A survey conducted in 2019 showed that approximately 3.976 million tourists visited Cyprus in 2019. The tourism sector in North Cypress reported an increase in tourists in 2019, with most tourists visiting from Germany and France, recording a 25% increase.
The number of tourists from Canada and the USA increased by about 10% and 20% respectively, in the same year. The year 2019 recorded a significant increase in the number of tourists, with the number of tourists from Finland shooting up by 50%.
Whichever destination you choose to visit, it’s important to stay safe. Find out how to secure your luggage and personal information safe when traveling to North Cyprus.
For instance, you may want to safeguard your personal information and those of your loved ones during the travel. In that case, invest in a reputable identity theft protection solution.
Consider IDShield protection to safeguard your personal data, including names, ID, bank details and credit card information, among others.
The following are the top seven tourist destinations in North Cyprus:
- Bellapais Abbey
- Salamis Ruins
- St. Hilarion Castle
- Alagadi Turtle Beach
- Karpaz Peninsula
- Famagusta Town
- Kantara Castle
Bellapais Abbey
The name Bellapais Abbey is a French name that means “the abbey of beautiful peace.” This is a structure that dates back to the 13th century, and it represents the rich history of the people of Cyprus. The structure is situated near Kyrenia City in North Cyprus.
The place is full of the rich culture of Cyprus people, and it is often flocked by eager tourists who would want to step foot on the serene, majestic site.
From the Abbey, you can have a beautiful view of the sea. The place also has a restaurant, a café, and a museum, and it plays host to a local music festival.
Salamis Ruins
The Salamis Ruins are the remains of an ancient Greek city, and it’s situated north of Famagusta. There are historical statues and pillars worth seeing. And from this place, you’re guaranteed one of the ocean’s best views.
Most people pay a visit to the Salamis Ruins during summer because it is a beautiful place that anyone would love to visit.
St. Hilarion Castle
Situated on the Kyrenia Mountains, St. Hilarion Castle is a magnificent historic castle in North Cyprus. The castle dates back to over 800 years ago. The Byzantines used it as a defense structure, and it’s believed that they started building the stricture in the 11th century.
However, the Venetians dismantled the structure around the 15th century, and that’s what remains to date.
The castle is located at a strategic location where you can enjoy a good view of the beautiful island, and explore its rich history. You can enjoy panoramic views of the sea, Kyrenia, and the eye-catching mountain ranges from the castle.
Alagadi Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach is obviously the place you would not like to fail visiting if you happen to be in North Cyprus. The beach has two bays; one has lesser population, is quieter, and the best place for those who would like to have some alone time, far from crowds.
The other bay is visited by many locals and tourists looking for catering services because it has a restaurant.
The Alagadi Turtle Beach is a naturally beautiful place, more so in summer when many turtles’ eggs hatch and their young ones flock the sea. The scene provided by the many young turtles swimming in the sea is one-in-a-million, something you need to witness.
The beach also has impressive rock pools, fantastic sunbathing spots, and magnificent waters.
Karpaz Peninsula
Whether you’re interested in history or just a visitor who wants to see places, you do not want to miss visiting the Karpaz Peninsula. It’s a must-visit when visiting North Cyprus for business or vacation.
The Karpaz is a long stretch of land that is full of tourist attraction sites. There are beautiful beaches and rich historical sites. What makes it stand out is its sparse population, meaning it vastly spacious.
The peninsula has the Golden beach, known for its clear seas and white dunes. It is also home to Apostolos Andreas Monastery, where you can get a lot of information on the local history.
This place has restaurants with fresh foods. It is relaxed and beautiful, making it one of the best tourist destinations locally.
Famagusta Town
This is a wonderful small town where you can spend time wandering about, when the weather is friendly. This small town has lots of ruins and sights that are worth your time.
Taking a walk through the old walled city is amazing, and you will be able to witness the Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque that was initially a church, giving it a rich history.
Kantara Castle
North Cyprus, and Cyprus as a whole, is known for its numerous castles and rich history. Kantara Castle is found in Trikomo. Due to its hidden nature, most tourists don’t know about it, but it is another amazing destination.
The castle is full of history, but mostly, it was left to religious pilgrims and locals. It is another castle that was erected during the Byzantine period, and its location atop a hill gives it a perfect scene.
Conclusion
There are several magnificent places to visit in North Cyprus, making it a must-go-to place in Cyprus.
Some of the things that make this part of the world the best in tourism include its friendly people, delicious food, rich history, culture, multiple beautiful beaches, and the weather.
