Museums in Northern Cyprus

Museums in Northern Cyprus are generally extremely inexpensive to visit – and really well worth doing so.   They represent a staggering array of subjects, from displays of ancient archaeological remains to modern day documentary evidence of the recent past of North Cyprus.  If you want to leave Cyprus more educated about its rich history and culture than when you arrived, don’t miss the chance to select from this list.

Kyrenia (Girne)

The Kyrenia Museum Of Folk Art
This museum overlooks Kyrenia Harbour and was opened in 1974. It is a fine example of a traditional Cypriot home. Such buildings traditionally had two floors – with their main entrances opening onto the harbour. Traditional Cypriot items are on display. On the ground floor, there are items such as oil-mill, plough, agricultural instruments, large earthenware fan, and workbench.  In the upper floor there are examples of specially selected hand worked items: (including crochet work, materials embroidered with coloured or silver threads, bedspreads, table covers, head scarves, pillow cases, woollen socks, bowls etc.)

The Shipwreck Museum (inside Kyrenia Castle)
This is the oldest shipwreck on display anywhere in the world.  The sunken ship exhibited in this castle museum was built in 389 BC and was 80 years old when it met its demise! About 400 Amphoras (ancient wine vessels), 29 millstones and preserved food including almonds were found in this shipwreck that was thought to be a cargo ship from the Hellenistic period following the death of Alexander The Great. Around 300 pieces of lead found inside the ship show us that the ship was also used for fishing.  It was found 1.5 km from Kyrenia, at depth of 18 m and was found by sponge fisherman in 1965. Experts from Pennsylvania University were involved in the salvage operation. The Icon Museum

The former Greek Orthodox church of Archangelos Mikhael now houses the Kyrenia icon museum, which is located on the West side of the harbour.  The large collection on three levels offers an assortment of 17th to 19th century examples, rescued from unspecified churches in the district.

The church was built in 1860, and its bell tower, which can be seen from all over Kyrenia, added about 25 years later. The church was restored, and opened as an icon museum in 1990. There are three levels of exhibits, thanks to the use of the former women's gallery of the church.  The most artistically noteworthy include Saint Luke with his emblematic ox, and the beheading of John the Baptist, a  grisly scene with Herod's feast in full swing just above.

This ancient form of religious art used to be seen in churches all over Cyprus, and a trip to the icon museum gives a good insight into the skill and craftsmanship of their creators. Sadly, many churches were looted of their icons after 1974, and the icons sold on the international black market for religious art. It is estimated that after 1974, over 20,000 icons and dozens of frescoes were taken from North Cyprus churches by unscrupulous looters and sold on the international art market.

The Icon Museum preserves local icons that were saved, as well as those which have been reclaimed from abroad after this looting, and it is important that these works of art remain protected in their homeland of North Cyprus for future generations to enjoy.

Famagusta (Gazimaguza)

The Canbulat Tomb & Museum
As a place of pilgrimage for Turks, this tomb ranks second in Cyprus only to the shrine of Hala Sultan Tekke at Larnaca.
Canbulat the Bey (a provincial governor in the Ottoman empire), came to Cyprus with the conquering Ottoman troops in the 16th Century. As he was extremely successful during the capture of Nicosia, he was appointed to the Ottoman force which laid siege to Famagusta, then under the control of the Venetians.

Initially, the Ottomans tried to dig under the walls, but the Venetians blasted the tunnels, causing their collapse. It is also said that the Venetians placed sharp blades on a turning wheel at the entrance to the bastion to ensure that any attack there would lead the attacker to be cut to pieces.

Legend has it, that in order to stop the wheel and allow the Ottomans through the castle entrance, Canbulat rode his horse into the wheel when allegedly his head was cut off, and he undaunted continued to fight for the next three days with his head under his arm!  This apparently motivated the Ottomans to continue the fight and take the castle.  In fact, historians believe that what actually went in to the rotating wheel to stop it were simply bales of wool. The date of his actual death is unknown, but there is documentary evidence that he was still alive in March 1572.

Canbulat's tomb was placed in the passageway of the bastion, the name of which was changed from Arsenal to Canbulat in his honour. Supposedly a fig tree grew up alongside his tomb, the fruits of which promoted fertility in any woman who ate them. The building was restored in 1968 and the front section was turned into an Ethnographic and Archaelogical museum.

The Dungeon And Museum Of Namik Kemal
Known as the Shakespeare of Turkish literature, the writings of Namik Kemal are primarily famous in Cyprus as a source of inspiration for Kemal Ataturk – founder of modern Turkey.  Namik Kemal  spent 38 months of his life in this building, which is now a museum and located in a corner of the ruined Venetian Palace in Famagusta.
Namik Kemal was born  in 1840 near Istanbul. From an aristocratic family, he was educated privately, and became a distinguished writer.  However his political opinions upset the establishment of the day and in 1867 he and some colleagues fled to London, moving later to Paris and Vienna.   He was allowed to return to Istanbul in 1871, but his playVatan Yahut Silistre was the last straw for the government (as it seemed to promote nationalism and liberalism at a sensitive political period) and he was eventually exiled to Cyprus in 1873 – being housed in the dungeon in question.
Although described as a dungeon, it is not underground, although is still very bleak.  In 1876, Namik Kemal was pardoned, and he returned to Istanbul. However, he continued to suffer a form of exile, being appointed to government posts in the distant islands of Lesbos, then Rhodes, and finally Chios. He continued his writings and died on the 2nd December 1888 in Chios.  The two storied building was opened as a small museum in 1993

 Salamis Area 

The St. Barnabas Icon & Archeology Museum
Many of those people who live in North Cyprus have no idea that this Church marks the site of the burial place of St. Barnabas, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.  Barnabas was actually born in Cyprus, near to the site of this Church – now an Icon and Archaeology Museum but still a very sacred site to Orthodox and other Christians.

In 45AD Barnabas returned to his birthplace of Cyprus on a missionary journey, accompanied by his cousin and follower John Mark, and by St, Paul.  They managed to impress the Roman governor of the island, Sergius Paulus, to such an extent that he adopted the faith. Cyprus, therefore, became the first country in the world with a Christian ruler.
During a second visit to the island in 75AD, Barnabas was arrested and imprisoned in a Salamis synagogue. The same night, a mob of Syrians stoned him to death. His remains were wrapped in a sheet and hidden in some marshland, prior to being disposed at sea.  However, John Mark and some converted slaves from the local temple retrieved Barnabas' remains. They secretly buried them in a tomb beneath a carob tree to the west of Salamis, John Mark placing a copy of Mathew's Gospel on his cousin's chest.

In 477AD, Bishop Anthemios had a dream in which he saw the location of the long lost grave.  After his dream, the Bishop ordered the opening of the tomb. Amazingly they found a body, which was identified as Barnabas by the Gospel of St. Mathew lying on his chest.

The building that we see today dates from the 1750s. Once the centre of the Cyprus Orthodox church, the monastery is still in good condition. Outside the church there is a courtyard, surrounded on three sides by buildings that once housed the monks and pilgrims coming to pray at the monastery.

In 1991, a restoration project was started.  The church has been restored and has been turned into a more comprehensive icon museum with the addition of new icons. The garden was redone, and the rooms of the monastery have become an archaeological museum.   The monastery of St Barnabas is very important to the Orthodox Church, and is considered a place of pilgrimage. The opening of the border has seen a vast increase in the numbers of visitors to the site, and there are frequent church services held there.   June 11th is the saint's day, and a special mass and festival was held here till the island was divided in 1974. People would come to the monastery to hear readings from the life of the saint. After a gap of 31 years, this event was reinstated in 2005.

On most days, there is a guide present who will give free guided tours of the monastery and museum.

Nicosia (Lefkosa)

Dr Fazil Kucuk Museum Dr Kucuk was a practicing medical doctor who, on independence, was elected vice president of the new Republic of Cyprus. The museum is in Dr Kucuk's former home and office, and is located in Kyrenia Avenue. The museum was opened in1997 on Dr Kucuk’s birthdate. It is the first private museum in North Cyprus, and was created with contributions from his family.

There are two main areas in the museum. In the study, all the books and belongings used by Dr Kucuk up to his death are displayed. The clinic and pharmacy houses the original furniture used in the patient's waiting and treatment room.
The museum is small, and has a dual function as a research library. Consequently the door is frequently closed. This, however, does not necessarily mean the museum is not open and it is worth trying the door.

The Museum of Barbarism

This museum will only be of relevance to those who take a special interest in the history of the war in 1974 and the events which predated it.  Be warned, the exhibits are graphic, and you will need a strong constitution to view them. There is a memorial erected in the garden of the house which is as far as some visitors go, and we hope that the time will soon come when museums such as this (on both sides of the divide) can be closed, and we can delete this entry from the web site.
This museum has been included on this site as since 1974, the south of the Island has been giving the impression that up until then everything was peaceful, and that the "invasion" of  Turkey prompted one-sided atrocities. Indeed there are many "museums" in the south doing precisely this.

However,  most people seem to forget that for a number of years, there was effectively a civil war in Cyprus, not helped by a virtually unworkable constitution on independence in 1960. It comes as a surprise that the division of Nicosia into Greek and Turkish areas predates 1974 by many years. In the early 1960s there was effectively ethnic  cleansing of the Turkish Cypriots who were "encouraged" to move  into their own areas. Sporadic violence by one faction against another was rife, but came to a head over Christmas 1963.

On the 24th December, Greek Cypriot irregulars forcibly entered the house of Dr Ilhan, who was a Major in the Turkish army, and was on duty that night. The Doctor's wife, three children and a neighbour were killed by machine gun fire, and 6 neighbours were seriously injured. The house remains almost as it was found that Christmas.

This is by far the most disturbing museum on the island. The inside of the bathroom where the murders took place was left intact, with captions explaining that the spots on the walls are the actual blood of the four victims. In the other rooms are photographs of other victims of ethnic violence over the years.

All of this was reported in The London Times on the 27th December 1963.

The Lapidary Museum The Lapidary Museum is a 15th Century, stone-built, two storey Venetian building, to the east of the Selimiye mosque. It was previously used as guesthouse for pilgrims and travellers – having been initially sited in its courtyard.

During British colonial rule it was known as the Jeffrey Museum.  It contains many interesting works of stone and marble. These architectural pieces include insignias, tombs and columns dating from medieval times.

A unique carved stone window, in a Gothic style, with elegant tracery of a style common to cathedrals in the 15th century, now stands opposite the main entrance to the museum. This was moved from the Lusignan Palace inSarayonu Square, when the British demolished it in 1901 to build the present Law Courts. Sadly, this is the only trace remaining of this Lusignan palace.

Other special features in the museum are a sarcophagus belonging to the Dampierre family, the tombstone of Adam of Antioch, and a marble lion of St Mark, the symbol of the Venetians..  The museum was refurbished and opened to visitors in 2003.
National Struggle Museum

The museum, which is about 200m east of the Kyrenia Gate, was opened in 1989. Its purpose is to remember and teach about the struggles undertaken by Turkish Cypriots from 1878 to the present day.

The first area of the museum covers the period from 1878 to 1955. 1878, when the British took over the island is generally considered to be the start of the Turkish Cypriot struggle. However very little information survives from that period.

The second area covers the period from 1955 to 1974. In 1955, the Greek General Grivas, who had been sent to the island in 1953 to start preparation for Enosis, founded the terrorist organization EOKA. His stated aim was twofold. Firstly to make the British leave the island. Secondly to eliminate the Turks and annex the island to Greece.

The period from 1955 to independence in 1960 was marked by considerable violence, which escalated, coming to a head in December 1963. This prompted the British to set up a buffer zone to try and stop the fighting. This was not particularly successful, and for the next ten years the Turkish Cypriots were gradually moved out of mixed areas into their own enclaves. In this section of the museum you will see a display of hand-made weapons used by the Turkish Resistance Organization (T.M.T.) during the underground years. Also found in this section are portraits depicting those years and the original broadcasting apparatus used by Radio Bayrak to broadcast during the 1963 incidents.

A Greek supported attempted coup in 1974 prompted the intervention of Turkish forces to protect the Turkish Cypriots.
The third part of the museum covers the period from 1974. In this section are exhibited the more advanced weapons used by the Turkish Cypriots between 1964-1974, weapons used by Greeks against Turkish Cypriots and portraits vividly depicting those years.

In the display cases of the fourth section can be seen the case in which the plans for the Peace Operation were carried and some belongings retrieved from the Greek Contingent Regiment. In the middle of this section are displayed the banners and emblems of the 10 Standard Bearers.

To the east of the museum are found three domestic-made armoured personnel carriers and to the west a large artillery cannon.

The museum is open to the public, but as it is entered via a military area, entry is only allowed on production of photographic identity.

 The Mevlevi Tekke and Museum of the Whirling Dervishes
Built in the 17th Century, the Mevlevi Tekke in Lefkosa was an important cultural centre of the Ottoman era in Cyprus. It is situated within the walled city, south of the Kyrenia gate on the main street leading to Ataturk Square. It is distinguished by 6 golden domes surmounting a rectangular building.

The Mevlevi order was founded by the famous mystical poet Rumi.  His mystical approach to Islam spread throughout the entire Islamic world. His teachings emphasised the individual soul's separation from God during earthly existence, and the power of Divine Love to draw it back to the infinite on death. Rumi stressed music and dance as an expression of this mutual love and yearning, and the Mevlevi order became famous over the centuries for its whirling ceremony. In Cyprus, the Lefkosa Mevlevihane was the centre for such a practice.

Sadly, the Whirling Dervish ceremonies were closed by decree in Turkey in 1925 but the British rule in Cyprus allowed them to continue until 1954.  since then, the building has been used initially as a hostel for Turkish children under care, then as the Cyprus Turkish Museum from 1963, exhibiting calligraphy, imperial edicts and weapons as well as costumes of Mevlevi dervishes and tombstones. What remains of the original Tekke is the semahane, where the dervishes performed their dance, and the tombs of the sheiks.

Now more latterly, after extensive repairs to the semahane and the tombs of the sheiks, the Mevlevi Museum was formally opened on the 17th December 2002, with dervishes whirling once again after an interval of over 40 years. This date was the anniversary of the death of Rumi, and as part of the Turkish Cypriot heritage, this ceremony will be performed every year around the 17th December.

Guzelyurt

Guzelyurt Archaeology and Nature Museum
The current museum building, in the centre of the old market town of Guzelyurt, houses the important items of cultural and archaeological interest found throughout Cyprus and the area. The Nature section situated on the lower floor displays a taxidermy collection of animals, consisting of birds, snakes, foxes, lambs and tortoise etc. which are displayed for educational purposes. The upper floor of the museum, houses the fascinating Archeology Section containing many rare items. The pieces are displayed in chronological order. In the corner of the first room, there is a display of material cultural remains belonging to the Neolithic era, the people the Neolithic era being the first known inhabitants of Cyprus. In this room there are also displays from the Bronze Age (old ages, middle ages and late ages). In the second and third rooms there is an artificial display from the Tunba Tu Skuru settlement. The remaining two rooms of the museum hold findings belonging to the Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. The most interesting finding in the museum is the Efes Artemis sculpture, found near the Salamis area.   The archaeological finds from the nearby Soli and Vouni sites are all housed in this museum, which is well worth a visit, and very near to the Aphrodite Beachfront Village and Joya Bar and Bistro for a beachfront lunch after your cultural experience! (LINK)

Iskele (Karpaz)

The Icon Museum of Iskele 
The museum can be found on the road out of Iskele, heading towards Gecitkale.
This is the main church of the village of Iskele. It was built in the 12th century as a single-aisled, domed church with arched recesses to its side walls. This is a common design in Cyprus for churches of that period. The church was completely restored in 1804.

Most of the 12th century wall paintings have been preserved, restoration starting in 1966. This restoration led to further discoveries in 1967. The Virgin Mary in the apse is a 15th century re-painting, but the Ascension in the vault before it is a mid 12th century composition executed in the style of the time.  The paintings in the arch around the south recess are also from the 12th century.
http://www.evergreendevelopments.com/north-cyprus-museums.php

Perhaps the most significant painting is of Christ Pandokrator, which is in the dome.  Here you can see a frowning Christ avert his gaze towards a surrounding inscription identifying Him as "Overseer of all", while angels on bended knees worship all round Him.

As well as these wall paintings, which in themselves are rare examples of this style of art, icons from this church and from other parts of North Cyprus are on display.

Music and Theatre Festivals In North Cyprus

Northern Cyprus provides a rich array of cultural delights! International Spring Concerts.  These are organised by The Friends of Music Association of North Cyprus and are very popular with classical music lovers. These concerts take place during April and May every year. Held at the historic setting of Bellapais Abbey, these are occasions not to be missed. International Bellapais Music Festival.  This runs for four weeks in May and June each year and attracts international ensembles and soloists to perform in the magnificent Refectory Hall in Bellapais Abbey. North Cyprus International Music Festival.  North Cyprus International Music Festival takes place between September and October. During the festival a wide variety of music including: chamber music, symphonic rock, choir, flamenco, tango and recitals are performed in historic settings such as Bellapais Monastery, Salamis Amphitheatre and Kyrenia Castle. The International Cyprus Theatre Festival.  This celebration of theatre runs from mid August to the beginning of September, and stages performances in Nicosia, Famagusta and Kyrenia venues, including the theatre at Salamis and the Ataturk Cultural Centre. The 2006 programme included the Istanbul State Theatre and the Ankara State Theatre presenting Turkish works, plus international companies such as the Questa Nave Theatre of Venice.  Famagusta International Festival.  This festival has previously hosted groups like Aswad, Los Paraguayos and the Berlin Art Ensemble.  It deservedly claims to be the best festival in the Mediterranean . The festival is held between June and July in Famagusta. Kyrenia Jazz Festival.  Every December, the Rocks Hotels plays host to the Kyrenia Jazz festival. This festival is growing year by year and now attracts international players to entertain the many jazz fans in Northern Cyprus. Other Festivals Guzelyurt Orange Festival Guzelyurt Orange Festival, organize by the Guzelyurt Municipality, has been held since 1977. It takes place in May. As its name suggest, this festival provides the best opportunity to the taste the world famous North Cyprus oranges. During the festival week various concerts, competitions and art events are performed. Other food related festivals include the Watermelon festival and the Karpaz Grape Festival. http://www.evergreendevelopments.com/north-cyprus-festivals.php

Leisure Activities in North cyprus

 Water Sports

For wind surfing, water skiing, mono-skiing, banana riding, knee boarding, canoeing, wake boarding, power boating and jet-skiing the shores and beaches of Northern Cyprus are the place to be!

Visitors and owners at Aphrodite Beachfront Village in the Guzelyurt area will have the chance to have lessons from world-class Kite Surfers as part of the Aphrodite Watersports Club based on the West Coast Bay area.  This club also offers kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing and wind surfing.

If you are not staying on the west coast, head to any of the main beaches from Diana Beach to Deniz Kizi to Acapulco for all your water sport requirements.

Dinghy Sailing

For those who would like to learn to sail Dolphin North Cyprus offer one to one or one to two training from fully qualified RYA instructors at a pace to suit you.  They will also hire out vessels for experienced sailors who want to go it alone.  They are currently based at Diana Beach in Catalkoy .

 Horse Riding 

There are currently two main riding schools in Northern Cyprus offering regular treks and hacks.  You can ride up into the Kyrenia mountains or round to Bellapais Abbey.  Both Dortnal Riding Stables and Tunac Riding Stables are based in Karaoglanoglu to the west of Kyrenia and arrange group or individual riding activities for the novice to the experienced rider.

 Paintballing 

New to North Cyprus is Paintballing and there’s a brand new centre opened up in Lapta, West of Kyrenia, for anyone with pent up aggression and excitement who needs to find a release for it all!  Call             +90 (0) 533 865 4959       for more details.  There is also a new Paintball centre on the Kyrenia to Guzelyurt road.

 Quad Bike Safaris

Also out Lapta way are the North Cyprus Quad Bike Safari team.  For personalised safaris, day trips, half days and all tuition and for a guaranteed thrill call             +90 (0) 533 847 3732       to book your place.

 Scuba Diving 

North Cyprus is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving, with clear visibility and lovely warm waters.  There are also marine reefs which provide shelter for a myriad of different fish which allows diverts to get up close for a really good look!  There are opportunities to glimpse rare turtles and octopus, you can see beautiful coral, and of possibly the most unique interest is the fact that you can see ancient amphora and pottery remains on the ocean floor dating back thousands of years.

The oldest shipwreck in the world was raised from the seabed off the coast of Kyrenia and is now housed in Kyrenia Castle. It dates back to around 300 BC – divers can seek the items including beautiful pottery remains and other fascinating relics on the sea bed around Northern Cyprus.

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never dived before there are many schools offering to teach you.  You can even do all your BASC and PADI dive courses here...Ocean Diver, Sports Diver and Dive Leader for BASC certification and Scuba Diver, Open Water & Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Dive Master and Medic First Aid for PADI certification.
Scuba Cyprus, Mephisto Diving and Blue Dolphin are just three of the schools offering scuba diving training and opportunities...come to North Cyprus and find everything a diver could want.

 Boat Trips
Leaving from Kyrenia harbour daily are a variety of boat trips.  You can sail out west to Escape beach and sunbathe, snorkel and swim in the calm shallow waters, or you can sail out east to Alagadi beach and scuba dive or picnic.  Alternatively you can take a sunset dinner cruise around the coast.  Do ask the boats’ captains to find out what’s on offer for the next day as itineraries change and can be changed, and you can even hire boats to sail to your own favourite personal destinations.

 Highline Tandem Paragliding

Taking off from 2500 ft above the town of Karaoglanoglu and near to St. Hilarion’s Castle you and your pilot can either gently float or head for an adrenaline ride down towards the sea!  You’ll have an incredibly breath-taking bird’s eye view of North Cyprus.  To book your flight experience speak to your hotel receptionist or visit Kyrenia Harbour and look out for the highline tandem paragliding agent.  Not for the faint hearted.

North Cyprus Walking

There are the most beautiful walks to be found in North Cyprus and many ways to enjoy them. There are organised day walks, organised walking holidays, North Cyprus Trails, themed walks such as Orchid walks etc. To find out more there are various websites to visit.  The Kyrenia Mountain Trail Association is a useful point of contact and various organisations organise walking holidays.

Walkers can benefit from the stunning 230km trail along the length of the Bespamark (Five Finger) and Kyrenia mountain chain, which traverses the whole northern coast of Cyprus, east to west.

http://www.evergreendevelopments.com/entertainment.php

North Cyprus Beaches

There are many different kinds of beaches in Northern Cyprus.  Take a day trip to the Karpaz where you can laze on the deserted golden sands of the peninsula - or explore the rocky coves of the Northern Coast.  You can watch the sun go down on the long sandy West Coast Bay area near Guzelyurt  under the shadow of the Troodos Mountains – the choice is yours!

Karpaz Peninsula beaches

The Karpaz boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean.  The great feature of Karpaz beaches is that they are somewhat remote – and therefore often empty. For those who love to get away from the crowds these beaches are ideal – however those staying in the Kyrenia area tend to make them a day out, due to the distances involved.

The clean sandy beach at Kaplica is just at the start of the peninsula.  There is a good restaurant with beachside café and small shop, along with good changing and shower facilities.  An interesting feature is the local campsite – where the local Turkish Cypriots enjoy their beach holidays in a curious array of caravans!  Lots of local colour.
The public beach at Yeni Erenkoy has showers and a restaurant, and the Karpaz beach just three kilometres away suits strong swimmers who like picturesque rocky bays.

Kasa Beach at Ayios Philon a short drive from Dipkarpaz is a fascinating place to go.  Really worth a visit – there is The Oasis Restaurant, plus the ruined 10th Century Ayios Philon church, with mosaics, built on a 5th Century site.  These two are the only buildings now marking the spot of what was once a busy Phoenician Port of Karpasia, abandoned in 802 after the Arab raids.

The southern coastline of the Karpas Peninsula has plenty of beaches, but few are easily accessible and offer no amenities. The star of the south is Golden Sands, a beach fringed with magnificent sand dunes and populated by breeding sea turtles. A magical place to visit, but remember you must not disturb the turtles in any way; they are a protected species.

North East coast beaches

Nearer to the more inhabited areas, the North Cyprus coastline is a bather’s delight, with rocky outcrops hiding secluded sandy coves, just right for a boat trip or lunch on the sands.  A popular area is the Bahceli and Esentepe region – easier to get to than the Karpaz.

LINK TO CRYSTAL BAY PROPERTIES

From Crystal Bay, you are only 15 minutes from the Kyrenia Beaches going West and only half an hour going East from the first beach (Kaplica) on the Karpaz.

Kyrenia area beaches

East of Kyrenia

Except for the Algadi beach, the beaches in this area have an entrance fee.
The Acapulco beach belongs to the holiday village of the same name, and its well worth the fee to sit on such a pristine North Cyprus sandy beach. It’s almost picture perfect, with the bay book-ended with rocky points, and a gently shelving sandy beach slipping gently into the warm Mediterranean waters. Here’s the place to enjoy water sports in North Cyprus too, with a great range on offer. Not far away is the Escape Beach Club, and both beaches offer a bar, restaurant and a night club each, so these North Cyprus nightspots are very popular with a younger crowd.

Vogue Beach Club has recently opened in 2006. It's only 1 minute away from the Acapulco beach. The beach at Vogue is not as long as Acapulco beach and it is not completely sand. Nevertheless, the view, the restaurant and ice cream places are good. There is also a large pool and large jacuzzi. Water sports such as banana rides, water skiing, jet skiing and canoeing are offered.

Lara beach is the kind of beach kids love when they want a little more to explore, as it offers fascinating rocky places amongst the sand. Their parents will probably want to opt for the smooth limestone rocks at the western edge, but the children will enjoy the rock pools there too.

Alagadi is a beautiful public beach with no entrance fee and with two views to die for; turn away from the sea for a wonderful view of the Five Finger Mountains. This is one of the major beaches in Northern Cyprus where the turtles come to nest, and so is sometimes called “Turtle Beach”. This is the longest stretch of sandy beach on the northern coast, and is fringed by sand dunes.

These beaches are an easy drive from both Bellapais Spring Village and Mountain Village  LINKS

West of Kyrenia

There are various beaches belonging to the hotels in this region, which you can access for a fee, but little in the way of public beaches.

The Altinkaya Hotel beach has sweeping sands, with shallow water suitable for children. You can even wade across to Golden Rock, a tiny island that guards the beach from the open sea.

The Denizkiki beach officially belongs to the hotel of the same name, but for a small fee this sheltered bay with excellent swimming is your North Cyprus beach paradise for the day.

Guzelyurt Area Beaches

The West Coast Bay area (also known as Morphou Bay) has a fantastic and almost undiscovered stretch of sandy beach.

Go to Aphrodite Beachfront Village (follow the road to Lefke from Guzelyurt and turn into the village of Gaziveren) to find shallow sandy waters – great for children – as well as professional watersports and the fantastic Joya Bar and Bistro.

Here you can swim, and enjoy refreshments, whilst enjoying unparalleled views of the Troodos Mountains to the South and the Five Fingers in the distance to the North.


http://www.evergreendevelopments.com/beaches.php

North Cyprus Culture

Language
The official language is Turkish, but English is also widely spoken as a second language.   Turkish uses the European script, and all road signs are in both languages.  
Religion 
The majority of the Turkish Cypriots are Muslim and although very few regularly attend mosque services or wear religious attire, most celebrate religious festivals.  Christian worship is permitted in licensed buildings and a growing number of Europeans come to Northern Cyprus for their weddings.  The beautiful old Anglican Church of St. Andrew, which is near the harbour in Kyrenia, has been an English Church since colonial times.

 Cuisine 
The culture of a place is always reflected in its kitchen, and Northern Cyprus is no exception. Cypriot cooking, like its people, is unique. Eating out is popular amongst locals and the choice of cuisine reflects this, combining many wonderful and varied tastes from the Mediterranean, Turkey and the Middle East. In larger towns, a range of international restaurants also offer dishes from around the world. 

A typical Turkish Cypriot restaurant meal consists of meze, kebabs (lamb or chicken) or fish, followed by fruit and coffee. Meze is a selection of hot and cold appetizers - the Turkish Cypriot equivalent of Tapas – such as kofte (meatballs), hummus dips, mint yogurt, hellim (goat’s milk cheese). A Turkish Cypriot speciality is the şeftali kebab (peach kebab), made with minced meat, chopped onion and spices, wrapped in lamb fat and grilled. Other mouth-watering dishes include marinated fish and squid - and for dessert, lokma (small doughnuts in syrup), Ekmek Kadayif with Cream (Turkish Cypriot bread pudding) or baklava, as well as freshly-picked fruit such as sweet melon, oranges and figs. Wash your meal down with a glass of rakı (alcoholic aniseed drink), or there are also many good wines, beers and spirits, including the famous brandy sour drink – a cocktail made with brandy, lemon juice and angostura bitters. If you have room, you may want to finish off with a fix of thick Turkish coffee or tea. 

Cypriot home cooking is delicious, but is only found in a handful of restaurants in North Cyprus, so do look out for them. Traditional cuisine makes fine use of the abundant fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices in North Cyprus that can be bought and enjoyed in the many farmers’ markets and food festivals, as well as the shops and supermarkets – which means Turkish Cypriot cuisine is also packed with vegetarian dishes such as yalancı dolma (stuffed vine leaves with rice, onions and tomatoes), stuffed peppers and tomatoes, melt in the mouth aubergine dishes, sigara börek (fried white-cheese rolled in pastry), bulgur koftesi (cracked wheat balls) and home made baked beans. Fresh herbs such as wild thyme, calamint, fennel, oregano and sage flourish in the mountains, ready for picking in June.  

 Family Life
For Turkish Cypriots, family life is of ultimate importance and therefore a great amount of their free time is spent at family gatherings, barbeques and weddings. All towns and even some villages hold festivals many of which are in the early summer.

Handicrafts
Lefkara embroidery is an old Cypriot tradition dating back to the Venetian period, where beautiful and intricate items such as bed covers, table cloths, doilies and head-scarves were weaved using drawn and counted thread embroidery on lace. It is said that on a visit to Cyprus, Leonardo da Vinci was so impressed by the Lefkara adaptation of Venetian embroidery that he took some of the embroidery bearing the “potamos” design back to Italy to drape on the altar in the Milan Cathedral. Today, this design is known as the “Leonardo da Vinci design”.

Carpet weaving is another age-old Cypriot tradition and is mostly found in the Famagusta (Gazimağusa) region. Kilims (small floor rugs) with colourful designs and patterns make ideal souvenirs or gifts, whilst wicker basket weaving is another Cypriot art form that is popular with locals and tourists.


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Places to Visit in Northern Cyprus

 Nicosia (Lefkosa)

St. Sophia Cathedral  (Selimiye Mosque):
This is the earliest and perhaps the finest of the Lusignan churches, built by French architects and Queen Alix of Champagne (wife of Hugh the First) in the same style as Chartres and Rouen Cathedrals in France.  Following the Ottoman conquest in the 16th century, it was transformed into a mosque with the addition of two minarets.

Atatürk Square and the Venetian Column::
The grey granite colımn which stands in the middle of the major square of Nicosia is thought to have been brought from the ruins of Salamis by the Venetians. Originally it bore a lion on its top. Its base is decorated with Venetian coats of arms. The Ottoman Turks overturned it after the conquest in 1570. In 1915 the British re-erected it this time with a copper globe at its top.

Mevlevi Tekke Museum:
This 17th century building was used as the Tekke, or monastery, of the Whirling Dervishes, an order founded by the mystic poet jelal-ed-din Rumi Mevlana in the thirteenth century, until 1920, when Atatürk banned the monastic orders. After this period the dances of the dervishes were allowed only as a cultural event. In Cyprus the tradition leved on until its last sheikh died in 1954.

Dervish Paşa Konak:
This is a nineteenth century mansion of two storeys which was recently restored and opened to the public as a folklore museum. Dervish Paşa, who once owned the mansion or konak was the publisher of the first Turkish newspaper ‘Zaman’, or ‘Times’ in Cyprus.

Arap Ahmet Mosque:
The mosque which was built in 1845 carries the name of the Turkish governor at the time that it was erected. In the construction of its floor, stone lids from nearby Lusignan graves were used as building material.

Turunçlu Mosque:
This was built in 1825 by the Ottoman governor Seyit Mehmet Ağa. It has a wooden roof which rests on four arches. The wooden private gallery for women is in the north-east and stands on wooden columns with decorated capitals.

 İplik Pazarı Mosque:
The 19th century edifice is named after the the old cotton market which once existed here during the Ottoman period. Its knot shaped minaret is thought to belong to a former mosque bulit on the same ground.

Büyük Hamam:
It is thought that Büyük Hamam, or the Great Bath, Which still functions, incorporates the remains of the fourteenth century Latin Churuch of St George of De Poulains. Its Lusignan Gothic portal is thought to have come from another monument. The rest of the establishment follows the general principes of Turkish bath architecture.

Büyük Han:
Büyük Han, or the Great Inn, was built in 1572 by the first Ottoman governor of Cyprus, Muzaffer Paşa. Its architecture is similar to numerous hans encountered in Anatolia: a courtyard surrounded with rooms arranged on two floors. The lower rooms were used as shops, storage rooms and offices. The rooms on the upper floor served for lodging and each is fitted with a fireplace which has an octagonal chimney. In the middle of the courtyard there is a domed octagonal mosque resting on eight columns with a fountain for ablutions under it.

Kumarcılar Hanı:
Kumarcılar Hanı, or the Gamblers Inn was built at the end of the seventeenth century. The arch inside the entrance passage may point to the existence of an earlier building on the site. It has no mosque or ablution fountain.

Bedesten:
Bedesten, or’covered market’ is a building originally built as a Byzantine church in the twelfth century. In the fourteenth century during the Lusignan rule it was enlarged by the addition of its Gothic elements. The last grpup of alterations took place during the Venetian rule when it became the Greek Orthodox Metropolis. Its main portal on the north side is elaborately carved like that of St Sophia. During the Ottoman period it was used as a textile market.

Sultan Mahmut’s Library:
This monument was founded by the Ottoman Sultan Mahmut II in 1829. Its collections include some rare Turkish, Persian and Arabic manuscripts.

 KYRENIA (GIRNE)

Bellapais Abbey:
Four miles to the east of Girne, on the outskirts of the peaceful village which was once home for Lawrence Durrell, Bellapais Abbey is arguably one of the most impressive sites in the Mediterranean and indisputably one of the most majestic sites of the island.  It is the most impressive Gothic monument in North Cyprus.  Yielding magnificent views, it overhangs citrus gardens which stretch out to the sea below. The name comes from the combination of the French words 'belle' and 'pais' meaning "beautiful peace".  It has also been called Abbey de la Pais (the Abbey of Peace).  It was founded during the Lusignan reign by the Augustinians in 1205.  Hugh III, a Lusignan king, financed the majority of the construction.  Hugh IV was even more attached to Bellapais, adding magnificent apartments and living there between 1354 and 1358.

Lawrence Durrell in his book "Bitter Lemons", gives us a beautiful description of Cyprus in the fifties, and is linked to the other main landmark in the village: "the tree of idleness".  This tree still stands today and visitors can enjoy a drink sitting in the very spot at which he composed this famous novel.

Old Kyrenia Harbour:
It is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting sites of the oriental Mediterranean.  The marina is surrounded by old Venetian houses, restaurants and taverns.  It attracts numerous colourful fishing boats as well as elegant yachts.  Kyrenia was founded by the Myceneans towards 1600 BC.

Kyrenia Castle:
Nobody has yet been able to establish the exact date of the construction of the castle.  As a result of excavations at the site, it is thought that the original castle was built in the 9th Century AD by the Byzantines to defend Kyrenia against Arab raids. Later additions were constructed by the Lusignans and the castle was further strengthened by the Venetians.  An interesting fact about the castle is that in al its history, the caste was never captured by assault.

The Shipwreck Museum:
The museum, which is inside the castle walls, houses the remains of the oldest trading ship ever to have been recovered from the sea.  It sank in a storm around the year 300 BC, less than a mile off the coast of Kyrenia.  The ship was raised from the sea bed by a team of experts in 1969, reassembled, and treated with a preservative before being put on display.  Also in the museum is the cargo carried by the ship on its last voyage, including 400 wine amphorae, 9,000 almonds, 29 millstones, 4 wooden spoons, 4 jars of oil, 4 salt pots, and 4 casks of alcohol.

Icon Museum/ Church of Panagia Chrysopolitissa:Church of the 18th century now has the finest collection of icons in Kyrenia.

The Crusader Castles of Northern Cyprus:
The crusaders left behind three castles on the Five Finger Mountains: Kantara, Buffavento and St. Hilarion which were used as observation and defence posts. St. Hilarion, the best preserved of the three, was used as a summer residence by the kings of Cyprus. Its crenellated walls look as if they were cut in the rock.  Its square tower shelters a small tavern. Built in the 10th Century during the Byzantine period, used in the middle ages by the Lusignans and destroyed later in the 15th Century by the Venetians, Buffavento Castle is only accessible after quite a sportive walk.  Those courageous enough will not be disappointed by the spectacular view.  It used to be a prison, escape castle and hideaway.
Situated at the beginning of the Karpaz peninsula, the Kantara castle has an unsurpassed view on both north coast and the Mesaoria plain towards Famagusta.

Famagusta

The Ruins of Salamis:
Only a few miles North of Famagusta, you can find the remnants of the ruins of the antique city of Salamis abandoned to the encroaching sand.  It was built in the 11th century BC by Achaean and Anatolian settlers who were soon joined by the refugees who finally abandoned Enkomi-Alasia in 1050 BC.  Salamis is a great site.  The most impressive remains are the theatre and the gymnasium.  The others are the palaestra (vast exercise ground with marble columns), the sudatorium (or sweating room) and the calderium. The excavations are scattered over a square mile of scrub and acacia.  It was in the town of Salamis that St. Paul and St. Barnabas first set foot into Cyprus.

Othello Tower:
A visit to this tower which keeps guard on the port is a must.  It is said that the drama which inspired Shakespeare took place in Famagusta.

St. Nicholas Cathedral:
It became the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in the 16th century, after the Ottoman conquest.  It is a replica, with yellow stones, of the Reims Cathedral in France.

The Monastery of St. Barnabas:It houses a church built in 1756 and the National Museum of Antiquities with objects, especially potteries, discovered at Salamis and Enkomi-Alasia.

Ayios Philon:
This is a 4th Century complex which consists of a peristyle court, a bishop's palace, a basilica and other few buildings.  They were built on the foundations of earlier Roman and Hellenistic structures.  In the 12th Century, a Byzantine church was erected on the site of the earlier Christian basilica.

 Guzelyurt (Morphou)

Guzelyurt is a thriving market town – visit the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.  In spring, the light breezes scatter the white orange blossoms from which you can smell the fragrance around the town, while in other seasons the golden oranges and lemons shine on the trees.  It is an ideal picnic spot for those who want to escape from the noise and rush of city life and to spend the day in the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings.

Guzelyurt Museum:
Contains exhibits from the Neolithic period until the Lusignan period and many items excavated from Soli and Vouni.

St. Mamas’s Monastery:  Guzelyurt was previously a Greek town, and this monastery includes s a superb example of a perfectly preserved GreekOrthodox Church – complete with ornate chandeliers and icons.   The church in the monastery was originally a Byzantine building, built on the site of an Aphrodite temple. It has been reconstructed at various times over the centuries, with most of the buildings dating to the 18th century when the large central dome was added. However, the side portals and columns of the nave survive from an earlier Gothic church built by the Lusignans.

Soli:A lovely road, along the coast, takes you to the discovery of the antique city of Soli with beautiful mosaics and a theatre.  The famous statue of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love, was discovered here.  Soli was a great city, founded in the 6th Century BC.  It was at its most importance during the Roman occupation of Cyprus, and was destroyed during the Arab invasion in the 7th Century.  A Swedish archaeological expedition excavated the Roman amphitheatre in 1930 and an early Christian Basilica and mosaics came to light during the later work by Canadian teams.  Much work remains to be done over the huge site.

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