Areas of North Cyprus

North Cyprus divides into seven main districts, each with its own character, from the harbour town of Kyrenia and the historic walls of Famagusta to the beaches of İskele, the capital at Nicosia, and the wild Karpaz Peninsula. Within them lie dozens of towns and villages, from mountain hideaways to coastal resorts. Below you will find our area guides alongside the other main towns and villages in each district. We add new guides regularly, so if somewhere is not yet linked, check back soon.

Kyrenia (Girne)

The main tourist town and north coast hub, with a historic harbour, castle and the widest choice of hotels and beaches.

• Alsancak – A coastal village west of Kyrenia with lemon groves, popular beach clubs and a summer folk dance festival.
• Bahçeli – A quiet coastal village on the Esentepe coast, with beaches and coves between Esentepe and Tatlısu.
• Bellapais – A hillside village above Kyrenia, famous for its Gothic abbey, literary history and relaxed café culture.
• Çatalköy – A coastal village just east of Kyrenia with large 5-star hotels, beach clubs and Alagadi turtle beach nearby.
• Esentepe – A hilltop village and coast east of Kyrenia, home to the island's first golf course and quieter beaches.
• Karmi – A restored hillside village of whitewashed cottages and bougainvillea, with views to St Hilarion Castle.
• Karşıyaka – A scenic coastal village west of Lapta where the mountains meet the sea, with wild beaches and good hiking.
• Lapta – A spring-fed village west of Kyrenia, split between an old mountain settlement and a lively coastal beach strip.
• Ozanköy – A traditional olive and carob village in the foothills near Kyrenia, known as the Poet's Village.
• Tatlısu – A quiet northeast-coast village with unspoiled rocky coves, clear water and excellent snorkelling.

More areas in this district: Zeytinlik, Karaoğlanoğlu, Edremit, Arapköy, Çamlıbel, Kayalar, Sadrazamköy

Famagusta (Gazimağusa)

A historic port city known for its Venetian walled old town, Gothic churches and the ancient ruins of Salamis nearby.

More areas in this district: Yeniboğaziçi, Salamis, Tuzla, Geçitkale

İskele

A fast-growing east-coast resort area, home to Long Beach and the Boğaz fishing harbour, and a gateway to Karpaz.

• Bafra – A purpose-built beach resort area with large 5-star casino hotels and a long sandy beach on the east coast.
• Boğaz – A traditional fishing harbour famous for its seafood restaurants, between İskele and the Karpaz Peninsula.

Nicosia (Lefkoşa)

The inland capital, with a walled old city, the Selimiye Mosque, the Büyük Han and layered Ottoman and medieval history.

More areas in this district: Gönyeli, Alayköy, Değirmenlik, Dikmen

Karpaz Peninsula

The island's wild, undeveloped panhandle, with Golden Beach, free-roaming donkeys and the Apostolos Andreas Monastery.

More areas in this district: Dipkarpaz, Yeni Erenköy, Büyükkonuk, Sipahi, Kumyalı, Kaplıca, Mehmetçik

Güzelyurt

A fertile citrus town in the north-west, the island's orange capital, near the ancient ruins of Soli and Vouni.

More areas in this district: Gaziveren, Kalkanlı, Zümrütköy

Lefke

A green, spring-fed town with Ottoman heritage and a copper-mining past, near the coast at Gemikonağı and the Soli ruins.

More areas in this district: Gemikonağı, Yeşilırmak, Yedidalga

Last updated: 31 August 2026