Rest assured that simply entering Cyprus will make your vacation unforgettable. However, we recommend that you do not overlook our suggestions which will double your holiday pleasure!
You can spend three days exploring many parts of Northern Cyprus, Republic of Türkiye, which occupies one-third of the island. However, the coast and seas of Cyprus merit a much longer visit. If you visit Cyprus outside of the summer season there will be many accommodation options will make you feel at ease in every way. On the other hand, if you plan to visit during the summer season, make your reservations early! If you’re ready, let’s move on to our Northern Cyprus travel guide, which will maximise your vacation enjoyment!
1. Our First Stop is Nicosia
Have you ever been to a city that serves as the capital of two different countries? Nicosia (Lefkoşa) is the capital city of both Northern and Southern Cyprus and is at the top of the list of places to visit in Cyprus. At a United Nations meeting years ago Nicosia was divided into two by drawing a line in the middle of the city with a green pencil. If you want to live history you can walk along that green line which is more commonly known as the neutral zone.
2. The Must-Have Experience: Visiting Bedesten and Selimiye Mosque
During the Ottoman period, the Bedesten (Covered Bazaar), also known as the Church of St. Nicholas, was used as a marketplace. This structure, which is now a cultural centre, is formally distinct from traditional Ottoman bazaars. This historical structure, with traces of Byzantine and Gothic architecture, is ideal for taking unforgettable photographs! The Bedesten is open every day of the week from 08:00 to 22:00, and the exhibitions change on a regular basis.
You may be surprised to see a mosque built in Gothic architecture. The must-see Selimiye Mosque rises right next to the Bedesten. The structure, which was once the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period. The city’s main mosque, Selimiye Mosque, is the largest and oldest mosque in Cyprus. The mosque will not be open in 2023 due to ongoing restoration work, but it is worth visiting just to experience its atmosphere!
3. Take a Short Break at Büyük Han
If you want to relax and enjoy a beautiful location on your way to Nicosia, we recommend taking a diversion to Büyük Han (The Great Inn). You can’t take a break here without tasting the freshly squeezed juices! You can also relax in your chair and go over the rest of your itinerary here. Don’t forget to check-out the handmade souvenirs before leaving the Büyük Han. After all, everyone enjoys bringing back souvenirs from their vacation!
4. Visit the Famous Museums of Nicosia
It’s now time for the Büyük Hamam (Great Bath) and the Ethnography Museum, two of the must-see attractions noted in much travel writing about Cyprus. You will give credit to the travelling writers once you arrive! We must skip the Great Bath because it is currently closed to visitors. However, you can still visit the Ethnography Museum’s exhibits which span the last 150 years of Cypriot history. Please keep in mind that the museum is closed on Mondays. Visitors aged 0-6 are admitted free of charge to the museum, which is open daily from 09:00 to 16:30, including weekends.
You can also visit the Barbarlık Müzesi (Museum of Barbarism) while on a sightseeing tour of Cyprus. The Museum of Barbarism is open to the public from 08:00 to 15:00 in the winter and from 08:00 to 13:00 in the summer.
5. Set your sights on Kyrenia
After we’ve examined Nicosia, it’s time to pull out our map of Kyrenia! The Bellapais Monastery, built during the Roman period in the 12th century, can be seen from almost anywhere in Kyrenia. The monastery, however, is not in the city centre, but rather at the foot of the Girne Mountains. After visiting this monastery, you can sip your tea in one of the cafes opposite it while taking in the scenery.
Kyrenia, one of the most frequent suggestions of places to visit in Cyprus, is a port city in which you can’t get enough of the historical texture and friendly people. Furthermore, there are dozens of options for Kyrenia hotels based on your preferences. Along the main street, you can spend hours relaxing in cafes, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. You can always go for a walk on the beach and, of course, climb to Kyrenia Castle. The castle is open every day of the week, from 08:00 to 15:00 in winter and 08:00 to 19:00 in summer.
6. Last Stop: Famagusta
Cyprus has a plethora of port cities as it is an island! One of these cities, Famagusta, is packed with historical buildings at every turn. The ancient city of Salamis, which is open every day of the week, has a 2,000-year history dating from the Assyrian period to present day. Famagusta’s Othello Castle is another significant feature of Cyprus.
One of the most striking elements of the castle is the lion figure at the entrance. Built by the Lusignans, a French dynasty in the late Middle Ages, the lion figure was added after the Venetians conquered the Othello Castle. It represents St Mark, the patron saint of Venice. The lion’s front paws on land represent the dynasty’s power on land, and its hind claws in the sea represent its power in the sea. What a meaningful and spiritual statement! Don’t you agree?
If you’ve made a list of places to visit in Cyprus, it’s time to pick a hotel. Odamax can help you add a comfortable accommodation experience to your unforgettable Cyprus vacation. Remember to include the places we recommend in your Cyprus travel plans and have a wonderful vacation!
