30 Best Things to Do in Northern Cyprus (2026 Guide)
From medieval castles and ancient ruins to turtle beaches and wild donkey encounters — the 30 unmissable experiences in Northern Cyprus, organized by type and area.
Historical Sites & Castles
1. Kyrenia Castle (Girne Kalesi)
A 7th-century Byzantine castle on the harbour, housing the Shipwreck Museum with the remains of a Greek merchant ship from 300 BC — one of the oldest recovered trading vessels in the world. Walk the ramparts for harbour views.
2. Bellapais Abbey
A 13th-century Gothic monastery perched on a hillside above Kyrenia. The best-preserved Gothic abbey in the eastern Mediterranean. Climb to the refectory for panoramic views. The village of Bellapais (also known as Beylerbeyi) has cafés and restaurants nearby.
3. St Hilarion Castle
A crusader castle on a cliff ridge above Kyrenia. Three levels of ruins climb the mountain, with dungeons, towers, and royal apartments. The climb takes 30-45 minutes. Bring water and wear shoes with grip.
4. Buffavento Castle
The highest of the three Kyrenia mountain castles. Less crowded than St Hilarion and harder to reach — the road is narrow and winding. Spectacular views from the top.
5. Kantara Castle
The easternmost of the three mountain castles, on the road to the Karpaz. Quietest and least visited. Good for solitude and views of both coasts.
6. Salamis Ancient City
Roman and Byzantine ruins near Famagusta — a theatre, gymnasium, baths with under-floor heating still visible, and columns. One of the most important archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean. Allow 2-3 hours.
7. Famagusta Old Town Walls
Venetian walls encircle the old city. Walk the ramparts, explore the narrow streets, and visit the Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque (formerly St Nicholas Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral converted after the Ottoman conquest).
8. Othello's Tower
A medieval tower in Famagusta, said to have inspired Shakespeare. Climb for views over the old town and the abandoned Varosha district.
9. Büyük Han (Nicosia)
A beautifully restored 16th-century caravanserai in Nicosia. Craft workshops, cafés, and a shaded courtyard. A perfect place for a coffee and souvenir shopping.
10. Selimiye Mosque (Nicosia)
A soaring Gothic cathedral (formerly St Sophia Cathedral) converted to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest. The architecture is a striking blend of Gothic and Islamic.
Beaches & Nature
11. Golden Beach (Karpaz)
Several kilometres of pristine dune-backed sand at the tip of the Karpaz Peninsula. Almost no development. The finest beach on the island.
12. Alagadi Turtle Beach
The most important sea turtle nesting site in the Mediterranean. Visit in summer to watch hatchlings (book through SPOT). The beach closes at night during nesting season.
13. Escape Beach
Organized beach club near Kyrenia with loungers, water sports, and a beach bar. Best for families and anyone who wants facilities.
14. Karpaz Wild Donkeys
Drive the Karpaz Peninsula and encounter herds of wild donkeys roaming freely. They are the peninsula's iconic residents. Feed them carrots (not bread) if you want to interact.
15. Apostolos Andreas Monastery
A sacred pilgrimage site at the tip of the Karpaz. The monastery is associated with St Andrew and is important to both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Recently restored.
16. Camelot Beach
A quieter beach west of Kyrenia, good for swimming and sunsets. Less crowded than Escape Beach.
17. Beşparmak Mountains Hike
Hike the Kyrenia mountain range for views of both coasts. The trail from Bellapais to St Hilarion is a popular half-day route.
Food & Drink
18. Meze Dinner
Order a full meze at a traditional restaurant — 15-20 small dishes of Cypriot specialities, from halloumi (hellim) to kebab to stuffed vine leaves. Best in Kyrenia harbour restaurants.
19. Village Breakfast (Köy Kahvaltısı)
A full Turkish-Cypriot breakfast spread — olives, cheeses, honey, clotted cream, eggs, sausages, and fresh bread. Available at most village restaurants.
20. Hellim Cheese Tasting
Halloumi (hellim) originated in Cyprus. Visit a local producer or a village restaurant for fresh hellim, grilled and served warm.
Day Trips & Activities
21. Boat Trip from Kyrenia Harbour
Take a glass-bottom boat or day cruise from the harbour. Most include swimming stops, lunch on board, and views of the castle from the sea.
22. Karpaz Peninsula Drive
A full-day drive through the wildest part of the island. Stop at beaches, donkey herds, Apostolos Andreas, and the village of Dipkarpaz. Bring supplies — few facilities.
23. Casino Night
Northern Cyprus has several large casinos (attached to resort hotels). Kaya Palazzo, Merit, and Cratos are the most popular. Dress smart, bring your passport.
24. Nicosia Walking Tour
Walk the old city of Nicosia — the last divided capital in the world. Cross the border at Ledra Street, visit Büyük Han, the Selimiye Mosque, and the Bandabuliya market.
25. Varosha Ghost Town View
The abandoned resort of Varosha (Maras) is visible from the Famagusta waterfront. Once a thriving tourist area, it has been fenced off since 1974. Parts are now accessible for guided visits.
26. Tatlısu Snorkelling
Snorkel the rocky coves around Tatlısu — some of the clearest water on the island. Bring a mask and fins.
27. Golf at Korineum
The Korineum Golf & Beach Resort near Esentepe has an 18-hole championship course. Green fees are €60-100. Book in advance in summer.
28. Wine Tasting
Local TRNC wines from Geçitküzü and other small producers. Try at a restaurant or visit a producer.
29. Hammam (Turkish Bath)
Visit a traditional hammam for a steam, scrub, and massage. Saray Hamamı in Kyrenia is the most popular with tourists.
30. Sunset at Kyrenia Harbour
End the day at a harbourfront café in Kyrenia, watching the sun set behind the castle. The classic Northern Cyprus experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions in Northern Cyprus?+
The must-sees are Kyrenia Castle and harbour, Bellapais Abbey, St Hilarion Castle, the ancient ruins of Salamis near Famagusta, Golden Beach on the Karpaz Peninsula, and the walled old city of Famagusta. Allow 5-7 days to see the main sites.
How many days do I need in Northern Cyprus?+
3-4 days covers Kyrenia, Bellapais, and a castle. 5-7 days adds Famagusta, Salamis, and the Karpaz Peninsula. 10+ days allows a full exploration including hiking, beaches, and village restaurants.
What is the best time to visit Northern Cyprus?+
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal — warm weather without the extreme heat of summer. July and August are hot (35-40°C) but perfect for beaches. Winter (December-February) is mild (15-18°C) and good for sightseeing.
Can I see sea turtles in Northern Cyprus?+
Yes. Alagadi Beach near Esentepe is a major nesting site for green and loggerhead turtles. Nesting season is May-August, and hatchlings emerge July-September. Book a controlled night visit through the Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT).