Güzelyurt
Region: TRNC (KKTC)
Orange groves, a monastery museum and two ancient sites on the quiet western coast of the north.
Güzelyurt lies on the fertile plain in the north-west, where most of the island's citrus is grown. In spring the air smells of orange blossom, and the town celebrates the harvest with an orange festival. Few visitors make it this far west, which is the main reason to come.
St Mamas and the museums
The Church of St Mamas, with its carved iconostasis and the saint's tomb, stands at the centre of town and is now an icon museum. Next door, the archaeology and natural history museum shows finds from the area's ancient sites.
Soli and Vouni
Along the coast, ancient Soli has a Roman theatre facing the sea and the floor of an early Christian basilica with a well-known swan mosaic. On a hill a few kilometres further west, the Palace of Vouni, built in the 5th century BC, has one of the finest views on the island.
Lefke
Up the valley, Lefke is a green town of date palms, old houses and walled gardens, with a large student population and an easy pace. The coast below has pebble beaches and simple fish restaurants.
