Cyprus is a very popular tourist destination especially for the British people. But, they are more familiar with the tourist spots in southern part of the island.
Cyprus became independent from the British rule in 1960.But, thereafter, there was a long period of strife between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot population of the island. In 1974, an attempted coup d'état by Greek Cypriots led to Turkey invading the island. This led to de-facto division of the country into two parts with the northern part becoming a separate republic which is recognized only by Turkey. Because of this, northern Cyprus is not so well known to tourists visiting the island.
People visit the island to enjoy the sunshine and beaches as well as its culture. Those visiting Northern Cyprus will be enjoying similar amenities here too. Because tourism in Northern Cyprus is less developed and not so popular, tourists to these places would enjoy quieter and more private holiday. But, the authorities are trying to develop tourist potentials of this region and so, before long, enjoying such a holiday will become a thing of the past.
Some of the places of tourist interest are mentioned below:
Nicosia
Because of the partition of the island, this town has also been partitioned. Northern part of the town is also the capital of Northern Cyprus. Northern part of this town has similar charms as its southern part with its small old streets and cafes and the Venetian wall. The main attraction of this part of the city is Selima mosque, which was originally built as St Sophia Cathedral built in 1228, was converted as a mosque in 1570.Another historical monument of interest is known as Büyük Han, which is an old Ottoman caravanserai built in 1572. Now the place has been converted into an arts centre and a commercial market.
Kyrenia
Kyrenia is located at the centre of the region's coast line. The place, also known as Girne, is the main tourist location of Northern Cyprus. It has an attractive harbor. Kyrenia Castle has a long history probably starting from Byzantine period. The castle was captured by Richard the Lion Hearted, in 1191. Later on, it was rebuilt by the Venetians. The fortress has a shipwreck museum which has an exhibit of a wooden merchant ship, loaded with cargoes packed in pottery jars (amphorae), which sank in about 300 BC. The ship was recovered in 1967.There are two ruins to the south of town, St Hillarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey, a Gothic abbey built by the Augustinians in the beginning of 13th Century.
Salamis
This is the best of all of ruined cities in Cyprus. It was founded by the Mycenaeans around 1000 BC. It developed into a city state under King Evagoras in 3rd-4th century BC rivaling Amatous near present day Limassol. It was damaged by an earthquake in 4th century AD, but it was repaired by the Byzantines. But the harbor got silted and its end came when the Saracens raided the place in the 7th Century.