The new Turkish lira is the official currency of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
I was sometimes using euro, but the rest was always given in Turkish lira.
Northern Cyprus – Currency
Northern Cyprus – Mountains
I really like mountains in the North Cyprus;
you can find some paths for hiking and lovely located castels. 🙂
Northern Cyprus – Rent a Car
For visiting Cyprus, it’s very convenient to rent a car.
There are some restrictions, because of the insurance, and it’s not always possible to visit North Cyprus by car from the South. When you rent a car in the North, then you are not allowed to go South.
However, rules may change, so check everything shortly before traveling.
Northern Cyprus – Nicosia
Nicosia (Turkish: Lefkosa, Greek: Lefkosia) is the divided capital of Cyprus.
Northern Cyprus – Buffavento Castle
If you like hiking and ruins, check the Buffavento Castle on the Kyrenia Range.
Northern Cyprus – Bellapais Monastery
Bellapais Abbey is also known as Bellapais Monastery.
Its name comes from French and means “Abbey of Peace”.
I have to say, I didn’t expect to see something like that on the island.
Northern Cyprus – Bellapais Abbey
Do you know that a 14th century Lusignan Bellapais Abbey can be seen in Northern Cyprus?
It’s a only a short drive distance from Kyrenia.
Don’t miss it! 🙂
Northern Cyprus – Shipwreck Museum in Kyrenia
Shipwreck Museum is also a must-visit place in Kyrenia.
You’ll see there a ship from the period of the Hellenistic kingdoms founded after the death of Alexander; so something very old and very unique! Highly recommend!
Northern Cyprus – Kyrenia Castle
Kyrenia Castle is one of the main attractions of Kyrenia.
Definitely, plan to visit the impressive castle.
Northern Cyprus – Beaches around Kyrenia
Kyrenia has nice beaches,
not only for people, but also for turtles. 🙂
Northern Cyprus – KirĂnia or Girne
Kyrenia name is adapted from Greek KirĂnia,
but in Turkish the town is called Girne.
Northern Cyprus – Kyrenia
Kyrenia is a small, busy, tourist, harbour town.
Everyone should find there something nice;
if not, “just outside Kyrenia” there are a few more attractions. 🙂
Northern Cyprus – Language
Turkish is the main language in Northern Cyprus,
however, Cypriots version is different from the one that’s used in Turkey.
Don’t worry, many (not all!) people understand English.
Northern Cyprus – Kyrenia Mountain Range
The Saint Hilarion Castle is lovely located.
It lies on the beautiful Kyrenia mountain range,
that makes it very scenic.
Northern Cyprus – Queen’s window of St Hilarion Castle
And one more picture of the St Hilarion Castle,
with so-called the Queen’s window.
Northern Cyprus – Hiking St Hilarion Castle
Don’t forget to take good hiking shoes for visiting the St Hilarion Castle;
there is lots to see. 🙂
Northern Cyprus – History of Saint Hilarion Castle
To give you a brief history of the Saint Hilarion Castle, I’ll cite the Cyprus Paradise website:
The castle is named after St. Hilarion, a hermit monk who fled from persecution in the Holy Land and lived and died in a cave in the mountains. Later in the 10th century, the Byzantines built a church and monastery here. Along with Kantara and Buffavento castles, St. Hilarion was originally built as a watch tower to give warning of approaching pirates who launched a continuous series of raids on Cyprus and the coasts of Anatolia. Although the monastery and a church were built here originally, the first references to the castle are found in 1191 records.
Northern Cyprus – The Best of
For me, the Saint Hilarion Castle is the most interesting place in Northern Cyprus.
I’ll show you some more pictures in the following days,
and maybe you’ll agree with me. 🙂
Northern Cyprus – Religion
The Turkish Cypriots are mostly Sunni Muslims.
Northern Cyprus – Tourism
Tourism is very important in Northern Cyprus,
and many people live from tourism;
so that’s also a reason to not be afraid of visiting Northern Cyprus.