Kyrenia, or Girne – Girne being the Turkish name for the town, although most people still call it Kyrenia – is probably the most popular town in North Cyprus, and it’s located in the middle of the north coast. Kyrenia is where all visitors to the island are naturally drawn due to the famous pretty horseshoe shaped harbour, along which you’ll find many bars and restaurants, and which is dominated by an immense Byzantine castle.
Lefkoşa, Nicosia or Lefkosia …all names for the last remaining divided city in the world, located in the centre of Cyprus. Lefkoşa has been the capital of Cyprus since the 7th century and was once a prosperous and prominent city for many. Buildings, monasteries and churches have been built in a prolific fashion during the city’s long history, but Lefkoşa has also unfortunately been a place of many conflicts – such as the invasion by the Marmelukes in 1426 and the subsequent arrival of the Venetians.
Famagusta, situated on the south east costal of Northern Cyprus, is a place where you can really feel the magic of Cyprus’ colorful past; so much so that when you visit you feel as if you can almost reach out and touch the island’s rich history.
Guzelyurt is almost the last major town on North Cyprus’s North West coast – although Lefke sits slightly further west and inland. You will also find Guzelyurt referred to as Morphou, which is the Greek name for the town. The translation of Guzelyurt it basically means ‘beautiful native country’ or ‘fatherland’ – while neither is a perfect literal translation, both meanings get right to heart of the matter and that is that Guzelyurt and the surrounding villages in North West Cyprus are stunningly beautiful, rich and fertile.
The Karpaz peninsula is located on the far eastern stretch of North Cyprus, and it stretches right up to the tip of the peninsula, often referred to as the ‘panhandle.’ You may even hear or see the peninsula being called Karpasia, Karpas, Kirpasha, Carpasia .
