Blog · Beaches & North Cyprus ·
Things to do around Lefke, Gemikonağı and Güzelyurt
The Lefke and Güzelyurt (Morphou) region in the west of North Cyprus is small, green and easy to explore. In a few days you can walk through the ancient city of Soli, drive up to the ruins of Vouni Palace, stroll through the quiet town of Lefke (Lefka) under its date palms and visit the orange groves and museum of Güzelyurt — and still spend your afternoons on the water. Here is our list from Yedidalga, the village on Morphou Bay where we live and teach kitesurfing.
Soli: the ancient city by the sea
Soli (Soloi) was one of the ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus. Its ruins lie on the shore of Morphou Bay at Gemikonağı (Karavostasi), only a few minutes’ drive from Heaven Surf House.
The two highlights are easy to find. The Roman theatre is cut into the slope of the hill and looks out towards the sea; it has been restored and is sometimes used for concerts and plays. Nearby, the remains of a basilica, one of the early Christian churches of the island, still have parts of their mosaic floors. The best known shows a swan surrounded by floral patterns and small dolphins.
Tradition links the name of the city to Solon, the statesman of ancient Athens, although archaeologists doubt the story. The site was excavated by the Swedish Cyprus Expedition from the late 1920s, and finds from Soli are on display in the museum in Güzelyurt.
In summer, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, wear a hat and bring water. Opening hours and entrance fees can change, so check before you go.
Vouni Palace and the best view over the bay
A short drive west of Yedidalga, a narrow, steep and winding road climbs a hill above the sea to the ruins of Vouni Palace, about 250 metres above sea level. The palace was built around 500 BC and was destroyed by fire around 380 BC.
Today you see mostly foundations: terraces, the outline of rooms, a stairway to the courtyard and a cistern. People come for the setting as much as for the stones. From the top you have a wide view over Morphou Bay, the coast and the mountains, and you can see the rocky islet of Petra tou Limniti off Yeşilırmak, where one of the oldest settlements in Cyprus was found.
Soli and Vouni are close to each other, so many visitors see both in one morning. In late winter and early spring the hillsides are full of wild flowers.
Lefke: date palms, old mosques and a slow pace
Lefke lies in a green valley at the foot of the Troodos range, about 6 km south of Gemikonağı. It is a small university town — home to the European University of Lefke — and a member of the Cittaslow network of “slow cities” since 2015.
- Date palms and gardens: Lefke is known for its date palms and for its oranges.
- Ottoman heritage: in the garden of the Piri Mehmet Pasha Mosque stands the decorated tomb of Osman Pasha, who died in Lefke in 1839.
- Old houses: the centre still has houses from the colonial period, best enjoyed on foot.
- Fresh juice: in the Lefke area you often find roadside stalls selling freshly squeezed juice.
In autumn the town holds the Lefke Date Festival, organised by Lefke Municipality and the local tourism association, with stalls of date products, Cypriot food, drinks and handicrafts.
Güzelyurt: orange groves, a museum and the Orange Festival
Drive east along the bay and you reach Güzelyurt, the centre of the citrus-growing area that is often called the fruit basket of Cyprus. The road runs through citrus groves, much like the lemon and orange groves that surround our camping in Yedidalga.
In the town centre, the Church of St Mamas, built in the late 18th century, mixes Gothic and Byzantine styles and is now an icon museum. Right next to it, the Güzelyurt Museum of Archaeology and Nature shows finds from the region, including objects from Soli and pieces of gold jewellery, as well as displays about local wildlife. Check the opening hours before you go.
Every year the town celebrates the Güzelyurt Orange Festival, usually in June, with about a week of concerts, parades, children’s events and other activities. Closer to us, the Yeşilırmak Strawberry Festival in May is organised by the producers of Yeşilırmak and Yedidalga together with Lefke Municipality. Festival dates change every year, so check them before you plan your trip.
On the water: kitesurfing and paddle boarding with us
After the sightseeing, the sea. Heaven Surf House is the first kitesurf school in North Cyprus, and from April to October a steady thermal wind of around 20 knots blows at Yedidalga. Our IKO-licensed instructors teach all levels, from a two-hour Kite Intro (€90) to full beginner courses. See the kitesurf lessons, or read how long it takes to learn kitesurfing.
On calm days, take a stand-up paddle board and explore the coast. We rent boards for 850 TL for 30 minutes or 1000 TL for 1 hour, and with an instructor you can learn to paddle in about 30 minutes. All prices are on the rentals page.
Or simply swim: the beach at Yedidalga is pebbles with deep, clear water. For more swimming spots along the coast, see our guide to the beaches of Morphou Bay.
Eating out and slow evenings
Food in this part of Cyprus is simple and good: meze tables, halloumi, olive oil, herbs and fresh fish, with fruit from the groves around you. In the villages along the coast you find small restaurants by the sea — at Yeşilırmak there are a few right on the beach — and in the university town of Lefke there are cafés for a slow coffee.
Back at Heaven, the beach bar is open from 09:00 until sunset. Campers can cook in the shared kitchen and use the fire and barbecue area. From time to time we also host events and gatherings.
Planning your days around Lefke and Güzelyurt
- Get around by car or bike. The sights are spread along the coast and inland, and a car makes it easy. During your stay you can also rent a bike. Our guide on how to get to Yedidalga covers airports, crossing points and car hire.
- Sightseeing in the morning, the sea in the afternoon. In summer this avoids the hottest hours of the day.
- Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking around the ruins.
- Check before you go: opening hours, entrance fees and festival dates change from year to year.
- Stay by the sea: camping at Heaven costs 650 TL (€12) per person per night with your own tent, or 800 TL (€15) with a tent from us. With your own camper, the camper stop costs 1100 TL (€20) a night, and there are three campers for rent.
For more about the island — its history, nature and seasons — see our page about Cyprus. And if you have questions before your trip, just write to us.
