Have breakfast in the eco-gardens

Start the day with local dishes unique to Cyprus.

Visit the ancient city of Soli

Soli, one of the most important city kingdoms founded in Cyprus, has a history reaching back to around 700 BC. Excavations have yielded gold and silver jewellery from the Hellenistic period, a marble statue of Aphrodite made in the 1st century BC, and a 2nd-century BC relief depicting the battle with the Amazons. Remains of a Hellenistic colonnaded street leading to the agora and of a monumental marble fountain in the agora have also been uncovered. The Soli Basilica is known to have been built in the second half of the 4th century and to be among the first churches constructed in Cyprus. Although it was enlarged in the 5th and 6th centuries, it was destroyed during the Arab raids of the 7th century. The Soli Roman Theatre was built between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD on the seaward slope of a hill, on the site of an earlier Greek theatre. With an actual capacity of 4,000, the theatre has a two-storey stage building decorated with marble and statues. Traces of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite have been found on a hill to the west of the theatre. Excavations carried out in 2005 brought to light a wealth of gold finds and archaeological artefacts.

Enjoy the unrivalled view from Vouni Palace

Built 270 m above sea level and comprising 137 rooms, Vouni Palace was commissioned in the 5th century by Doxandros of Marion, the pro-Persian king of the city of Marion, in order to control the nearby pro-Greek settlements (the city of Soli). The surviving sections of Vouni include the entrance, royal chambers, colonnaded courtyard, kitchen courtyard, cistern, storerooms, baths, living rooms and workshops. The Vouni Baths are among the earliest examples of the hot-bath type.

Take in Petra Tou Limnidi

A Neolithic settlement dated to 5000 BC, excavated by a Swedish archaeological team.

Visit the Sheikh Nazim Lodge and Mausoleum

Sheikh Nazim Kıbrısi al-Haqqani, the foremost figure worldwide of the Naqshbandi community — a significant order within Islam in terms of both influence and following — was born in Larnaca on 21 April 1922. Known by the full name Sheikh Muhammad Nazim Adil al-Qubrusi al-Haqqani al-Rabbani, he lived for many years at his lodge in Lefke. He has a large number of followers across Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, as well as in Asia and the Americas.

Visit the Acendu Fountain

A spring dating from the 15th–16th centuries, when Cyprus was under Venetian rule. Located east of the town, between the Lefke Stream and the slopes of Mount Lağuna, the spring is believed to have been discovered by a Venetian commander named Cento and named in his honour Aqua De Cento — “Cento’s water” — which over time came to be known locally as Acendu.

See Ottoman, Venetian and British architecture

a) Historic Ottoman Mansions — The Ottoman mansions, rare examples of Ottoman architecture, are found in greater numbers in Lefke than anywhere else after the capital, Nicosia. Of the many historic houses and mansions in Lefke, 41 are protected by law. Dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, these buildings display a strikingly grand architecture. The Ottoman-style mansions and the streets on which they stand offer impressive views in which the authentic character of the town is preserved. b) Coronation Monument / Water Reservoir

Visit the eco-village of Bağlıköy

Bağlıköy, which has begun to make a name for itself as an eco-village, will impress you with features that reflect the old Cypriot way of life and with villagers working to keep Cypriot culture alive.

Pick strawberries and oranges in the orchards of Lefke and Yeşilırmak

In the village of Yeşilırmak you can pick strawberries straight from the field, while in Lefke you can pick Jaffa oranges in the orange groves.

See the vine in Yeşilırmak that entered the Guinness Book of Records

One of the most important stops to see in Yeşilırmak, at the westernmost tip of Northern Cyprus, is undoubtedly the historic vine that entered the Guinness Book of Records in 1947. Centuries old and located at Asmalı Beach, the vine has earned its place in the book with a trunk 85 cm thick, an imposing appearance and an annual yield of around 3 tonnes of grapes.

See date palms and orange trees side by side

It is unusual to see these two trees, which fruit in different seasons, growing together. In Lefke, however, it is possible.

Go kitesurfing — or watch it

Surfing and kitesurfing, a rapidly growing sport in Northern Cyprus, thrive at Yedidalga and Gaziveren.

Drink coffee in century-old coffee houses in the historic heart of Lefke

Take a break in the coffee houses where the miners of Lefke once shook off the day’s fatigue.

Visit the Red Harbour

The Eiffel Tower of Cyprus! One of the finest places to watch the sunset. The Red Harbour is a landmark visible from almost every point in the Lefke region. Its section over the sea alone is 500 metres long, with 50 metres between each pier. The total length of the harbour jetty is estimated at around one kilometre.

Watch the sunset at the westernmost point of Northern Cyprus

Get close to nature on the walking trails

The walking trails being developed in the Lefke, Bağlıköy and Yeşilırmak areas offer enthusiasts a range of special-interest tourism options. The Lefke Walking Trail, Orchid Valley, the Soli Ruins – Bağlıköy route and the Vouni Palace – Yeşilırmak route in particular are home to remarkable species and follow routes with extraordinary views.

Taste slow food

What is slow food? At its simplest, it is a movement that questions the values represented by “fast food” through food itself, and expresses its politics through the future of food.

Take in the Lefke Reservoir

Construction of the Gemikonağı Reservoir, the second-largest reservoir in the TRNC, began in 1989 and was completed in 1992. With a capacity of 4,000,000 tonnes of water, the Gemikonağı Reservoir meets the water needs of the Lefke region.

Recycle your old copperware by having it re-tinned

Slow down in Cittaslow Lefke!

What is Cittaslow? Formed by combining the Italian citta (city) and the English slow, Cittaslow means “slow city” or “tranquil city”. The main aim of the Cittaslow movement, which began in Italy, is to live unhurriedly and fully, savouring everything; to feel the historical, cultural and environmental heritage handed down from the past; and to live in a more humane, more environmentally conscious way, respectful of yesterday, today and the generations to come. Caring about the town you live in and about the people who live in or visit it, protecting the environment, bringing local characteristics and products to the fore, resisting the sameness of all cities and supporting each city in its own distinctiveness — these form the basis of the idea. Cittaslow is, in truth, a way of thinking. Every slow city uses the snail logo. With the rich historical, cultural and natural assets it holds, Lefke carries enormous potential for Cittaslow. The Cittaslow movement, which began in Italy in 1999, now has 232 member cities across different continents. Lefke has been a member of this network since November 2015. Lefke awaits its visitors like a hidden treasure waiting to be rediscovered. The slogan chosen for Lefke’s Cittaslow development says a great deal.