off!
