I am passionate about Cyprus. I have spent a lot of time exploring hidden places of this stunning island and blended with many locals which consequently became friends of mine. Here I will share with you best 5 hidden gems in Northern Cyprus. I also offer private and exclusive tours.
- Lefke
Lifke is a small town, not too touristy but is visited by many Sufis, pilgrims from around the world where their where their sheikh had lived and was buried. The city is located on the hills surrounded by orange groves. The city boasts of many historical buildings and inexpensive cafes. Lefka is known for its citrus fruits and mines. It is the site of the European University of Lefke.
- Soli
It is an ancient Greek city located southwest of Morphou and on the coast in the gulf of Morphou and dates back to about the 6th century BC. It was known as one of the ten kingdoms on the island, but was abandoned by its inhabitants as a result of Arab raids. What remains today is the mosaic floor of the basilica with dipicted birds, animals and geometric shapes and a picture of a swan. There is a theatre that has been reinstated to best it can be to its near original state.
- Karavostasi
This is a small beach hamlet with local cafes and retail stores. Karavostasi is home to the port of Gemikonağı, which was historically used for exporting copper but is inactive since 1992.
- Bademliköy
It is a small village located in the Nicosia District of Cyprus, west of the town of Karavostasi. At first it was inhabited by Greek Cypriots which fled during the Turkish invasion in 1974. The village was inhabited in the late 1970’s by Turkish Cypriots and a small number of Turks from Turkey.
- Yesilirmak
A few miles further west from the Palace of Vouni, you will come to the village of Yesilirmak. This is a popular place, with five restaurants in a space of 100 yards. The beach is known as Asmah Plaj, from the Turkish for vine, and a glance round will tell you why. The place is festooned with grape vines. The most westerly restaurant is the one with the vine. According to Guinness World Records, this is the largest vine in Cyprus, having a diameter of 1.4m. It was planted in 1947.
Nikolai, ncyprus@meta.rv.ua