Located in the heart of Cyprus, Nicosia is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its stunning landmarks and historic sites, this beautiful city offers an abundance of day trip options for travelers looking to explore the surrounding area. Whether you’re interested in ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, or delicious local cuisine, Nicosia has something for everyone. In this post, we’ll be sharing the 5 best day trips in Nicosia that will take you on an unforgettable journey through the history and beauty of Cyprus. So grab your camera and get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
The 5 Best Day Trips in Nicosia
- From Nicosia: Nicosia and Kyrenia Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
- From Nicosia: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour to Kyrenia
- From Nicosia: Half-Day St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Tour
- From Nicosia: Famagusta and Kyrenia Circle Day Trips
- From Nicosia: Famagusta and Ghost Town Tour
The 5 Best Day Trips in Nicosia
1. From Nicosia: Nicosia and Kyrenia Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
Explore the wonders of Nicosia and Kyrenia during this full-day sightseeing tour. Begin your day with a visit to the enchanting Saint Hilarion Castle, a former monastery situated in the Kyrenia mountain range. Spend an hour and a half exploring one of the best-preserved castles on the island, named after the hermit monk who founded it in the 10th century. Move on to the ruins of the Bellapais Abbey in the Five Fingers Mountains and marvel at the remnants of the Gothic architectural masterpiece. Enjoy a 30-minute coffee break before moving to Kyrenia, the harbor town on the northern coast founded by the Achaeans tribe.
Next, explore the divided capital city of Nicosia and stroll along the historic streets of the walled city. Start your visit in the Greek area of Nicosia at the impressive Selimiye Mosque, converted from a Catholic cathedral following the Ottoman siege of the city in 1570. Continue to the large caravanserai of the Büyük Han and the Ottoman-era Great Han where you’ll enjoy lunch. Journey to the Turkish section of the city and explore the architectural wonders, such as the Buyuk Han Inn and take a walk along the Venetian walls of Famagusta Gate. This tour includes pick up and drop-off at your hotel, an expert guide, entrance fees to historical sites, lunch, and drinks. Please remember to bring your passport or ID card for crossing the border in Nicosia. Come and explore the cultural heritage of Cyprus!
2. From Nicosia: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour to Kyrenia
Join this full-day sightseeing tour from Nicosia to Kyrenia and explore the stunning beauty of northern Cyprus. Begin by visiting St. Hilarion fairytale castle, spending 1.5 hours taking in the magnificent views. Then, head to the beautiful Bellapais Abbey, a ruined 13th century abbey in the Five Fingers Mountains.
Enjoy a 30-minute coffee break before continuing to the harbor town of Kyrenia, known as the jewel of northern Cyprus. Visit the Venetian-built Kyrenia Castle, situated on the picturesque harbor. Afterward, head to Nicosia, the only divided capital city, to have lunch at the Great Han built by the Ottoman empire.
Explore both the Greek and Turkish areas of Nicosia’s walled old city and visit Büyük Han and Selimiye Mosque, formerly St. Sophia Cathedral. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in the lively lanes and streets. This tour includes transportation, an experienced professional guide, entrance fees to historical sites, and lunch and drinks. Please bring a valid passport or ID card for crossing the border to Nicosia.
3. From Nicosia: Half-Day St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Tour
Explore the magic of St. Hillarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey on this half-day tour from Nicosia. The castle, which inspired Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” film, offers stunning panoramic views after a 1.5-hour climb to the top. Continue through the Five Fingers Mountains to Bellapais Abbey, a 13th-century Augustinian ruin with breathtaking views of Kyrenia’s epic seascape. A licensed guide will accompany you in exploring the monastic buildings and grounds, followed by a peaceful 30-minute coffee break. Includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch and drinks. Meeting point is Nicosia Hotels, and a passport will be required if crossing the border.
4. From Nicosia: Famagusta and Kyrenia Circle Day Trips
The Famagusta and Kyrenia Circle Day Trip is a fantastic way to explore the northern part of Cyprus. The tour will include stops at many interesting locations including Varosha, the once vibrant tourist quarter of Famagusta now turned into a ghost town due to conflicts in the 1970s. You’ll also get to explore the Famagusta City Wall where you’ll see the Saint Nicolas Cathedral, the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis featuring a beautiful ancient Greek theater, marble columns, Roman baths and a gymnasium. The tour will also take you to Bellapais to see the stunning 13th-century abbey in the Five Fingers Mountains and Kyrenia, a harbor town regarded as the jewel of North Cyprus. The tour includes pick-up and drop off from Nicosia hotels, private transportation, a guided tour, all entrance fees, lunch and drinks, and coffee. Please do not forget to bring your passport or ID card for crossing the border. Note that this trip is not suitable for wheelchair users.
5. From Nicosia: Famagusta and Ghost Town Tour
Experience a journey into the history of Cyprus with the Famagusta and Ghost Town Tour departing from Nicosia. Discover the ancient city of Salamis to see the largest Roman amphitheater in Cyprus and visit Othello’s Tower, where Shakespeare was inspired to write his famous play. Admire the largest medieval building in Famagusta at the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, formerly known as St. Nicolas Cathedral and built in a French Gothic style. Enjoy some free time in the old city to shop or explore on your own. End with a visit to the ghost town of Famagusta, abandoned in 1974 due to the political issues between the two sides of Cyprus. The tour includes transportation, guide, entrance fees, lunch, and drinks. Don’t forget to bring your passport or ID card. Please note that your passport will be required if you are traveling from the south of Cyprus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicosia
Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus, located on the eastern coast of the island. It’s the largest city in Cyprus and an essential hub of culture, education, and commerce in the area.
If you’re planning a trip to Nicosia, you probably have some questions about the city. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Nicosia to help you make the most of your visit.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Nicosia?
The best time to visit Nicosia is during the shoulder seasons- March to May and September to November. The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are low, making it the perfect time to explore the city. Summers are hot, dry and crowded, while winters are mild, and it can rain relatively often.
What Are The Must-See Attractions In Nicosia?
Nicosia is a city with a rich history, so it has many must-see attractions. Some of the most popular ones are:
- The Nicosia City Walls
- The Cyprus Museum
- The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia
- The Selimiye Mosque
- The Archbishop’s Palace
- The Famagusta Gate
- The Ledra Observatory Museum
How Do I Get To Nicosia?
Nicosia is a well-connected city, and you can get there by various means of transport. You can fly to Larnaca or Paphos airports and then take a bus, taxi or rent a car from there. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Greece to Cyprus or drive from Turkey through the northern border and enter the city from the north.
What Is The Currency Used In Nicosia?
The currency used in Nicosia, and in the rest of Cyprus, is the Euro. It’s best to exchange your currency before arriving in the city or withdrawing some cash from an ATM.
What Is The Language Spoken In Nicosia?
The official languages spoken in Nicosia are Greek and Turkish. However, many people also speak English, so you should have no trouble communicating with locals or navigating the city.
How Safe Is Nicosia?
Nicosia is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as in any other city, you should take some precautions to ensure your safety. Avoid walking alone late at night and don’t leave your valuables unattended. It’s also recommended to take travel insurance before your trip.
What Is The Cuisine Like In Nicosia?
Nicosia has a diverse culinary scene, and you’ll find a vast selection of restaurants offering different cuisines. The traditional Cypriot cuisine includes dishes such as halloumi, kleftiko, souvlaki, and moussaka. You’ll also find many restaurants serving international cuisine from Italian to Chinese.
Conclusion
Nicosia is a beautiful and culturally rich city that’s worth exploring. With this blog post, we hope we’ve provided you with a useful guide to help you plan your visit. Whether you’re interested in history, food or just want to soak up the local atmosphere, Nicosia has something to offer for everyone. Have a great trip!
The 5 Best Day Trips in Nicosia: Frequently Asked Questions
Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is a city rich in history and culture. It is also a great place from which to take day trips to explore the surrounding areas. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or just a change of scenery, there is something for everyone. Here are the top 5 day trips you can take in Nicosia and answers to some frequently asked questions about them.
1. Troodos Mountains
The Troodos Mountains are a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Nicosia. This beautiful mountain range is the largest in Cyprus and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring nature.
What is the best way to get to the Troodos Mountains from Nicosia?
The easiest way to get to the Troodos Mountains from Nicosia is by renting a car. It is a 1-hour drive from Nicosia to the Troodos Mountains. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour that includes transportation.
What are the best attractions to see in the Troodos Mountains?
The Troodos Mountains are home to several monasteries, including the Monastery of Kykkos, which is one of the most famous in Cyprus. There are also several charming villages to explore, such as Omodos and Platres. For nature lovers, the Troodos Mountains offer hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views.
2. Larnaca
Larnaca is a beautiful coastal city that is just a short drive from Nicosia. It offers visitors pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife.
How far is Larnaca from Nicosia?
Larnaca is located about 50 kilometers southeast of Nicosia. The drive takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
What are the best attractions to see in Larnaca?
Larnaca has plenty of attractions to keep visitors busy. The city’s most famous landmark is the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, which is considered to be one of the holiest places in all of Islam. Other popular attractions include the Larnaca Salt Lake, where thousands of flamingos gather each year, and the St. Lazarus Church, which dates back to the 9th century.
3. Famagusta
Famagusta is a historic town on the eastern coast of Cyprus. It is home to some of the most well-preserved examples of medieval architecture in the world. Visitors to Famagusta can explore the walled city, stroll along the waterfront, and visit several museums and galleries.
How far is Famagusta from Nicosia?
Famagusta is located about 60 kilometers east of Nicosia. The drive takes approximately 1 hour depending on traffic.
What are the best attractions to see in Famagusta?
Famagusta is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, which was originally a cathedral built by the French in the 13th century. Visitors can also explore the walled city and visit several museums and galleries, such as the Dervish Pasha Mansion and the St. Barnabas Monastery.
4. Karpas Peninsula
The Karpas Peninsula is a rugged and remote area located on the northeastern tip of Cyprus. It offers visitors stunning beaches, clear water, and natural beauty.
How far is the Karpas Peninsula from Nicosia?
The Karpas Peninsula is located about 140 kilometers from Nicosia. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours depending on traffic.
What are the best attractions to see on the Karpas Peninsula?
The Karpas Peninsula is known for its pristine beaches, including Golden Beach, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. Visitors can also explore the Karpas National Park, which is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, such as sea turtles and wild donkeys.
5. Nicosia Old Town
Finally, no trip to Nicosia would be complete without exploring the city’s historic old town. This area is home to several important landmarks, such as the Cyprus Museum, the Selimiye Mosque, and the famous Ledra Street crossing that divides the city into north and south.
What are the best attractions to see in Nicosia Old Town?
Nicosia Old Town is home to several important historical landmarks, such as the Cyprus Museum, which houses some of the most important archaeological finds in Cyprus. Visitors should also visit the Selimiye Mosque, which was originally a cathedral built in the 13th century, and the Laiki Geitonia area, which is filled with shops and restaurants that offer a glimpse into the traditional Cypriot lifestyle.
Conclusion
There are plenty of day trips to take from Nicosia, each offering its own unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on pristine beaches, or hiking through stunning mountain ranges, there is something for everyone in the surrounding areas of Nicosia.
Remember that the best way to get the most out of your day trips is to plan ahead and do your research. You can find plenty of information online or by asking locals for recommendations. We hope this guide has helped to answer some of your most frequently asked questions about the top 5 day trips in Nicosia.
Table of Contents
