The capital city of the TRNC is Lefkosa (Nicosia), which is the main administration and business centre. Other towns include Magosa (Famagusta) - the country's principal port, Girne (Kyrenia), a town of tourist attractions and archaeological interest, and Guzelyurt (Morphou), which is the centre of the citrus plantations.
Below is a brief description of the most popular villages and towns on the north coast.
Alsancak: This village has something to offer everyone with its spectacular views, authentic village atmosphere and easy access to beaches and restaurants. There are a couple of wells-stocked mini markets for all your supplies. It is approximately 6 miles west of Kyrenia/Girne with its pretty harbour and shops.
Baspinar: Set high above the village of Lapta is Baspinar, well-known for its mountain spring, breathtaking views, sleepy atmosphere and cooling breeze. The ideal place to spend lazy days enjoying the views or a variety of excellent walks in the Besparmak mountains.
Bellapais: This historic village is set approximately 3 miles to the east of Kyrenia, in an elevated position with wonderful views to Kyrenia and the coast. The village is dominated by the Bellapais Abbey which was originally founded in the 12th century by monks of the Augustinian order and is the most impressive Gothic building in Cyprus. The Abbey is situated on a natural terrace overlooking the village of Ozankoy with a good selection of restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
Edremit: Edremit is a small village located half way up the hill on the road up to the mountainside village of Karmi/Karaman. Edremit has a small grocery store where daily produce can be bought, plus the popular Hideaway Hotel with pool, bar and restaurant which is open to non-residents. The larger village of Karaoglanoglu is approximately 1 mile down the hill with supermarkets, restaurants and sandy beaches.
Kyrenia-Girne: This fascinating town is situated on the northern coast of Cyprus. Its horseshoe shaped harbour with backdrop of the Besparmak (or Five Finger) Mountains make Kyrenia one of the most beautiful areas on the island. The old carob warehouses which border the harbour have been converted into attractive cafes, restaurants, bars and private residences with the fishing boats and colourful yachts making this the ideal place to wile away the hours. The harbour is overlooked by Kyrenia Castle, a truly magnificent edifice constructed in the 9th century to ward off Arab invaders. There are plenty of places of interest in the area for those days when you want to do more than laze in the sun including the Shipwreck Museum in the castle, Folklore Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Monument and Museum of Freedom and Peace, Café Pasha Mosque, Bellapais Abbey and St Hilarion Castle. The peace and tranquility of Kyrenia Harbour can be felt even before it is seen. As you stroll along the sea front towards it, there is an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Turning into the harbour itself, your eyes will behold a veritable feast, as tiny whitewashed buildings and colourful fishing boats nestle protectively between the massive Byzantine castle at one end and the colonial customs house at the other. All at once you will understand why this tiny harbour has been called `one of the most beautiful sights in the world` mail on Sunday `you` magazine.
Ilgaz: It is a quiet mountainside village with superb scenery and a mixture of Europeans, Turkish and Cypriots. The ideal retreat for those is to want to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life, with one restaurant serving the village and many others at the bottom of the hill.
Karakum: A small village located just a mile east of Kyrenia with its own small sandy bay. The village is conveniently located on the bus route and has several restaurants, shops and a large supermarket all within walking distance.
Karaoglanoglu: Three miles to the west of Kyrenia is the unpronounceable village of Karaoglanoglu. There are a few bars, some excellent restaurants and picturesque beaches and coves, in particular Kervansaray Beach which affords some of the most stunning sunsets due to its westerly outlook.
Karmi/Karaman: The picturesque village of Karmi is situated approximately 4 m