The Cigar Scene in Northern Cyprus

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.

🌯 A Growing Market for Cigars

While much of the published cigar-culture commentary focuses on the Republic of Cyprus, the northern part is quietly developing its own niche. For example, one shop in the Kyrenia (Girne) district states:

“We are the one and only cigar lounge located in the Northern part of Cyprus. With a wide range of cigars including Perdomo, Drew Estate, Casa Turrent, Te-Amo…” In other parts of the island cigar-bars, humidor shops and pairing events have seen growth, signalling interest among local and visiting customers.

📌Where to Enjoy a Cigar

Here are some of the ways to experience the scene:

• A dedicated cigar lounge in the Kyrenia area, offering premium brands and a comfortable ‘men’s retreat’ type of ambiance.

• Retail outlets for cigar accessories, humidors, and brands imported from the US and Latin America.

• Pairing events: cigars matched with coffee, spirits or cocktails (not yet widely advertised in the north, but a trend seen in the wider Cyprus cigar market).

• Leisure spots: Some bars or terraces offer guests the option to purchase a cigar, enjoy it with a drink, and soak up the relaxed island atmosphere.

What to Expect

📍Premium selection

Expect to find top brands like Perdomo, Casa Turrent, Te-Amo in dedicated lounges. The emphasis is shifting toward quality rather than mass volume.

📍Atmosphere & service

Look for a humidity-controlled humidor, a comfortable seating area (leather chairs, perhaps wood paneling or island-chic décor), and staff who know their cigars. While these are more established in the south of Cyprus, the north is catching up.

📍Pairings and accessories

While not yet on every street corner, you may find lounges that offer spirit or cocktail pairings, cutters and lighters, and humidors for purchase. If you’re serious, ask for recommendations on ideal pairings (e.g., aged rum or whisky with a Maduro cigar).

Practical Tips for Visiting as a Visitor in Northern Cyprus

👉 Check the lounge/retail hours – Some establishments might open later in the day or on evening schedules.

👉 Bring your ID/passport – Some lounges may check age or require registration.

👉 Ask about climate-controlled storage – If you buy a box of cigars and plan to transport them or age them, you’ll want safe storage.

👉 Inspect your purchase – Check for good wrapper condition, no excessive dryness, correct branding.

👉 Enjoy the locale – Pair your smoking experience with the island’s relaxed pace: after the cigar, enjoy a walk by the harbour, a drink on the terrace, or a view of the sunset.

👉 Mind local regulations – While smoking culture differs from one country to another, be aware of indoor-smoking rules in bars/venues.

👉 Carry-on transport – If you buy cigars and are flying out, check allowances and how you store them in carry-on (humidified travel tubes help).

✅Why Northern Cyprus Is Worth Considering

• Less crowded than many mainstream cigar destinations.

• A relaxed Mediterranean backdrop — the charm of an island, friendly locals, and long evenings.

• Opportunity to discover boutique lounges or shops that feel more personal than large city-chain equivalents.

• For you as a property-developer-turned-entrepreneur (Andy), perhaps even inspiration: imagine a bespoke cigar & whisky club tied into your lifestyle offering in North Cyprus!

📍La Casa De Alberto

• Location: Doğanköy, Kyrenia District (Girne) ­— Northern Cyprus.

• Specialties: Described as “the one and only cigar lounge located in the Northern part of Cyprus” offering a wide range of cigars including Perdomo, Drew Estate, Casa Turrent, Te‑Amo, Kolumbus.

• Accessories: They also stock premium accessories: Boveda packs, Lubinski items, and Colibri cigar accessories.

• Ideal for: A relaxed cigar session in a dedicated environment, or for sourcing a premium selection with the right conditions.

💡Tip: Since this is a more specialised lounge, ask about storage/humidor conditions if you wish to buy boxes to age or transport.

📍Ertan Market (Girne)

• Location: Atatürk Street, Kyrenia (Girne) — Northern Cyprus.

• Specialties: Includes authentic Cuban cigar stock, noted as an official retailer for premium Cuban cigars (“La Casa del Habano retailer”).

• Ideal for: Serious cigar aficionados looking for Cuban labels, or to inquire about availability of rare stock.

💡Tip: If you’re looking for Cuban labels (which are relatively less common in the north compared to more mainstream cigars), this is a good option to check.

📍Şokmar 4 (Girne) – Şokmar Ticaret Ltd

·  Location: Zeytinlik / Kyrenia (Girne) area, Northern Cyprus.

·  Specialties: Listed among cigar shops where “you can smoke your favorite Cuban cigars here”.

·  💡Tip: It may be a bit more informal or broadly “cigar-retail” than dedicated lounge; good to visit if you’re exploring a few possibilities.

Additional Notes & Suggestions

📝 Verify opening hours: Many cigar lounges in holiday destinations might have varying hours (afternoon openings, closed early evenings, seasonal schedules).

📝 Stock & brands: Premium cigar brands rotate and availability can vary. If you’re after a specific label (especially Cuban), call ahead.

📝 Humidor & storage condition: Always check humidity/condition of the cigars if buying to transport or age.

📝 Smoking area & local rules: Some lounges have dedicated areas; if you plan to smoke on the terrace vs indoors check ventilation and comfort.

📝 Transport & export: If you buy cigars and wish to carry home, ask about how they pack them (humidified tubes etc) and check customs allowances for your origin country.