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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

Agios Georgios Church North Cyprus Hidden among the quiet villages of the Mesaoria plain in North Cyprus , the Church of Agios Georgios (Saint George)  is one of those places where history, religion, and mystery intersect. While it may not be as widely known as the island’s great monasteries, the church offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious life of Cyprus during the Ottoman period and beyond. For visitors interested in the cultural heritage of the island, the Church

Easter in Northern Cyprus: Traditions, Food, Church Services and Celebrations Easter is one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations connected to Cyprus. Although Northern Cyprus is predominantly Muslim today, Easter traditions remain an important part of the island’s heritage and are still celebrated within Orthodox Christian communities, historic villages, churches, and expat groups. Visitors to Northern Cyprus during spring may notice Easter foods in baker

Visiting Northern Cyprus at Easter Easter falls during one of the best times of the year to visit Northern Cyprus . Spring has arrived, the countryside is green, wildflowers cover the hillsides, and the weather is warm but not too hot. While Northern Cyprus does not celebrate Easter as a major national holiday like many European countries, visitors will still find Easter traditions, special meals, and a relaxed spring atmosphere . For travellers looking for sunshine, history,

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

North Cyprus has rapidly become one of the Mediterranean’s top destinations for elevated cuisine. With world-class chefs, breathtaking coastal views, and restaurants blending local ingredients with global techniques, the region offers exceptional fine dining experiences for residents, holidaymakers, and food enthusiasts. This guide highlights the best fine dining restaurants in North Cyprus , the trends shaping the culinary landscape, and the must-try signature dishes that de

Galaktini Cave, North Cyprus: The Hidden “Milk Cave” of the Karpaz Peninsula Galaktini Cave is one of the most fascinating hidden attractions in North Cyprus. Tucked away along the remote coastline of the Karpaz Peninsula, this little-known natural cave combines striking rock formations, sweeping coastal scenery, and a unique local legend linked to milk, fertility, and healing. For travellers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences in the TRNC, Galaktini Cave is a

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. Why

Lotteries in North Cyprus: Your Complete Guide to Playing, Winning & Supporting Good Causes Published on:  November 2025 Category:  Lifestyle, Money, Community 🎟️ Lotteries in North Cyprus Introduction: The Luck of the Island Lotteries have long been a popular pastime in North Cyprus — offering residents and visitors the chance to dream big while also supporting community initiatives. Whether you’re hoping to win life-changing cash or simply enjoy a bit of excitement, the No

The Book Scene in North Cyprus The Book Scene in North Cyprus. Books offer more than stories—they’re windows into culture, history, identity, and the complex social fabric of a place. In North Cyprus, that fabric is rich but also under-documented when it comes to the publishing ecosystem. Below is a look at what The Book Scene in North Cyprus looks like north of the Green Line—who publishes, who sells, what readers can find, and what still needs growing. Publishers & Publishi

A typical Beyram celebration meal in North Cyprus Your Complete Guide to Şeker Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı By What’s On In TRNC 🌙 What Is Bayram? In North Cyprus, the word Bayram  (sometimes spelled “Beyram”) means festival  or feast — and there are two main Bayrams  celebrated every year: ·         Ramazan Bayramı (Şeker Bayramı / Eid al-Fitr):  marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is also called the Sugar Festival  for its sweet-filled celebrations. ·         Kur

The Cigar Scene in Northern Cyprus Northern Cyprus offers more than sun, sea and historic ruins — for the discerning cigar enthusiast, there is also a burgeoning cigar culture worth exploring. Whether you’re a regular aficionado or simply curious, here’s your guide to the cigar scene in this Mediterranean island region. 🌯 The Cigar Scene in Northern Cyprus - A Growing Market for Cigars While much of the published cigar-culture commentary focuses on the Republic of Cyprus, t

Halloween in North Cyprus – A Spooky (But Stylish) Celebration Why Halloween is rising in Northern Cyprus While Halloween (31 October) has not always been a traditional Cypriot celebration, in recent years the night has become increasingly popular among locals and expatriates in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Social venues, bars and restaurants are embracing costume parties, themed menus, and live music.One recent event, for example, entitled “Halloween Madn

Traditional Stone Wall Building in North Cyprus Discover the ancient art of dry-stone walling and how it continues to shape the Cypriot landscape. 🏰 A Heritage of Strength and Beauty Traditional stone wall building is one of the most iconic forms of Cypriot craftsmanship — a skill passed down through generations. Across North Cyprus, you’ll find villages, terraces, and old farm boundaries built entirely from local limestone or sandstone, stacked carefully without the use of

Discovering Art Galleries in North Cyprus: A Cultural Journey North Cyprus is not just about sunlit beaches, historic ruins, and tranquil villages. Its art scene is dynamic, rich, and increasingly recognised by both locals and visitors. From hidden galleries tucked away in old quarters to restored heritage buildings now serving as art hubs, there’s a lot to explore. If you’re an art lover, traveller or collector, this guide will help you discover the best art galleries in Nor

Cittaslow in North Cyprus — slow down, taste more, live better A guide to the Slow City movement in the TRNC, the towns that wear it, and how to experience them. What is Cittaslow (the idea, briefly) Cittaslow — Italian for “slow city” — is an international movement born from the Slow Food philosophy. It recognises small towns that protect local culture, favour sustainable development, promote quality food and crafts, and aim for a calmer pace of life. Membership means a town

Charities in Northern Cyprus — who’s helping, how they work, and how you can get involved 💖 The small island, big heart Northern Cyprus supports a lively network of charities, volunteer groups and NGOs working on everything from child welfare and refugee support to animal rescue, environmental protection and arts & cultural inclusion. Because of the island’s unique political status and a mix of local and international actors, many charities operate in close partnership with

Barber shops in North Cyprus — a traveller’s guide to cuts, shaves and small-town charm If you think a haircut on holiday is just a quick job before dinner, think again. In North Cyprus barber shops are tiny time-machines where tradition meets modern fades, hot-towel rituals share space with Instagram-ready trim work, and barbers often double as conversationalists, local guides and the keepers of neighborhood gossip. Whether you’re after a precision fade, a traditional Turkis

North Cyprus may be small in size, but its radio and television scene is full of energy, diversity, and character. From state-run news channels to independent entertainment stations and music-filled radio frequencies, broadcasting in TRNC plays a vital role in daily life. Whether you're a local, expat, or tourist, this guide will help you navigate the dynamic world of TV and radio in North Cyprus. Radio and Television - A Snapshot of Broadcasting in TRNC The broadcasting indu

North Cyprus LGBTQ+ Scene Legal and Social Landscape Decriminalization: Male same-sex activity was decriminalized in Northern Cyprus in February 2014, making it the last European territory to do so. Prior to that, colonial-era laws imposed prison terms up to five years. Female homosexuality had never been criminalized. Anti-Discrimination Progress Alongside decriminalization, anti-discrimination laws were established to address workplace and public sphere protections, includ