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Top Places to Live in North Cyprus
If you are thinking of moving house to Cyprus and like lots of sun, sea and sand, as well as plenty of historical culture, then the northern part of the island is ideal – for political as well as geographical reasons. It isn’t recognised as a separate country (except by Turkey) and so isn’t as commercialised, with none of the large businesses and shop chains which are more common in Southern Cyprus.
Here, Hamiltons Removals, who have many years of experience in organising removals to all parts of Europe and further afield, identify four of the best places to move to in North Cyprus.
Kyrenia
Kyrenia is easily identifiable thanks to its striking harbour, pictured above. Originally it was essential for the growth of the city, with trade in livestock and other foodstuffs increasing rapidly from the 19th century onwards. These days, it’s more of a tourist location with lots of restaurants – but you can expect to pay a premium for the view from your dining table.
Kyrenia Castle – at the eastern end of the harbour – also dominates the city skyline. This dates back to the 7th century, and it has plenty to explore, including dungeons, gunpowder rooms and a shipwreck museum, as well as a simple café and shop.
If you are quite active and are not averse to a good walk or two, then take a trip up to the The Besparmak mountains which overlook the city. These mountains are also home to St Hilarion Castle, which is floodlit at night and is named after a saint who is traditionally held to have fled to Cyprus after the Arab conquest of the Holy Land. If you drive 5-10 minutes out of the city then you should be able to find plenty of sandy beaches which aren’t too overcrowded. The Algadi (Turtle) beach is probably the most famous.
Nicosia
This is the country’s capital and political and economic hub; it is a bit like post-war Berlin in that it has distinct sectors. The northern part of the city is in North Cyprus – if you want to travel around freely (particularly into the south of the city) then don’t forget to take your passport with you at all times. For example, Ledra Street, which is the city’s main shopping street, also has a checkpoint which effectively acts as a gateway into southern Cyprus.
The northern part of the city is generally richer in history, culture and architecture. Notable features include Ataturk Square (which is used for political rallies and often dubbed ‘The Heart of Nicosia’) and Buyuk Han (a 16th century roadside inn which was later used as a prison but is now a thriving arts centre, with the original mosque still in place).
Some people think about removals to Nicosia for educational reasons – the city has four universities and a thriving student population of more than 30,000.
Famagusta
This lies on the island’s east coast and possesses the deepest harbour in the whole of the island. It’s widely believed to contain some of the finest examples of mediaeval architecture in the eastern Mediterranean – although the city’s history does go further back, as there are traces of Iron Age and Bronze Age settlements here too.
The new town of Famagusta (which is also known as Maras or Varosha) lies just to the south of the walled old city, which is popular with tourists. Nowadays, the town has a thriving port, dealing with foodstuffs, other agricultural products and livestock; the other major economic activities include cotton spinning, the distillation of brandy, and fishing.
Othello Castle, the setting for Shakespeare’s tragedy of the same name, is a must-see for literature buffs, while an annual international Arts and Culture Festival is held in the town in June and July. If you prefer a spot of sunbathing or swimming, then Famagusta (and the surrounding area) has 26 beaches which can boast a Blue Flag.
Lefke
If you are looking for somewhere quieter or off the beaten track to live, then Lefke could be the place to move to. This is a small, friendly town to the north-west of the island and has plenty of Ottoman architecture to admire (reflecting the island’s Turkish influence).
Situated nearby are the historic remains of the ancient city of Soli and the Palace of Vouni. Soli is famed for its Roman remains, particularly the Basilica with its mosaic floor, and an amphitheatre which has been restored and now presents plays and concerts. The Palace at Vouni enjoys a spectacular sea-facing cliff-top location and the ruins are evocative of a bygone age of splendour.
And don’t forget to try the Lefke lemons – ones grown here are believed to be the finest tasting ones on the whole island!
Moving House to Cyprus with Hamiltons Removals
Hamiltons Removals provide shipping and removals to all areas of Cyprus including Famagusta, Kyrenia, Nicosia and Lefke. You have the choice of a dedicated container, or a part-load which you will share with others, and air freight for any smaller items and important documents.
To make your move as straightforward as possible, we can pack and unpack your items for you as well – or just ship them and let you do the rest. Follow this link if you would like to receive a detailed quote for your move.
The Post-Pandemic Return to Cities
The arrival of the pandemic heralded a collective move away from cities and into the countryside. The increased space, the larger ratio of houses to flats, and idyllic outdoor landscape generally rendered rural areas preferable for many households during lockdown.
Without the appeal of the amenities available in cities, the relatively cramped conditions of urban areas compared to rural settings seemed less ideal. The move to work from home not only furthered the desire for space, but likewise meant that the need to live close to the office or workplace was no longer a priority. This so called ‘race for space’ was reflected in house sales, and, as a long-established moving company based in East Anglia, we were able to see the change first hand.
However, two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that a return to city living can be seen. Figures gathered by The Guardian in early 2022 appear to back this up, along with Rightmove reporting that there has been a 50% increase in client’s from rural areas looking to head into large cities such as Bristol, Liverpool and London during 2021. For instance, according to the local authority, the city centre of Liverpool has seen a population increase of 6%.
The property website Rightmove also described an increase in searches for smaller apartments in city centres, rather than the houses that dominated the property market in 2020.
Hamiltons have seen a steady increase in moves to urban areas since last summer, demonstrating the public’s change in priorities since the end of lockdowns. As a highly respected name in UK removals to Europe and further afield, this is a trend we are seeing overseas as well. Pictured is a move that we carried out in the centre of Paris in December of last year.
The easing of restrictions has encouraged people back to the workplace along with opportunities to socialise again. As such, cities once again hold numerable incentives for many. This, likewise, means the return of daily commutes, in turn creating a renewed demand for properties near train stations.
After the isolation of the pandemic, the excitement and opportunities provided by urban areas is proving to be popular once again. The abundance of nightlife, shops, pubs and restaurants as well as job opportunities all appear to hold increasing appeal once again after the last two years. London and Manchester, both hubs of activity and excitement, have seen the most growth since the start of the pandemic.
The pandemic does, however, seem to have had long-lasting effects when it comes to homebuyer’s choices. Rightmove noted earlier this month that gardens have become a priority for many. Indeed, they reported a 70% increase in searches for properties with gardens in comparison to 2020.
So, while the desire for rural living is declining post-pandemic, the effects of the COVID-19 ‘race for space’ is still appealing to many.
Hamiltons Removals – A Leading Moving Company in East Anglia
Hamiltons offer professional, stress-free removal services for all moves, however large or small, local, national or international. We can help with commercial and domestic moves to Bristol, Liverpool, London, Manchester and other cities across the UK.
We also have dedicated European and International removals departments which can handle any overseas moves.
For more information, visit our website at https://www.hamiltonsremovals.co.uk/index.php for a free quote, or call us on 0800 246 5622 for a chat.