Beautiful North Cyprus is served by a single large and modern airport, with all international flights arriving via Turkey. The brand new high-tech Ercan International Airport (ECN) was completed in 2023 and is located 13 kilometres (8 miles) east of Lefkosa (Nicosia). It’s the primary international gateway to North Cyprus, apart from ferry arrivals. North Cyprus, separated from the Greek-speaking South of Cyprus by a border checkpoint, is properly known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Turkish is spoken in the northern part of the island of Cyprus and it offers a similar Cypriot Mediterranean charm to the South - with a distinctly Turkish twist. It handles all flights arriving from the Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Africa via Turkey and provides easy access to the capital city, Lefkosa (Nicosia), and as well as the Girne (Kyrenia), Gazi Magusa (Famagusta), Iskele and all other destinations in the North of Cyprus. There are no direct flights from countries other than Turkey due to the political situation. Several airlines operate flights from the UK to Northern Cyprus via Turkey, including Turkish Airlines from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester Airport (MAN, Birmingham Airport (BHX), and Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Pegasus Airlines from London Stansted Airport (STN) and Manchester Airport (MAN) and A-jet from London Luton Airport (LTN).

The coastline landscape in North Cyprus is quite different to that in the south. The beaches are more plentiful and smaller, and the shoreline still largely undeveloped outside of key resort towns. However, much like the South of Cyprus it is blessed with quaint villages, markets and rich history. The capital of North and South Cyprus is divided between the two, with the Greek Cypriot-speaking South (Republic of Cyprus) and the Turkish Cypriot north (TRNC) calling it Nicosia and Lefkosa respectively. Lefkosa has an ancient historical heart and is famously home to the Selimiye Mosque and some fine old walls, ancient moat, lively markets and quaint street cafés. Girne (Kyrenia) is a busy coastal city known for its picturesque harbour, medieval castle, and lively nightlife. It has long been the biggest tourist draw with its Ancient Harbour dotted with traditional fishing boats and old Kyrenia Castle overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Yet, it is arguably the surrounding rugged mountains and sleepy beachside villages that make Girne such an appealing holiday destination. Be sure to enjoy a stroll around the village of Bellapais, on the outskirts of Girne’s city limits, and home to the famous Bellapais Abbey, a 13th-century Gothic monastery, and is where writer Lawrence Durrell Gerald Durrell, the renowned British naturalist, author, and conservationist, spent time in Bellapais, a picturesque village in Northern Cyprus, during the 1950s. Bellapais, with its stunning views, historic abbey, and serene atmosphere, served as an inspiration for parts of his work and life.