North Cyprus is the Mediterranean’s best-Kept secret

North Cyprus is the area of Cyprus with the most potential—and the best property prices—right now. North Cyprus covers 3,355 square kilometers in northeastern Cyprus, accounting for 36% of the island’s total land area. North Cyprus has a population of 325,000 people, compared to 1.2 million in the south. 50 percent of the population lives in cities, while the other half lives in the countryside. The Turkish lira is the local currency, which means prices are 30% lower than in the eurozone.

North Cyprus’s official language is Turkish, however, Cypriots speak their own dialect. Many Cypriots have lived in England or have family there, therefore English is frequently spoken and understood.

The island is a de facto state controlled by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), meaning it is under Turkish sovereignty while being part of the Republic of Cyprus. While the Republic of Cyprus is an EU member, membership benefits in North Cyprus have been suspended. In North Cyprus, these political issues have little to no impact on daily living. On both sides of the border, business goes on as usual.

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A day in North Cyprus feels like a day in paradise

The northern part is only one-third the size of the rest of the island, yet it boasts the most coastline. Beachgoers are not the only ones who come to North Cyprus. North Cyprus legalized gambling in the 1970s (it has only been legal in the Republic since 2018). Since the 1990s, the region’s casinos have attracted a continuous stream of high rollers. It is even been branded the Mediterranean’s “Las Vegas.” Despite its reputation for partying, this is still a good place to go for a calm, relaxing break.

Another burgeoning industry is medical tourism. First-class hospitals and health facilities offer a variety of procedures at a fraction of the cost in the United States and Europe, from IVF to hip replacement to dental implants.

North Cyprus retirement would mean a life away from the more familiar comfort zones of Europe and the Americas. North Cyprus should be at the top of your list if you are looking for an adventure at this time of your life, where your retirement money will buy you a genuine luxury quality of living on one of the world’s most gorgeous stretches of beach.

North Cyprus’s climate

North Cyprus has an eight-month warm season that runs from April to November. The sun shines for up to 11 hours every day during this season, and temperatures average 72°F. The summer months of June through August are the hottest, with temperatures often reaching 95°F and more. Summer in North Cyprus is reserved for those who can withstand extreme heat.

Temperatures are pleasant during the cool season, which runs from December to March, with a daily mean of 53°F. These are also the wettest months in North Cyprus, with 60 percent of the yearly precipitation falling during these months. This weather is excellent for getting out and experiencing the top things to do in North Cyprus with an umbrella in hand.

The island has a Mediterranean climate with roughly 300 days of sunshine each year. Summers are dry and warm, and winters are mild. Between November and March, most of the rain falls. January is the coldest month, with the lowest and maximum mean temperatures of 6 and 16 degrees Celsius, respectively. The corresponding lowest and highest mean temperatures in August, the hottest month, range from 21 to 35 degrees Celsius.

North Cyprus’s cost of living

The cost of living in North Cyprus is significantly lower than in the eurozone due to the use of the Turkish lira. North Cyprus is also known for being one of the most affordable destinations in the Mediterranean to acquire real estate. You will find affordable residences in this area that you could never have imagined owning in this part of the world. North Cyprus has inexpensive day-to-day living costs. It is somewhat self-sufficient in terms of agricultural output, so you can get your groceries at reasonable prices from local farmers.

The cost of electricity is comparable to that in North America. The exact amounts vary based on the season, how often you use your air conditioner in the summer, and whether you use a heater in the winter. Electricity costs can be very low in the spring and autumn.

Lefkosa/Nicosia

Nicosia is the island’s capital and largest city. It is managed by the Nicosia Turkish Municipality and is located in the northern section of the split city of Nicosia. It is probably not the best place to go on vacation. What it does provide, though, is the opportunity to learn about some intriguing history while walking around the city’s circular edge. Because of the central border, it is simple to use the division to design two excellent walks that will reveal the city’s best and most fascinating features. A brief history of Nicosia will be an added bonus, allowing for the first view of how long the city has been inhabited.

Girne/Kyrenia

Kyrenia is a cultural and commercial hub known as North Cyprus’ tourism capital. Numerous hotels, nightlife, and a port can be found in Kyrenia. It is home to three colleges with a student population of over 14,000 and organizes an annual cultural and arts festival with hundreds of participating artists and performers.

Guzelyurt/Morphou

Guzelyurt is a town in Cyprus’ northwestern region. It is the administrative center of North Cyprus’ Guzelyurt District. The town, which has a population of 18,000 people, is known for its apples, vegetables, melons, and citrus fruits, which are exported or converted into fruit juice and canned for local use. Guzelyurt is also known for its annual Orange Festival, which lasts two weeks and is a big event.

Gazimğusa/Famagusta

The city of Famagusta is one of the greatest specimens of medieval architecture in the eastern Mediterranean. A full day spent in Famagusta will provide a concise overview of Cyprus’ history. Today, Famagusta is a dynamic, youthful university town. This energy is palpable in the city, which provides a nice and relaxing setting for unwinding while taking in the history and attractions.

Karpaz/Karpasia

The Karpasia Peninsula, also known as the Karpaz Peninsula or just Karpasia, is a long, finger-like peninsula that is one of the island of Cyprus’ most distinctive natural characteristics. It covers an area of 898 km2 and accounts for 27% of North Cyprus’ land. The Kantara Castle, Apostolos Andreas Monastery, and the remnants of ancient settlements are among the historical attractions on the peninsula.

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Relationship with Turkey

To comprehend the breadth of ties between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Republic of Turkey, it is necessary to have knowledge of the island of Cyprus’ recent history as well as the historical context of the Cyprus crisis. Without a doubt, links between the two countries extend back to the arrival of the Turks on the island, long before the TRNC was established. Turkish Cypriots and Turkish citizens coexist peacefully on the island. The island is also under Turkish protection, making it a safe place for travelers to visit.

North Cyprus holiday and tours

The Turkish Republic of North Cyprus has a variety of holiday accommodations to choose from, including luxury hotels and villas as well as low rates and special offers. Holiday rentals can be found all around North Cyprus. You can make reservations online by clicking here.

Purchasing real estate in North Cyprus

In comparison to anywhere else in the Mediterranean, property prices on the island are substantially lower. North Cyprus real estate is not only good value for money, but it is also a good investment opportunity. Your financial investment can be recouped through the rental of a vacation property. The property market in North Cyprus, notably in the İskele region, is now booming, with living in North Cyprus and its growth potential over the next decade poised to provide a strong return on investment.

North Cyprus investment guide