Attractions of Northern Cyprus: What to See by Cities and Districts
In Northern Cyprus in 2026, it is most convenient to plan your route by region: Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Guzelyurt, and Karpas. In one day, you can see the old town of Nicosia or Famagusta with Salamis, and in 2–3 days, add the castles of the Kyrenia mountain range, Bellapais, Soli, Vouni, and Karpas.
- How to Plan Your Route
- What to See in Nicosia
- What to See in Famagusta and Surroundings
- What to See in Kyrenia and Surroundings
- What to See in Guzelyurt and Surroundings
- What to See in Karpas
- Practical Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
This article brings together the main non-religious attractions of Northern Cyprus. If you are interested in churches and monasteries, see the separate article: Where to Find the Russian Orthodox Church in Northern Cyprus. There is also a separate article for museum routes: Museums of Northern Cyprus.
How to Plan Your Route
For a first trip, it is more convenient to divide the sights by district. The old towns of Nicosia and Famagusta are best explored on foot. The castles of the Kyrenia mountain range, Soli, Vouni, and Karpas are more convenient to visit by car.
| Route | Time Required | What to Include |
|---|---|---|
| Nicosia | 3–5 hours | Kyrenia Gate, Buyuk Han, Bandabuliya, Bedesten, hammam |
| Famagusta and Salamis | 1 day | Old town, Othello Tower, Varosha, Salamis |
| Kyrenia and the mountains | 1–2 days | Kyrenia Castle, Bellapais, Saint Hilarion Castle, Buffavento |
| Guzelyurt | 1 day | Soli, Vouni, Blue House, old olive trees |
| Karpas | 1–2 days | Kantara, Fig Tree Cave, wild donkeys, peninsula beaches |
If it is more convenient for you to go with a guide, you can look at excursions and custom routes on Tripster or Sputnik8. For self-drive trips around the island, you can compare car rental options through Localrent.
What to See in Nicosia
Kyrenia Gate
Kyrenia Gate was built in 1567 as part of the Venetian fortifications of Nicosia. Today it is one of the most recognizable entrances to the old town and a convenient starting point for a walk through the historic center.
Bandabuliya Market
Bandabuliya is a historic covered market in the old town of Nicosia. It is a convenient stop during a walking tour: here you can see local trade, buy produce, spices, and souvenirs.
Selimiye Mosque
Selimiye Mosque is one of the main architectural landmarks of old Nicosia. The building was constructed as the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Sophia and later converted into a mosque. Before visiting, it is worth keeping in mind the rules for entering an active religious site.
Bedesten
Bedesten is a historic building next to Selimiye Mosque. Over different periods, it was used as a church, a covered market, and a cultural venue. Today it is a convenient stop on a route through the old city.
Buyuk Han
Buyuk Han is a large 16th-century Ottoman caravanserai. Today it houses workshops, souvenir shops, and cafés. It is one of the most convenient places for a short break during a walk around Nicosia.
Dancing Dervishes House-Museum
The Dancing Dervishes House-Museum introduces the daily life and traditions of the Mevlevi order. It is convenient to include in a walking route through the old city if you are interested in culture and urban museums.
Old hammam
The Great Hammam is the oldest functioning Turkish bath in Nicosia. The building was created on the basis of an earlier Christian temple and rebuilt during the Ottoman period.
What to See in Famagusta and Surroundings
Ancient City of Salamis
Salamis is located about 6 km from Famagusta. In the archaeological complex, you can see baths, a theater, the agora, a necropolis, and remains of ancient structures. It is worth setting aside at least 1.5–2 hours for a walk.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque is located in old Famagusta. Originally, the building was Saint Nicholas Cathedral, built in the Gothic style during the Lusignan period. Today it is an active mosque and an important architectural landmark of the city.
Castello Fortress and Othello Tower
Castello Fortress protected the harbor of Famagusta. Othello Tower is connected with the literary tradition and is among the most famous landmarks of the old town. It is best visited together with a walk along the fortress walls.
Varosha
Varosha is a coastal district of Famagusta that was closed to visitors from 1974 and partially opened to tourists in 2020. Visits are allowed only in the zones open for walking; you must not enter beyond the barriers.
Jambulat Museum
The Jambulat Museum is located by the city walls of Famagusta. The exhibition features items related to the Ottoman period and the history of the city's siege.
Martinengo Bastion
Martinengo Bastion is part of Famagusta's fortification system. It is one of the most interesting elements of the city's fortifications: the massive walls clearly show the defensive logic of the old town.
What to See in Kyrenia and Surroundings
Kyrenia Castle
Kyrenia Castle is located by the old harbor of Kyrenia. Inside you can see the courtyard, fortifications, a chapel, and the shipwreck museum. It is one of the main places to visit on a first trip to Northern Cyprus.
Bellapais Abbey
Bellapais Abbey is located in the village of the same name above Kyrenia. It is a Gothic monument with views of the city, the sea, and the Kyrenia mountain range. It is best to come in the morning or closer to sunset, when it is less hot and the light is softer.
Saint Hilarion Castle
Saint Hilarion Castle is located on the slope of the Kyrenia mountain range at an altitude of about 750 m. It is one of the most spectacular castles in Northern Cyprus: the upper levels offer views of Kyrenia and the coast.
Buffavento Castle
Buffavento is the highest of the well-known castles in the Kyrenia mountain range. The climb requires physical fitness and comfortable shoes, but the view from above makes up for the effort.
Karmi Village
Karmi is a mountain village near Kyrenia, known for restored houses, flowers, narrow streets, and a peaceful atmosphere. It is convenient to stop here after Saint Hilarion Castle or during a trip through the mountain villages.
Miniature Museum
The Miniature Museum in Tatlisu is an open-air site with models of famous landmarks of Northern Cyprus. It is convenient to include in a route between Kyrenia, Tatlisu, and Karpas.
What to See in Guzelyurt and Surroundings
Blue House
The Blue House, or Mavi Köşk, is located in the Guzelyurt area. It is an unusual villa with a mid-20th-century interior and many legends surrounding its former owner. Before the trip, it is best to check the opening hours, as the site is in an area with restricted access.
Museum of Archaeology and Natural History
The Museum of Archaeology and Natural History is located in Guzelyurt next to the Church of Saint Mamas. The collection includes archaeological finds, ceramics, sculpture, household items, as well as materials about the region's nature.
Old olive trees in Kalkanli
The olive grove near the village of Kalkanli is known for trees that are several hundred years old. After the 2020 fire, some of the trees survived, and the place is still suitable for a short stop on the way to Guzelyurt.
Ancient City of Soli
Soli is an ancient city in the Guzelyurt area. To this day, the theater, basilica, mosaics, agora, and other elements of the archaeological complex have been preserved.
Ancient City of Vouni
Vouni is located on elevated ground and is interesting not only for its ruins but also for panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and coast. It is convenient to combine it with a visit to Soli.
What to See in Karpas
Kantara Castle
Kantara stands at the beginning of the Karpas peninsula. In clear weather, you can see the mountains, the sea, and a significant part of the northeastern coast from here. Unlike Buffavento, the road gets closer to the entrance, so the castle is easier to include in a route.
Fig Tree Cave
Fig Tree Cave is one of the best-known caves in Northern Cyprus. Inside there is lighting and a prepared route, but it is still best to wear comfortable shoes for the visit.
Wild donkeys of Karpas
Wild donkeys are one of the symbols of Karpas. They are most often encountered on the road to the tip of the peninsula and near natural areas. It is better to feed the animals carefully and not step onto the roadway.
Practical Tips
- For castles and archaeological sites, bring comfortable shoes, water, and a hat.
- In summer, it is better to plan open-air sites for the morning or after 16:00.
- For Karpas, Buffavento, Vouni, and Soli, it is more convenient to use a car.
- Before your trip, check the opening hours of each site, especially museums and places with restricted access.
- For routes through the mountains and Karpas, check the signal and your phone battery in advance.
If you are planning an overnight stay in Kyrenia, Famagusta, or Karpas, you can compare hotel and apartment options in advance on Trip.com. For an airport-to-hotel or old-town transfer, you can book a ride through KiwiTaxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to see in Northern Cyprus in one day?
For one day, two routes are convenient: Nicosia on foot, or Famagusta with Salamis and Varosha. If you are staying in Kyrenia, you can combine Kyrenia Castle, Bellapais, and Saint Hilarion Castle.
What are the most famous sights of Northern Cyprus?
The most famous include Kyrenia Castle, Bellapais Abbey, Saint Hilarion Castle, Salamis, Varosha, Buyuk Han, Soli, Vouni, and Karpas.
Do you need a car to see the sights?
For Nicosia and old Famagusta, a car is not necessary. For castles, Karpas, Soli, Vouni, and mountain villages, a car is much more convenient.
Can you visit the sights of Northern Cyprus with children?
Yes. For children, Kyrenia Castle, Buyuk Han, the miniature museum, Karpas with the donkeys, and walks through the old towns are usually suitable. Buffavento and long climbs require good physical fitness.
Where is the best place to stay for sightseeing trips?
For a first visit, Kyrenia, Famagusta, or Nicosia are convenient. Kyrenia is suitable for mountain castles and Bellapais, Famagusta for Salamis and Varosha, and Nicosia for city walks.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance?
For most historical sites, tickets are bought on site. For tours, transfers, and group routes, it is more convenient to book in advance.
Author
I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…