Nicosia
The world's last divided capital bearing the traces of history; a modern living culture rising within the ancient Venetian Walls and the shadow of the Selimiye Mosque.
Destination guide
About Northern Cyprus
300 days of sunshine, ancient castles and a 396 km coastline — the quieter half of the Mediterranean.
3,355 km²
Land area
~300
Sunny days / yr
396 km
Coastline
At a glance
The basics, in plain language
Capital
Nicosia (Lefkoşa)
Government
Parliamentary republic, founded 15 Nov 1983
President
Tufan Erhürman (since Oct 2025)
Language
Turkish · English widely spoken
Currency
TRY · EUR / USD / GBP accepted
Where to go
Four cities, four moods
Famagusta
A port city surrounded by walls inherited from the Middle Ages; a journey through time on the edge of the mysterious "Closed Varosha" with its legendary churches and haunting atmosphere.
Kyrenia
Home to the iconic harbor in the shadow of the Byzantine Castle, a breathtaking coastline, and the majestic gateway of St. Hilarion opening to the Five-Finger Mountains.
İskele
The rising value of Cyprus; featuring kilometers of fine sandy beaches and a peaceful coastal route stretching toward the Karpaz Peninsula.
Climate & geography
Mediterranean — the long version
Northern Cyprus offers a unique natural landscape with the Five-Finger (Pentadaktylos) Mountains stretching along the northern coastline and its fertile plains. In this geography where distances are short, ancient cities, vineyards, and pristine beaches accompany you on a three-hour journey from Kyrenia to Karpaz.
Dominated by a classic Mediterranean climate, the island sees mild winters following long, sunny summers. The vitality of spring and the serenity of autumn offer unique opportunities to explore the island, experience scenic routes, and enjoy the sea away from the crowds.
Year in numbers
- Summer (Jun–Sep)
- 28–35 °C · sea ~26 °C
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- 10–17 °C · mild & green
- Rainy days / yr
- ~50 (mostly Dec–Feb)
- Swim season
- May to mid-November
Worth the drive
Six places to plan your map around
St. Hilarion Castle
Rising on the slopes of Kyrenia, this Crusader castle takes visitors on a fairytale journey with its enchanting architecture — said to be the inspiration for Disney's iconic castle.
Bellapais Abbey
A Gothic masterpiece from the 13th century overlooking the sea; an island essential with its summer concerts and postcard-perfect views year-round.
Salamis Ancient City
Located near Famagusta, this expansive Ancient city sheds light on history with its well-preserved gymnasium, ancient theater, and seaside mosaics.
Karpaz · Golden Beach
Famous for 8 kilometers of uninterrupted golden sand at the tip of the island; a sanctuary of peace with wild donkeys, sea turtles, and untouched nature.
Walled City of Famagusta
One of the best-preserved fortified cities in the Mediterranean, housing unique historical structures like the magnificent Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (formerly St. Nicholas Cathedral).
Alagadi Turtle Beach
A protected nesting area for Caretta caretta and Green turtles; offering a unique experience with guided night walks between May and October.
Before you turn the key
What every visiting driver should know
Drive on the left
UK-style traffic. Steering wheel on the right, give way at roundabouts going clockwise.
Bring your licence
EU, UK and most national licences are accepted for tourists. International Driving Permit recommended for non-Latin scripts.
Fuel & petrol stations
Petrol and diesel widely available. Stations cluster around towns — fill up before long Karpaz drives.
Ercan Airport (ECN)
The main entry point. Roughly 30 min to Kyrenia, 25 min to Famagusta, 45 min to İskele on quiet motorways.
Your turn
Discover Cyprus Freely.
Start your journey now with flexible pick-up locations, the latest vehicle models, and a transparent price policy.