Northern Cyprus Coast & Karpas Peninsula
Explore the north side of the Green Line, visiting Kyrenia's ancient harbor, mountaintop castles, and the remote coast at the tip of the Karpas Peninsula.
Designed for returning visitors who have already explored the south, this route enters and exits via southern checkpoints rather than flying into northern airports. Start by exploring North Nicosia and Kyrenia, then follow the mountain ridge to see its castles, spend two nights on the Karpas Peninsula, and finish with the ancient ruins of Salamis and Famagusta. Due to the division of the island, consular assistance is limited here, and the closed area of Varosha is omitted. Be sure to confirm your passport validity, car insurance, and travel insurance before setting off.
The sun sets early after late October, and peninsula roads have no streetlights, so you must return early.
Day by day
Day 1 · Cross into North Nicosia & Drive to the Ancient Harbor
Nicosia（Büyük Han、Selimiye Mosque (Cathedral of Saint Sophia)） → Kyrenia（Kyrenia Harbour）
Drive across the Agios Dommetios checkpoint to the north side. Explore the old town, then drive about 1 hour to Kyrenia.
Most southern car rental contracts do not cover the north; check in advance and purchase third-party insurance at the checkpoint.
Stay: Kyrenia Old Harbour
Day 2 · Castle Shipwreck & Mountaintop Fortresses
Kyrenia（Kyrenia Castle & Shipwreck Museum、St. Hilarion Castle、Bellapais Abbey）
Explore the castle on foot in the morning. After lunch, drive about 20 minutes up to St. Hilarion, then another 30 minutes to Bellapais.
St. Hilarion has many steps; wear non-slip shoes and allow 2 to 3 hours for the visit.
Stay: Kyrenia Old Harbour
Day 3 · Kantara Castle to the Peninsula
Karpas Peninsula（Kantara Castle、Boğaz Fishing Harbour）
Drive east from Kyrenia along the northern coast for about 1.5 hours to Kantara. Descend to Bogaz for lunch, then drive about 1.5 hours to Dipkarpaz.
Kantara is only open on weekdays, with last entry at 14:45; plan this day for a weekday.
Stay: Dipkarpaz
Day 4 · Golden Beach to Apostolos Andreas Monastery
Karpas Peninsula（Agios Philon Church、Golden Beach (Nangomi)、Karpas Wild Donkeys、Apostolos Andreas Monastery）
Drive about 25 minutes from Dipkarpaz to Golden Beach, then another 10 minutes to the monastery. Return to your accommodation in the evening (approx. 80 km round trip).
Fill up on fuel and withdraw cash in Dipkarpaz. The beach has no facilities; do not step on turtle nests.
Stay: Dipkarpaz
Day 5 · South down the Peninsula to Salamis
Karpas Peninsula（Ayia Trias Basilica、Panagia Theotokos Icon Museum (Iskele)） → Ancient City of Salamis
Drive about 20 minutes from Dipkarpaz to Sipahi, about 1 hour to Long Beach, and another 30 minutes to Salamis.
The Salamis ruins are extensive; allow at least 3 hours. The Sipahi site closes at 15:00.
Stay: Iskele Long Beach
Day 6 · Famagusta Old Town & Return South
Larnaca & Ayia Napa（Famagusta Old Town）
Drive about 30 minutes from Long Beach to Famagusta and explore the old town on foot. Cross back via the Deryneia checkpoint and drive about 1.5 hours to Larnaca Airport.
Othello Castle is undergoing renovation. The closed area of Varosha is off-limits. Allow plenty of time for queues on the return journey.