Cyprus is located right at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea and is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean. It is one of the perfect choices ,for a perfect life with its warm climate, hospitable people, delicious food and much more.
We have created a detailed guide that we think will be very useful for anyone planning to live in Northern Cyprus and added the Northern Cyprus checklist at the end of the article. Enjoy! 🙂
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), with a surface area of 3,354 square kilometers, is divided into 6 administrative regions: the capital city of Nicosia, the port cities of Famagusta and Girne, İskele which also includes the Karpaz peninsula, Güzelyurt (Omorfo*) and Lefke, one of the most important citrus regions of the world. Except for the capital Nicosia, all other districts have coastlines.
No matter which part of Northern Cyprus you live in, you will personally experience the rich history of the island and how dozens of cultures melted in a pot and how the islanders keep this culture alive. You will even become a part of this culture. 🙂
*The natives of the island also use the old name Omorfo instead of Güzelyurt.
Since the longest journey (Yeşilırmak- Zafer Burnu) in Northern Cyprus takes 4 hours at most, depending on the traffic, and usually short distance journeys take place, personal vehicles, rental car services and taxis in urban transportation, and bus services in intercity transportation come to the fore.
While it is very easy to find a taxi; buses and minibuses pick up passengers at terminals and stops located in certain regions. The most well-known bus companies are Itimat, MLS and Göçmen. Apart from these, you can travel within the city by renting a bicycle with a credit card at the stations prepared by the municipalities. Roads are usually two-way in urban areas and divided in intercity distances.
You can take a look at our rental car service here.
Caution for drivers: Cars on the island drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Note: We remind you that you should obey the traffic rules.
Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate as it is located between 34º33' and 35º42' North latitudes and 32º16' and 34º36' East longitudes. Summers are hot and dry, winters are mild and rainy. While the annual average temperature is 25.6 ºC, the lowest average temperature is around 14 ºC.
In Northern Cyprus, there is an average of 250-300 days of sunshine a year, and you can wear a t-shirt even in December.
Education in TRNC usually starts with kindergarten at the age of 5 and consists of 4 stages: 5 years of primary school, 3 years of secondary school, 4 years of high school and university/higher education, the duration of which varies depending on the major chosen.
Education in Northern Cyprus is developed and in line with European standards. While preparing students for university education in foreign countries, including GCSE and A Level exams, trainings are also provided for Turkish universities.
Eastern Mediterranean University, which has repeatedly been among the top 100 universities in the world, is also located in Famagusta. There are 25 universities in total in TRNC.
The safety index across Cyprus (based on 0 lowest, 10 highest points) is 3.50 points. The world average is 5.29 points, meaning Cyprus has one of the lowest crime rates and is one of the safest countries in the world.
Northern Cyprus offers a peaceful and safe life with its low crime rate, large police force and civilized society.
The health system in the TRNC is highly developed. Almost all districts have health centers providing services to surrounding villages and cities. With affordable prices, advanced health equipment and expert health workers, you can benefit from the Emergency Service 24/7 and other health services during working hours. In addition, pharmacies, ambulance points, and public and private hospitals in every district are among the advantages of the TRNC health system.
You can feel its thousands of years of history and the mixture of countless cultures not only in historical artifacts, but also in the wide and rich Cypriot cuisine. Molehiya, a dish originating from the Middle East, peach kebab unique to Cyprus, halloumi that is loved by the whole world, kolakas/kolokas, which is widely consumed in Mediterranean countries, Cyprus ravioli pirohu which originates from the Lusignans, and one of the most delicious dishes kleftiko, are among the first dishes that come to mind when Cyprus cuisine is mentioned.
It is worth saying that the word "organic" does not make much sense in Northern Cyprus, because almost all food products, from meat to vegetables, come naturally grown from the surrounding villages. So everything here is completely organic! 🙂
Honestly we don't know where to start because there is so much to do!
From the Ancient Salamis Ruins in Famagusta to the Apostolos Andreas Monastery in Dipkarpaz, from the historical Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia to the Ancient City of Soli in Güzelyurt, you will encounter history at every step you take in Northern Cyprus. Cyprus is a paradise for history lovers.
Northern Cyprus also has some of the most popular and cleanest beaches in the world.
Mackenzie Beach, Palm Beach, Silver Beach and Glapsides Beach are very popular choices for both tourists and locals. You can swim on almost all the shores of the island, but we still recommend you to choose the beaches that has facilities of municipalities and private businesses for safety.
One of the most preferred activities, especially by young people in Northern Cyprus, is camping. While the mountains of Kyrenia are especially preferred, coastal areas, forest areas and special caravan areas are among the favorite spots of campers.
Along with all these, windsurfing, parasailing, diving, hiking and trekking, hunting, picnics, cultural festivals, eco festivals and more, there are activity options suitable for every lifestyle in Northern Cyprus.
With its idyllic landscapes, colorful life and warm sun, Northern Cyprus is literally “a piece of heaven”. You will experience the island life that gives the Mediterranean culture its due and you will have a joyous life in Cyprus.
Don't forget to complete the checklist! 🙂
Taste at least 5 different Cypriot dishes.
