Your journey to Northern Cyprus
A relaxed journey to Northern Cyprus: tips and tricks for planning your trip
Welcome to our lucky article about travelling to Northern Cyprus! If you're planning a trip to this magical part of the world, we want to make sure that your arrival is as relaxed as possible. We've put together some valuable tips and tricks to help you plan and organise your trip.
From the different ways to get there to choosing the right airport and useful first-hand experiences, we've got everything you need for a smooth arrival. Sit back, relax and enjoy the anticipation of your North Cyprus adventure because we've got you covered!
Airports in Cyprus: your choice for a relaxed journey
Cyprus, the enchanting island in the eastern Mediterranean, offers travellers a choice of three airports to reach Northern Cyprus. In the southern part, the Republic of Cyprus, there are two airports, Larnaca and Paphos, both of which offer their own charm and advantages. However, for those wishing to travel directly to the northern part of the island, Ercan International Airport is the best choice.
It is important to note that a border crossing is required on arrival in southern Cyprus in order to enter northern Cyprus. However, this border control is usually uncomplicated and does not take much time. Nevertheless, travellers should pay attention to the customs and import regulations. For example, there are restrictions on the amount of cigarettes and alcohol that can be carried from northern to southern Cyprus, as these products are often cheaper in the northern part of the island.
For a more relaxed shopping experience and fewer restrictions on the transport of cigarettes, departing via Ercan Airport is a good option, as less strict regulations apply here.
Ercan Airport
Ercan International Airport in Northern Cyprus has developed into an important hub for travellers from Turkey in recent years. Following its major expansion and development into an international airport in 2022, it is my absolute recommendation for those travelling from Turkey.
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Ercan Airport for travellers from Germany. Nevertheless, travelling from Germany to Ercan Airport is already uncomplicated, as the flights are often somewhat cheaper and include a stopover in Turkey. This short stopover usually only extends the journey time by around an hour and offers a good opportunity to relax.
Another advantage of travelling via Ercan Airport is the faster and cheaper transfer from the airport to your accommodation. In this case, I recommend using a taxi, which can easily be booked in advance and usually costs between €50 and €70 per journey.
Larnaca Airport
Larnaca Airport, located in the southern part of the Republic of Cyprus close to the border with the northern part, offers an excellent starting point for travellers wishing to explore Northern Cyprus. Larnaca is particularly suitable for travellers from Germany due to its direct flights.
As already mentioned, it is also advisable to book a taxi in advance and travel directly to your accommodation. The taxi drivers are usually experienced in dealing with border formalities and ensure a relaxed entry. Taxi fares vary between €70 and €90 per journey, but offer space for up to two families and therefore ensure a comfortable transfer.
It is important to note that border formalities must also be taken into account on departure. Please pay attention to the customs regulations here to avoid any possible inconvenience.
Paphos Airport
Paphos Airport, located in the southern part of the island and furthest away from the north, is less favoured by many travellers due to its location. Nevertheless, Paphos also offers clear advantages for travelling to Cyprus.
Paphos is served by the airline Ryanair, which makes travelling to Paphos affordable. However, it is advisable to take a taxi to your accommodation. In Paphos, it is easy and inexpensive to hire a car, which ends away from the border.
When hiring a hire car, however, you should note that the insurance usually ends at the border. Separate insurance for the northern part must therefore be purchased, which costs around €35 for a week. A hire car can be rented for as little as €80 per week. The journey to the accommodation is relaxed and offers scenic views. However, it should be noted that left-hand traffic prevails in Northern Cyprus.
Although Paphos may not be the ideal airport for a first trip to Cyprus, it is definitely an insider tip for travellers who already have some experience and are price-conscious.
Questions
Do you have questions about your journey?
If you have any further questions about travelling to Northern Cyprus or need more information, don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and will do our best to answer all your questions and assist you in planning your trip. Your relaxed arrival in North Cyprus is our goal and we are ready to help you.
