Monastery of St Maria North Cyprus Tucked away in the rugged countryside west of Girne , the Monastery of St. Maria  is one of the lesser-known historic religious sites in North Cyprus. Unlike the famous monasteries that attract tourists and tour buses, this small and largely forgotten site lies quietly in the hills near the village of Kayalar , offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s medieval Christian heritage. Although modest in size and largely in ruins today, the m

Tucked away along the rugged coastline of the Karpaz Peninsula , Aglaykovas Beach is one of the most secluded and least-known beaches in North Cyprus. Far removed from the busy tourist beaches around Girne, this quiet stretch of sand offers visitors a rare glimpse of the island’s untouched natural beauty. With crystal-clear turquoise water, rocky cliffs, and almost no commercial development, Aglaykovas feels like a secret paradise waiting to be discovered. For travellers look

The Afrodisias Cave in North Cyprus – Myth, Mystery, and Natural Beauty Introduction Northern Cyprus is filled with hidden landmarks that blend mythology, archaeology, and striking natural landscapes. Among these lesser-known places is the Afrodisias Cave , a site associated with ancient legends connected to the goddess Aphrodite and the early cultural history of Cyprus. While not as widely publicised as castles or monasteries, the cave holds a quiet fascination for explorers

Flights to Northern Cyprus High airfares to Northern Cyprus continue to create frustration across the tourism sector, with industry leaders warning that current prices are damaging demand and limiting growth. The Cyprus Turkish Tourism and Travel Agencies Association (KITSAB)  has now formally called for the introduction of a price cap on flights to make travel more affordable and predictable. Proposal for a Maximum Ticket Price System Speaking on behalf of KITSAB, chairman

Hidden in the rugged countryside near Avtepe , Elisis Kastros , also known locally as Gastro Mağarası , is one of North Cyprus’s most intriguing and least-understood ancient sites. Carved directly into the limestone cliffs, this rock-cut complex combines archaeology, legend, and dramatic scenery, making it a compelling destination for explorers interested in the island’s deeper past. Where is Elisis Kastros? Elisis Kastros is located close to the village of Avtepe , in the İs

Metehan Checkpoint Expansion Cross-border travel between Northern and Southern Cyprus is set to become significantly smoother following confirmation that expansion works at the Metehan Checkpoint  on the Turkish Cypriot side have now been completed. Speaking on the issue, Tufan Erhürman  confirmed that once the Greek Cypriot authorities complete their corresponding works, the checkpoint will operate with seven booths and increased staffing on each side . This upgrade is expec

Introduction Located on the dramatic northeast coastline of the Karpaz Peninsula, Yenierenköy Deniz Feneri —also commonly known as the Yeni Erenköy Lighthouse —is a working maritime navigation light rather than a traditional tourist lighthouse. Set on a steep headland near the village of Yeni Erenköy, it offers sweeping sea views and an insight into the quieter, less-developed side of North Cyprus. While modest in size, the lighthouse plays an important role in coastal naviga

Introduction Tucked away on the remote north coast of the Karpaz Peninsula lies Aphendrika , one of the most intriguing yet least-visited archaeological sites in North Cyprus. Surrounded by open countryside and within easy reach of Dipkarpaz , Aphendrika offers a rare glimpse into the island’s Early Christian and Byzantine past, largely untouched by modern development. For visitors seeking authentic history away from crowds, Aphendrika is a rewarding and atmospheric stop. Whe

Introduction Hiring a tourist guide in North Cyprus  can significantly enhance your experience—whether you are visiting ancient cities, castles, monasteries, or exploring the island’s layered history and culture. However, guiding in the TRNC is a regulated profession , and not everyone advertising themselves as a guide is legally permitted to do so. This article explains everything you need to know about tourist guides in North Cyprus , including licensing requirements, quali

North Cyprus tourism trends don’t just tell us how many people are arriving — they tell us who  is coming, who isn’t , and what that means  for daily life, businesses, and the local economy. Looking at official arrival data by country for 2023 and 2024, some clear patterns are emerging. The headline story is simple: More visitors are coming from Germany and Central Europe, while numbers from Scandinavia are falling sharply. Here’s what’s happening — and why it matters. The Bi

North Cyprus tourism is entering a decisive period. Visitor numbers are rising, infrastructure is improving, and traveller expectations are changing rapidly. Over the next two to three years , the island is likely to see steady growth—but the benefits will favour destinations, venues, and experiences that adapt to how modern tourists plan and travel. This article explores where North Cyprus tourism is heading, what will drive demand, the risks to watch, and what local busines

What Is the Kyrenia Amphitheatre? The Kyrenia Amphitheatre (Girne Amfitiyatro)  is one of the most recognisable landmarks in North Cyprus — but despite its Roman look, it is not an ancient ruin .Built in 2008 , this modern open-air theatre was designed in the style of a classical amphitheatre, giving Kyrenia a dramatic performance space right beside the sea and the historic castle. Today, it serves as the main stage for major concerts, cultural festivals, theatre productions,

Introduction: Explore Güzelyurt at a Slower Pace Güzelyurt—meaning “Beautiful City” —is one of North Cyprus’ most charming and underrated destinations. Known for its citrus orchards , archaeological treasures , and authentic Cypriot culture , the town is ideal for a leisurely sightseeing tour on foot. This walking route is designed for visitors who want to experience the very best of Güzelyurt in one relaxing day. From ancient ruins to vibrant markets and quiet leafy streets,

North Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean’s most desirable yet least understood travel destinations. With golden beaches, year-round sunshine, and centuries of history, it rivals any island holiday hotspot — yet it remains the only major tourism destination in the world with no direct international flights . Travellers often ask: Why are there direct flights to destinations like Cuba, Taiwan, or even politically isolated countries — but not to North Cyprus? Here is the full ex

🏛️ Introduction: Why Visit Lefke on Foot? Lefke (Lefka), located on the peaceful northwest coast of North Cyprus, is one of the island’s most beautiful and underrated towns. With its rich Ottoman heritage, serene citrus orchards, and historic copper-mining legacy, Lefke is a quiet treasure waiting to be explored. This self-guided walking tour  is designed so visitors can see the best of Lefke in a single day , without needing transport. The route is easy, scenic, and packed

Iskele —also known as Trikomo—is one of Northern Cyprus’ most charming coastal towns. With its blend of ancient history, colourful local culture, seaside scenery, and welcoming village squares, Iskele is ideal for a relaxed sightseeing tour you can complete entirely on foot. Whether you're visiting for the day or exploring as a local, this walking tour highlights the best things to see in Iskele , including historic churches, vibrant markets, seaside promenades, and cultural

🏛️ The Ultimate Famagusta Walking Tour: A Perfect Day Exploring History, Culture & Coastal Beauty Famagusta (Gazimağusa) is one of Cyprus’s most captivating destinations—a city where ancient ruins, medieval churches, Venetian fortifications, and seaside cafés  all blend into one unforgettable experience. This self-guided walking tour is designed to help you see all the major sights in one relaxed day , using only your feet. Whether you love history, photography, food, or lei

🎆 New Years Eve in North Cyprus 2025-26: The Ultimate Guide to Parties, Galas & Countdowns Celebrate New Years Eve in Style in North Cyprus North Cyprus is one of the most exciting places in the Mediterranean to celebrate New Year’s Eve . From luxury hotel galas  and beachfront countdowns to family-friendly dinners , every region of the island lights up for the big night. Whether you prefer the glamour of Kyrenia’s five-star casinos , the seaside sparkle of Famagusta , or t

Introduction: Discover Nicosia on Foot Nicosia, the capital of North Cyprus, is one of the world’s last divided cities and an unforgettable blend of Ottoman, Venetian, British, and modern Cypriot culture. Its compact Old City—encircled by perfectly preserved Venetian walls—makes it ideal for a self-guided walking tour . This route is designed for visitors who want to explore at their own pace while uncovering historic landmarks, bustling markets, architectural gems, and hidde

The Ultimate Girne (Kyrenia) Walking Tour: A Perfect Day on Foot The Ultimate Kyrenia Walking Tour. Discover Girne’s most iconic sights, hidden gems, and seaside charm – all without stepping into a car.  This walking tour is designed for visitors who want to see the very best of Kyrenia at a relaxed pace, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo explorers. 🚶‍♂️Why Explore Girne on Foot? Girne is one of the most beautiful and walkable cities in Northern Cyprus. With it