Things to know about N. Cyprus
1. Currency
Local currency is the Turkish Lira however most supermarkets, restaurants, hotels and petrol stations are willing to exchange foreign currency using exchange rates quoted in the local newspapers.
2. Capital
Nicosia, or Lefkosa as it is sometimes referred to, is the largest city and the capital of North Cyprus. All cities in North Cyprus have 2 names – one Turkish and one Greek.
3. Location
North Cyprus is the top half of the island of Cyprus, located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea south of Turkey. Total area is 3,355 km2
4. Coastline
The northern range of mountains, known as the Kyrenia Mountains, or Five Finger Mountains is a narrow range, approximately 130 km long, running parallel to the coastline. The northern and eastern shores of North Cyprus are lapped by the clear, blue, warm waters of the Mediterranean. All along the coastline are bays and beaches. The largest bays are Guzelyurt and Famagusta and main peninsulas are Zafer, Korucam and Kasa.
5. Language
The official language of North Cyprus is Turkish. Although the local Cypriots have their own dialect, English is also widely spoken.
6. Driving
In North Cyprus, you drive on the left, as in the UK. Road signs are mostly in Turkish and English.
7. Safety
North Cyprus is one of the safest places in the world with its low crime rate.
8. History
With over 10,000 years of history, Cyprus has been occupied by almost all of the civilisations in the Mediterranean, giving the island a culture reflective of all the different rulers. Cyprus was conquered by the Ottomans in 1571 and ruled by them until 1878, later Cyprus was part of British empire til 1960. Later in 1974 Cyprus was divided between Turkish Northern Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot Republic of Cyprus.
Why Invest in Northern Cyprus?
1. Weather
340 sunny days per year. Warm and nice all year round! Extended summer – amazing vacation location for Spring and Autumn.
2. Short flights
3.5 h direct flights from Vilnius to Larnaca from 30€ with Wizzair. From Kaunas to Paphos. 2 times per week! Up to 1 h drive to North side from Larnaca airport (South). 3.50 h direct flight from Riga to Paphos
3. Real estate prices
North Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira (TL), so prices are approximately 30% cheaper than in Euro zone countries and south Cyprus. For example: 60 min. Massage at a spa – 35€. 2 times cheaper than in Vilnius. Dinner for 4 at a local restaurant – 50€
4. Beaches
The region is renowned for its sandy shores and the cleanest waters in Europe. “Best Beachfront Buys”- By Forbes