
I really like mountains in the North Cyprus;
you can find some paths for hiking and lovely located castels. 🙂
I really like mountains in the North Cyprus;
you can find some paths for hiking and lovely located castels. 🙂
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.
Nicosia (Turkish: Lefkosa, Greek: Lefkosia) is the divided capital of Cyprus.
If you like hiking and ruins, check the Buffavento Castle on the Kyrenia Range.
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.
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! 🙂
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!
Kyrenia Castle is one of the main attractions of Kyrenia.
Definitely, plan to visit the impressive castle.
Kyrenia has nice beaches,
not only for people, but also for turtles. 🙂
Kyrenia name is adapted from Greek KirĂnia,
but in Turkish the town is called Girne.
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. 🙂
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.
The Saint Hilarion Castle is lovely located.
It lies on the beautiful Kyrenia mountain range,
that makes it very scenic.
And one more picture of the St Hilarion Castle,
with so-called the Queen’s window.
Don’t forget to take good hiking shoes for visiting the St Hilarion Castle;
there is lots to see. 🙂
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.
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. 🙂
The Turkish Cypriots are mostly Sunni Muslims.
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.
The other question that may come immediately to mind:
is it safe in Northern Cyprus?
-It is safe.
It’s not like e.g., North and South Korea.
Anyway, I still recommend to check the current situation before visiting Northern Cyprus,
things may change, rules may change.