North Cyprus towns, villages and cities, places to buy property in Northern Cyprus.

North Cyprus is often described as ‘a corner of earth touched by heaven’, very few visitors to the island are not touched by the friendly and warm welcome of the Cypriot people, the relaxed pace of life and beautiful natural scenery.

The rich history of the island plays a large part in its beauty, and over the centuries it has passed through the hands of many cultures such as the Persians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Romans, Byzantines, Lusignan, Venetians, Ottomans and the British - all of which have left their mark which is evident in the wide variety of ancient architecture.

The British colonial era which ended in 1960 is certainly still evident and most Turkish Cypriots speak English to some extent which is most helpful to those newcomers who have not mastered the Turkish language yet! Nowhere else can you find such a superb balance between modern western Europe and the eastern Mediterranean’s easy pace of life. Whether you are enjoying a drink at one of the chic modern cafes or are dancing at one of the the lively kebab tavernas, the soothing call to prayer from the ancient mosques is often there to bring the warm peace and serenity only found in western Asia. There are so many places to buy property in North Cyprus, we're sure we can find the right location for you!

Kyrenia (Girne)

The popular tourist capital of North Cyprus. Originally a port for trade ships alongside the historic Kyrenia castle, this small boat harbour has grown into a thriving town. Most of the restaurants and cafes seen today at the old harbour (known locally as the ‘eski liman’) were originally large storehouses full of grain, fruits and other trade shipments.

During the summer months you can find tour guides and boat trips along the coast from the promenade and in the evenings enjoy a fine meal with live music as you watch the world stroll by. Just around the corner from the harbour is the main shopping street where you can buy anything from Turkish delight to a diamond ring. Central Kyrenia is a maze of side streets and alleys with countless restaurants of all kinds and coffee shops for whiling away the hours.  Detached properties for sale in Kyrenia are hard to find and usually command a much higher price than other areas – though there are some superb modern apartments for sale in Kyrenia available at very reasonable prices.

The ‘Old Turkish quarter’ can be found at the eastern side of town and here you can feel the real friendly neighbourhood atmosphere of times gone by with its narrow terraced lanes, cheerful old cafes and friendly local characters.

On the eastern coastal border of Kyrenia lies the busy ‘New Harbour’ area where large modern freight ships arrive daily, it is also worth noting that this small area is the only place along this part of the Kyrenia  coastal district where four storey buildings are permitted.

The southern part of town between the mountains and the main road leading to the Lefkosa roundabout is called Upper Kyrenia (Yukari Kyrenia). This busy, mostly residential area has become immensely popular over recent years with new and old apartments and villas in Kyrenia often available at very competitive prices and central Kyrenia still just a short walk away.

The areas between the North coast and the mountains to the East and West of Kyrenia have become immensely popular to buy property in North Cyprus over recent years. This is a place that is ideal for people buying retirement homes in an environment best suited for the relaxed pace of life ideal for retiring to – and holiday homes on an island where you can truly un-wind while enjoying the company of good friendly people, healthy food, clean air and the beautiful scenery of the most unspoilt jewel in the Mediterranean. The coastal villages of North Cyprus are almost all elevated in the mountain foot-hills, this is not merely because the ancient Cypriots liked to have a pretty view of the sea! – it was so that they could look out for approaching pirate ships who often came from afar to raid and plunder the civilizations of old.

Places To Buy Property In North Cyprus - West Of Kyrenia

• Zeytinlik
  The name translates into ‘olive grove’, originally a small village on the outskirts of Kyrenia, now virtually enveloped by the harbour town and just a short drive to the centre. Land in Zeytinlik tends to be flatter which makes the much sought after sea views harder to find but this is countered by its convenient close proximity to the shops and amenities of Kyrenia. There is an annual Olive Festival held in Zeytinlik; a huge celebration lasting a whole week with games, folk dancing and of course, a huge selection of local foods for sale made with olives or olive oil.
   

• Karaoglanoglu
  Just 5 minutes along the coast road from central Kyrenia, Karaoglanoglu is a fast growing, thriving area with new shops and businesses opening almost weekly and is home to various supermarkets, some excellent restaurants, the Kervansaray public beach and the popular Kyrenia American University. Karaoglanoglu, pronounced roughly as ‘Carol-Anne-oloo’, was named after a Turkish colonel who fell in the area when Turkey intervened in the Greek Coup in 1974. Karaoglanoglu property prices have increased steadily in recent years.
   

• Edremit & Karaman/ Karmi
  Set in the low hills of the Kyrenia mountains behind Karaoglanoglu is the small village of Edremit and higher up towards the mountains is picturesque Karaman. The lowest part of Edremit, called Çiçek Mahallesi (the flower district) has become quite popular over recent years with a good mixture of old and new properties and still plenty of undeveloped land amongst the rolling hills. Property in Karaman has been popular with British people for many years.
   

• Alsancak
  A hugely popular and very large area centred around what was once a small old village which has now expanded to include some of the most popular beaches, hotels and restaurants and recently even new supermarkets. The huge leaning monument on the coastline marks the beach where the Turkish troops landed in 1974. Being such a huge district means there has been plenty of space for development without ruining the beautiful scenery and there are some fantastic new properties in Alsancak are available throughout this area. With plenty of hills and ravines Alsancak has some excellent elevated positions with fantastic views of the Mediterranean sea where on a clear day (of which there are many!) you can see the Southern mountains of Turkey on the horizon.
   

• Incesu & Malatya
  Just above the South Easterly corner of Alsancak is the pretty hillside area called Incesu (ince su translates into ‘thin water’) and further inland towards the mountains there is the tiny and peaceful village of Malatya. All of Malatya and most of Incesu is quite elevated with the beautiful views you can expect from an area that is set along the side of a mountain; a perfect location for people who wish to be away from the hustle and bustle of town life and the busy main road.
   

• Yesiltepe & Ilgaz
  Approximately half way into the Alsancak district along the main road you can turn left onto a long road that leads right up into the mountains; following this road you will pass through the beautiful and scenic area called Yesiltepe (yesil tepe translates into green hill) which has a huge ravine running up alongside the road all the way up to the charming old village of Ilgaz. Property in Yesiltepe and Ilgaz boast much sought after sea and mountain views with precious little land available for building, there are some excellent, yet small developments of villas available in these areas along with a wide variety of older properties which not surprisingly are rarely available for sale!
   

• Lapta
  The district of Lapta contains quite possibly the largest village in North Cyprus. Lapta village which is tiered on three levels of the mountain lowlands contains many shops, restaurants, mini markets and skilled local craftsmen who can usually replicate almost anything you show them in a European catalogue picture for a fraction of the price; this village is fast becoming a small town with its own school, mosques, a church and all the local amenities you need. The Lapta area is quite large with many new developments of luxury villas in the hills and near the sea. At the Eastern side of this area you will find the ‘Lapta Strip’ by the sea with some very popular hotels, bars and further along the coast there are some excellent sandy beaches. Lapta property has proved to be an excellent investment in recent years.
   

• Baspinar
  The sleepy village of Baspinar is set high in the mountains above Lapta village, indeed Baspinar is often referred to as Upper Lapta since the two villages have virtually merged into one and are covered by the same local council (belediye). The words bas & pinar translate into head & stream since Baspinar is at the source of natural fresh water springs which run along channels beside the roads all the way down to Lapta. Due to its elevated position the far reaching views from Baspinar are some of best you will find this close to Kyrenia. The village itself is mostly residential with only a few small shops though it is only a short drive down to central Lapta and all of the facilities it provides. Like neighbouring Lapta, Baspinar property is traditionally popular with the British.
   

• Karsiyaka
  A huge and mostly rural area with a small old fashioned village in the hills and an even smaller old fishing village on the coast called Sirin Yali (which translates as ‘lovely sea-front house’); Karsiyaka has become increasingly popular over recent years as buyers move further from Kyrenia and the touristy areas seeking the peace and tranquillity of ‘old Cyprus’. The mountains are noticeably closer to the sea in Karsiyaka which makes for some outstanding natural scenery and set way up behind the village there is a beautiful ancient monastery for those willing to take the long walk uphill to find it! It is still possible to purchase property in Karsiyaka from as little as £49,950.

Places To Buy Property In North Cyprus - West Of Kyrenia

• Dogankoy
  A small old village on the outskirts of Kyrenia which is bordered by the main road running to the capital city of Lefkosa. This delightful area is an unusual mix of high and low lands with small village properties, large old Cypriot villas and some stunning new developments. Easily missed, this little known village (pronounced ‘dough-an-koy’) is slowly merging with the large tourism capital. Properties in Dogankoy have increased in value significantly in recent years.
   

• Bellapais
  Heading inland from Dogankoy up towards the mountains is the beautiful and most prestigious village of Bellapais dominated by the ancient Bellapais Abbey which is a ‘must-see’ tourist attraction and also host to various concerts and festivals. Bellapais property in the village often commands a higher value than in other areas, especially if there are the expansive views that this area is famed for and even more value when that view includes the abbey! In the mountain skirts around and below the village there are various new developments, many of which have fantastic views over Ozankoy village below and the Mediterranean sea to the North.
   

• Karakum
  To the immediate East of the new Kyrenia shipping harbour is the busy little village of Karakum. There is a small sandy bay, a large supermarket and various restaurants dotted around the area which is on the main Kyrenia bus (dolmush) route with easy access to the town centre or to the popular beaches further East. Due to it proximity to Kyrenia town the price of property in Karakum has risen significantly over the last few years.
   

• Ozankoy
  ‘The poets village’ named in honour of a famed Turkish Cypriot poet who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. This popular district which encompasses a large area between the sea and mountains boasts some stunning sea views from the hills behind the village and views up to the Bellapais abbey which is beautifully illuminated at night. There are some excellent restaurants and cafes in this area with plenty of small shops, services and local trades and craftsmen throughout the village. Although widely settled over the past years with many new properties in Ozankoy in the residential ‘flatlands’, Ozankoy still has a large Cypriot population and has retained its old charm with narrow village lanes and traditional architecture throughout.
   

• Catalkoy
  This large district is centred around an old village nestled in the mountain skirts which reaches west and meets with Ozankoy, far towards the open eastern lands and down to the Mediterranean sea. The village is noticeably slow paced with a genuine friendly atmosphere and two prominent coffee shops where the local men while away the hours. You can usually find all kinds of properties in Catalkoy area from modern new developments to traditional village bungalows and Cypriot mansions. There are some fabulous beaches, established restaurants and new businesses throughout the area and some large ravines and hills below the mountains from where you can admire some brilliant views.
   

• Arapkoy
  An area set back from the sea amongst the low mountains and valleys that run up to the magical Besparmak (five finger) mountain range. A great area for those who really want to ‘be away from it all’ but still only a 20 minute drive to Kyrenia and the nearest supermarkets. The mountain views from most spots in this region are breathtaking and there is a small rural style village with a few shops and services within it. The Villa Shop have property in Arapkoy from only £26,950.
   

• Esentepe, Bahceli & Tatlisu
  These three beautiful areas which are the furthest eastern districts that we cover (Tatlisu which translates as ‘sweet water’ being furthest) are large coastal areas all spread out over miles of beautiful coastline. There are some of the best sandy beaches within a short drive from Kyrenia and various little sandy or rocky coves where you can explore and enjoy a real ‘desert island’ feeling. The new Esentepe Golf Course - The Esentepe Golf and Country Club is attracting interest from some excellent international developers with many sea fronted holiday homes available to suit all budgets. Bahceli too is fast becoming the focus of attention for property investment following the announcement of the new Bahceli Marina Project. Each of these areas has its own village with various services and shops where you can often buy locally grown produce at unbeatable prices. There are also plenty of local cafes and restaurants serving traditional Cypriot cuisine and of course, some tasty freshly caught fish. Property in Esentepe, property in Bahceli and property in Tatlisu are sure to prove a worthy investment.