Language

Turkish is the local language for North Cyprus, but English is also widely spoken. You shouldn’t have any difficulty communicating as there will always be someone nearby that can help you out. 

Currency
As Northern Cyprus still has its own currency, Turkish Lira, in general it is cheaper to stay in North Cyprus than go somewhere in the Euro.

Restaurants and bars
There are plenty of bars either in the towns or villages. The restaurants will have a variety of food covering both local dishes as well as your usual fish, steaks, pasta’s etc. For a meal you will pay roughly in lira the same about as you would in £’s in the UK. Bearing in mind that it’s approximately 2.4 lira to the £, this is great value for money.  Some restaurants and bars will close within the winter months.

Cities
Kyrenia (Girne)
Situated on the North coast, Kyrenia has miles of natural beaches, a small harbour, amphitheatre, Castles as well as Abbeys. There is plenty of History around Kyrenia and its surrounding villages.

Nicosia (Lefkosa)
Nicosia is near the middle of the Island and is split between the Turkish and the Greek side of the island. The North of Nicosia has cobbled lanes where there are small shops and restaurants. On the South of Nicosia the look changes to that of a normal high street, with larger shops, both Cypriot and English. Again there is plenty of history on both side of Nicosia and the border is now open so you can go on both sides.

Famagusta (Magusa)
In Famagusta you can visit the old city wall, monastery’s and ruins. There are shops, restaurants and the cake shops are very popular.

Guzelyurt (Morphou)
Guzelyurt is surrounded by Citrus groves and its underwater springs nourish the fruit and vegetables for which it is famous.

Iskele (Trikomo)
Iskele covers the Karpaz and Bogaz areas on the peninsula (panhandle). Very popular with tourists to relaz and enjoy the vast beaches.

 Maps

 Cyprus map

Getting around

Local transport
There are plenty of local buses (dolmus) so you never have to wait long for one to arrive. There are no bus stops as such. They will stop anywhere on route and will even wait for you if they see you walking along one of the side streets. In the winter months these will be less frequent though and will stop running early in the evening.

  Car Hire
Car hire is very popular in North Cyprus. Not only do they drive on the same side of the road as in the UK, if you are planning on visiting a few of the areas on a guided tour or by taxi, it will work out more cost effect for you to hire a car.

Tourism
Flights can be arranged to the South of the island and transfers from and to the airport can then be arranged for you. Alternatively, you can fly to Ercan Airport in the North of the island, via a short stop-off in Turkey.
There are plenty of hotels to suit everyone’s requirements. So whether you like to be in town, away from town, large or small hotel, there is a wide choice for you to pick from.
There are still only a handful of travel agents in the UK that deal with North Cyrpus but you will find more choice by contacting someone on-line.  They will arrange flights, accommodation, airport transfers and car hire for you.

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