Short But Sweet: Northern Cyprus

When people say they are going to Cyprus, majority of Brits probably assume it’s Ayia Napa, the party capital, but in my case it was the complete opposite side of the island. I flew into Larnaca and then had a drive of about 1 hour 40 minutes to Northern Cyprus. Visiting Northern Cyprus was a dream, it was my first time to Cyprus and it won’t be my last. Cyprus has good weather, great food and amazing beaches and luxury poolside resorts to visit, not to mention your British Pounds go a long way over there (even more of a bonus right).

The weather in Cyprus rarely disappoints, imagine living somewhere where the lowest temperature in winter is about 15 degrees (this is something I could get on board with to be honest). July and August are about 34 degrees minimum, so unless you are a sun worshipper like me or someone who can handle humid hot temps all day and night, I would recommend May, June and September for the “perfect” temperature.

Top things to do:

Kaya Palazzo Hotels & Resort, you can even stay here, but if you’re not going to, be sure to hire a cabana over looking the sea with steps down into the crystal blue water, be served champagne and a fruit platter and help yourself to the mini fridge. A total luxury experience, for £100 approximately.

Spend a day at Cratos Premium Hotel, Spa, Port & Casino, another amazing place to unwind by the pool or take a dip in the ocean. Hire a cabana or choose to sit by the pool. You can completely unwind here (once you’ve got those instagram shots of course).

Ambience Restaurant & Beach Bar, by day a cute (colourful) spot to hang out at with delicious frozen cocktails and by night the perfect relaxed beach bar vibe to give you all the holiday feels you need. Just a note here, the food is really good, it’s worth a visit, just take your patience with you as the service is s**t.

Escape Beach Club, lay on a sun lounger, start working on that tan, order what you want from the menu, be waited on hand and foot, swim to cool off in the sea, and repeat!

Dine at the stunning Bellapais Garden Restaurant & Hotel, a little drive up the hills gives you the perfect date night dinner setting, overlooking the Cyprus mountains by candle light, hidden in colourful gardens and surrounded by nature, this place is a true hidden gem.

Gardens of Babel, deserves some time spent at it, go wandering through the lush greenery and explore the stunning botanical gardens before tucking into a scrumptious fully organic Turkish breakfast. This little piece of paradise is one of Northern Cyprus’s most tranquil boutique places to stay.

These are just the few of the places I visited while I was there in 4 days but there is an abundance more to see and do, more white sandy beaches to be seen, places to eat and other towns to explore. I spent most of my time in a place called Kyrenia, one for your travel hit list!

If you have any questions about my short but sweet visit to Northern Cyprus, feel free to message me :)

Alex x