Karting

Karting, Motorsports, Indoor Activities

Karting in North Cyprus

If you're looking for an activity that combines speed, competition and excitement, karting is one of the best adrenaline-fuelled experiences in North Cyprus. With modern circuits, well-maintained karts and tracks suitable for beginners through to experienced drivers, go-karting has become increasingly popular with families, tourists, students and motorsport enthusiasts.

Whether you're racing friends for bragging rights, organising a birthday party or simply looking for something different to do, North Cyprus offers several excellent karting venues that are open throughout most of the year.

Why Try Karting?

Karting offers the thrill of motorsport without needing any previous racing experience. Modern go-karts are easy to drive, and safety briefings ensure even first-time drivers quickly gain confidence.

Popular reasons people choose karting include:

Friendly competition between friends
Family days out
Birthday parties
Corporate team-building events
Stag and hen parties
Improving driving skills and reactions
Simply enjoying an adrenaline rush

Unlike public road driving, karting allows you to experience high-speed cornering, overtaking and racing in a safe, controlled environment.

The Best Karting Circuits in North Cyprus

Cemsa Karting & Sporting Center (Near North Nicosia)

(0392) 223 62 35

Often regarded as the premier karting facility on the island, Cemsa features the longest karting circuit in North Cyprus at approximately 1,650 metres, built to international CIK/FIA standards.

Highlights include:

Long, technical racing circuit
Electronic timing system
Adult and junior karts
Restaurant and café
Children's play area
Games hall
Professional events and championships
Suitable for corporate events and large groups

The venue regularly hosts competitive kart racing and is home to many local championships.

Zet Karting (Near Lefkoşa)

Zet Karting has become one of the island's favourite destinations for recreational karting.

Features include:

Outdoor circuit up to 1,200 metres
Multiple track layouts
Floodlighting for evening racing
Junior and adult karts
Professional coaching
Café and BBQ facilities
Remote-control car racing
Birthday party packages

Adult 270cc karts can reach speeds approaching 90 km/h, while junior karts are designed with lower speeds for younger drivers.

Max Power Go Kart (Near Famagusta)

0533 862 37 30

Located between Famagusta and Yeni Boğaziçi, Max Power is particularly popular with families.

Visitors can expect:

Well-maintained karts
Children's karts
Affordable prices
Café
Arcade games
Family-friendly atmosphere
Helmet sanitisation between sessions

It provides an excellent introduction to karting for younger drivers while remaining enjoyable for adults.

Tazkarts (East of Kyrenia)

Although smaller than the other circuits, Tazkarts is ideal for beginners and younger children.

Features include:

Approximately 350-metre circuit
Family-friendly layout
Electronic lap timing
Restaurant and bar
Relaxed atmosphere

It's a great option for visitors staying in the Kyrenia area who want a shorter, more casual karting experience.

Who Can Go Karting?

Most karting centres cater for a wide range of ages.

Typical guidelines include:

Junior karts from around 7 years old
Adult karts generally from 14 years
No driving licence required
Safety briefing before every session
Helmets supplied
Closed-toe shoes recommended

Each venue may have its own age and height restrictions, so it's worth checking before visiting.

Safety Standards

North Cyprus karting venues place a strong emphasis on safety.

You'll typically find:

Safety barriers
Professional marshals
Full safety briefing
Helmets included
Track supervision
First aid facilities
Clearly marked racing lines

Many circuits are built to internationally recognised CIK/FIA design standards.

Race Formats

Most centres offer several options:

Timed practice sessions
Grand Prix races
Knockout competitions
Team races
Endurance events
Private group bookings

Electronic timing systems record:

Fastest lap
Average speed
Overall finishing position
Total race time

This adds an extra level of competition between friends.

Perfect for Groups

Karting is one of the island's most popular group activities.

Ideal for:

Families
Groups of friends
Work colleagues
Birthday parties
School groups
Corporate team building
Stag parties
Hen parties
Sports clubs

Many venues can reserve exclusive track sessions for larger groups.

Competitive Karting

Karting in North Cyprus isn't just for casual visitors.

The island hosts organised championships throughout the year, including events organised by the North Cyprus Karting Association. Drivers compete across multiple age categories, from young children to experienced adults, helping to develop local motorsport talent.

Best Time to Visit

Karting is available throughout the year thanks to the Mediterranean climate.

For the most comfortable experience:

Spring: Excellent temperatures
Autumn: Ideal racing weather
Summer: Early morning or evening sessions are recommended
Winter: Mild conditions make year-round racing possible

Several circuits are floodlit, allowing enjoyable racing after sunset during the hotter summer months.

What Should You Wear?

Comfortable clothing is best.

Recommended:

Trainers or sports shoes
Shorts or lightweight trousers
T-shirt
Hair tied back if long
Sunglasses for waiting areas (not while driving)

Helmets are normally provided.

Tips for First-Time Drivers

Listen carefully during the safety briefing.
Build up your speed gradually rather than trying to set a record on your first lap.
Brake before entering corners, then accelerate smoothly on the exit.
Keep both hands on the wheel.
Respect yellow flags and marshal instructions.
Focus on smooth driving rather than aggressive overtaking.

Most beginners become comfortable after just a few laps.

Nearby Attractions

Karting combines well with other activities, making it easy to plan a full day out.

Popular combinations include:

Exploring the historic streets of Famagusta after racing.
Visiting Kyrenia Harbour before or after a karting session.
Enjoying lunch or dinner at one of the cafés or restaurants attached to the karting venues.
Combining karting with bowling, paintball or escape rooms for a complete day of entertainment.

Why Try Karting in North Cyprus?

Karting offers one of the most exciting outdoor activities on the island, combining speed, skill and friendly competition in a safe environment. Whether you're chasing the fastest lap at Cemsa, enjoying a family race at Max Power, tackling the varied layouts at Zet Karting or introducing younger drivers to the sport at Tazkarts, there's a circuit to suit every age and ability. With modern facilities, year-round sunshine and tracks spread across North Cyprus, karting is an unforgettable experience for visitors and residents alike.