Northern Cyprus: An overlooked holiday destination in the Mediterranean – what you need to know about traveling to Cyprus is written by The editorial staff, RejsRejsRejs.
In Northern Cyprus you get the best of both worlds
The cleanest bathing water in the Mediterranean, a wealth of cultural experiences and an extremely friendly people, which give you unique experiences and unforgettable holiday memories. This is just some of what awaits you in Northern Cyprus - and even at prices far below the neighboring countries.
Vacation in Cyprus has generally made it onto the hit list – not least among our readers, which has their own favorites on the divided island - but the northern part of the island is still overlooked. So before you book your holiday to one of the classic Mediterranean destinations, take a look at the slightly more unknown Northern Cyprus.
The world's last shared capital
Northern Cyprus is full of beauty and history, from breathtaking natural areas to ancient cathedrals. It is also here that you can experience something as unique as the border crossing in the capital Nicosia. Here you can walk from the TurkishCypriot side to it GreekCypriot side with nothing but your passport in hand.
It is the only remaining capital in the world where this is possible, and it is quite a special experience. The island has a long and complicated history, which includes the Ottoman Empire, Greece, Richard the Lionheart and Great Britain as a colonial power.
Take a spa bath in Northern Cyprus
Today, Cyprus is divided into a southern and a northern part. Especially the many cultural-historical and architectural wonders of the northern part testify to ancient times. Among other things, it can be felt on one's own body in the ancient bathing establishments, which are still in full function. Here you not only get to wash your body, but also a historical experience beyond the usual, which you will only find in Cyprus.
The cleanest bathing water in the Mediterranean
If you are more into the gentle waves of the sea rather than the feeling of a spa, the beaches of Northern Cyprus will undoubtedly satisfy you and your inner water dog. The clear turquoise and azure color of the sea brings to mind exotic destinations in Caribbean og Pacific Ocean. And then they are the perfect setting for both swimming, diving and strolls at the water's edge.
When you travel to Cyprus, you can find beaches just as nature created them without human intervention. But also beaches with water sports opportunities, comfortable beach chairs and delicious beach restaurants.
Regardless of which beach options you are looking for, it is the Mediterranean's cleanest bathing water that you throw your body into when you bathe in the warm water. The European Environment Agency EEA examines Europe's bathing water every year, and here has lovely Cyprus of several rounds lying right at the top of the list.
Slow down in Northern Cyprus
On a trip to Cyprus you will find the good bathing water all around the island. But while you might expect a jumble of umbrellas, beach vendors and tourists in the holiday mood of the southern part of the island, Northern Cyprus is far more serene and laid-back.
The tourism industry has developed very differently on the two parts of the island, as you will also discover if you travel to both sides of Cyprus.
While hotel resorts sit alongside souvenir shops and well-known fast food restaurants in the south, the northern part of the island has not experienced the same overhaul. Therefore, some completely different experiences await you here when you visit Northern Cyprus as a tourist.
Here are villages where one lives a slow life and where the area's crops, flocks of sheep and traditional crafts are a high priority. As a tourist, you are easily lulled into the comfortable pace and local life, where everyday life is lived peacefully.
The Northern Cypriot hospitality
Although many have gradually discovered the Cypriot charm, it is still an authentic holiday experience, peaceful atmosphere and fewer tourists waiting for you in Northern Cyprus.
And you are guaranteed to be warmly welcomed by the local Northern Cypriots. Although the number of tourists is lower than in the south, every tourist is welcome in Northern Cyprus. The locals are exceptionally welcoming and friendly and warmly welcome guests and visitors.
They are neither intrusive, overbearing or aggressive. Salespeople, avid creepers or others who want to tuck you new sunglasses, a taxi ride, a restaurant visit or a tourist excursion, you will not find here.
Northern Cypriots let tourists be tourists on an equal footing with locals. They are happy to let you get up close to their lives and would be very happy to chat with you over a cup of Cypriot coffee if you feel like it.
Have you visited a Greek holiday island or other Mediterranean beach in high season, one knows that a hospitality of that kind is not always guaranteed.
To travel is to eat
The hospitality and way of life is not the only thing you will experience being completely different from other southern European destinations. There is something else that sets Northern Cyprus apart from other countries: the low prices. Without the EU and a dominant commercialization, the price level in the north has remained low, making Northern Cyprus a cheap travel country.
A cup of coffee for a tenner and a full meal at a restaurant can be had for under fifty. In comparison, a coffee at a sidewalk cafe typically costs 25-35 kroner in Rhodes – and the same here at home.
The good prices on local delicacies provide a great opportunity to pack your suitcase with edible gifts and goodies for the pantry at home.
A local wine, a jar of olives or a mix of crunchy tasty nuts is an obvious souvenir from Northern Cyprus. Although the prices are low, the quality of the local products is high.
Northern Cyprus has optimal agricultural conditions and grows the crispest, freshest fruits and vegetables, makes delicious goat cheeses and grilled meats of good quality. Good bargains can be made at the many markets. A whole kilo of almonds costs about 45 kroner and a tray of fresh strawberries about five kroner.
Cheap and good food
The dining experiences at the island's restaurants and cafes are also both cheap and extremely tasty. Like much else in Northern Cyprus, the food culture is also influenced by the country's history and the culinary traditions of the surrounding countries.
The local Northern Cypriot food is related to the Turkish, Arabic and Greek Cypriot. But the flavor nuances and seasoning have in many dishes got their own northern Cypriot expression. It is therefore an exciting food universe and lots of great dining experiences that you have to look forward to when you travel to Cyprus and the exciting northern part.
Your pocket money lasts a long time, and it makes it a little more fun to vacation for most people. The low prices also provide air for more experiences, excursions and restaurant visits during the holidays. A good incentive to come back to Northern Cyprus again another time.
Read more about traveling to beautiful Cyprus here
Have a nice holiday in Northern Cyprus.
What to see in Northern Cyprus? Sights and attractions
- The world's last shared capital, Nicosia / Lefkosa
- Big Han
- Sofia Cathedral / Selimiye Mosque
- Green line - the boundary between Turkey og Greece
- Girne Castle
- Bellapais Monastery
- The ghost town of Famagusta / Gazimağusa
- The wild donkeys on the tip of Northern Cyprus
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