When you do a search for places to visit in Cyprus, the multitude of options you come across is enough to overwhelm you. Cyprus, which God has been generous with in terms of both its historical and natural beauties, offers its visitors the richness of blue, green and history with the same generosity…

Cyprus, with its multicultural history, hosts millions of tourists from all over the world. The most beautiful cities of Cyprus, which fascinate visitors with its Mediterranean nature and historical structures from Venice, Byzantium, England and the Ottoman Empire, include Kyrenia, Nicosia and Gazimağusa…

You have many options in terms of places to visit in Cyprus.

Historical Places to Visit in Cyprus

If you are ready, we are exploring the places you can visit in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

1 – Kyrenia Castle

Kyrenia Castle is at the top of the list of historical places you can visit in Cyprus. Built in the 7th century AD, the castle has been under the rule of many states throughout history and has naturally become a structure that bears the traces of many civilizations.

Kyrenia Castle has been under the rule of Venice, Byzantium, the Kingdom of England and the Ottoman Empire throughout history. In fact, the Kyrenia people built this castle against the Arab raids targeting Cyprus. Today, Cyprus is on the list of places you can visit.

You can see a 2,000-year-old sunken ship in the Sunken Ship Museum in Kyrenia Castle. You can also wander through mysterious and scary dungeons.

The Lusignan Tower, Venetian Tower and St. George Church, right next to Kyrenia Castle, are among the historical places you can visit in Cyprus.

The castle, which is located 25 kilometers from the city center of Nicosia, can be reached by private car, but it can also be reached by taxi or minibus in a 15-minute journey.

Places to Visit in Cyprus: 2 – Salamis Ancient City

Salamis is one of the oldest ancient cities of Cyprus, which you can explore in the Yeni Boğaziçi neighborhood of Famagusta. It is 55 kilometers away from Nicosia. You can reach the ancient city by minibus, taxi and private vehicles.

The Ancient City of Salamis has a history of approximately 2000 years. Natural disasters have affected the city. However, it is very popular among the places you can visit in Northern Cyprus. In the ancient city, there is the Zeus Altar, Nikokreon Monument, Salamis Gymnasium, Epiphanios Basilica, Cellarga Mass Graves, Roman houses, ancient theater and agora.

3 – Bellapais Monastery

Another place you can visit in Cyprus is the Bellapais Monastery, in the Beylerbeyi Village of Kyrenia. The monastery is 24 kilometers from Nicosia and can be reached by taxi, minibus and private vehicles.

The monastery, which we date back to 1160, is a work from the Roman period. It also has a unique Mediterranean view. The structure, which is dominated by Gothic architecture, includes a dining hall, a concert hall and a priest's room.

Places to Visit in Cyprus: 4 – Karpaz Peninsula

The Karpaz Peninsula, at the north-eastern tip of Cyprus, is a fascinating place for visitors with its tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The peninsula is located 70 kilometres from the city centre of Nicosia and is accessible by private vehicles.

The Karpaz Peninsula, which you should definitely see in Northern Cyprus, starts from the Mesarya Plain and covers a wide area up to the Zafer Cape, the farthest part of the island. It is a pleasant place where you can have a seaside holiday in Cyprus with its Golden Sand Beaches.

5 – Icon Museum (Arkhangelos Michael Church)

The Icon Museum, also known as the Arkhangelos Michael Church, is located in Kyrenia, just 24 kilometers from the city center of Nicosia.

The Icon Museum has been around since 1860. It was first an Orthodox church. Later, it appeared as a museum. You can see icons from archaeological excavations in the region in the museum. In addition, the church is 3 stories high. In addition, Kyrenia, one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Cyprus, can be seen from end to end from the bell tower in the museum.

Places to Visit in Cyprus: 6 – Othello Castle

Othello Castle has survived from the fourteenth century. The castle protected the island from attacks from outside. When the Venetians captured the castle, they surrounded it with walls.

A lion statue draws attention in Othello Castle, located within the borders of the Suriçi Neighborhood of Famagusta. The lion statue's front legs are on land, while its back legs are under water. The statue was also made for a Venetian captain.

7 – Maraş Neighborhood

Located in the city center of Gazimağusa, the Maraş neighborhood is known as the “Ghost City” in Cyprus. The neighborhood, which is 60 kilometers away from Nicosia, is forbidden from outside entry and can only be viewed from outside. In the 70s, an important tourist center, you can see expensive cars, luxury hotels and modern houses in the neighborhood. However, in 1974, when Maraş was evacuated in one night, it remained in the same state as it was left that night and took on the appearance of a ghost city.

Places to Visit in Cyprus: 8 – Museum of Barbarism

The Museum of Barbarism, one of the places you can visit in Northern Cyprus, is in the city of Nicosia. You can only reach the museum on foot.

The Museum of Barbarism, where you can learn the facts of recent history, dates back to January 1, 1966. The building is single-story. It underwent restoration work in 1975. In the Museum of Barbarism, you can see detailed photographs, documents and artifacts related to the Cyprus events we experienced on December 21, 1963.

The entrance to the museum of barbarity immediately reveals to visitors the violent events of those days. There are framed bullet holes on the ceiling. In one room of the museum, there are newspaper clippings describing the events in Cyprus.