North Cyprus with its relatively small area, has numerous attractions which cannot be told within this blog. However you can learn about most beautiful important cities of this part of Cyprus and its attractions. Every year many tourists come to this places and spend their time in this warm location. This can be the reason why the economic of North Cyprus is booming and investors see a bright future for it.
PEARL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN (Kyrenia)
Kyrenia has it all and has done for the last 6,000 years. Early settlers were surely attracted by the idyllic location in which this beautiful port still sits. The warm clear waters of the Mediterranean lap gently along miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, backed by the verdant slopes of the surrounding Five Finger Mountains. Set as a jewel within the crown of this stunning location is the historic city of Kyrenia itself. Bursting with trendy villages and historical sites.
Throughout its history, Kyrenia has attracted great civilizations to enjoy and add their stamp to its rich tapestry of culture.
Vestiges of Greek, Roman, French, Ottoman, and British settlers’ architecture and customs remain, all tightly packed within the town’s cobbled streets, small harbor, and magnificent castle. This epic castle of Byzantine origin sits spectacularly opposite the harbor wall. Once guarding the small bustling port, it now provides a splendid backdrop to the beautiful quayside cafes, bars, and restaurants.
When you get there do not forget to visit Kyrneia castle, Bellapais Monastery, Karmi village. And surely go for boat trips and Wednesday Bazaar.
THE MAGIC OF TIME (Nicosia)
Nestled like a gem in the center of the island, Nicosia, or Lefkoşa as it is sometimes referred to, is the largest city and the capital of North Cyprus. The city’s most well-known feature is perhaps the 4.5 km Venetian Wall that was built to encircle the city, furnished with eleven bastions and three city gates. Constructed in the 16th century, and still in excellent condition. The walls surround the Old Town keeping the contents preserved like a time capsule.
Little has changed in the Old Town for many years and a stroll through its narrow, meandering streets will see you appreciate the calm and relaxed atmosphere as you admire the wonderful architectural treasures.
The Buyuk Han, the ‘Great Inn’ was built by the Ottomans in 1572 and is today a beautiful courtyard with artisan shops and cafés. From the Selimiye Mosque with its gothic cathedral exterior to a 400-year-old Great Hammam Turkish bathhouse, there are numerous historical sights to marvel at.
Do not forget to visit Arabahmet street and Buyuk Han. Also make sure you have gone to Old Bazaar, Selimiye Mosque, and Old City. You can accommodate in the Concorde hotel while you are there.
CITY OF OTHELLO (Famagusta)
Once upon a time, Famagusta was the most important port city on the island. Naturally, deep harbor attracted ships, merchants, and traders from all over the eastern Mediterranean and further. It was during this time that the region began to flourish with wealth, and the idea that wealth could be measured by the churches they built inspired these rich merchants to build a multitude of them.
Famagusta came to be known as “the district of churches”. It has been said that Famagusta had a church for every day of the year, each one paid for by a man or woman intent on buying their place in heaven. Every turn in this enigmatic city will reveal churches each with a different story to tell.
Today the area boasts some of the most impressive medieval ruins anywhere in the world. The contrasting Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque is fascinating for its gothic cathedral exterior as it was once a church, which has since been transformed into a mosque on the inside.
A three-kilometer walk along and through the Venetian walls which encircle the entire ancient city offers a wonderful insight into its history, like a crumbling postcard to the past.
One of the ancient City Kingdoms of Cyprus, Salamis is home to some fantastically preserved Roman ruins, including statues, standing columns, theatre, and baths. Impenetrable fortresses that inspired William Shakespeare, defense models drawn by Michelangelo, Venetian Palaces inhabited by royals, hidden treasures yet to be discovered, excavated tombs with miraculous revelations, and much more.
LAND OF APHRODITE (Iskele)
One of the largest towns in the North, İskele is fast building a name for itself as a coming area. It is known for its wonderful golden beaches and fish restaurants in close proximity. Formerly called Trikomo, legends say that the Goddess Aphrodite brought the first fruit to Cyprus.
There are two churches village built in the 12th century, Panayia Theotokos which is also a museum. And the tiny cruciform church of Ayios Iakovos (St. James) was erected in the 15th century.
The adjacent fishing village of Boğaz is a delight to behold with an amazing array of fish restaurants ranging around its harbor.
Travel further North and the sandier shores and clear blue waters of Bafra are second to none. Previously an old village, Bafra has metamorphosed into a major tourism hotspot with the development of high-class hotels.
A BEAUTIFUL FRUIT BASKET (Güzelyurt)
Its translation to “Beautiful Place” naturally implicates Güzelyurt and its’ surrounding villages in as stunning, rich, and fertile. Situated close to the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. This town is the most fertile agricultural area on the island growing many of its vegetables and soft fruits. Hence with good reason, this area is also known as the “Fruit Basket” of Cyprus.
Also known by its Greek name Morphou, Güzelyurt is said to have been inhabited since Bronze Age times. And it was also a major center for copper mining during its history. Under British rule, the town was also a major part of the transportation network, connected by rail to Nicosia and Famagusta.
It’s certainly worth visiting to see the Archaeology and Nature Museum and the Church of St. Mamas, the patron saint of tax avoiders! Built-in the late 18th century, this church reveals a combination of Gothic and Byzantine architectural styles. And contains an exquisitely beautiful glass chandelier. The museum situated in the ecclesiastical buildings adjacent to the church holds displays of historical Cypriot artifacts including some pieces of ornate gold jewelry.
These windy shores also play host to thousands of windsurfers tackling the fierce waves throughout the year.
A HARMONY OF COLOUR (Lefke)
A small town whose outer margins encompass a stretch of picturesque coastline. The magnificent foothills of the Troodos Mountains, lakes, and reservoirs.
The water from the mountain springs finds its way down to the fertile coastal plain with its rich soil and benign climate. No wonder then that the area is known as ‘The Fruit Basket of Cyprus’. A wide variety of fruit and nuts flourish, along with plentiful citrus groves.
You should visit in the summer months be sure to check out the annual Orange Festival in nearby Güzelyurt. In June along with the Walnut Festival in July.
Lefke was once a thriving copper and gold mining town, in Roman times and more recently. Vestiges of this remain, along with three mosques from the Ottoman period. And houses in the center that reflect the town’s colonial past.
Nearby are the historic remains of the ancient city of Soli and the Palace of Vouni. Soli is famed for its Roman remains, particularly the Basilica with its mosaic floor. And an amphitheater which has been restored and now presents plays and concerts.
The Palace at Vouni enjoys a spectacular sea-facing cliff-top location. And the ruins are evocative of a bygone age of splendor.
You can also check our post about sea life of North Cyprus
Source: www.visitncy.com
