If you’re dreaming of a Mediterranean trip that combines sun-soaked beaches, ancient ruins, and charming villages without the tourist crowds, North Cyprus might just be your perfect destination. This part of the island offers a blend of history, culture, and nature at a slower pace and more affordable prices than many other Mediterranean spots.
To help you plan, here’s a detailed North Cyprus itinerary — a 7-day guide that balances history, adventure, and relaxation. From the harbor of Kyrenia to the wild donkeys of the Karpaz Peninsula, this plan ensures you’ll experience the best the north has to offer.
Day 1: Kyrenia – Harbor Life & Castle Views
Your journey begins in Kyrenia (Girne), the crown jewel of North Cyprus. This coastal town combines postcard views with a vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect starting point.
Things to Do:
Kyrenia Harbor: Lined with colorful fishing boats, cafés, and restaurants, the harbor is ideal for a morning stroll or sunset dinner. Order a plate of fresh calamari with a glass of local wine and soak up the view.
Kyrenia Castle: Sitting proudly at the edge of the harbor, this massive fortress dates back to Byzantine times and houses a fascinating Shipwreck Museum with a 2,300-year-old Greek merchant vessel.
Wander the Old Town: Lose yourself in narrow streets filled with artisan shops, spice markets, and family-run bakeries.
💡 Travel Tip: If you have time, take a short boat cruise from the harbor to see Kyrenia’s coastline from the sea — an unforgettable way to start your 7 days in North Cyprus.
Day 2: Bellapais Abbey & St. Hilarion Castle – History in the Mountains
On your second day, head into the mountains above Kyrenia, where history and legend come alive.
Bellapais Abbey
Just a 10-minute drive from Kyrenia, the ruined Gothic monastery of Bellapais is one of the island’s most atmospheric sites. Its arches and cloisters look straight out of a fairy tale, with sweeping views over the coastline. Lawrence Durrell, who lived here in the 1950s, immortalized the abbey in his book Bitter Lemons of Cyprus.
St. Hilarion Castle
Higher up in the Kyrenia Mountains lies St. Hilarion Castle, often said to have inspired Walt Disney’s design for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Climb through winding staircases and courtyards, pausing at viewpoints that overlook both the north and south coasts of the island.
💡 Travel Tip: Wear good shoes and bring water. The climb to the top of St. Hilarion can be steep, but the panoramic views are some of the best in all of Cyprus.
Day 3: Nicosia – Divided Capital & Ledra Street
Day three is all about culture and contrast as you visit Nicosia (Lefkoşa), the world’s last divided capital.
Explore the Old Town
Inside the Venetian walls, you’ll find winding alleys, Ottoman architecture, traditional markets, and hip cafés. Visit the Büyük Han, a beautifully restored caravanserai now home to artists’ workshops and coffee shops.
Ledra Street Crossing
The Green Line runs through the heart of Nicosia, separating North and South Cyprus. As a visitor, you can cross at Ledra Street with your passport. It’s a fascinating opportunity to experience two cultures in one day — Turkish-influenced north and Greek-influenced south.
Museums & Bazaars
Stop at the Mevlevi Tekke Museum (dedicated to whirling dervishes) or shop for handicrafts and spices at the local bazaars.
💡 Travel Tip: Plan extra time for border crossing, as queues can form. Don’t forget to carry your passport when moving between sides of the city.
Day 4–5: Famagusta – Ancient Salamis & Ghost Town Varosha
Next, your North Cyprus road trip takes you east to Famagusta (Gazimağusa), a city that combines ancient wonders with modern history. Spending two days here gives you time to explore without rushing.
Salamis Ruins
Once one of the most important cities in the ancient Mediterranean, Salamis is a sprawling archaeological site near Famagusta. Wander through Roman baths, an amphitheater, mosaics, and fallen columns that stretch for acres. Bring water — this site can take several hours to explore properly.
Famagusta Old Town
Enclosed by impressive Venetian walls, Famagusta’s old town boasts the stunning Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (a former cathedral), medieval churches, and atmospheric ruins.
Varosha – The Ghost Town
Varosha is one of the most haunting places in Cyprus. Once a glamorous beach resort in the 1970s, it was abandoned during the conflict and remained sealed off for decades. Recently, parts of Varosha have reopened for visitors. Walking through its deserted streets, where luxury hotels now stand crumbling, is an unforgettable experience.
💡 Travel Tip: Spend the night in Famagusta to enjoy the city after day-trippers leave. The town has a lively university population, so you’ll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Day 6–7: Karpaz Peninsula – Wild Donkeys & Golden Beach
End your trip with an adventure into the remote and untouched Karpaz Peninsula, the northeastern “finger” of Cyprus. This is where the island feels truly wild and far from the modern world.
Wild Donkeys
The Karpaz is famous for its population of wild donkeys, often spotted along the roadside. They’re friendly and sometimes approach cars in hopes of treats — but resist feeding them too much, as it disrupts their natural diet.
Apostolos Andreas Monastery
At the very tip of the peninsula lies this historic monastery, a site of pilgrimage for centuries. Its location on the sea cliffs adds to its mystique.
Golden Beach
No visit to North Cyprus is complete without seeing Golden Beach, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the Mediterranean. Miles of golden sand, crystal-clear water, and hardly a soul in sight — it’s the perfect spot to swim, sunbathe, or simply reflect on your journey.
💡 Travel Tip: Accommodation in the Karpaz ranges from eco-lodges to small guesthouses. Book ahead, as options are limited but rewarding for those seeking tranquility.
Practical Tips for Your North Cyprus Itinerary
Car Rental: The best way to follow this 7-day North Cyprus itinerary is by car. Roads are generally in good condition, and driving gives you flexibility. Remember: traffic drives on the left.
Currency: The Turkish lira is the official currency in the north, though euros and pounds are sometimes accepted.
Language: Turkish is the main language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summers can be very hot, especially inland.
Crossing Points: If you’re combining your trip with southern Cyprus, there are several border crossings. The most popular is Ledra Street in Nicosia.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Through Time & Nature
In just 7 days in North Cyprus, you’ll experience bustling harbors, medieval castles, ancient ruins, deserted resorts, and pristine beaches. This corner of the Mediterranean offers a rare combination of history, culture, and untouched landscapes — without the heavy crowds of more mainstream destinations.
Whether you’re climbing the towers of St. Hilarion, tasting meze in a village tavern, or swimming in the turquoise waters of Golden Beach, every day brings a new chapter in the island’s story.
So pack your bags, rent a car, and let this North Cyprus road trip show you why this hidden corner of the Mediterranean deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
Post a comment