NORTH CYPRUS
North Cyprus: “A Corner of Earth Touched by Heaven”
Treasures of History
The island of Cyprus is one of the most magical places in the world and North Cyprus is part of this landscape, full of mystery and Mediterranean fragrance. A journey to this most Mediterranean paradise will reward you with glimpses of historical sites which have witnessed a 10,000 year history, an impressive cultural heritage and different glorious treasures of the material world at every season of the year.
Beauty and Hospitality of
One can find much to do and see while in North Cyprus. If you are interested in the natural world, you can experience ecotourism, discover the orchids of Cyprus, Cyprus’s endemic species, its boundless sandy beaches, its places of outstanding natural beauty which are home to rare protected turtles and a wealth of plant species and you can also try village life which goes unchanged after centuries.
North Cyprus: Key Facts
Climate: North Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Average annual temperature is 19ºC (66ºF), and summer highs can exceed 40ºC (105ºF). Sea temperatures average 21ºC (75ºF), with annual rainfall around 500 mm.
Places of Interest
The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
St. Nicholas Cathedral, built between 1298-1312 during the Lusignan era, is one of the Mediterranean’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. The Lusignan Kings were crowned as Kings of Cyprus in St. Sophia’s Cathedral, Lefkoşa, and later in St. Nicholas Cathedral, Gazimağusa, as Kings of Jerusalem. The building was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in 1571 with the addition of a minaret. At the entrance, a monumental East African Fig Tree, planted in 1298 when construction began, stands as the island’s oldest tree, reaching 15 meters in height and 5 meters in width.
The Kyrenia Harbour
The horseshoe-shaped historical Girne Harbour, located at the center of the city, is undoubtedly one of the first places to visit in Girne. With its vibrant fishing boats and yachts anchored in the harbor, it has become a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. Until recently, the harbor served as a hub for commerce. This picturesque harbor offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the fresh sea breeze, and take in the beautiful surroundings. The harbor is also home to several restaurants and cafes, offering local cuisine. Its rich history and charm make it a must-see spot. Girne Harbour truly embodies the essence of the city.
Scuba Diving
North Cyprus, with its unspoilt landscape and prime location along a major migratory route, is perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts. The region has become a popular spot for observing rare birds in their natural habitat. Its position in the eastern Mediterranean makes it a key crossroads for migratory birds. North Cyprus, especially the Karpaz Peninsula, a national park, attracts many passing birds due to its isolation and lack of development. Common species include the Cyprus Pied Wheatear and Cyprus Warbler, along with a wide variety of both migrant and resident birds.
The Great Khan
It is not only Lefkoşa’s, but one of the Island’s most important Ottoman works of architecture. It was built between 1572-1579 as a two storied, square planned building with Bursa’s Koza Khan taken as an example. The Khan consists of a total of 68 rooms, where the rooms on the ground floor were used as shops of commerce and the rooms on the top floor were used as hotel rooms. The building is now used as an entertainment and travelling centre where handcrafts and souvenirs are sold.
Salamis Ancient City
The ancient city of Salamis was founded by Tefkros in the Bronze Age located to the north of Gazimağusa. The earliest findings at the ancient city date back to 11th century BC. The Salamis Ancient City was discovered with excavations carried out between 1952-1974 and is one of North Cyprus’ most important sites to visit. The ruins of the gymnasium, the baths, the forum and the agora which one can see whilst visiting the ancient city are all from the Roman Period.
The Kantara Castle
The Kantara Castle is the easternmost of the castles situated on the Girne Mountains, at a height of 700 meters from sea level; the castle has a strategic advantage, as it overlooks the northern shoreline, the Mesarya Plains and the Karpaz Peninsula.
The castle was believed to have been built by the Byzantines, however, it was first mentioned in written records, when Richard the Lionheart captured Cyprus in 1191.
Golden Beach in Karpaz
The Kantara Castle is the easternmost of the castles situated on the Girne Mountains, at a height of 700 meters from sea level; the castle has a strategic advantage, as it overlooks the northern shoreline, the Mesarya Plains and the Karpaz Peninsula.
The castle was believed to have been built by the Byzantines, however, it was first mentioned in written records, when Richard the Lionheart captured Cyprus in 1191.
Golf
Due to its mild climate, Cyprus is a suitable site for the sport of golf to be played all year round. Top quality facilities which have recently been built increase the attraction to the sport on the island. Especially, the Korineum Golf & Country Club has been the Med’s natural golf paradise since the Grand Opening in April 2007. The 18 hole championship golf course is a dynamic 6,232 metres, 72 par gem designed for golfers of all standards and ages.
Casinos
For those who would like to try their luck under the dazzling array of lights, North Cyprus has the finest of top quality casinos legally operating live, just as in countries such as USA, Germany, China and Australia.
Trekking & Hiking Trails
Trekking & Hiking Trails
The natural beauties of Cyprus has a lot to offer for adventurers and nature lovers.
With coastlines stretching for more than a hundred miles, towering mountain peaks and untouched landscapes North Cyprus is a hiker’s paradise.
There are over 600 kms of way-marked trails in North Cyprus. The network of trails are located between the Akdeniz peninsular in the West and the Karpas Peninsular in the East. Marked with white and green paint, information boards, marker pyramids at junctions the network of trails assist people in their navigation and ensure them to safely enjoy the unspoilt parts of the island and its unique flora and fauna
Trekking & Hiking Trails
The majority of the network consists of wide dirt roads, whereas a small portion of it is formed of narrow footpaths. The trails can be used for hiking, trail running, or even biking and meet the interests of all kinds of visitors through what they have to offer: rock climbing, bird watching, sight seeing,… From rough landscapes for the more adventurous people to flat areas with stunning sceneries and archeological sites, the trails of North Cyprus are surely a satisfying experience.
The trails vary in difficulty, altitude and lansdcape. Here are few of them found within the surrounding environments of Cyprus Constructions projects.
Esentepe-Antiphonitis
The 13.5 kilometre trail requires 4-5 hours to complete. The difficulty level of this trail is considered to be easy to moderate. The trail starts in the village of Esentepe and is a gradual walk uphill in a most pleasant forest track, which eventually takes you to the charming Antiphonitis Monastery. This relatively well preserved Byzantine church is surrounded by a small garden and has wall-paintings dating to the 12th and 15th century A.D. The last part of the trail is steeply downhill.
The Küçük Erenköy-Tunnel
The 6.5 kilometre trail can be covered in 3 hours. The difficulty level of this trail is considered to be easy to moderate. The trail starts at Şinya Guest House located on the coastal road in Küçük Erenköy. The first and last parts of this trail follow dirt tracks and the middle part offers stunning views towards the sea as you walk a narrow path. Along the trail you will walk through a tunnel and also squeeze pass through a narrow gap between rocks.
