Where to Stay in Northern Cyprus: Towns, Villages & Resorts

John Nordmann
3 days ago
2 min read

🏖️ Where to Stay in Northern Cyprus: Towns, Villages & Resorts

Not sure where to base yourself in Northern Cyprus?Whether you're looking for beachside bliss, mountain serenity, or cultural charm — this guide will help you pick the perfect spot for your trip.

🏝️ 1. Kyrenia (Girne) – The Popular Favourite

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, nightlife, harbour views

Kyrenia is Northern Cyprus’s main tourism hub — and for good reason.

Stunning Venetian harbourbars
Great selection of restaurants, shops, and
Plenty of hotels, from boutique to all-inclusive
Close to historic sites like Kyrenia Castle and Bellapais Abbey

It’s vibrant but still relaxing, with mountain views and beach clubs just minutes away.

🌊 2. Esentepe – Tranquil Coastal Living

Best for: Golfers, villa holidays, long stays

Just 25 minutes east of Kyrenia, Esentepe offers peace, privacy, and sea views.

Home to Korineum Golf & Beach Resort
Popular with expats and property buyers
Ideal for renting a villa or apartment
Close to beautiful beaches and mountain trails

If you're planning a longer stay or want to escape the crowds, Esentepe is perfect.

🏛️ 3. Nicosia (Lefkoşa) – The Divided Capital

Best for: Culture, day trips, business travellers

Nicosia is the world’s last divided capital, with a mix of Turkish and Cypriot influences. It's great for:

Visiting museums, mosques, and markets
Exploring Ledra Street and the Green Line
A real feel for local city life

It’s not a beach destination, but it's rich in history and worth a night or two.

🏖️ 4. Famagusta (Gazimağusa) – History Meets Sea

Best for: Archaeology lovers, beach holidays, families

Famagusta has golden beaches and a dramatic walled old town:

Visit the ancient city of Salamis
Stay near Palm Beach
Walk the medieval streets and ruins
Great base for exploring the Karpaz Peninsula

Quieter than Kyrenia, but full of charm and history.

🌄 5. Karpaz Peninsula – Off-the-Beaten-Path

Best for: Adventure, nature lovers, peace & quiet

Want to escape the modern world? Head to the Karpaz:

Wild, unspoiled beaches
Spot wild donkeys and turtles
Visit the Apostolos Andreas Monastery
Stay in eco-lodges or small guesthouses

Great for road trips or a 2-night rural escape.

🏨 Accommodation Types

Northern Cyprus offers a range of options:

Hotels – From luxury resorts to affordable 3-stars
Villas & apartments – Ideal for longer stays or families
Boutique guesthouses – Especially in Nicosia and Kyrenia old towns
Eco-stays – Especially in Karpaz and rural areas

✅ In Summary

Here’s a quick overview of where to stay:

Area	Best For
Kyrenia	All-rounder, nightlife, sightseeing
Esentepe	Villas, peace, golf, longer stays
Nicosia	Culture, history, short city stays
Famagusta	Beaches + ruins, families, old town charm
Karpaz	Nature, isolation, eco-travel