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Famagusta / Gazimağusa
Famagusta, also known as Gazimağusa by locals, is one of the oldest cities in North Cyprus. It has a really interesting history dating back to ancient times. Preserved 15th- and 16th-century Venetian walls still remain. The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque was a Gothic cathedral and dates from the 14th century, and is in the centre of town.
The abandoned old city of Varosha / Maraş with its empty hotels, which used to be a booming tourist area is worth a visit as a reminder of the political issues present.. It's eerie walking through the ghost town seeing empty buildings and shops frozen in time, but also really cool. There are some restoration efforts happening, so it will be interesting to see how it develops in the future. Even in its current state, it's definitely worth a visit if you want to experience something unique.
Be sure to visit the ancient Salamis ruins just outside of town dating back to ancient Roman times. It's also a hub for local handicrafts, so check out the workshops and pick up some souvenirs. Overall it's a glimpse into traditional Cypriot Turkish village life at a more relaxed pace than the bigger cities.
Kyrenia / Girne
Perched on the coast with beautiful sea views, Kyrenia, or Girne, is one of the most picturesque cities in North Cyprus. It has a charming old harbor filled with restaurants and shops. The historic castle built by the Crusaders towers over the town and offers great panoramic views after you climb to the top.
Wandering the cobblestone streets lined with Ottoman-era buildings, you'll find galleries, boutiques and plenty of relaxation spots. It's also a popular spot for boat trips to explore sea caves and secluded beaches only accessible by water. On weekends, the town has a lively atmosphere with street performers and events. It's the perfect blend of history, nature and relaxation.
Nicosia / Lefkoşa
As the divided capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, or Lefkoşa, has an especially complex history. The UN buffer zone splits the city into the Greek south and Turkish north. But despite this, daily life goes on for locals and it's a very normal big city. There are modern shopping malls, restaurants, universities and more on both sides.
The historic walled old city has been preserved on the north side and is worth exploring to get a sense of what the city was like centuries ago. Be sure to check out the iconic Selimiye Mosque, which was built in the 16th century. You'll find a mix of cultures and get a unique perspective on this island's challenges and realities in its capital city.
Morphou / Güzelyurt
Smaller than the other major cities in North Cyprus, Morphou or Güzelyurt is perfect for those seeking a lower key experience. Located inland amidst rolling hills, it has an agricultural economy and you'll find farms producing fruits and vegetables. The historic center is charming with its Ottoman-era buildings.
The Guzelyurt Museum in Guzelyurt, North Cyprus, features a diverse exhibit spanning from the island's prehistoric era to the Byzantine period. Additionally, the St. Mamas Monastery, dating from the 18th century and located in the same town, showcases artwork that dates back to the 16th century.
Iskele
Situated on the coast in the center of the country, Iskele or Trikomo has beautiful beaches and a laidback atmosphere. It has transformed in recent years from a small fishing village into a more substantial town. Along the waterfront promenade, you'll find seafood restaurants serving fresh catch of the day along with bars and cafes perfect for chilling out with a drink.
For active types, there are opportunities for water sports like jet skiing, paddle boarding and boat trips. It's also near some great hiking trails through the Kyrenia mountain range if you want to escape to nature. The pace of life seems slower here, making it a nice alternative to the more touristed northern coast towns.
The Yeni Iskele village is the historical representative of the Turk Cypriots who used to live in the Iskele district in Larnaca, which is the southern coastal town in Cyprus, and then they moved to the northern part. Thus, the renaming of the place is the reason that it is now “Yeni Iskele,” which means "New Iskele. The village is the link that ties the villagers to their original place of residence. They originated from a country that was divided into Cyprus.
Final Thought
Those are just a few of the top cities in North Cyprus worth exploring. With its mild climate and Mediterranean influences, this small country packs a lot into a compact area. Be sure to leave some time to get out into the countryside as well.
The hills, beaches and coastline have their own appeal outside of the urban areas. With its mix of ancient history, natural beauty and welcoming locals, North Cyprus offers visitors a unique experience. Just pick a few cities in North Cyprus to base yourself in and go from there.