1. Where Esentepe sits in the planning system Esentepe is on the north coast, ~20km east of Girne , popular for resort and holiday complexes and sold as one of the “prime coastal” investment belts. Administratively it’s under Çatalköy–Esentepe Belediyesi , in the Girne district . So from a planning point of view you’re mainly dealing with: Şehir Planlama Dairesi  (Town Planning Department) – plans, zoning, planning approvals. Çatalköy–Esentepe Belediyesi + Girne District Offi

1. Who controls planning in North Cyprus? Central government – Şehir Planlama Dairesi (City Planning Department / TPD) The Town (City) Planning Department  is the central authority that prepares and oversees most spatial plans. It is responsible for: The National Physical Plan  (Ülkesel Fizik Planı) Urban development / “imar” plans  for specific areas (Lefkoşa, Girne, Gazimağusa–İskele–Yeni Boğaziçi etc.) Issuing planning approvals  (sometimes called “planning permission”) un

Council Tax in North Cyprus: What Property Owners Really Pay (Çatalköy & Esentepe Explained) If you are buying, owning, or considering property in North Cyprus , one of the most common questions is: “Is there council tax in North Cyprus – and if so, how much is it?” The short answer is: North Cyprus does not have council tax in the UK sense , but it does  have low-cost municipal property taxes and service charges  that serve a similar purpose. In this guide, we explain exactl

North Cyprus has become one of the Mediterranean’s most attractive property markets, drawing buyers from the UK, Turkey, Russia, Scandinavia, and the Middle East. Whether you're looking for a beachfront apartment, a villa with mountain views, or an investment property, choosing the right estate agent is essential. This guide explains how estate agents work in North Cyprus , the legal requirements , the licensing system , and tips to ensure your property transaction is safe an

Mains Water Supplies in North Cyprus: The Complete Guide For many years, water scarcity was one of Northern Cyprus’s biggest challenges. Limited rainfall, over-extracted aquifers, and seasonal droughts meant households and agriculture frequently faced shortages. That all changed with the completion of the Turkey–TRNC Water Pipeline in 2015. Today, mains water supply in North Cyprus is more reliable than ever, but it is still not without vulnerabilities. This guide explains ex

Football in Northern Cyprus is structured around many community-based clubs, so there are two large stadiums , several mid-sized municipal grounds , and numerous small local pitches used for KTFF Süper Lig, 1. Lig and amateur leagues. Below is the best consolidated list available. ---------------------------------------- ⭐ MAJOR STADIUMS (Primary Venues) 1. Nicosia Atatürk Stadium – Lefkoşa (Nicosia) Capacity:  ~15,000 Use:  Main national stadium for major domestic matches,

Earthquakes in North Cyprus – A Complete Guide North Cyprus lies in one of the most fascinating and geologically active regions of the Mediterranean. While earthquakes here are not uncommon , destructive ones remain rare . For residents, property owners, and visitors, understanding the island’s seismic behaviour is an important part of staying informed and prepared. This guide covers everything from the tectonic plates beneath Cyprus to historical earthquakes, modern building

🏛️  Politics Political discussions this week centred on renewed confidence-building measures between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leadership. Talks focused on practical cooperation, including trade access for local products, improved crossings, and shared infrastructure initiatives. While no breakthrough has been announced, the tone has been cautiously constructive. ---------------------------------------- 🌤️ Weather Severe weather dominated the week as heavy rainfall

Introduction Property ownership in North Cyprus has been a central topic for decades, shaped heavily by the events of 1974 and the displacement that followed. To address disputes over abandoned or inaccessible property, the Immovable Property Commission (IPC)  was established as the official legal mechanism in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).Today, the IPC plays a key role in resolving Greek Cypriot claims over pre-1974 property in the north, and understanding

How to Open a Business and Obtain a Work Permit in North Cyprus A Complete Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs Opening a business in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has become increasingly attractive for foreign investors looking for a stable, low-tax environment and a high-quality Mediterranean lifestyle. While the process is straightforward, it does require understanding the legal and administrative steps relating to both company formation  and work permit applic

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,

whatsonintrnc monthly impressions In just a short time, whatsonintrnc.com has evolved from a simple idea into the most accessible, trusted and fast-growing guide to life in North Cyprus. This month, the platform passed a major milestone: whatsonintrnc monthly impressions went over 120,000 in a single month . It is a powerful indication that residents, visitors, and new arrivals are actively choosing our site as their first stop when they want to know what’s happening across

Introduction: What Is a Meyhane? A meyhane  is more than just a restaurant — it’s a cultural experience. Originating from Ottoman traditions, meyhanes are places where food, drink, music, and community come together . In North Cyprus, a meyhane dinner can last for hours, often accompanied by live Turkish or Cypriot music and endless plates of meze. Whether you're a visitor or a resident, spending an evening at a meyhane is one of the must-do experiences  in North Cyprus....

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

Electric Vehicles in North Cyprus: Adoption, Charging, Costs & What the Future Holds Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly visible on the roads of North Cyprus. Although adoption is still in the early stages, interest is growing quickly thanks to rising fuel prices, sustainability concerns, improvements in charging infrastructure, and the emergence of a locally manufactured EV brand. This comprehensive guide explains everything  you need to know about Electric Veh

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

Insurance in North Cyprus - Whether you live in North Cyprus, are planning to move here, or you own property on the island, understanding how insurance works is essential. The TRNC offers a wide range of insurance services for residents, expats, students, property owners, businesses, and tourists. This guide explains everything you need to know about insurance in North Cyprus in simple terms — including the types of insurance available, what they cover, and how to choose the