Northern Cyprus Travel Guide

Cyprus, one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, is a glamorous place with its immaculate bays, fine beaches, casinos and entertainment options that attract tourists from all over the world. The cozy island with a postcard appearance welcomes you not only in summer but also in winter. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which hosts a combination of sea, nature and history, can be visited all year round.

General Information

The Capital of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Lefcosia, located in the middle of the island of Cyprus, is the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Currency

The official currency of The Republic of Northern Cyprus is Turkish Lira (TL).

Official Language

The official language in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is Turkish.

Common Phrases:

Hello: Merhaba

Bye: Gule gule

Good morning: Gunaydın

Good night: Iyi aksamlar

This is delicious: Leziz

Thank you: Tesekkur ederim

Yes: Evet

No: Hayir

Excuse me: Pardon

Toilet: Tuvalet

Water: Su

Location

Cyprus, located 70 km south of Turkey, is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia.

Regime

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a secular republic based on the principles of democracy, social justice and the rule of law.

Population

As of 2019, the population of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is 350,000.

Local Time

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is located in the GMT+2 time zone.

Nature in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The most important factor in the natural wealth of Northern Cyprus is the Mediterranean climate. Maquis shrubland and steppe constitute the general vegetation of Northern Cyprus. A rich Mediterranean flora is developed under the influence of the Mediterranean climate. The most common tree species are pine, cypress, oak, juniper and eucalyptus. Citrus trees such as orange, lemon, mandarin and grapefruit trees are abundant. In addition to pine and citrus fruits, olive and carob trees grow.

Climate of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The climate of Northern Cyprus is a typical Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, winters are mild and rainy. The average annual temperature is 25.6 ºC. The lowest average temperature is 13.9 ºC in the island.

Economy and Livelihood

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, has more trade relations with Turkey and the UK than other countries. Agriculture, animal husbandry and tourism are among the main income sources of the country.

Travel to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Ferries and airplanes are the means of transportation to Cyprus. If you wish, you can reach Cyprus by ferry services in summer. Airline is the fastest and comfortable way to travel from Turkey to Cyprus. There are flights from major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir to Ercan International Airport in Nicosia. You can reach Nicosia from Istanbul in 2 hours 30 minutes, from Izmir in 2 hours 25 minutes, from Ankara in 2 hours 10 minutes. You can follow campaigns for Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus flights and travel between two countries at attractive prices.

Transportation in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

There are public transportation companies that provide transportation to each region from the bus terminals located in Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, Güzelyurt and Lefke. Taxis and shuttles are available in all cities of Northern Cyprus. Renting a car also may be a good choice for a tour of the country.

Transportation to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Airports

When you arrive in Cyprus, KIBHAS services are waiting to take you to different points of the island. You can also prefer taxis or rental car for transportation instead of shuttle.

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Places to Visit in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Take a closer look at the five most popular towns in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Lefkosia

Nicosia has a special importance as it is the only divided capital city in the world. This district belongs to the Turks in the north and to the Greeks in the south. The United Nations peacekeeping force is located in the capital that is divided into two by the Green Line. Arab Ahmet Street, Selimiye Mosque, Barbarism Museum, Arasta Street and Haydar Pasha Mosque are among the main places you can visit in Nicosia.

Famagusta

Famagusta, a small commercial port, is located to the east of the island. The town, which has the only deep water port in the country, is among the most strengthened ports in the Mediterranean. The Dungeon of Namik Kemal, the Palace of Venice, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Othello Castle, Salamis Antique City, Golden Beach, Icon Museum and St. Barnabas Monastery are the most important sightseeing spots of the town. The distance between Nicosia and Famagusta is approximately 80 km. You can reach Famagusta from the capital by taxi or KIBHAS shuttles within 1 hour.

Kyrenia

Kyrenia is a port town with mountains in the south and Mediterranean Sea in the north. The town is famous for its splendid casinos and restaurants along the beach. You can visit Kyrenia Castle, Beylerbeyi, St. Hilarion Castle and Mausoleum of Hazrat Omar. Kyrenia is 51 km from the airport. This distance will take approximately 50 minutes by car or bus.

Iskele

Iskele, which has a very calm and peaceful atmosphere, is a great resting place for those who come to Cyprus. With a population of approximately 25,000 inhabitants, Iskele is home to the church of Agios Lakovos, one of the most important tourist attractions in the region. Apostolos Andreas Monastery, Kantara Castle, Ayia Trias Basilica, Kanakaria Church, Philon Church, Pier Kon Museum and King Tombs are other popular locations of the town. The distance between Iskele and Nicosia is approximately 70 km.

Morphou

Located in the middle of Kyrenia, Lefke and Nicosia, Morphou takes its name from the richness and beauty of its nature. The town is one of the favorite places to visit by locals and foreign tourists. During your holiday in Morphou, you should see Soli Ancient City (Soli Ruins), Museum of Archeology and Natural History, St. Mamas, Tumba Tu Skouru and Vuni Palace. Morphou is 40 km from Nicosia. It is possible to travel between the two cities by taxi or KIBHAS shuttles.

Where to Stay in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus?

There are many city hotels, holiday resorts and hostels that can cater to your budget at different points of the city. Accommodation prices in Cyprus may vary between cities. If you cannot give up comfort and luxury when it comes to accommodation, you can take a look at the hotels in Nicosia and Kyrenia. You may choose a luxury accommodation with breakfast, dinner, pool, spa, beach service, tennis, fitness and other activities.

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What to Eat in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus?

Reflecting the common characteristics of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, Cypriot cuisine is enriched with traditional dishes and appetizers. Each dish has its own unique flavor. Various vegetable dishes, grills, pastries, fish, soups, kebabs, lahmacun and pitas are only a part of the Cypriot cuisine. Many kinds of appetizers, desserts, cakes, can be tasted as a snack. Apart from local cuisine, you can also taste Chinese, Italian, French and Indian dishes in many restaurants.

Northern Cyprus Cuisine

Do not return without tasting these flavors in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus;

• Walnut paste
• Magarina Bulli
• Lalangi
• Pirohu
• Samarella
• Peach Kebab
• Bumbar

Northern Cyprus Restaurants

• Niazi's Restaurant (Kyrenia)
• Lagoon Fish Restaurant (Kyrenia)
• Erol's (Kyrenia)
• Hurdeniz Fish & Meat Restaurant (Kyrenia)
• The Palm House (Famagusta)

Shopping in Northern Cyprus: Best Souvenirs to Buy

In the Northern Cyprus market, you can see the unique crafts of Cyprus as well as European and Turkish goods. Sellers are genial and sociable. Souvenir shops sell items made of copper, silver and bronze. Turkish dolls, hookahs and backgammon sets are always in stock. Gold jewelry, leather dresses and other fabric products are available at attractive prices. Prices are generally fixed and are not negotiable. Unlike other Mediterranean countries, handicrafts and crafts other than ceramics are sold in specialty stores.

Nightlife

The nightlife is also vibrant in Northern Cyprus, which is ideal for a quiet and relaxing holiday. During the summer, you can spend a pleasant evening in the restaurants and bars surrounding the harbor of Kyrenia. Many big restaurants organize live music and entertainment nights during the season. In addition, the gambling casinos of the major hotels are open for enthusiasts until morning.

Things to Know Before Visiting Northern Cyprus

• The official language in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is Turkish. But English is also widely understood and spoken.
• Most of the touristic facilities are gathered in Kyrenia and Famagusta regions.
• In Cyprus, traffic flows from the left and the steering wheel of vehicles is on the right.
• Three pin sockets are used in Cyprus. You may need a converter to use your electronic devices.

Holidays in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

• New Year (January 1)
• National Sovereignty and Children's Day (April 23)
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Youth and Sports Day (19 May)
• Peace and Freedom Day (July 20)
• Social Resistance Day (August 1)
• Victory Day (August 30)
• Republic Day of Turkey (October 29)
• TRNC Republic Day (November 15)

Festivals in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

• Kyrenia Olive Grove Festival (October)
• Cyprus Raki Festival (May)
• Morphou Orange Festival (June-July)
• Bellapais Classical Music Festival (May-June)
• Lapta Tourism Festival (June)
• Cyprus Theater Festival (September)

Visa Requirements

You can visit to Northern Cyprus with all passports. A maximum of 3 months of visa is granted for all visitors upon arrival. After that, the extension of the period may be applied in the TRNC Immigration Department. Children up to 16 years old can enter the island with their parents' passport.

FAQ About Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

What are the emergency numbers in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus?

Police: 155

Emergency: 112

Fire: 199

Forest Fire: 177

Is there a Turkish representative in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus? Where?

Yes, there is a Turkish representative in Nicosia.

Address: Bedrettin Demirel str, Nicosia Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Number: +90 (392) 600 3100

Fax: +90 (392) 228 2209

E-mail: lefkosa.konsolosluk@mfa.gov.tr

Is it legal to gamble in Cyprus?

Yes, gamble is legal in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

How is traffic in Cyprus?

In Cyprus, the traffic flow is on the left as in the UK. Traffic signs are international. The roads are safe and in good condition.

Does it make sense to rent a car in Cyprus?

Red plate rental cars are available from some hotels and car rental companies in the city center. Car rental prices are quite affordable. An international driving license is sufficient to rent a car.