Prices from 20 years ago, deserted beaches and endless summer: this secret island has it all
Looking for hidden gems at low prices? Think you've sifted through the best authentic corners of Europe where the quality/price ratio defies all competition, where the beaches remain deserted and the temperatures are almost summery even in the fall? We bet you haven't discovered this gem yet!
Imagine prices not seen in 20 years, stretches of fine sand so vast you'll encounter more turtles than tourists, and a summer lifestyle that lasts well into autumn. Forget the eurozone, inflation, and crowds: neither Greek nor Croatian, this island is the Mediterranean's best-kept secret.
Welcome to Northern Cyprus, a forgotten part of the Eastern Mediterranean. Due to its unique political status, it remains outside not only the Eurozone but also the mainstream tourist circuit. While Cyprus is part of the European Union, Northern Cyprus is a self-proclaimed republic recognized only by Turkey. Diplomatic isolation has preserved its landscapes and allowed for very low prices, in Turkish lira.
In charming towns like Kyrenia, you can enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee for 1 euro, treat yourself to a simple meal like souvlaki or sheftalia for 4 to 6 euros, or opt for a hearty mezze for 12 euros. A small, family-run hotel will cost you the equivalent of 20 euros a night, while 4- to 5-star hotels start at 75 euros. These ridiculously low prices confirm the clear advantage compared to the south of the island of Cyprus or other Mediterranean islands.
And what about the temperatures? Endless summer awaits! In autumn, the climate is perfect, with temperatures of 27 degrees and a deliciously warm sea at 25°C in October and 22°C in November. It's the ideal time for those who like warmth without the heatwave.
The main attraction of North Cyprus is its deserted beaches with their clear, luminous waters. Empty of crowds in the fall, they are true havens of peace. At the tip of the Karpas Peninsula, you won't want to miss the secret star: Golden Beach, a protected strip of golden sand that stretches for several kilometers. You can walk for hours without seeing a single person except for the sea turtles that come here to lay their eggs. Other gems like Alagadi Beach in Kyrenia or Famagusta are not to be missed.
But North Cyprus isn't just about beaches: explore its medieval castles, such as the originally Byzantine fortress of Kyrenia and its Venetian port, or the hilltop Crusader castle of Saint Hilarion, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. If you'd like to learn more about the island's ancient history, you can also visit the ruins of the ancient city of Salamis near Famagusta, which is over 3,000 years old.
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