Cyprus Turkish and Greek parts. Mare Monte beach

We decided to go to Northern Cyprus after a few months of living in Southern Cyprus. Today we will tell and show what the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is and how to get there.

History of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The Cyprus conflict is still an acute political issue not only for the inhabitants of the island itself, but for the whole world as a whole. How did it happen that Cyprus was divided into two parts - Turkish and Greek? Historically, there were two communities on the island - Greek (the most numerous) and Turkish. Contradictions between them arose long before the division of the island into two parts. However, Cyprus remained unified until 1974, when a military coup took place on the island.

On July 15 of that year, a military coup took place: the ruler of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III (after whom, by the way, streets in almost every city in Cyprus are named), was overthrown. The Turkish authorities, and, immediately sent troops to northern part Cyprus. Those, in turn, occupied about 35 percent of the island. The Greek Cypriots abandoned their homes, fearing a threat, and fled from the war to southern part islands. Cyprus was divided into two parts.

Turkish and Greek part of the island on the map of Cyprus - Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus:

Almost ten more years passed when the Turkish community suddenly declared its independence for the whole civilized world, in 1983 calling itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". This act, as contrary to all international norms, was condemned by the world community. Northern Cyprus was officially recognized only by Turkey.

Since then, there are actually two states in Cyprus. One of them is the Republic of Cyprus, a member of the European Union and an internationally recognized state in the southern part of the island. The second is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a self-proclaimed entity by the Turks. So far, nothing has changed for the better in this regard.

How to get to Northern Cyprus?

Exists two ways to get to Northern Cyprus:

• air travel with mandatory landing in Turkey. There are no direct flights due to the international position of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, although there is an airport in Northern Cyprus.
• come from South Cyprus by car.

The second way seems to us more attractive, since getting a visa to Cyprus is very simple. In addition, you can visit the entire island, not just the northern part.

Flights to Cyprus are inexpensive. Planes at Larnaca/Paphos airport land from dozens of countries around the world, including Russia. Plus, you won't need to make an extra stopover in Turkey.

We searched for and booked our air tickets to the Republic of Cyprus here. Try to see for yourself how cheap it is to fly to the island.

Do Russians need a visa to Northern Cyprus?

So, do you need any special visa to visit Northern Cyprus? Visa for Russians for a trip to Northern Cyprus need not. You can get to Northern Cyprus from the southern part of the island if you have a Schengen visa or a multiple entry Cypriot visa. A Cyprus pro-visa is also suitable for traveling to the northern part of the island. That is, if you are legally on southern Cyprus, at any time you can go to the north - a separate visa for Northern Cyprus is not required.

So, the next question on visiting Northern Cyprus is the passage passport control to the TRNC.

Passport control in Northern Cyprus

When traveling to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, you will have to go through two controls - Greek and Turkish.

Passport control to Northern Cyprus you can walk in Nicosia, divided by two sides, or in Famagusta. The Greek side takes your passports / permits, checks something in their electronic database, returns the documents in a minute. There are no stamps and migration cards now. The passport is not stamped.

Checkpoint at the Turkish Cypriot border, Nicosia:

The Turkish checkpoint is usually passed in 15 minutes - it will be necessary get car insurance, a special one that operates in Northern Cyprus. This can be done in one of the booths at the checkpoint, you will not pass by. We had a rented car, the employee sitting inside the booth glanced at the papers and issued insurance. Insurance for Northern Cyprus can be purchased for a minimum of 3 days, and a maximum of a month. The cost of insurance for three days is about 20 euros.

With this insurance, you move on. At the Turkish "border" they also do not make marks in the passport. Please note that the purchase of insurance at the control when traveling to Northern Cyprus is a mandatory procedure. No car rental company in Cyprus will issue you with insurance suitable for driving in Northern Cyprus. For the whole world, this country simply does not exist.

A full tank is better to fill up for another south side. Traffic in Northern Cyprus the same as in southern republic Cyprus, left side.

And immediately you are met by the Turkish flag on the mountain - it can also be seen from Nicosia, the last city in the world, divided into two parts during the war. They say that this flag incredibly infuriates the Greek Cypriots - they can be understood.

In general, the flags of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are put up at every step so that you suddenly do not forget where you are. By the way, they didn’t bother with the flag - the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has it identical to the Turkish one, only on a white background.

When you cross the border with Northern Cyprus and find yourself in the territory of the TRNC, immediately notice what kind of devastation begins. It can be seen that the Turks are not as accurate as the Cypriots.

Time in Northern Cyprus seemed to have stopped. Everywhere you can find abandoned houses and forgotten cars, and the posters are still from the 70s.

What to see in North Cyprus

A quick tip to save time when traveling in the TRNC: visit cities only to eat. There are only two large cities in Northern Cyprus, not counting Nicosia. These are Famagusta and Kyrenia.

Kyrenia- enough pretty town, a charming mix of cultures - Venetian heritage, Turkish identity. It is worth staying here for a couple of hours and taking a walk in the port and on the embankment, look into the Kyrenia Castle.

All the most interesting in Northern Cyprus lies outside big cities. This and Buffavento, the ruins of which are picturesquely scattered over the mountains of the northern part of the island. Lovers of touching history - a must visit!

But the most beautiful part of Northern Cyprus - Karpas Peninsula. Here is the most East End islands, Cape Apostle Andrew, from where you can see how the northern and South coast converge at one point. And a chic place, a real attraction of Northern Cyprus - Golden Beach. This is the most beautiful beach in Cyprus in general - and north and south! Due to its remoteness from civilization and political position TRNC, there are almost no tourists here. At all. And this means that you will be alone on the golden sands of that wonderful beach.

Worth a visit if you find yourself in Famagusta quarter of Varosha, which was once the most popular resort on the island. Now the quarter is closed, the houses are dilapidated and falling apart. You can look into the past and touch the history of the occupation of Varosha through the fence from the beach of Famagusta. Don't be afraid of the soldiers with weapons patrolling the border with Varosha. But it is worth remembering: you can not take photos here.

Report on the trip to the Karpas Peninsula, Famagusta and the Varosha quarter in Northern Cyprus:

If we talk about other TRNC beaches, Turkey has nothing to brag about. Beaches in North Cyprus dirty and paid, clogged with tourists. It is better to go to the Golden Beach on Karpas, or spend time on one of the beaches of South Cyprus. Fortunately, there are a lot of them, for every taste and color: awarded blue flag the beaches of Ayia Napa, the majestic Kourion, the white stone beach of Governor’s Beach, the picturesque and so on.

There is nothing to do at all on the western side of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. There is no civilization from the word at all: some godforsaken Turkish villages, goats run across the road, and in some places there are brothels.

As a summary: all the most interesting things in Northern Cyprus are located between Kyrenia (Girne) and the Karpas Peninsula.

Read detailed itinerary in Southern and Northern Cyprus with coordinates:

If you are traveling to the TRNC with an overnight stay, you can book a hotel in Northern Cyprus here:

General impressions of a trip to Northern Cyprus

What can be brought results from our trip to Northern Cyprus?

• General impression: beautiful, but sad. Northern Cyprus has great tourism potential. The most beautiful Golden Beach was once filled with tourists, Varosha was generally the most popular resort in the country, and the ruins of castles and the cleanliness of the streets were taken care of properly. Now everything conjures up the idea that the Turks do not care. Turkey treats the northern part of the island as an occupied territory, which no one needs to monitor and spend money on. What is sad - it is.
• Dirt and trash.It is very sad! Everywhere cigarette butts and plastic bottles(even at the top of the same castle of St. Hilarion they made a mini-garbage dump). The saddest thing is that it is not foreigners who are shitting, but Turks! I saw it many times with my own eyes.
  Well, how is it possible?

Garbage in the port of Kyrenia

Garbage in the castle of St. Hilarion

• Definitely worth a trip to Northern Cyprus. It's very beautiful nature and mountains. In Northern Cyprus, much more trees and greenery than in South Cyprus. Despite the small area of ​​the island, the nature in the TRNC is completely different. Lots of castles and historical buildings.
• Walkthrough Turkish border from South Cyprus to North not as scary as they say. Documents are not taken away, nothing is put in the passport.
• Be careful! Check all checks, study the menu and information about mandatory payments for services (prices for parking, etc.). It is possible that parking or a sun lounger is actually free or cheaper. Everyone is trying to make money on you: deceive, say a different price, rip off money. Beaches are paid, toilets too. If you are going to the museum, keep in mind: in addition to the entrance ticket, you will have to unfasten money for parking. In the castle of St. Hilarion, even the toilet was paid.
• Prices in Northern Cyprus lower than in the South. Therefore, you can afford a little more. For example, beautiful apartments or even a villa. All prices are in Turkish Lira.

We happened to live in Cyprus whole year, resulting in a lot of posts and guides 🙂
For travelers in the southern part of Cyprus - articles by tag.
And for those who are going to go to Northern Cyprus, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the posts on the tag. There are many beautiful and interesting places worth seeing. Several photos with the sights of Northern Cyprus can be seen in the photo gallery below.

When they talk about a trip to Cyprus, they usually mean southern Cyprus, Greek, well known to many Russians resort towns Limassol, Pithos, Larnaca. But not only the Republic of Cyprus is located on this island, but also the still unrecognized state of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the majority of whose population is Turkish Cypriots. Although the state is “illegal”, whose territory is considered occupied by Turkey, it still exists, accepts planes and ferries from Turkey, develops tourism, opens hotels and restaurants and is quite suitable for a pleasant stay with children.

I will not delve into history and politics, I will only remind you that once Cyprus was territorially intact, although in the post-antique period it changed many “owners”: Greece, Turkey, the Venetian Republic, England left their mark on the history and culture of the Cypriots. In the twentieth century, Cyprus gained the desired independence, but ... the Greeks and Turks could not get along on the same island, which led to tragic events, the result of which was the introduction of troops by Turkey in 1978 to that part of the island, where more Turkish population lived.

This led to the division of the island into two parts along ethnic lines. Moreover, the Greek political entity was recognized all over the world and even accepted in the EU, but the Turkish (legally unrecognized) one was not lucky in this regard. Turkey is practically the only one that recognizes the TRNC and invests a lot of money in its development.

It should be noted that the British military base, as well as the American University at Girne (GAU). And yet the island is one, the climate, nature without differences, and several hundred years of coexistence brought the Greeks and Turkish Cypriots together not only in terms of economy, but also culture, mentality, customs and even cuisine.

Therefore, if someone has already been to Greek Cyprus, they will find many similarities on the Turkish side, although they will note some differences, including those with a minus sign. This is quite understandable, since the "non-recognition" of Northern Cyprus affects its economic development, there is a certain separation from the common European culture.

And at the same time, a trip to Northern Cyprus promises you not only quite civilized rest, but also some advantages compared to the Greek side, which I want to dwell on in more detail.

Firstly, a visa is not required to enter the TRNC, it is stamped directly at Ercan Airport, and you don’t even need to show a hotel voucher or return tickets, it is enough to inform about the purpose of arrival - tourism. A visa is issued to everyone for 30 days, if necessary - up to 90 days. The employees at the airport speak fluent English language, as well as in hotels and restaurants, in addition, now there are already a lot of Russian-speaking staff, because many immigrants from other countries have come to work here former USSR(Moldova, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, etc.), the Russian diaspora is about 5 thousand. The English diaspora is quite numerous (about 50,000).

It is not difficult to get to Northern Cyprus from Moscow, however, only in transit through Istanbul or Ankara, but there are many flights throughout the day. Planes also fly from Antalya, Izmir and Adana. A catamaran also runs from Antalya to the resort of Girne (Kyrenia). So vacation in Turkey can be combined with sightseeing trip in TRNC. Well, from South Cyprus you can independently get to the northern part of the island through the capital Nicosia by border crossing to the Turkish part of the city - Lefkosha, well, or take a sightseeing trip.

Secondly, which is very significant - holidays in Northern Cyprus are somewhat cheaper than in Southern Cyprus, although the global economic crisis noted here as well. This has affected local prices for both food and tourism services, as well as the social sphere: utility bills, travel by public transport, and so on. And yet, hotel accommodation, car rental, entertainment will cost you a little cheaper than in Europe.
The local currency in TRNC is Turkish lira(TL - tele), now it is about 17-18 rubles. for the lyre.

Thirdly, during the partition, the Turks got the most flat and fertile lands, olive and citrus groves, so during the season there is expanse of cheap vegetables and fruits. And in the vicinity of Guzelyurt there are famous strawberry plantations. Strawberry season - February-June, citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruits) - from November to spring, then there are fewer of them and, accordingly, they are more expensive. From March-April, vegetables begin to become cheaper, they are harvested here up to three crops a year. Since May, you can already buy local watermelons and melons, quite tasty. The potatoes are very tasty, which is facilitated by the local red earth. Of course there is a problem with fresh water, irrigation, but this is successfully solved with the help of drip irrigation technology.

Fourthly, the Turks got and beautiful beaches(Acapulco, Escape, etc., including tortoiseshells, on which at certain times sea turtles crawl out of the waters to lay eggs. One of the most famous is Alagadi beach near Girne. The "beak" of the island is the Karpas Peninsula (eastern part of the island ) is known for its many kilometers of golden beaches with the purest sand. But if you are going to the beaches of Karpaz, then keep in mind that the sand here warms up so much that you can’t get to the edge of the sea without shoes with thick soles, it’s so scalding hot (slates are absolutely not suitable here). In the northern part of the island, the most famous resorts since the “pre-war” times are Kyrenia (Girne) and Famagusta (Mausha).

Fifthly, Northern Cyprus is a place for a relaxing holiday, which is why it is good for families with children. There are no crowds of tourists, the beaches are free and calm. There are no noisy discos on the beaches until the morning, thundering music, intrusive service. On the street you will not see drunks, homeless people rummaging through garbage containers. There is very low crime here. You can safely walk around the city at night, let your child go alone or go to the store, although the police are almost invisible. Of course, modern “civilization” brings problems with the consumption of drugs, alcohol, and criminal acts here, but they do not affect tourists much.

And, finally, it is on the northern part of the island that the most famous historical and archaeological monuments and sights of Cyprus are located. It was somewhere here that Aphrodite emerged from the sea (it seems that everyone has their own place), here were the ancient ancient city-states of Salamis and Soloy, St. The Apostle Andrew founded the monastery, the castles of the French royal dynasty of Louisiana were located, and the events described by Shakespeare in the tragedy Othello took place in the tower of the Famagusta fortress. Venetian fortresses, French castles, ancient amphitheaters, Catholic churches, Orthodox churches and monasteries, Muslim mosques, ancient caravanserais and hamams - this part of Cyprus is generously strewn with the remnants of former civilizations and cultures, which will interest the most sophisticated traveler.

If after such an introduction you decide to take a purposeful trip to the TRNC, then I advise you to stop your eyes on the main and most developed resort of Girne. He also has very comfortable position in the center of the north coastline islands, from where you can get to the airport in half an hour by bus or minibus, an hour west to Famagusta or west to Guzelyurt ( bus station located close to central embankment at the Colony Casino. At independent travel from the airport to the city you can take a taxi (this option is more suitable for the first time) or a comfortable bus that takes you to the very center of the city.

Accommodation

You can book a hotel on your own via the Internet or through a travel agency, preferably a local one, there are those with Russian-speaking staff. With them, you can solve the transfer issue, excursion service, car rental.

If you are going to rest for more than 2 weeks, then it makes sense to rent an apartment in an ordinary city house, it is better even in a suburb close to the city, by the sea, or a separate house, which will cheaper than living In a hotel. In Girne itself there are many small and cheap hotels, in the suburbs there are large hotel complexes on the first line by the sea. One of these large ones is "Acapulco" east of Girne, which has a large water park. The hotels are quite civilized, of different stars, with a full range of services and entertainment, all sorts of SPA, their own beaches.

From public transport in Girne and its resort suburbs (Lapta, Belapais, Chatalkoy, etc.) - only a minibus (in the city - 3 lira, children under 10 years old - free of charge). Most Cypriots have cars, because without a car it can be difficult to get to some places.
There are telephone call centers in the city, usually located in Internet cafes, from where you can call home very inexpensively. It will be much cheaper even if you buy a local sim card for your mobile phone.

If you live in the city, then you need to go to the beach outside the city, because it is not recommended to swim in the city. In addition to hotel beaches, there are municipal ones, for example, Savarona, west of Girne, towards Lapta. But in the midst bathing season they also become paid, like hotel rooms for third-party visitors. But if you do not use a sun lounger, then in some places you can get a job for free.

Entertainment

Life in Cyprus, both Northern and Southern, goes on slowly, measuredly, which, of course, contributes to the hot climate. Cypriots prefer gatherings with relatives, friends or neighbors over a cup of strong coffee or tea to any activity. Young people gather in trendy cafes that serve a variety of soft drinks with a minimum of food.

Local residents are very calm about the issue of entertainment, especially since the majority of Turkish Cypriots are Muslims and particularly noisy modern fun is not welcome here. There are no big entertainment centers, mega-parks, theaters and other establishments that residents of Russian and other megacities are accustomed to.

But the beaches have a full set water activities: bananas, parachutes, scooters, surfing with diving. In Girne itself, you can take a boat trip on a sailing ship or sea fishing on the waterfront. For sports enthusiasts, there are large sports fields and tennis courts, as well as golf courses.

There are no large parks here, but children can be taken to mini-parks, or rather squares, with playgrounds on a soft surface. The most equipped in the city center is the Barysh park. There is a mini-zoo with peacocks and various poultry, rabbits, decorative birds, a pond with aquatic turtles, trampolines and a carousel, fitness equipment. Attractions cost 3 lira, time on trampolines is limited to 15 minutes, but if there are few children, then no one will kick the child out, jump as much as you want.

The same small parks with playgrounds exist in all cities of the TRNC, but larger amusement parks have begun to appear, for example, in Lefkosa, with a more diverse set of attractions. Not so long ago, in the suburbs of Girne, a cinema with 3D equipment (Russian investments) and an artificial skating rink (this is already funded by Ukrainians) appeared. On the route passing by Girne from the capital to Guzelyurt, there is a large bowling alley with a hall of various attractions and slot machines for all ages. I don’t know how it pays off, but there are usually very few visitors there, so no one bothers to have fun almost alone.

Well, for adults - casinos, of which there are a great many, including in large hotels. In the casino you can play not only at the gaming table, but also just play slot machines.

The cuisine here, of course, has an oriental flavor, i.e. with an abundance of spices, which you need to consider when visiting street cafes and restaurants. Therefore, when ordering a dish, it is better to check with the waiter whether it contains pepper or say “yok biber” (“without pepper”), this wish of the visitor will be fulfilled. This is especially true national dishes served in a flatbread, like the shawarma we know, where a spicy marinade is poured. And I highly recommend such a dish in a tortilla - durum, with grilled chicken, beef or lamb. Portion meals are usually served with grilled hot peppers, which does not affect the taste of the dish, and is safe for children.

If you are meat lovers, then there are many different dishes from different varieties of meat, except for pork, of course. But grilled chicken dishes, such as chicken shish skewers, are cheaper and no less tasty. They are served with a side dish of fresh vegetables, French fries or rice and are popular with children. Delicious fried squid rings in batter. Cutlets are called “koftyo”, soup is called chorba (it is usually eaten in the evening in the heat). Many Turkish dishes are quite tasty and satisfying, served in large portions, any menu has a photo of the dish and its name in English.

If your children are lovers of various fast food, then here in any eatery you can get pizza, hot dogs and other burgers, there is also Burger King. Fried potatoes in strips are simply called "chips". In any store, even a small one, you can buy ready-made sandwiches, usually at the checkout, and they can also warm them up there. Rolls, keep in mind, are unsweetened here, often stuffed with olives.

A variety of eateries are here at every turn, especially, of course, in the center, on the embankment, where there are also fish restaurants, and the cuisine is already becoming more European. On the embankment, you can go to the branded Simit cafe, which serves a variety of pastries for Turkish tea. Here you can taste traditional Turkish bagels with sesame - simit (there are only hot, cooled already tasteless), a variety of sweets, cakes and pastries.

Just keep in mind that sweets are really very sweet to the point of cloying, especially if they are cakes soaked in syrup - baklava or baklava and others, or biscuits sprinkled with chocolate. It all looks very attractive, but then you have to finish eating after the child.

Try the Turkish dondurma ice cream, which is laid out in waffle cones, sold all the time on the embankment - such a viscous, delicious. But make sure that the seller uses a rubber glove or at least a napkin when he takes the horn. The people here are simple, the attitude to hygiene is the same.

Well, more about sweets. Of course, you can buy different varieties of Turkish delight in all stores, but I advise everyone to go to the stores of the large Lemar supermarket chain, where in the culinary department they sell loose tahini halva, including with various additives: chocolate, pistachios. Very tasty, tender, melting in your mouth. In the culinary department, you can buy a variety of ready-made food, which will be warmed up, there are quite a few dishes that are quite familiar to us, even shish kebabs. Here - weighed large olives and black olives of different salting.

I also recommend buying pekmez - this is carob syrup, thick and dark in color, sweetish, very healthy, especially for children, like our hematogen, it is sold in small bottles of thick glass or plastic. It can be added to tea, cereals, various sweet dishes, ice cream. Well, and from the exotic - jam from rose petals or figs.

Dairy products are delicious: natural yoghurts without any additives, ayran, helim goat cheese.

shopping

There are many different shops in Girne, the prices in which are somewhat lower than in Moscow, although higher than Turkish ones. Clothing and footwear stores are mostly small, but furniture and household goods stores are quite large. Good discount promotions ("indirim") are often held for clothes and shoes. Beautiful and high-quality children's clothing can be bought in the departments of large stores (I recommend the Waikiki store) or in specialized stores. Well, toys can be bought in children's stores or in the same Lemar, where their sea is.

Branded clothes are sold near the embankment, where there are many tourists. A lot of various leather goods: bags, belts, belts, wallets and so on. Near the embankment there are household goods stores like "a thousand and one little things", there are whole collapses of inexpensive and beautiful dishes from England and Arab countries. There are also various souvenirs. In general, the area near the embankment is crammed with shops and souvenir shops, you won’t leave without an interesting gift. But, it is clear that the closer to the place of crowding of tourists, the more expensive.

And I also want to recommend a store in Girne - "Mister Pound" - this is our favorite store in this city. Here everything costs 6 liras (a few years ago it was 4 liras, then it became 5, and since last year it’s already 6): household goods, toys, cosmetics and perfumes, goods for the garden and garden, jewelry and other small things, including for the beach and outdoor games.

It is impossible to leave here without a purchase, any member of the family will find something to their liking here, and even more so the children. It is located in the center, it is easy to find: if you stand facing the Barysh park, then go to the right and a little lower from it along the wide street behind the fountain on the turning circle, it will be on the right side of the street (Turkish street names are not remembered in any way). By the way, on the same street there are many good shops, the same Waikiki and Lemar, and behind it - an inexpensive Italian clothing store by Tervolina (everything is already on the left side).

In the suburb of Girne, to the east and west of it, large stores of Chinese goods “China Bazaar” have opened, where there is also an abundance of various goods. If you drive to the beach from the city or, conversely, to the city from country hotel, then you will not pass by these stores.

As for the market, you need to know one circumstance: it is “floating” in the TRNC, that is, in every major locality takes place on strictly defined days of the week, for Girne it is Wednesday. But the market here is quite large, recently the area covered with tents was ennobled and expanded for it, a fountain was arranged for refreshment in the heat. It is also easy to find: it is right behind the Barysh park, if you go up towards the mountains, and people walking with vegetable and fruit luggage will correctly show the way.

You can buy everything here: from food and clothes to flowers and carpets. On Wednesdays, whole buses of tourists are brought here. But the prices here, if cheaper than in stores, are not much affected by the tourist nature of the city (but you can buy inexpensive clothes made from natural fabrics of local tailoring). Now, if your visit to, for example, Guzelyurt coincides with the market day, then the benefit will be more tangible, because there are few tourists there and prices are correspondingly lower.

Discover the resorts of Northern Cyprus, and you will understand that paradise is not only in dreams. Delightful nature beautiful island ready to meet!

This state is known throughout the world for its luxurious, the cleanest beaches and transparent as crystal sea surface. On the shore, ideal conditions are created for vacationers. The infrastructure is at an excellent level.

On a Mediterranean island, everyone will find a place to their liking. Even turtles come to its hospitable shores to lay their eggs.

The beaches of Northern Cyprus are diverse: there are pebbly, and there are sandy, there are those that are located in the city, and there are those lost in the dunes. You can get to any of them by local minibuses (“dolmushi”) for a symbolic 2-4 Turkish liras. If you have rented a car, don't get lost either. All outlets to the sea are concentrated along the main road. Such is he Turkish Cyprus. Resorts are almost everywhere. Follow the signs and get to the point you need.

So that the tourist does not suddenly get bored near the sea, there are taverns and cafes with ice cream and soft drinks, there are water equipment rental stations. After swimming, you can rinse off in the fresh water shower. Login to paid section is from 5 to 20 Turkish lira.

Well, now, let's take a closer look at the main resorts in the northern part of Cyprus.

Let's start from the west of the state.

Western part of Northern Cyprus

Kervansaray beach

It is located a five-minute drive from Kyrenia (at the foot of Mount Beshparmak) and is popular with both locals and vacationers. You can get by car by driving along main road through the Karaolanolu area, look carefully: there will be a turn sign on the right.

If you decide to relax on the clean sand for free, you are here. Next to the place of rest is a cozy restaurant with a bar.

Escape or Five Mile Beach

The title is speaking. This is the distance you have to overcome to get to this place from Kyrenia. "Escape" is loved by young people. Unforgettable parties are held here, where popular European DJs play.

Lovers don't get bored active rest. At your service - water skiing, catamarans, canoes. There is a diving school.

However, "Five Mile" is a place where romance will find shelter. A green area planted with palm trees and a variety of flowers, a restaurant overlooking the sea ​​spaces connected to land sandbar stone island… Beauty!

Denise Kizi Beach or Golden Bay

Belongs to the hotel of the same name, and therefore is considered private. In summer it is almost always full. It offers visitors a fresh water swimming pool, windsurfing, rafting and water skiing.

Mosquito Beach or Green Coast

Refers to a complex of villas for rent. On the shore you will find a restaurant and comfortable showers. Huge parking is available to visitors.

Alsancak Municipal Beach

Earlier on the map it was designated as the location of Turkish military bases. However, now the place is open to everyone for free. There is a good restaurant on the beach.

Mare Monte beach

It is located 9 kilometers from Kyrenia, being a long stretch of sand. Belongs to the hotel of the same name. On the shore you will find showers, sun loungers and a working bar. Mare Monte love to visit locals, so on weekends, for example, you have to come here very early to find a free place.

Not very suitable for the elderly and children, as there are stairs leading to the bathing area.

L.A. Beach

Belongs to the hotel of the same name in the city of Lapta. Clean and well-groomed area has everything you need for swimming and recreation.

Camelot beach

Located to the west of Kyrenia. A small sandy area is perfect for families with children. Quite shallow even away from the shore. You can safely let kids into the water. On the beach you will find a bar, restaurant, toilets.

Guzelyali beach

A place where there is both sand and pebbles, located in the city of Lapta. In order to get into it from Kyrenia, for example, you need to overcome 10 kilometers.

We continue the comparison and description of resorts in the east of the state. There are a lot of unfinished sandy beaches, where you can relax as a savage (most are concentrated in the area of ​​​​the Karpas Peninsula), but we will only tell you about those where vacationers are offered certain amenities.

Eastern part of Northern Cyprus

Municipal beach of Chatalkoy

Located 7 kilometers from Kyrenia. It is considered a rather secluded place and is suitable for lovers of romance. For lovers of diving there is a pontoon. Nearby is a riding school. A great alternative to renting a car is to travel around the island on a horse (you can with an instructor, or without).

Lara beach

The locals call it Vakiflar. Located 3 kilometers east of Wursey, a town chosen by tourists from the UK. The sand on the shore is darkish, but clean.

Diana beach

It is located just 2 kilometers east of Kyrenia. The place is called Karakum. At the entrance to the water lies sand, which is soon replaced by pebbles.

Acapulco beach

talking about best resorts it is impossible not to mention it. The longest in the state. It takes about a kilometer mediterranean coast. Perfect sand and great location (20 minutes by car from Kyrenia). On the territory there are several cafes, two restaurants (a la carte and Buffet), aquapark. lovers water sports water skiing, catamarans, diving will be offered.

Vogue Beach Club

A place where young people like to relax. Disco club, cafe, restaurant, free ice cream in exchange for an entrance ticket. A five-minute drive is the famous extended Acapulco.

Alagadi beach

Turtle place. Yes, yes, this public beach is visited from June to October sea ​​turtles. During these periods, reptiles lay eggs. Anyone can look at it. There are always many people who want to.

The place is located 20 kilometers from Kyrenia and is well suited for families with children, as it is considered shallow.

Karaach beach

Reading reviews about the resorts of Northern Cyprus, you will surely come across a mention of Karaach. This is a historical place. Once the village served as a marina for ships. Ships came here from different corners Sveta. What kind of views open from here - do not convey. Indescribable beauty. For this, it is worth going down the mountain and walking along the rocky path to the sea. You won't be disappointed.

The next stop is in the Famagusta area. This port is in the southeast. And it also has other names - Ammo? hostos, Magus and Gazimagus. Famagusta stands on the shores of the Mediterranean bay of the same name.

Where will we swim?

The beaches of Famagusta

Glapsides Municipal Beach

It is recognized by many vacationers as one of the best resort places in the state. Located near the city of Salamis. Clean and calm sea is conducive to rest with children. Ideal for young people too. Summer nights here almost every night there are beach parties where the best DJs play.

Many locals arrange camping on the shore and spend the weekend here.

Silver Beach

Another place near Salamis. If you have a map with resorts in your hands, make a note. Now you will understand why. After swimming in the clear Mediterranean waters, do not miss the chance to touch the history. In Salamis (or Salamis) there are many ruins with thousand years of history. The town was built after the famous Trojan War and keeps many secrets.

Bafra beach

Gaining popularity in last years. good road and large hotels contribute to this. A clean sandy place by the sea is located just north of Famagusta. The small village of Cayirova will serve as a reference point for you.

Absence entertainment venues and virgin beauty makes this place a pilgrimage destination for lovers of a relaxing holiday.

Bediz beach

Another quiet place. There are always few people. You can get here from Famagusta in a couple of minutes by car. There are many beautiful trails for a relaxing walk and a family picnic.

Nagomi beach

One of the contenders for the title of beautiful beach in the country. It is located on the Karpas Peninsula. snow white sand dunes visually divide the territory into two equivalent parts. In shape, this place by the sea can be compared with a crescent.

Long Beach

Another place that is often included in the category of "the best resorts in the Turkish part of Cyprus." It strikes with an impressive area and amazing views. Here, as in Alagadi, sea turtles come. Many tourists come here to admire the charming reptiles.

The bungalow-shaped hotels located nearby provide an opportunity to get even more enjoyment from the local beauties.

The trip to Cyprus had not yet begun, and Luciano and I were already tormented by the question: is it worth visiting the Turkish side, and can it cause problems?

There are many interesting sights in Northern Cyprus (the ancient city of Salamis, Othello Castle, Kyrenia fortress, Cape Andreas - the very edge of the Cypriot "tail" ...), so I wanted to go, but without unnecessary risks and subsequent difficulties with documents.

At the end of the 20th century, the Greeks were the main population of the island, and the Turks were a little less so. For many years the Greek Cypriots lived under the rule Ottoman Empire dreaming of getting rid of her and joining Greece. The Turks were replaced by the British, and when they realized that the patience of the Cypriots was running out, they left, but on the condition that the rights of the national minority were respected, i.e. that Cyprus will remain a sovereign state.

What do locals say about traveling to Northern Cyprus?

Then the following happened. On the bus to Ayia Napa, Luciano asked the driver what kind of Ending station, he replied: "Famagusta, Turkish side. You can come with me if you need to." We were going to Cavo Greco, so we refused, and the probability of getting unwanted stamps in our passport was frightening. However, strong doubts crept in that the tourist center told us the truth.

How is it actually with visiting Northern Cyprus?

At the checkpoint on Ledras Street, they really only looked at our passport, they didn’t put any stamps. We didn't fill out any paperwork either. There is constant movement between the two parts of Nicosia, and there is no visible conflict. The only evidence of political tension is the diligent display of flags. Ordinary residents don't seem to care. Although there are probably ardent patriots on both sides who are very worried about the idea. Both Turkish and Greek Cyprus unobtrusively brainwashing anyone who is willing to listen to them. The Greeks say that the Turks have occupied Cyprus, but the Turks say nothing of the sort, and that they have been wanting to unite for a long time, only the Greeks are against it.

My personal impression: the Greek side is hushing up the military coup, and the Turkish side is forcibly expelling the Greeks from the north of the country (supposedly people moved "due to circumstances"). I suspect that the latter was painful for the Greeks, maybe that's why they answer questions about Northern Cyprus in such a way. After all, you never know - perhaps a person or his family suffered from a conflict, one of his friends lost his home. There is a feeling that the conflict is more acute in the southeastern part, and easier in Nicosia.

There is nothing dangerous or criminal about getting to Northern Cyprus, and this will not cause any problems in the future. As for the language and money, in both southern and northern Cyprus, most people speak English well (in ordinary life, Greek Cypriots communicate in Greek, and Turkish Cypriots in Turkish), and there and there you can use the euro (although in general in Northern Cyprus official currency- Turkish lira, but they accept euro).

Where to stay to drive around North Cyprus?

We were thinking of trying to go to Famagusta (the main tourist town Northern Cyprus) from Larnaca, but still listened to the advice of a local resident, with whom they talked at the bus stop. She said that only some buses in the direction of Larnaca - Ayia Napa - Protaras go to Famagusta, you need to ask the driver. Then, not all drivers reach the city, some only reach the checkpoint, and from there it is still 3-4 km on foot. You need to return by a certain time, around five in the evening, otherwise you will stay overnight there. Considering that transport to Larnaca is not guaranteed from the other side, it does not sound very good.

Passage through the ports and airport of Northern Cyprus

In fact, Northern Cyprus really lives almost like a separate state. He has his own government and his own airport - Ercan.

Ercan Airport, Northern Cyprus