Northern Cyprus.
Flight from TLV
1h 4m
Best season
מאי–אוק
Avg temp
26°
Currency
₺ TRY · 1=₪0.063
Time zone
זהה לת״א בדרך כלל; ייתכן פער של שעה בתקופות מעבר שעון
Language
טורקית; אנגלית נפוצה במלונות ובאזורי התיירות
Plug
G · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לביקור תיירותי קצר; נדרש דרכון בתוקף ובמעבר יבשתי יש להציגו
Safety
אזורי התיירות בדרך כלל רגועים, אך זהו שטח שבשליטה טורקית ואינו מוכר בינלאומית. יש לבדוק אזהרות מסע, כיסוי ביטוחי ותנאי רכב שכור, ולא להתקרב לשטחים צבאיים או לצלם אותם
Overview
🇨🇾Northern Cyprus
🇨🇾Cyprus
Northern Cyprus is a nearby Mediterranean escape with a Middle Eastern twist, combining golden beaches, casino resorts, historic harbors and the dramatic Kyrenia Mountains. Israeli travelers usually base themselves around Kyrenia, explore its horseshoe-shaped harbor and castle, and stay at resorts such as Elexus or Kaya Palazzo for pools, beaches and gaming nights. Bellapais Abbey, the walled old city of Famagusta and the wild Golden Beach on the Karpaz Peninsula add culture and nature beyond the resort scene. As the territory is not internationally recognized as a separate state, the simplest route for most Israelis is usually a flight to Larnaca followed by an overland crossing with a passport and suitable insurance.
What are you looking for?
Everything for Northern Cyprus, in one place
Pick a category and dive into its dedicated page.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Northern Cyprus
Each area and who it suits best.
Kyrenia (Girne) and the Old Harbour
This is the most convenient and photogenic base, with lanes around the Old Harbour, Kyrenia Castle, cafés along Kordonboyu and hotels such as The Arkin Colony near the center. You can walk to dinner and bars, but weekends are noisy, parking is frustrating and the better beaches require a drive.
Çatalköy and Esentepe
The coast east of Kyrenia offers resorts, villas and beach clubs, including Elexus Hotel and Korineum Golf & Beach Resort, plus Alagadi Turtle Beach. You gain pools, views and quieter nights, but feel isolated without a car, and Esentepe is roughly 35 to 45 minutes from Kyrenia Harbour.
Karaoğlanoğlu-Lapta and the western coast
West of Kyrenia you will find roomy apartments and villas, hotels such as Merit Park, the Lapta Coastal Walkway and access to Escape Beach. Value is better than around the harbour, but development is spread along the coastal road and walking between hotel, beach and restaurants is impractical.
Famagusta (Gazimağusa)
Inside the walled city there is a local atmosphere around Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Namık Kemal Street and the Venetian walls, with Salamis and Glapsides Beach nearby. Prices are generally lower than in Kyrenia, but nightlife is less polished and northern-coast attractions are a long drive away.
Bafra
This is the major resort zone of the Karpaz Peninsula, with a sandy beach and properties such as Kaya Palazzo Resort & Casino and Concorde Luxury Resort. You get spas, pools, kids' clubs and casinos under one roof, but prices are high and the area is almost entirely disconnected from towns, restaurants and sights without a car.
Dipkarpaz and the Karpaz Peninsula
Dipkarpaz village is the gateway to wild donkeys, Apostolos Andreas Monastery and Golden Beach, with simple stays such as Karpaz Wooden Houses. This is the slow, undeveloped side of the region, but drives are long, services are basic and there is almost nothing to do after dark.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Northern Cyprus
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
17°
8°
Recommended
פבר
16°
6°
Recommended
מרץ
22°
10°
Excellent
אפר
25°
12°
Excellent
מאי
29°
16°
Excellent
יונ
36°
21°
Hot
יול
39°
24°
Very hot
אוג
38°
23°
Very hot
ספט
34°
21°
Hot
אוק
28°
17°
Excellent
נוב
24°
13°
Excellent
דצמ
18°
9°
Recommended
Most pleasant weather: מרץ · אפר · מאי · אוק · נוב
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק. July and August are the Israeli peak thanks to the school holidays, warm sea, resorts and casinos, but they are also extremely hot and busy. May, June, September and the Sukkot period in October offer more comfortable beach weather and often better value.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Northern Cyprus · Open-Meteo
This week in Northern Cyprus
Measured in Northern Cyprus
22°
Fog
Next 7 days
Tap a day for hourly detail
Seasonal averages · loading live forecast…
Things to do
Things to do in Northern Cyprus
On the map
Northern Cyprus on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
What's nearby
Suggested plan
A perfect Northern Cyprus itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Kyrenia and the Old Harbour
Settle into Kyrenia and begin at Kyrenia Castle and the Ancient Shipwreck Museum before the heat and tour groups arrive. Walk the lanes between Kordonboyu and Ziya Rızkı Street, stopping for a light lunch by the boats while applying your own kosher requirements. At sunset, stroll along the breakwater or have coffee on a terrace overlooking the harbour. In the evening, choose a central bar or, if interested, The Arkin Colony casino, taking a passport and dressing smartly.
- 2
Day 2
St Hilarion, Bellapais and the beach
Leave by 08:30 for St Hilarion Castle before the steps heat up, climbing to the upper viewpoint over Kyrenia and the sea. Continue to Bellapais village, visit Bellapais Abbey and have coffee in the square near Kybele. Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing at Escape Beach or Kervansaray Beach. Return to Kyrenia before dark because the mountain roads are unlit and winding at night.
- 3
Day 3
Both sides of Nicosia
Reach North Nicosia in the morning, explore Büyük Han, Selimiye Mosque and Arasta market, and leave the car in a lot outside the old city. Walk through the Ledra Street checkpoint with your passport to the southern side for lunch, cafés and shopping at chains such as Zara and H&M. Anyone needing kosher food should coordinate in advance with Chabad Nicosia or bring a packed meal rather than assume a kosher restaurant will be available. Cross back the same way before evening and continue to Kyrenia.
- 4
Day 4
Salamis and Famagusta
Start at the ruins of Salamis at 08:30, while its theater, gymnasium and mosaics are still comfortable to explore. After a short swim at Glapsides Beach, continue to Famagusta's walled city for Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the Venetian Palace and Othello's Tower. Eat around Namık Kemal Square or rely on your own supplies if you keep kosher. In the late afternoon, visit only an authorized viewpoint or tour route in Varosha, obeying signs and any changing photography restrictions.
- 5
Day 5
Karpaz, wild donkeys and Golden Beach
Leave Famagusta or Bafra very early with a full fuel tank, water and food, as services near the peninsula's tip are limited. Pass through Dipkarpaz, continue to Golden Beach for a walk and swim, and finish at Apostolos Andreas Monastery on the eastern tip. Feed the wild donkeys only from a safe stopping place, never standing in the road or putting hands through the window. Stay overnight in Dipkarpaz or Bafra, or begin the return drive at least an hour before dark.
- 6
Day 6
Alagadi or a resort day
If returning toward Kyrenia, spend the morning at Alagadi Turtle Beach, a natural beach with little shade, arriving before 09:30 with water and an umbrella. During nesting and hatching season, reserve a guided activity with the Society for the Protection of Turtles and never approach nests independently. Families can alternatively use the pools and kids' club at a Bafra resort or book a spa treatment at Elexus. Finish with an early dinner overlooking Kyrenia Harbour and leave for Larnaca with at least four hours before the flight.
Quick game
Not sure yet? Find your travel type
30 fun seconds, then personal picks of the best spots for you here.
Quick game
What's your Northern Cyprus travel type?
Question 1 of 5
Your perfect vacation morning?
Budget
How much does Northern Cyprus cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪900-1,900 (via Larnaca)
4-5-night package
₪2,300-4,800 per person
Mid-range hotel nightly
₪300-600 per room
5★ hotel nightly
₪650-1,500 per room
Restaurant meal
₪45-100 per person
Local beer
₪12-25
Coffee
₪8-18
Short taxi ride
₪30-65
Rental car daily
₪140-260 (before insurance)
Beach and sunbed
₪25-90 per person
Daily budget per person
₪280-600 (excluding hotel)
Family, 5 nights
₪10,000-18,000 (including flights)
Good to know
Good to know before Northern Cyprus
Getting around
From the airport
For Israelis, the practical route is usually a nonstop flight to Larnaca because there are no direct flights from Israel to Ercan Airport. A prebooked private transfer from Larnaca to Kyrenia via a checkpoint generally takes 75 to 110 minutes and costs about ₪350-550 per vehicle; Famagusta takes roughly 60 to 90 minutes at a similar price. A shared shuttle booked in advance costs around ₪100-180 per person, while buses via Nicosia are cheaper at approximately ₪45-90 but require changes, a walk through the Ledra Street crossing and sometimes a taxi on the northern side. Bolt operates in the Republic of Cyprus and can take you to a checkpoint, but generally will not cross it, so another vehicle must be arranged beyond the border.
Need a car?
You do not need a car for a Kyrenia-only weekend, as taxis or a beach transfer will suffice. Families at a Bafra resort can manage without one only if they plan to remain on the property, but a trip combining Bellapais, St Hilarion, Salamis and Karpaz makes a car almost essential. Crucially, a rental company in the south must permit travel north, and the local policy bought at the checkpoint is third-party cover only, not a replacement for damage cover on the rental car.
Tips
Traffic drives on the left, and many rental cars have red plates, so take extra care when leaving roundabouts. The north has no reliably widespread ride-hailing app equivalent to Bolt, so ask the hotel to call a taksi, agree on the fare first and keep a driver's number for evening journeys. Download offline maps, park outside Kyrenia Harbour's narrow lanes, and do not attempt to cross by car at the pedestrian-only Ledra Street checkpoint.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
At present there is no established, widely recognized Chabad house in Kyrenia, Famagusta or Bafra, and the north has no regular traveler-oriented minyan or Shabbat-meal infrastructure. The nearest Chabad is in central Larnaca and generally offers services and prebooked Shabbat meals, making it useful mainly for a night before or after crossing. Do not plan to use it while staying in the north over Shabbat, as the distance and border crossing are not walkable.
Kosher food
The north has no certified kosher restaurants that travelers can reliably plan around, and kitchens at the large hotels are not kosher. Observant travelers bring sealed products from Israel or shop before crossing in Larnaca or Nicosia; large supermarkets such as Lemar and Marketim stock fruit, vegetables, tuna, pasta and imported goods, but every package must be checked for certification. In practice, many Israelis book an apartment with a kitchenette, stock up in advance and use simple vegan dishes only according to their personal kosher standard.
Verified suppliers
Verified suppliers in Northern Cyprus
Experiences, insurance, eSIM, photography — every supplier verified by VAYULOR
Are you a supplier? Join us
Learn moreeSIM · VAYULOR
eSIM for Northern Cyprus 🇨🇾
Data abroad without swapping SIMs
7 days
15 days
30 days
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Northern Cyprus 🇨🇾
A hospital day in Northern Cyprus can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Water & extreme sports
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
Convert
You get
6.26
1 TRY
₪0.06
100 TRY
₪6.26
1,000 TRY
₪62.6
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 13 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Northern Cyprus 🇨🇾
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לביקור תיירותי קצר; נדרש דרכון בתוקף ובמעבר יבשתי יש להציגו
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Northern Cyprus
- 💳The Turkish lira is the official currency, but hotels and casinos such as Elexus and Lord’s Palace often quote in euros or pounds, so pay in the original currency and decline shekel conversion on the terminal to avoid a poor exchange rate.
- ✈️There are no direct flights from Israel to Ercan Airport, and the practical route for most Israelis is a Tel Aviv to Larnaca flight, typically around ₪350 to ₪1,200 return, followed by a pre-booked transfer through the Metehan crossing to Kyrenia.
- 🚗Driving is on the left, and most Larnaca rental companies prohibit taking their cars north even when local insurance is sold at the border, so obtain written permission from the company or book a driver rather than relying only on the border policy.
- 🏨Couples and groups seeking restaurants, bars and casinos should stay in Kyrenia near Lord’s Palace or Kaya Palazzo, while families wanting pools and a beach in one complex are usually better suited to the Acapulco or Elexus resorts east of town.
- 🎟️On weekends and Turkish public holidays, reserve casino-hotel rooms, shows and transfers in advance, and reach St Hilarion by 09:30 because parking is limited and the climb has almost no shade.
- 🎰Bring an original passport and smart clothing to casinos at Lord’s Palace, Merit Royal or Elexus, and never photograph gaming tables or security staff; admission is generally from age 18, though each hotel may enforce stricter rules.
- 🥙Northern Cyprus has no dependable network of certified kosher restaurants, and even hellim cheese or vegetarian dishes are not necessarily supervised, so kosher-observant travelers should carry sealed products and coordinate food with Chabad Cyprus in the south before crossing.
- 🛂Carry your passport for every crossing and check current Israeli travel advisories before booking, because Israel does not recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and consular assistance in the north is limited.
- 📱An eSIM for the Republic of Cyprus may stop working or trigger expensive roaming in the north, so confirm that it includes Kuzey Kıbrıs Turkcell or Telsim, or buy a local SIM with your passport in Kyrenia.
- ☀️In July and August, schedule St Hilarion and Salamis for the morning, carry a hat, water and grippy shoes, and reserve 13:00 to 16:00 for the pool or an air-conditioned room because temperatures frequently exceed 35°C.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"Northern Cyprus feels to me like a surprising mix of familiar Mediterranean scenery, villages frozen in time and resort hotels with casinos open into the small hours. Israelis fall for the moment when the coastline opens up below St Hilarion Castle, followed by coffee beside the boats in Kyrenia’s Old Harbour. I especially love the calm of Bellapais Abbey toward evening and the clear water at Escape Beach, all reached after a short flight and a border crossing into a completely different world."
Loves
My local secret is Alagadi Beach during golden hour, after the daytime crowds have left and the Kyrenia Mountains turn pink. From June through September, book a supervised turtle experience with SPOT in advance rather than attempting to enter the protected nesting zones independently at night.
Skip
I avoid the picture-menu restaurants and persistent touts along Kyrenia Old Harbour, where guests often pay mainly for the location. Walk two streets uphill into the old town, confirm prices before ordering and check whether service has already been added.
Boutique pick
I would begin the day at 08:00 in Kyrenia’s Old Harbour, reach St Hilarion at 09:30 to climb before the heat, and have lunch facing Bellapais Abbey at 13:00. At 16:30 it is time for a swim at Escape Beach, followed by a hotel break and dinner with a rooftop drink at Lord’s Palace around 20:30. Casino fans can finish the night at the tables there, while everyone else can return for a quiet walk among Kyrenia’s walls and boats.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Northern Cyprus
"We started the morning among the arches of Bellapais Abbey, then watched the sunset over the boats in Kyrenia Harbour after visiting the castle. Northern Cyprus felt like an elegant, unhurried couples’ escape, surprisingly close to home."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 4 nights · September
"The kids refused to leave Acapulco’s water park, and the next day they loved the walls, ships and views at Kyrenia Castle. Northern Cyprus gave us exactly the mix we wanted: easy resort time and genuinely engaging family activities."
Michal and Uri, Modi'in
Family with children · 5 nights · August
"We had a brilliant evening at the Merit Royal casino, then climbed to St Hilarion Castle the next day for a view that stopped us in our tracks. Northern Cyprus surprised us by working equally well as a polished friends’ getaway and a trip with real substance."
Roi, Daniel and Shahar, Rishon LeZion
Friends · 3 nights · June
"We walked among the columns and mosaics of Salamis, then continued to a fascinating visit through the accessible section of Varosha near Famagusta. Northern Cyprus is rich in history and scenery, although hiring a driver for this day saves considerable time and navigation."
Rachel and Yossi, Haifa
Older couple · 6 nights · May
FAQ
Common questions about Northern Cyprus
Do Israelis need a visa for Northern Cyprus?
Israeli travelers generally do not need to arrange a visa in advance for Northern Cyprus and receive permission to stay at border control according to the purpose and length of their visit. Bring a valid passport and note that the Republic of Cyprus does not recognize entry through Ercan Airport, so most Israelis arrive via Larnaca and cross by land.
Are there direct flights to Northern Cyprus, and how long does the journey take?
There are no direct flights from Israel to Ercan Airport in Northern Cyprus; the easiest route is a roughly one-hour flight from Tel Aviv to Larnaca, followed by a 75-to-120-minute transfer to Kyrenia, depending on the checkpoint and traffic. Flights to Ercan require a stop in Turkey and are not the usual choice for Israeli visitors.
When is the best time to visit Northern Cyprus, and when is peak season?
May to June and September to October offer the best balance in Northern Cyprus, with warm water and fewer crowds; July and August are peak season, when Kyrenia’s resorts and beaches fill up and rates rise. Spring and autumn are considerably more comfortable for visiting Salamis, Bellapais and St Hilarion Castle.
How many days do you need in Northern Cyprus?
Three to four nights are enough for a resort break plus Kyrenia, Bellapais and St Hilarion Castle in Northern Cyprus. With five to seven nights, you can also include Famagusta, Salamis and the Karpaz Peninsula without rushing.
What is the best way to get around Northern Cyprus?
Driving is on the left in Northern Cyprus, and a rental car is best for Karpaz, Salamis and St Hilarion, although cars rented in the south may face crossing restrictions and require separate insurance. If you are staying around Kyrenia, a pre-booked Larnaca transfer and local taxis with an agreed fare are often easier.
How much does a holiday in Northern Cyprus cost?
A three-to-four-night holiday in Northern Cyprus typically costs ₪2,500–5,500 per person sharing a room, including flights to Larnaca, transfers and a good hotel; a luxury resort such as Elexus, Cratos Premium or Merit Royal can raise the total to ₪4,500–7,500 per person. Budget separately for taxis, attractions and gambling, even with a half-board package.
Is Northern Cyprus safe for Israeli travelers?
Tourist areas around Kyrenia, Famagusta and Karpaz in Northern Cyprus are generally calm, but its sensitive political status and the regional situation make it essential to check current Israeli travel advisories before booking. Do not photograph military sites, carry your passport at checkpoints and use a reputable transfer service, especially at night.
What are the must-see attractions in Northern Cyprus?
The essentials in Northern Cyprus are Kyrenia Harbour and Castle, Bellapais Abbey, St Hilarion Castle and Famagusta’s walled old city; on a longer trip, add the ruins of Salamis and Golden Beach on the Karpaz Peninsula. Visit only the legally accessible sections of Varosha and follow local restrictions on barriers and photography.
What are nightlife and casinos like in Northern Cyprus, and is kosher food or Chabad available?
Northern Cyprus has a prominent casino scene at hotels such as Merit Royal, Elexus, Cratos Premium and Lord’s Palace, while nightlife beyond the resorts is smaller and centered on Kyrenia Harbour bars and seasonal events. Chabad operates in the Kyrenia area with meals and services at selected times, but kosher options are limited, so contact them in advance and bring sealed products from Israel.
Is Northern Cyprus better for families or couples, what should you pack, and what can you combine it with?
Northern Cyprus suits families at resorts such as Acapulco, with its water park and private beach, and couples at boutique hotels around Kyrenia or Bellapais; pack strong sunscreen, water shoes and modest clothing for religious sites, plus an evening layer in spring or autumn. It can be combined with two or three nights in Larnaca or Nicosia, but plan the checkpoint, vehicle rules and insurance in advance.