Nicosia — Lefkoşa
The world's last divided capital, and one of the Mediterranean's most underrated old towns.
Stay on the northern side and you're twenty minutes on foot from the walled city: the Selimiye Mosque (once the Cathedral of Saint Sophia), the Büyük Han caravanserai from 1572, and the bazaars around Arasta street.
Our buildings sit in a calm residential pocket near the Metehan crossing — the easiest vehicle crossing between north and south. Dereboyu, the city's main avenue for restaurants and cafés, is a short walk away.
10 stops in Nicosia
All a short drive from your apartment — most of them within one walkable stretch of the walled city.
Büyük Han
An Ottoman caravanserai standing since 1572 and today the heart of Nicosia: craft workshops, gift shops and shaded cafés ring the little kiosk-mosque in its courtyard. Start your old-town walk here — it's the most atmospheric morning coffee in the city.
Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral)
A 13th-century Gothic cathedral crowned with minarets — one of the Mediterranean's most extraordinary buildings. Its huge rose-window façade and columned interior rule the skyline; you'll spot the minarets from nearly every lane of the old town.
Arasta & Bandabuliya
Arasta's colourful shopping lanes are the place for souvenirs, spices and local flavours; right next door, the historic covered market Bandabuliya hosts stalls, small eateries and craft stands.
Bedesten (St. Nicholas Church)
A Gothic church turned covered bazaar in the Ottoman era, now beautifully restored as a culture and events venue. It stands right beside Selimiye — read two eras of stonework side by side.
Samanbahçe Quarter
The island's first social housing: rows of whitewashed single-storey cottages, narrow lanes and a historic fountain at the centre. A photographer's favourite corner of the walled city — the early-morning light is something else.
Derviş Paşa Mansion
This elegant 19th-century mansion tells the story of everyday Nicosia life through its ethnographic collection. Its cool courtyard is also a perfect escape from the midday heat.
Venetian Walls & Kyrenia Gate
The star-shaped walls encircling the city were built by the Venetians in 1567; the eleven-bastion ring is the symbol of Nicosia. Kyrenia Gate on the north side is the classic entrance into the old town.
Lusignan House
One of the finest surviving examples of medieval Lusignan residential architecture: a carved Gothic doorway, a stone courtyard and a wonderfully calm atmosphere.
Ledra Street crossing — a capital of two halves
You're in the world's last divided capital: cross at Lokmacı/Ledra Street with your passport and be in south Nicosia within minutes — two distinct cityscapes in a single stroll.
Dereboyu Avenue
The heart of modern Nicosia: cafés, restaurants, patisseries and nightlife. It's within walking distance of our apartments — dinner is never far away.
Practical notes
- Crossing at Metehan: passport or ID, usually minutes on foot or by car.
- Currency: Turkish Lira day-to-day; euros widely accepted — our rates are in EUR.
- Getting around: taxis are cheap; we have free parking if you drive.