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The Karpaz Peninsula... and Much, Much More!

The Karpaz Peninsula is an area where history and culture blend to offer a unique tourism experience. For visitors that want to learn more about the region’s history, there are villages to be explored, along with basilicas, ruins, and ancient tombs. For adventure travelers, there are trails for mountain biking and hiking, along with opportunities for hang-gliding and other exhilarating activities. For sun-seekers, there are miles of sandy beaches stretching along warm, blue Mediterranean Sea and for families, there is a unique village experience that can include everything from donkey rides to mountain biking. There is truly something for everyone in the Karpaz Peninsula.

The Karpaz Peninsula is one of the last true undeveloped coastal environments in the Mediterranean. Its vistas are magnificent and it’s biological diversity profound. There are more than 1,600 plant species in the Karpaz, 22 of which are endemic. The Peninsula’s bird habitat boast more than 350 species, 7 of which are endemic, and for reptile lovers there are more than 26 reptile and amphibian species in the Karpaz, including the famous sea turtles. Karpaz beaches comprise the main nestling ground for the endangered Chelonia Mydas and Caretta Caretta sea turtles in the Eastern Mediterranean. The last colony of European Audouin seagulls nest on the small Klidhes isles at the tip of the Karpaz Peninsula.

Throughout the Karpaz, Cypriot cuisine is prominently featured. Cypriot cuisine is unique in that it blends Turkish, Greek, Renaissance, Latin, Gothic, and Arab tastes. Of course, olive oil is a staple of the Cypriot diet ; make sure you taste the unique Cypriot “black” olive oil. Which is made from boiling green olives before pressing. Visitors can also find a broad assortment of restaurants that serve international cuisine as well. A trip to the Karpaz and surrounding area is a blessing for the palate!

The northern part of Cyprus has 387 kilometers of coastline, that is punctuated by cypress, pine, olive groves, carobs and shrub covered hills. With only an average of 50 people per square kilometer, the region is a natural home for all types of flora and fauna, including over 45 species of orchids. There is one endemic variety called the Ophrys Kotschi that is sought after by visitors from all over the world. Whether it is sea turtles, donkeys, flowers or beaches, you can find them in the Karpaz!

From a historic, cultural, and ecological perspective, the Karpaz is a must-see. Within a short distance from the Karpaz Peninsula, there are a myriad of other attractions as well, such as the following:

Yeni Iskele

The village of Yeni Iskele is on the main road from Nicosia to the Karpaz and is the main centre for local government of the Karpaz region. Iskele is a region with a 25-km-long coastline, most of it sandy and idyllic. The village of Bogaz has a quaint little fishing harbour around which an entertainment center has flourished, featuring hotels and a variety of restaurants. On the main road just outside Iskele village itself is the “Cyprus Endemic Plants Information Center”, which provides information on more than 1,600 plant species.

Kantara

History lovers will enjoy the Karpaz for its rich heritage. One of the foremost historical attractions in the region is Kantara Castle, taken from the Arabic word “quantara”, which means “bridge”. The castle, one of three inland fortresses built in the Middle Ages, is located 700 meters above sea level on the top of Besparmak Mountain. From here the panoramic view up and down the mountain range and the seas below were used in ancient times to warn of pirate invasions along the coast; big flags by day and fires by night, communicating with other castles along the range (Buffavento and St. Hilarion) . Probably a military garrison, the castle has a rich history checkered with intrigue, battles and sieges. Some interesting points to look out for include the large stone cistern and the carved channels for collecting rainwater, the cliff-hanging latrine, archer’s window slits and the secret escape hatch. Despite the onslaught of time, some of its towers and rooms remain as a testament to the time when Cyprus was a major trade route between East and West.

Kyrenia

Kyrenia is nestled along the Mediterranean coast and is regarded as one of the “must-see” attractions for adventure, historical, and cultural tourists alike. Its ancient harbor is guarded by a Crusader castle that stands undaunted in the face of time. Richard the Lionhearted roamed inside its walls, as did Salah Din and maybe even Leonardo Da Vinci. Pleasure boats, restaurants and hotels now ring the ancient harbor, providing tourists with a multi-dimensional experience as old and new blend into the mosaic that is Kyrenia. A myriad of attractions are in and around Kyrenia including St. Hilarion and Buffavento castles, two of three inland castles built to defend the island, Bellapais Abbey, the Sour Magar Armenian Monestary, and much more.

Nicosia

Nicosia is a city where history and culture mesh to provide a unique experience for visitors. During a short walk through the historic walled city, visitors can see the majestic St. Sophia Cathedral (Selimeye Mosque), as well as Kyrenia Gate, Sarayonu Square, the Arabahmet District, and Buyuk Khan (the Great Khan), which has been restored and now houses small shops and cafes. Visitors also enjoy the Meylevi Tekke (Whirling Dervish Museum), the Sultan Mahmud II Library and the Dervish Pasha Mansion among many other attractions. When the walk becomes too much for the feet, visitors can step into any one of dozens of restaurants and cafes to enjoy local cuisine.

Famagusta

A short drive south from Karpaz is Famagusta, with its awe-inspiring ancient walled city. Conquerors rose and fell within these walls during the march of history and today the walled city is an open-air museum that contains some of the region’s most notable attractions such as the St. Nicholas Cathedral (Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque), Cathedral of St. George of the Greeks, the Namik Kemal Dungeon and Museum, Djanboulat’s Bastion and Museum, the Porta del Mare (Sea Gate), the Nestorian Church, the Palazzo del Provedittore (the old royal palace), the Church of St. Peter and Paul, and much more.


Of special note within the walled city is the Othello Tower and Citadel, made famous by William Shakespeare. The walled city also contains a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and shops, where visitors can relax with a cool drink, or shop for local treasures. Near Famagusta is the ancient Roman civilization of Salamis, one of the most outstanding historical attractions in the region.

Guzelyurt-Lefke

Less than three hours drive from Famagusta is the Guzelyurt-Lefke region, where visitors can see the iconic St. Mamas Cathedral, the Guzelyurt Archeological Museum, the ancient city of Soli, Vouni Palace, the Piri Osman Pasha Mosque and much more.