Where to Stay in Cyprus?

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a popular tourism destination that attracts more than one million international tourists every year and offers a variety of accommodation options to its visitors ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hotels, especially in its capital city Lefkosia and summer destination Girne.

If it is your first time in Lefkosia and planning to explore its city center as well as its most popular attractions, it is recommended for you to stay in hotels located around “Samanbahçe” and “Abdi Çavuş” neighborhoods.

If you are in TRNC to enjoy its gorgeous beaches and clear seas, it is also possible for you to stay in hotels located in Girne district. There are many amazing hotels in the district with top-tier qualities.

We would love to help you organize your trip to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and you can book a hotel easily through our website.

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Reasons to Visit Cyprus

Beautiful beaches: Northern Cyprus has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, such as Alagadi Beach, Escape Beach, and Acapulco Beach.

Rich history and culture: Northern Cyprus has a rich history and culture, with many ancient ruins, castles, and churches to explore. Visitors can visit the Kyrenia Castle, the St. Hilarion Castle, and the Bellapais Abbey, to learn about the island's history and admire its beautiful architecture.

Outdoor activities: Northern Cyprus offers hiking, cycling, water sports and many more activities. Visitors can explore the island's mountains, forests, and beaches and enjoy paragliding, diving, and boat trips.

Cuisine culture: You can try out Turkish and Cypriot cuisine simultaneously with an amazing Mediterranean view of Northern Cyprus. North Cyprus has a wide variety of restaurants and taverns, and most offer you an unforgettable experience.

Friendly locals: Northern Cyprus is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are happy to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

Places to See in Cyprus

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus offers everything a traveler can wish for. The country is home to many historical landmarks and natural beauties that are accompanied by a unique cultural heritage. We listed some of these amazing things you can do in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus below and if you would like to know more about the country, you can check our detailed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Travel Guide.

• Explore the Museum of Barbarism: The Museum of Barbarism is one of the most interesting museums in Lefkosia exhibiting war artifacts, atrocities, and martyrs.
• Marvel at the Selimiye Mosque: Selimiye Mosque is one of the most visited historical attractions in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and is located at the heart of Lefkosia. Selimiye Mosque was used to be a gothic church and it is still possible to observe its remains.
• Visit the Büyük Han: “Büyük Han” or Great Inn is a caravanserai built by the Ottomans after their conquest in the 16^th Today, the caravanserai is home to a small mosque and contemporary exhibitions.
• Watch a Whirling Dervish Performance: Watching a whirling dervish performance in Lefkosia is one of the most relaxing experiences you can have in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It is possible for you to find a performance in the northern part of Lefkosia.
• Girne Gate: “Girne Kapısı” or Girne Gate is one of the most well-known historical landmarks of Lefkosia. The gate situated at the heart of the city and was built by the Venetians in 1567.
• Have Some Traditional Food: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has a great culinary scene that fuses Turkish, Greek, and Italian kitchens into one. In Lefkosia, you should definitely have “Halloumi Cheese”, “Cypriot Coffee”, and “Şeftali Kebabı” in its local restaurants.

You can visit our detailed Lefkosia Travel Guide to learn more about the city and book a ticket for flight to Lefkosia. 

Also, you can visit to Türkiye when you travel to Cyprus. If you want to check price, you can search cheap flight to Turkey and read our Turkey Travel Guide for places to visit. Especially, we recommend you to visit Istanbul. You can easily booking cheap flights to İstanbul which direct flights take an hour approximately.

Plan Your Trip to Cyprus

If you are an enthusiastic traveler, you will lose no time to explore the country. There are many intriguing streets, historic sites, and local eateries and stores to explore in Famagusta City. You can take plenty of pictures there and immortalize your trip.

A stunning sight, Bellapais Abbey is a 13th-century abbey that currently hosts concerts and events. Bellapais Village also has excellent restaurants and taverns, as well as breathtaking views of Kyrenia. If you are keen to participate in crowded events, don't miss the show! If you prefer a more peaceful environment, stop by Kyrenia Harbour. A terrific spot to unwind, indulge in some local food, or simply sip a nice beer there. If you are a lone wolf, don't worry, there are other serene places that you can enjoy. The Karpaz Peninsula, sometimes referred to as the panhandle, is a fantastic place to watch wild donkeys as well as gorgeous flowers and scenery.

There are several ways to try and obtain cheap flight tickets to Cyprus. One option for cheap flights to Cyprus is to be flexible with your travel dates, as flights can often be cheaper during off-peak seasons or on certain days of the week. It can also be helpful to book your tickets well in advance, as prices tend to increase as the departure date approaches. It can also be useful to sign up for alerts from price comparison websites or airline newsletters, as they may notify you of special deals or sales, if you don't want to lose any time for getting a cheap flight to Cyprus. Finally, consider using rewards programs or credit card points to pay for part or all of your flight, as this can help reduce the overall cost of your Cyprus tickets.

Things to Know Before Visiting TRNC

• Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a safe country to visit with very low crime incidents in comparison to most European destinations.
• The official and most common language in the country is Turkish but most locals also understand and speak English well.
• Although Turkish Lira is the official currency of the country, it is also possible for visitors to pay with Euro, US Dollar, or English Pounds in most shops.
• Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
• TRNC has a left-hand traffic system and expect to steering wheel to be on the right side when renting a car.
• Stores are generally open between 08:30 to 19:00 during summers.

We listed some useful side notes about the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for you right below.

Useful Information About Your Flight to Cyprus

• All visitors from outside the country who plan to stay in the TRNC for more than 90 days must apply for a resident permit. With a current passport or other acceptable travel document, you can enter and exit the TRNC at specified ports and border crossings.
• Most foreign nationals only require a valid passport to enter North Cyprus. US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, US, and Singaporean nationals do not need to obtain a visa to stay in the north for up to three months.
• For domestic Cyprus flights, check-in opens one hour before departure, while for international flights, it opens two hours before departure. For domestic flights, check-in closes 20 minutes before departure; for international flights, it closes 35 minutes before departure.
• Make sure you have a confirmed reservation for your next trip if you want to spend more than 72 hours at a stopover location. Otherwise, your reservation for your flight to Cyprus can be canceled without notice.
• There are direct flights to Cyprus from a number of major cities around the world, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Istanbul.
• You can fly to Cyprus through Ercan airport in North Cyprus from various airports. You can take a shuttle to North Cyprus or rent a car. Flights to Larnaca are direct, but the distance to your hotel in North Cyprus is longer. In contrast, flights to Ercan in North Cyprus require a brief detour through Turkey en route.
• The flight time to Cyprus from UK is around 4-5 hours, depending on the specific route and type of aircraft.
• Cyprus is part of the European Union, but it is not a member of the Schengen Agreement, so travelers will need to go through passport control upon arriving in the country.
• The weather in Cyprus is typically warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 18-30°C throughout the year. Arrange your flight time to Cyprus during a cooler season if you are sensitive to the sun.
• When traveling to Cyprus, it is recommended to pack sunscreen, a hat, and other protective clothing, as the sun can be strong, especially during the summer months.

What you need to know about Cyprus?

Tips for Traveling to Cyprus

If you need to exchange money for Turkish lira, it is advised that you wait until you get in North Cyprus and exchange your money at one of the Exchange Bureaus here instead to get the best exchange rate. Banks and several money exchange businesses can be found in Kyrenia, Famagusta, and Nicosia. If necessary, you can also exchange money at your resort.

Many firms offer free cancellation and no hidden fees when renting a car in North Cyprus. You must be 21 or older and have your driver's license with you. It is important to note that in Cyprus, the left is the direction of travel while the right is where the steering wheel is located.

Photography is prohibited in the proximity of military regions and the demarcation line. Ask permission before taking pictures in a museum. Additionally, in several North Cyprus monasteries, photography is not permitted.

Travelers from Cyprus who wish to visit Turkey must apply for a Tourist e-Visa. However, the required document is entirely online, so you can apply without going to the Cypriot embassy or consulate.

Best Time to Visit Cyprus

The best time to visit Northern Cyprus depends on what you choose to do. You can visit Northern Cyprus in May, June, July, August and October if you want to enjoy festivals and Cyprus' amazing landscape.

You can enjoy many festivals thanks to Northern Cyprus' rich culture and history. The Kyrenia Festival, which takes place in the summer months, features a variety of cultural events such as music performances, theater productions, and art exhibitions. The Girne International Music Festival, also held in the summer, features classical music concerts by international musicians. The International Bellapais Music Festival, held in the picturesque village of Bellapais, features a mix of classical and contemporary music performances. These festivals provide an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to celebrate and experience the diverse culture of Northern Cyprus.

Which Cities Can I Visit Near Cyprus?

You can add following Cyprus destinations to your bucket list:

• Kyrenia (Girne )
• Bellapais
• Kyrenia District
• Iskele and Bogaz
• Famagusta (Gazimagusa)
• Nicosia (Lefkosa)

Essential Numbers

Country Code: +90392

Ercan International Airport Number: +90 392 600 50 00

Tourism Ministry: +90 392 228 9629

Police: 155

Ambulance: 112

Forest Fires: 117

Car Rental in Cyprus

You can also rent a car with Pegasus privileges if you want to consider a more comfortable option for city transportation when you arrive in Cyprus for business or leisure.

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Airports in Cyprus

We use Ercan International Airport in Lefkosia for our flights in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Ercan International Airport

Ercan International Airport (ECN) is located 23 kilometers away from Lefkosia city center. You can get to Lefkosia city center with direct bus, taxi, and rental car. Direct buses are the most convenient option to get to the city center and they are available from 08.10 to 00.30. You can also use taxis available at the airport 24/7.