Güzelyurt
Güzelyurt is a the fourth largest town in North Cyprus, located on Morphou Bay on the West Coast and the name literally means beautiful village. It is one of the most exclusive areas of Cyprus and has an authentic feel and look. The town centre flourishes with shops and restaurants, selling name brands as well as traditional shops and food. The town centre also is home to the Museum of Archaeology and Natural History.
Tourists flock here particularly in the summer season for the monthly long Orange Festival, as well as the Saturday Farmers Market, every Saturday in the town centre selling fresh produce, spices, folk art and much more. It is home to miles of citrus fields with lemons and orange trees abounding. The city has historically been one of the wealthiest due to its citrus exports.
Güzelyurt also has access to the South Cyprus via Bostanci Border so visitors can enjoy the whole island; particularly the Troodos area for the Ski Resort, Wine Vineyards, and Nicosia for its high end shopping.
For properties in this region, please search Guzelyurt listings. We offer a 3 nights inspection visit for you to see for yourself what the region has to offer, view the amazing properties we have to offer and experience the amazing resort.
Things to do
· Aphrodite Surf Club is located on the successful Aphrodite beachfront resort in Gaziveren, and offers year round rentals and lessons in Kite surfing, wave surfing, SUP as well as great water sports activities such as tubing for tourists.
· Güzelyurt Museum of Archaeology and Natural History is a unique museum to the area full of interesting artifacts and animal species dating back to the 13th century.
· The WAVE SPA is due to open in Gaziveren in 2019 – and will provide the most upscale Balinese SPA in the area.
· CMC Golf Course (Yesilyurt) – 2 KM west of Aphrodite you will find the first Golf Course in Cyprus founded in 1926. A nine hole course, right on the sea, offers an affordable round of golf to all!
· A short drive from Güzelyurt there is the Geçitköy Dam. The dam is a man-made phenomenon and has the capacity of 35,000,000 m3. People travel from all over to sit at one of the many viewing points along the edge of the dam and experience the beauty it has to offer.
· Mavi Koşk is another popular attraction Cyprus has to offer. It is a house turned museum of a rumoured gun smuggler who fled the country via a secret tunnel when the house was raided. You cannot see the house from the road but from the house you have a panoramic view of the island. With earthquake proof rooms, milk baths and beautiful grounds, this house offers you a educational experience like no other.
· The Guzelyurt area through to Yesilirmak boasts many organic farms to visit, and quaint villages offering year round festivals. The region is lined with local restaurants overlooking the Med, and great opportunities for water sports including surfing, SUP, boating, jet skiing and much more while discovering beautiful coves and private beaches.
· Troodos Mountains offers a nice option for skiing in the winter, with affordable rentals. Imagine surfing in the morning in Gaziveren, and skiing in the afternoon! With views over Aphrodite and Morphou Bay, Troodos Ski Resort is only a 40 minutes’ drive away!
· There is a coastal road that runs nearly all the way from one end of the Island to the other. Güzelyurt’s part of this road is particularly beautiful, especially around sunset because Güzelyurt is far west of the island and you can spend the early evening ‘chasing the sunset’.
· Picnic areas are dotted around in the forest areas near Güzelyurt which of course is a very natural way to enjoy a day out, meal and it allows you to experience the ‘real Cyprus’.
· Annually North Cyprus’ Air force Türk Yıldızlar (Turkish Stars) and aerialist Solo Türk perform an air show display on the 20th of July, Peace and Freedom Day. It can be seen best from Kyrenia harbour or any bar or restaurant along the sea front in the area.
Beaches
· In Gaziveren, just 5 km west from Guzelyurt, you will find the successful Aphrodite Beachfront Resort Beach – the beach offers lovely scenery, lounge chairs both for residents and visitors. There is a marked seaside path for running and biking, and the plans for the Boardwalk are currently underway from Ahprodite to the Golf Course. Coast & Country offers properties from 36,000 GBP on Aphrodite Beach.
· Caretta Beach and Yayla beach located in Akdeniz consists of a stunning 16 kilometre stretch line of sandy beaches with bike / running paths running alongside offering unspoilt beaches and beautiful scenery.
· Escape beach is the most well-known beach in the area and is a 45 minute drive from Güzelyurt. It has a restaurant and beach bar and lots of water sports to be enjoyed during the summer. Although there is an entry fee you are able to use all of the facilities such as sunbeds, changing rooms, showers and parasols.
· Karşıyaka beach is slightly closer to Güzelyurt than Escape beach although it doesn’t offer as many facilities and water sports. It is equipped with sunbeds and parasols and has a small beach bar and restaurant half way along.
Restaurants
Güzelyurt hosts many bars and restaurants with a wide range of cuisine and location options and varied entertainment options throughout the year. Below we have listed a few of Trip Advisors best rated places to visit.
· Joya bar and Bistro (located at Aphrodite Beachfront Resort, Gaziveren) – Offering an incredible a la carte menu with sea views and a beach bar to enjoy. Joya offers local and European cuisine, and has some of the best Indian cuisine on the island. Enjoy dinner, a drink at the beach bar, sunset, and a stroll on the beach.
· Lavadia Restaurant – (Gaziveren) Located next to Aphrodite, Lavadia has a lovely large garden overlooking the sea, a nice play area and some exotic birds to entertain your kids. Serving some of the best traditional Cypriot dishes in town. Live music weekly.
· Argonia Garden Restaurant (Gaziveren)– Booking recommended. Fantastic restaurant and bakery serving freshly baked traditional goods with their meals. Try the breakfast and don’t forget to stop in their shop to take home some goodies and folk art as well!
· Swan of Soli – (Gemikonağı ) Located west of Gaziveren, this restaurant has a reputation of the best fresh fish on the island always offering the catch of the day! Overlooking the sea, the restaurant serves traditional meat dishes as well, and even pizza and pastas. Don’t forget to enjoy the fresh baked bread from their outdoor traditional ovens with some fresh humus!
· Aspava Restaurant (Gemikonağı ) – Located on the seafront, with a small beach, fantastic docked boat and deck to dine and sunbathe on and full service menu.
· Pizza Vira – Located in Guzelyurt this is a fun pizza hang out. Italian, Mexican, Chinese, American and Turkish
· Erson Hoca Organic Farm (Yesilimak) – One of the most beautiful stops in North Cyprus, nearing to the border leading to Soli in South Cyprus. This lovely farm has more than a great restaurant to offer. There is a lovely walking path through the rolling fields with phenomenal views. There are options to go through the fields to pick fresh organic fruits, most popular in the strawberry season. There are also a few guest rooms to stay overnight.
· Sabur (Nicosia Old City) – lovely Italian and Portuguese restaurant in Nicosia’s Old Walled City, just nect to the great mosque and the pedestrian streets of shops, food and more shops! Live music, great cocktails, perfect dining!
Hotels
· Aphrodite Beach Front Village is a beachfront resort with hotel like amenities and offers activities such as kite surfing, paddle boarding, canoeing, bike tours and yoga and pilates classes. It also has a spa, fitness centre and wellness centre.
www.aphroditebeachfront.com
· Vouni King Hotel and Restaurant is a sea front hotel with a restaurant specializing in fish. The hotel offers activities such as bird monitoring and scuba diving. The restaurant uses fresh produce from the local farmers and also offers crop collecting trips.
For properties in this region, please search Guzelyurt and Gaziveren listings. We offer a 3 nights inspection visit for you to see for yourself what the region has to offer, view our fantastic property options and experience the amazing resort.
Kyrenia
Kyrenia (Girne) is the soul of Northern Cyprus, where you can experience the contrast of modern and traditional equally while sat in a restaurant or bar. The old cobblestoned roads demonstrate the traditional side of Cyprus while the modern restaurants and hotels dotted around it show off the modern influence on the town. The Kyrenia region spans the villages from Karşıyaka to Çatalköy and hosts miles of beaches, a stunning Old Harbor and castle, and many bars and restaurants.
Things to do
Kyrenia Castle is popular with both tourists and locals. The castle is from the 16th century and in recent years has been preserved to educate people about North Cyprus’ history.
Kyrenia Animal Rescue is Cyprus’ animal rescue charity and would be a unique day out for animal lovers to pet, walk and visit the animal rescue. You can see the wonderful work put into the charity and witness the love animals are given in a country where there is an abundance of pets that need a loving new home.
Kyrenia has many shops selling traditional Cyprus and Turkish folk art, pottery, trinkets, souvenirs, food and of course Turkish Delight sweets!
Kyrenia also has modern European brand name shops such as Nike, Swarofski, and Mango.
A day out shopping in Kyrenia is a unique experience and a lot of fun.
Further out from central Kyrenia is a village called Lapta. Lapta has a well-known coastal path that has been built in recent years and delivers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. Recently there has been an extension built on the original coastal path and it now contains a unique over sea metal walk-way where you can see the Mediterranean shore splashing under your feet.
Annually North Cyprus’ Air force Türk Yıldızlar (Turkish Stars) and aerialist Solo Türk perform an air show display on the 20th of July, Peace and Freedom Day. It can be seen best from Kyrenia harbor or any bar or restaurant along the sea front in the area.
Mountain walks, both relaxing and more energetic are a popular activity in North Cyprus. Miles of forests and man-made walking paths encourage residents and tourists to experience the raw beauty of Mother Nature.
Boat trips are readily available all over North Cyprus, particularly from the Old Harbour in Kyrenia.
Lunch on the old harbor and a walk through the cobble stoned streets is a perfect way to get to experience Kyrenia in its best form.
Restaurants and Bars
Kyrenia hosts many bars and restaurants with a wide range of cuisine and location options and varied entertainment options throughout the year. Below we have listed a few of Trip Advisors best rated places to visit.
Efendi Restaurant and Bar – Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options and Gluten Free
Café de Liman – European, Mediterranean, Seafood Turkish, Vegetarian Friendly and Vegan
Kamares Indian Restaurant – Indian, Asian, Balti and Vegetarian Friendly
Morellis Cypriot Authentic Bar and Restaurant – Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly and Gluten Free Options
Hürdeniz Fish Restaurant – Seafood, Mediterranean, Turkish and Gluten Free Options
Hotels and Casinos
Rocks Hotel and Casino is located on the harbor of Kyrenia. There is a bar called Onyx which is enjoyed by many of an evening in this hotel. Rocks Hotel also has a luxury spa and casino area for you to enjoy if you are a guest or as a day pass for people who aren’t staying in the hotel.
The Merit hotel chain is quite well known throughout North Cyprus. They have hotels in Kyrenia, Lefkoşa and Famagusta and offer a wide range of things to do. They also have spas, casinos and gyms. The Merit offer day passes for those who aren’t staying at the hotel to enjoy their facilities such as swimming pools, beach and beach bars and the spa and gym. Lunch and dinner passes are also available for their buffet food. Throughout the Merits there are Fish restaurants, Italian restaurants, Steak restaurants, and Traditional Turkish restaurants which are all open to the public when pre-booked.
Beaches
Escape beach is the most well-known beach in the Kyrenia Region. It has a restaurant and beach bar and lots of water sports to be enjoyed during the summer. Although there is an entry fee you are able to use all of the facilities such as sunbeds, changing rooms, showers and parasols.
Golden Bay is another popular beach in a small cove of the island. Water sports, restaurants and beach bars are available here as well as facilities such as toilets, changing rooms and sunbeds.
Mare Monte beach is a Government owned beach that has recently been re-opened with a small beach bar and restaurant. It is much quieter and more relaxed than many other beaches on the island.
Bellapais
Bellapais, more so than other towns and villages in North Cyprus, is being preserved and is known for its historical influence on the Island. It is situated in the the mountain ranges and offers stunning panoramic views all year round. Bellapais has a literary influence on history due to Lawrence Durrell, a famous British writer and poet, living there and writing about his life, experiences and surroundings. It is home to the beautiful ancient Bellapais Monestary and stunning elevated views of Cyprus as well as popular restaurants, gift shops and delicate scenery.
Things to do
Bellapais Abbey is the famous historical attraction in Bellapais. Researchers believe it built in the 13th century and has been preserved and transformed into an attraction for people to visit and learn about the history of the island. It is also a very popular location for weddings in North Cyprus due to the stunning grounds, natural beauty and unique surroundings.
Lawrence Durrell’s home from the 1950’s is also a place to visit in Bellapais. He wrote his book ‘Bitter Lemons’ whilst living in this house and was awarded the Duffer Cooper Prize in 1957. The house is now a private residence and is only open to visitors in September.
Annually Bellapais Abbey hosts music festivals in May and June. The festival consists of classical music, choirs, opera singers and brass band concerts. You will find advertisement regarding the dates of these festivals around Kyrenia.
On the 20th of July, Peace and Freedom Day, North Cyprus’ Air force Türk Yıldızlar (Turkish Stars) and aerialist Solo Türk perform an air show display. It can be seen best from Kyrenia harbor or any bar or restaurant along the sea front in the area.
Not far from Bellapais you will find the town of Kyrenia. Kyrenia has an abundance of restaurants, shops, activities and sights to see. You can have lunch around the horse-shoe shaped harbor and arrange a boat trip or paragliding adventure from here. Kyrenia expertly combines traditional with modern so you have the choice of relaxing in a quiet café, taking a stroll down quaint cobblestone streets or enjoying the benefits from one of the many designer dupe shops Cyprus has to offer.
Korineum Golf and Beach Resort is another popular place to visit in North Cyprus, even if you are not staying there. They have an 18 hold championship Golf Course, driving range, tennis courts, swimming pool and a private beach. Korineum attracts customers from all over Europe to experience the unique feel North Cyprus offers. It is in the Esentepe region, only 12 minutes drive from Bellapais.
Restaurants and Bars
Bellapais hosts many bars and restaurants with a wide range of cuisine and location options and varied entertainment options throughout the year. Below we have listed a few of Trip Advisors best rated places to visit.
Bellapais Gardens Restaurant – International, Mediterranean, European and Turkish
Stone Cavern – International and European
Bella Moon – Mediterranean, European and Turkish
Rafters Restaurant and Bar – Indian, European and Pakistani
Kybele Restaurant and Bar – Mediterranean, European and Turkish
Five Fingers Restaurant and Bar – Mediterranean, BBQ, Turkish, Greek and Grill
Grida Fish Restaurant – Seafood
Hotels
Bellapais Gardens offers Luxury rooms, cottages and mini villas. The hotel offers activities depending on the time of year and was awarded the Best Boutique Hotel in the World in 2012. The hotel is well known for their restaurant which serves a wide range of cuisine and wine.
Bellapais Monastery Village is a luxury hotel with panoramic views of Kyrenia. The hotel offers entertainment, spa, two swimming pools, a library and a free courtesy bus to Kyrenia every day. They have small villas and hotel rooms to choose to stay in and have a roof top restaurant offering stunning views whilst enjoying a meal.
Esentepe
With one of the most picturesque villages along the Mediterranean coast, there is no surprise that in recent years Esentepe has become the heart of real estate in Northern Cyprus. The beauty of Esentepe is that you can experience the luxury of 5* Hotels and Casinos yet still appreciate the elegance of nature in the mountain ranges, along undisturbed beaches and even in your own back garden.
Beaches
Alagadi is Cyprus’ most famous beach and is well known for the hatching of Loggerhead Turtles and its long stretches of golden beaches. It consists of two bays, one hosting a gorgeous beach bar and restaurant and the other scattered with natural rock pools which are warm due to the Mediterranean Sun.
Korineum 5* Golf and Spa Resort has a private beach. It is 70m long with a Beach Snack Bar, and has facilities such as changing rooms, outdoor showers and toilets.
Esentepe Town Beach is a fairly new beach in the area, hosting a volleyball court and large restaurant which is open all day every day. It has sun loungers and parasols perched along the shore welcoming both residents and tourists.
Aqua Beach is a lovely small cove in Kucuk Erenkoy, quite undiscovered and certainly magical.
Restaurants and Bars
Esentepe hosts many bars and restaurants with a wide range of cuisine and location options and varied entertainment options throughout the year. Below we have listed a few of Trip Advisors best rated places to visit.
Joya Bar and Bistro at Crystal Bay Marina – Incredible Indian, Turkish and European cuisine with a lovely indoor bar, fireplace, and Tiki Outdoor Bar with fantastic cocktails.
Spiced Garden Indian Restaurant and Bar – Indian, Asian and Vegetarian Friendly
Stone Castle – Mediterranean, European and International
Remzi’s Restaurant – Mediterranean, Turkish and Vegetarian Friendly
The Coconut – Caribbean, Jamaican and Vegetarian Friendly
Roots Bar – Night Life and Wide Range of Food
Sea Breeze Bar and Restaurant – Mediterranean, Turkish, Seafood, European, Vegetarian Friendly
Hotels and Resorts
Elexus is a luxury 5* Hotel located in Esentepe. It has a water park, spa, casino, concerts, beach club, bar, children’s entertainment area and many other activities and facilities to use throughout the year. Inside the hotel there are also many restaurants to choose from including five luxury A’la Carte restaurants.
Korineum Golf and Beach Resort is another popular place in Esentepe to visit, even if you are not staying there. They have an 18 hold championship Golf Course, driving range, tennis courts, swimming pool and beach. Korineum attracts customers from all over Europe to experience the unique feel North Cyprus offers.
Things to do in Esentepe
Playing a round of golf at Korineum Golf Club and Beach Resort.
Visit the Spa at either Korineum or Elexus.
Boat trips are readily available all over North Cyprus.
Kyrenia Animal Rescue is not far from Esentepe and would be a unique day out for animal lovers to pet, walk and visit the animal rescue.
Have a day out at the water park in Elexus hotel.
Bellapais is home to beautiful ancient monasteries and stunning elevated views of Cyprus as well as popular restaurants, gift shops and delicate scenery.
Crystal Bay Marina is a community in Esentepe with bars and restaurants on site, Joya Bar and Bistro. Weekly there are fitness classes hosted and Joya Bar and Bistro hosts live entertainment nights, quiz nights and holiday related dinners and entertainment. There is also a fantastic mountain hiking trail beginning at Crystal Bay Marina to explore, and Aqua Beach located just opposite as one of the loveliest points in Cyprus.
Five Finger Mountains is a natural phenomenon in the mountain ranges of Kyrenia. You can see the shape of a fist from ground level and are able to go up the mountains and have dinner in the ‘Five Fingers Restaurant’ commonly known as ‘Beş Parmak’
Roots Bar offers live Reggae Music and food weekly.
Coconuts Cafe offers a unique experience of gourmet Cajun food nearly year round. Located in Baceli in Crystal Bay Village, its important to book your table to avoid disappointment. Do not forget to taste their homemade rums!
Famagusta
Famagusta was once the Mediterranean’s go-to glamour resort, with miles of sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters; it attracted thousands of people every year with the famous harbor being used to transport both people and goods in and out of Cyprus. Famagusta was one of the locations in Northern Cyprus deeply affected by the 1974 divide between the North and the South, and areas still remain heavily protected and preserved by the Turkish Army as a reminder of what happened to their beautiful town.
Restaurants
Famagusta hosts many bars and restaurants with a wide range of cuisine and location options and varied entertainment options throughout the year. Below we have listed a few of Trip Advisors best rated places to visit.
Eziç – Mediterranean, European, Turkish, Grill, Vegetarian Friendly, Halal and Vegan
Salamis Chinese Restaurant – Chinese, Sushi and Asian
Petek Pastanesi – Café, Mediterranean, Turkish, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan and Gluten Free
Duayen Meyhanesi – Mediterranean, BBQ and Turkish
Arabian Restaurant – Lebanese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Egyptian and Arabic
Beckett – Café, Mediterranean, and Lunch
Things to do
Annually North Cyprus’ Air force Türk Yıldızlar (Turkish Stars) and aerialist Solo Türk perform an air show display on the 20th of July, Peace and Freedom Day. It can be seen best from Kyrenia harbor or any bar or restaurant along the sea front in the area.
Since the divide of Cyprus in 1974, an area of Famagusta has been barricaded off and highly protected by the army in the state it was left in. Photographs and leaving your car are forbidden, although in certain areas when driving by you can see bullet holes in the buildings, washing still hanging up and house hold belongings that were left behind in the citizens flee out of their homes. It is truly a unique sight to see and a reminder of what Cyprus had to build itself up from after the war.
Dip Karpaz (often known as the ‘Pan Handle’) is a breathtaking adventure not far from Famagusta. It is where the island thins out into a point towards Turkey with golden sands running undisturbed for miles. In Karpaz you experience the unspoilt beauty of North Cyprus with unobscured panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Karpaz is also known for its donkeys and has a donkey protection area where you can see hundreds of wild donkeys roaming free.
North Cyprus has 380 recorded species of birds, most of them migrating from Africa to Europe and is a popular location for bird watching. Spring and autumn is the time when millions of birds are flying over and stopping in Cyprus, however you can still see amazing birds all throughout the year.
Salamis is an ancient Greek city and the earliest archeological finds go back to the 11th century BC. The original mosaic floors and walls still exist as well as the famous amphitheater. Tours around Salamis Ruins are available though you can visit without a tour guide and read signs and research on the internet further information if it interests you.
Hotels
Arkin Palm Beach is a luxury sea front hotel located in Famagusta. The hotel offers spa facilities, a beach club and a choice of restaurants and bars.
Noah’s Ark Deluxe Hotel and Spa is designed to fuse the Noah’s Ark legend with modern details. The hotel itself has a spa, casino, children’s club, Aqua Park, beach and multiple pools. There is a wide range of restaurant and bar choices throughout the hotel which you are welcome to visit even if you do not stay in the hotel.
First class services are offered in Salamis Bay Conti Hotel and it has facilities such as a pool, games, live music, a spa, casino and many more. Fitness classes, belly dancing classes, activities nights, pool games and discos are some of the activities the hotel offers. The hotel also has many bars and restaurants to choose from.
Beaches
Silver beach is a clean, safe and beautiful beach. It offers facilities such as sun beds, parasols and changing rooms. There is a beach side restaurant and bar which offers snacks and cold drinks.
Bafra public beach is another clean beach in Famagusta. It has a snacks bar and showering facilities. Sunbeds, parasols and toilets are also provided.
Glapsides has been voted the second most beautiful beach in North Cyprus behind Karpaz. It has an affordable beach bar and restaurant, changing and bathroom facilities and sunbeds and parasols. The beach is kept very clean and the water is shallow, perfect for families.
Nicosia
Nicosia (Lefkoşa) is the Capital of North Cyprus. Most people visit Nicosia to shop, dine, and explore.
The new modern area and Main Street is called Dereboyu and boasts name brand shops such as Nike, Vans and more, as well as excellent restaurants. The new Avenue cinema offers a fantastic night out to enjoy a movie, explore the shops and even have a beer at the Irish Pub!
Restaurants and Bars
Nicosia hosts many bars and restaurants with a wide range of cuisine and location options and varied entertainment options throughout the year. Below we have listed a few of Trip Advisors best rated places to visit.
Little Italy – Italian
Gomsu Kebap – Turkish and Grill
Parneez Restaurant – Middle Eastern
Istah Restaurant – Mediterranean, Turkish, BBQ, Greek and Middle Eastern
Meatballs Burger House – American, Italian and Steakhouse
Oldsamdan – Italian, Mexican, American, Steakhouse and European
Hangover Café and Bar – Turkish
Ghetto – Various (and a favorite for burgers!)
Things to do
One of the main focus points of Nicosia is the shopping. The two main areas to shop are Dereboyu and Ledra Street. Both are dotted with cafes and restaurants to enjoy a drink or some food at.
Nicosia is full of culture and personality. Many people enjoy walking round the streets of central Nicosia and absorbing the unique atmosphere it offers.
Büyük Han is Cyprus’ best preserved example of Ottoman architecture. The courtyard is now home to several cafes and shops where you can find traditional crafts and souvenirs.
The Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus is located in Nicosia and offers three floors of preserved local craftwork, furniture, wood work and day to day objects. You are guided through the museum by the owner who has glorious knowledge of the artifacts.
Hotels
Merit Lefkoşa Hotel and Casino offers traditional Hammam (Turkish bath), indoor and outdoor pools and a casino. The hotel offers bars and restaurants and is located close to the shops and boarder.
City Royal Hotel and Casino provides accommodation, a spa and wellness center, casino and fitness center.
Cypriot Swallow Boutique Hotel is a quaint hotel in Nicosia offering a traditional feel to your stay. It is in a prime location for touristic attractions and offers a bed and breakfast service.
Golden Tulip Hotel and Casino offers well equipped hotel rooms, restaurants and spa and casino facilities. In the summer the outdoor pool has a pool bar and stunning view.