In North Cyprus there are many attractive locations, mainly
westwards and eastwards of Kyrenia suitable for property and
land buy. Before buying a property you should consider a few
points concerning location, such as transport, degree of development
in the area, sun and sea factors and more. For instance when
buying a villa close to the sea be aware of a damper atmosphere
as well as higher winds. On the other hand, if you prefer a
quieter area further in the mountains, bear in mind that the
low sun horizon in winter may leave your home in the cold. Many
times it is only direct sunshine that can turn an otherwise
cold winter’ s day into a pleasant one. On the whole you
can choose from many possible options to make your property
best positioned.
Kyrenia region
Close to Kyrenia in popular areas such as
Catalkoy, Bellapais, Lapta or Alsancak the property market
exists for only few last years and has been concentrated around
the existing villages and services that were in place. The
whole region to both directions of Kyrenia thus has expanded
into a tourist destination and a most visited area of North
Cyprus, with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and lovely
beaches to service the property buyers. The villages set under
the Kyrenia Mountains and overlooked by St Hilarion Castle
up above, are nearly all elevated in the tranquil foothills,
for in the past having a good view on the approaching pirate
ships. Now with the mountains as a backdrop and the Mediterranean
sea view you are given absolutely splendid scenery for your
holiday houses and villas. On a clear day, from the north
coast you are able to see the mountains of Turkey.
Esentepe, Tatlisu and Bahceli
As of latest trend in property investment
is the area far east of Kyrenia with locations like Esentepe,
Bahceli and further east Tatlisu. What makes this region attractive,
besides unspoilt beaches, is a new road and a 18-hole Esentepe
golf course. Together with the ongoing development of accommodation
the area represents a hot spot for tourism and a future build.
Famagusta region
The other coast line of properties lies
in north Famagusta area with holiday homes in Salamis, Iskele,
Bogaz, Kumyali and stretching further towards Karpaz. Still
there is much more to come in terms of property development
in Northern Cyprus whether it is Kyrenia region or other remote
areas.
Locations and areas west from Kyrenia
Zeytinlik
This small village, the name of which is translated as place
of olives lies just a mile to the west of Kyrenia. Every year
locals shake the trees and pick the olives in order to press
their own olive oil and in Zeytinlik an Olive festival is
held every October - accompanied with celebrations, folk dancing
and a wide range of food.
Karaoglanoglu
The name Karaoglanoglu was given after a Turkish colonel who
fell in the area during the Turkish Intervention in 1974 –
a pretty hard to pronounce, but you can make it when you omit
‘g’s in it. Only 3 miles west of Kyrenia, ranged
with restaurants along the road, and a Kervansaray Beach popular
for its sunsets. A road upper to the mountain will lead you
to Girne American University – a complex where you can
practice sports.
Edremit &
Karaman
Climbing up to the mountains from Karaoglanoglu you will find
a small village Edremit, with a popular Hideaway Hotel, followed
by another village higher up towards the mountains –
a picturesque Karaman. In both you will find a mixture of
old and new properties and still plenty of undeveloped land
amongst the rolling hills. Karaman has been given a name of
a most beautiful village of North Cyprus. No wonder, with
its houses restored in a traditional manner, flagged floors,
beamed ceilings, stone arches and roof terraces set in an
array of flowers, plants and tree this is a popular village
for many British people.
Alsancak
This well-known area is located approximately 7 miles west
off Kyrenia and has developed into a tourist centre with popular
hotels, restaurants, beaches, and supermarkets. If you come
to Alsancak from Kyrenia, on the right hand side you will
see a huge leaning Ci Karma monument, a commemoration of Turkish
army landing on the beach during the Intervention in 1974.
Offering a wide space for development, there are some new
properties available in this area.
Yesiltepe & lgaz
You will find these villages between Alsancak and Karaoglanoglu
on the road that leads right up into the mountains (yesil
tepe means green hill). Yesiltepe and Ilgaz have precious
little land available for building and there are some excellent,
yet small developments of villas along with a wide variety
of older properties which not surprisingly are rarely available
for sale!
Lapta
A large village of Lapta lies about 9 miles west of Kyrenia,
and is spread on the three levels of the mountain lowlands.
Apart from the school, church and mosques you will find here
all the necessary amenities complemented with skilled local
craftsmen. This is the attractive area for developments of
luxury villas in the hills and near the sea. In the recent
years the area has grown with the hotels, bars, and an easy
access to the beaches made it a nice place for property buy.
Baspinar
Baspinar is situated right above Lapta, west of Kyrenia, and
is many times described as a sleepy village. People often
call it also Upper Lapta since the two villages have virtually
merged into one and are linked by the same local council.
Baspinar, meaning head stream, earned its name from the source
of natural water springs that run along channels beside the
roads all the way down to Lapta.
Karsiyaka
Situated in a more remote area west of Kyrenia, Karsiyaka
is a rural village settled in the lower hills of the Kyrenia
Mountains. It became popular in the recent years for property
buyers due to its peaceful location. The visitors will find
here sandy beaches, and some fish restaurants.
Locations and areas east from Kyrenia
Karakum
This is the first village if you are heading east of Kyrenia,
busy and with beautiful bays, supermarkets, and restaurants
along the main road. The name means black sand although it
is hard to find it there. Many beautiful villas are built
in the very distance to the sea.
Dogankoy
Located practically only a few minutes from Kyrenia, this
small old village, easily missed, represents its outskirt.
Here you will find village properties, large old Cypriot villas
and some new developments.
Ozankoy
Going up toward the mountain from Dogankoy you will find poets
village, Ozankoy, named in honour of Ozan, a famous Turkish
Cypriot poet who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
From here you will have a wonderful view up to Bellapais Abbey
which is the main dominance of the area. There are some excellent
restaurants and cafes with plenty of small shops and craftsmen
services. With the properties built over the past years, you
will still find here traditional houses and Cypriot population.
Bellapais
If you visit North Cyprus you cannot miss this beautiful village
dominated by Gothic Bellapais Abbey a venue, where the music
festival is held every year. Only 3 miles from Kyrenia, this
is a demanded area for property buy not only because of the
monastery, but also for the wonderful views on the sea, on
the whole a beautiful location for holiday villas. You will
find some new developments in the mountains and around, some
restaurants and bars in lovely surroundings.
Çatalkoy
A village, its name translated as forked village is set in
the mountain, in tranquility and featured with slow pace of
life. Only 5 miles east of Kyrenia, you can try here horse
riding in a local riding club or relax in the coffee shops.
Available are various kinds of properties, among which village
bungalows or old mansions. There are some lovely beaches,
and restaurants, and this village is a popular European community
venue.
Arapkoy
A bit distant rural style area east of Kyrenia that takes
20 minute drive, nestled in the mountains. However, offers
stunning views on the sea and the natural surroundings.
Esentepe
Together with Bahceli and Tatlisu, they represent the furthest
property area east of Kyrenia – now easily accessible
by a new road from Kyrenia, and a new developed 18 hole golf
course in Esentepe makes it an attractive location for your
property buy. Esentepe is a traditional village nestled in
almost a desert area, with some lovely beaches and now expanding
with more European community.
Bahceli
Located further to the east from Esentepe, Bahceli is also
surrounded with untouched scenery. In the village you will
find local services including shops, café, restaurant
and home made products to buy.
Tatlisu
The name of this distant village means sweet water. From there
you can see the coast of Kyrenia and the area will afford
you some stunning views on the sea and the desert piece of
island.
Locations and areas north of Famagusta
Bogaz
This lovely coastal village with its harbour is a popular
place to eat in the area of Famagusta, set only 25 km further.
Many tourists stop here on their long way to Karpaz Peninsula.
With hotels and restaurants near by, Bogaz is becoming an
attractive place for future investing in properties and holiday
homes.
Salamis
Once a rich city of Cyprus, is now an open air museum of ruins
– gymnasium, theatre, and Roman villa, establishing
of which dates back over 3000 years. The city was destroyed
by earthquakes from 332 to 342 AD. Today many visitors stop
by and admire the ruins set at the sea. In the area many new
villas are being developed.
Iskele
With good access to Salamis and Famagusta, Iskele is another
area for property and villa development. Facilities nearby
like hotels and restaurants make it a good location for property
market.
