Around North Cyprus
Descriptive summary about the main villages, towns and locations in Northern Cyprus.

Bellapais: The beauty of Bellapais is legendary. The famous British author, Lawrence Durrell wrote that he felt "guilty of an act of fearful temerity in trying to settle in so fantastic a place" when he bought his house there.

Set in the mountains just 10 minutes above Kyrenia, the charming village of Bellapais is dominated by the majestic 12th-century Crusader abbey, which was originally founded by monks of the Augustinian Order. It is the most impressive Gothic building in Cyprus and from here one can overlook the whole Kyrenian coastline.

The village itself is imbued with a sense of tranquillity and peace as if everyone that passes through it is affected by the "Tree of Idleness" (an old mulberry tree at the entrance of the Abbey)!
    

Catalkoy: This is a well-maintained village 5 miles to the east of Kyrenia, with many whitewashed houses, a few shops and restaurants, and sandy beaches nearby.

Famagusta: The old town of Famagusta is worth visiting. It was once one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean and is currently being slowly revived thanks to a UNDP program to restore the public space intra-muros after many years of neglect.

The beaches around Famagusta are legendary, with long stretches of white sand and little development in the way of hotels to distract the eye. A nearby curiosity is the town of Maraş (Varosha), which used to be the Monte Carlo of Cyprus and has been deserted since 1974

Guzelyurt / Morphou: The Turkish name “Güzelyurt” means the “beautiful country” and indeed this region is renowned for its fertile ground and lush green vegetation. It is known to be one of the most important citrus fruit plantations in the whole region.


 

Karmi / Karaman: This is a charming village, set deep into the mountainside 1,000 ft above sea level approximately 4 miles west of Kyrenia, and overlooked by St. Hilarion Castle. Cooled in summer by a light breeze and by the abundant water sources which keep the village wonderfully green and fresh, and with stunning views of the northern coastline, Karaman is a genuine refuge of peace and charm.
    
The houses have been lovingly restored in a traditional manner often with flagged floors, beamed ceilings, stone arches and roof terraces set in an array of flowers, plants, and trees. With its own village shop and pub, a small selection of local bistros, and a nearby handicraft shop, Karmi will not fail to enchant the visitor.

Karpaz: This is an area of tranquil, unspoilt natural beauty, sandy beaches & private coves, crystal-clear turquoise water, donkeys & turtles! Visit this paradise before it's too late
    

Karsiyaka: Located some 18km west of Kyrenia, the town is on a rather barren, sunbaked part of the Kyrenia range. There are few tourist facilities in spite of the fact that the ruined Monastery of Sinai is worth a hike up to, if only for the spectacular views it offers.

Kyrenia / Girne:

With a horseshoe-shaped harbour and backdrop of the Besparmak (Five Finger) Mountains, Girne is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas of the island.

The old carob warehouses which border the harbour have been converted into attractive cafes, restaurants, bars & private residences with the fishing boats & yachts making this the ideal place to while away the hours.
    
The harbour is overlooked by Kyrenia Castle, a truly magnificent fortress constructed by the Venetians to ward off invaders.
    
It is worth taking a stroll along the back streets of the old town to soak up the ambience.

Lapta: Renowned for its fresh water springs and laid back way of life, Lapta is an interesting village approximately 9 miles west of Kyrenia. It is spread over several mountain ridges separated by canyons offering spectacular views and lush, spring-fed vegetation. Lapta comprises one of the island’s most handsome stone mosques and has much to offer in the way of restaurants.
    

Lefkosa / Nicosia: The old walled city of Nicosia is unique in the Mediterranean and should definitely be explored. Completely walled with Venetian fortifications, it contains an impressive collection of Crusader, Gothic, and Turkish Ottoman relics. The Arab Ahmet region, the Bazaar, Buyuk Han, and the Selemiye Mosque are all worth seeing.
    

Ozankoy: A popular village with Europeans and Cypriots alike, conveniently located approximately 2 miles east of Kyrenia, the village has excellent views to Bellapais, the mountains and the Mediterranean and a good selection of restaurants.

Salamis: The Greco-Roman ruins of Salamis are a 20-minute drive north of Famagusta and consist of an impressive amphitheatre, gymnasium and old harbour.