Cyprus travel guideQuick Facts About North Cyprus
The Cyprus island is literally a tale of two halves: South Cyprus belongs to the Greek Republic of Cyprus, while North Cyprus and its capital (Lefkoşa) has been part of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) since the Turkish occupation of 1974. Since 2003 though, things have loosened up considerably, and popping over to Northern Cyprus and back again requires just a quick flash of your passport as you stroll through the Ledra Street border crossing that divides the old city district in two. This means Lefkoşa, the well known Nicosia is a fantastic base for discovering the historic sites to the north of the city, including the fairytale castle of St. Hilarion and the extensive ruins of Ancient Salamis.Area:7.761 mi² Elevation:722′ Metropolitan area:59.15 mi²
Cypriot capital is one of the island's most famous tourist attractions - thanks to writer Lawrence Durrell - Bellapais is a wonderfully old-fashioned village of humble whitewashed cottages that sprawl down the hillside ending at the evocative ruins of Bellapais Abbey below. English author Lawrence Durrell wrote the book Bitter Lemons of Cyprus while living here, immortalising Cypriot village life at the end of the British colonial period. Although the village is incredibly picturesque itself, the main sight is Bellapais Abbey, an old Augustinian monastery full of intricately carved arches and cypress trees surrounding its cloister. There are panoramic views across North Cyprus' coastline from the refectory roof. There's no public transport to Bellapais, but you can hop on one of the frequent minibuses from North Nicosia heading to Kyrenia and then take a short taxi ride to the village from there.
Girne
The atmospheric harbor town of Kyrenia is North Cyprus' vibrant seaside hub. The small harbor is overlooked by a grand Byzantine era castle and backed by an old town district of tangled alleyways and Ottoman period houses that are fun to explore. Visit the castle first with its Shipwreck Museum, and then stroll harbor-side to see the Folk Art Museum in a restored carob warehouse. Then wind through the narrow lanes to the Church of Archangel Michael (Cambulat Caddesi), with its collection of religious icons that come from churches across North Cyprus. Frequent minibuses run from North Nicosia to Kyrenia every hour and forth.
Famagusta
Famagusta (also called Gazimaǧusa), riddled with crumbling Gothic buildings, is the most beautifully evocative town on the island, its bloody history of siege and capture only adding to the old town's atmosphere of long-past glory today. Ringed by a mighty border of Venetian fortifications, the old town is stuffed full of golden-stone ruins of basilicas and remnants of palaces that sit incongruously between rows of dilapidated houses.Right at the center is the glorious Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (Main Square), which was once the Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos and is a beautifully-preserved example of Gothic architecture. Nearby are the roofless ruins of St. George of the Greek Church (İstiklal Caddesi), where faint traces of frescoes still remain on the apse. On a grassy bank just inside the city walls are the haunting remnants of St. Mary Church and the Carmelite Church (Server Sokak). From here, climb up onto the Pulacazara Bastion of the walls to walk along them for commanding views across the town. There are regular minibuses from North Nicosia to Famagusta.
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