Alsancak district

Alsancak is one of the most picturesque and interesting regions of Northern Cyprus, which is located in close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. This area offers a real combination of rich history, cultural heritage and modern infrastructure. Alsancak is suitable for a wide variety of categories of people: from young professionals and families with children to pensioners and investors seeking stability and profitable investments. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the location, history, culture, lifestyle, as well as the real estate market and investment opportunities in Alsancak.

Location

Alsancak district is located 12 kilometers west of Girne (Kyrenia), one of the largest cities in Northern Cyprus. The way to the center of Kyrenia will take just 15 minutes. Alsancak is conveniently located between the Mediterranean coast and the mountain systems located deep in Cyprus, which provides its residents with unique views and a favorable climate all year round. 

Alsancak stretches along the coast, offering its residents the easiest possible access to picturesque beaches, coves and natural parks. This area is closely connected to Girne and other parts of the island by a convenient transport network, which in turn makes it easily accessible to both tourists and residents. At the same time, proximity to the sea creates a unique microclimate. Due to its convenient location, Ercan Airport is 40 kilometers away, and Larnaca International Airport is 85 kilometers away, which provides excellent transport accessibility.

History of the Region

Alsancak has a rich historical heritage that dates back thousands of years. In ancient times, this area was an important center of trade and culture, linking East and West. Archaeological excavations show that there were settlements here in the era of antiquity, as well as in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

A special place in the history of Alsancak is occupied by the Ottoman period, when the area was an important strategic point. During the Ottoman Empire, Alsancak turned into an important trade and cultural center, through which trade routes between Europe and Asia passed. The area was famous for its markets where spices, fabrics and handicrafts were sold. After the end of Ottoman rule, Alsancak became part of the British colony, which left its mark on the architecture and culture of the region.

Today Alsancak is a living testimony to the centuries-old history, where every street, every building breathes the past. But despite this, the area is actively developing, combining historical heritage with modern living amenities.

Culture of the region

Alsancak’s culture is rich and diverse, which makes it a unique place to live and relax. The traditions of various cultures – Cypriot, Greek, Turkish and British – are intertwined here, which is reflected in architecture, cuisine, holidays and everyday life.

One of the key cultural attractions of Alsancak is the national park, which is protected by the state and is the venue for various festivals and interesting cultural events. This park is known for scenic trails that pass through cute coniferous mini-groves and offer unique views of the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can enjoy walks along well-groomed paths, observing the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The park also has a great cafe, The Heaven Restoran & Cafe, where locals often celebrate their children’s birthdays.

Another important cultural attraction is the Ibrahim Karaolanolu Memorial, which is undoubtedly one of the most important monuments of the modern history of Cyprus. This museum and memorial complex was created in memory of the tragic events that took place on July 20, 1974, when the 39th Infantry division of the Turkish army, Colonel Khalil Ibrahim Karaolanolu, settled on the island during a military operation to restore peace. It was here, in a small rural estate that belonged to a Greek Cypriot, that Colonel Karaolanolou, together with the command, discussed the plan for the upcoming key battle. However, the headquarters was attacked at night, and the colonel, along with other officers, died.

Today, the Museum of Freedom and Peace is located on the site of these tragic events, which will not leave anyone indifferent. Inside the museum you will find several expositions, each of which immerses you in the atmosphere of those dramatic days. On the ground floor there are exhibits telling about the course of the Greek-Turkish conflict, and on the second floor there are personal belongings and photographs of dead soldiers, evoking special feelings of belonging and respect. Heavy military equipment and weapons used in the operation are displayed around the open-air museum, which is especially impressive for both children and adults. A visit to the museum will definitely leave a deep mark on the soul and help to better understand the history of this region. At the same time, the entrance to the museum is free, which makes it accessible to everyone who wants to touch the history of the northern coast of Cyprus. 

The central figure of the complex is the famous “tank”, which has become a symbol of the courage and determination of the Turkish army. This tank, along with other exhibits, is a key part of the museum’s exposition, attracting the attention of visitors and recalling the importance of the events that took place here in 1974. It is not only a monument of military history, but also a symbol of the complex and dramatic events that the island has experienced. Museum visitors can see this tank up close, learn about its history and take photos against its background.

You can also visit many other interesting cultural events in Alsancak. And almost all of them are held outdoors, which, by the way, allows you to enjoy not only the culture of the region, but also stunning views of the sea and mountains.

Life in Alsancak

Life in Alsancak is harmony with nature and enjoyment of all the benefits of the modern world. It has everything you might need for a comfortable and fulfilling life: from convenient infrastructure to many opportunities for active and cultural leisure.

Alsancak is a great place for a large Russian family to stay. After all, there are kindergartens in the area that offer education in different languages. For example, the Golden Key kindergarten for Russian children is very popular among the Russian-speaking diaspora. There are also Turkish gardens and gardens in the area that use such training programs as Montessori In Alsancak there is also one of the best schools Necat British College, which is accredited by the British Cambridge.

There are also many green areas and parks where you can walk with your family or have picnics in nature. Evening walks along the coast here become a real ritual for the locals.

Nature lovers can go hiking in the national park or horseback riding on one of the local ranches. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, diving and windsurfing on the beaches of Alsancak. One of the coolest is the Escape Beach Club, which is famous for its high–quality service and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Camelot Beach is also one of the most visited and picturesque beaches on the northern coast of Cyprus. Here visitors can enjoy the soft golden sand and the purest waters of the Mediterranean Sea. If you prefer municipal beaches, then there are more than enough of them in Alsancak, for example Mare Monte Beach.

Alsancak is also known for its casinos, which attract gambling and luxury leisure enthusiasts from all over the world. It is home to some of the best casinos in Northern Cyprus, part of the prestigious Merit network, offering high-quality service and a variety of gaming entertainment. However, not everyone knows that there is a free zoo on the territory of one of these casinos, where you can come with children. This zoo is unique in that it has a special department for turtles that cannot survive in the wild due to injuries or other reasons. They are nursed at the zoo and then released back into the wild. Visitors can not only watch the turtles, but even participate in their feeding, which makes this place especially interesting for family leisure.

And for those who prefer a more relaxing holiday, the numerous cafes and restaurants along the coast provide ideal conditions for enjoying the sea views and local cuisine. For example, the Basil restaurant will definitely appeal to those who appreciate Slavic home cooking, as well as European and Turkish cuisine combined with restaurant service and a cozy atmosphere with live music in the evening.

Not far from Alsancak is the charming village of Karmi, which attracts guests with its authenticity and extraordinary atmosphere. This small village with picturesque views of the mountains and the sea is famous for its cozy European houses, many of which are built in a traditional English style. However, special attention should be paid to visiting the English cafe, where traditional British roast is served every Saturday. This cafe has become a favorite place for both locals and tourists who appreciate comfort and high-quality cuisine. 

Another interesting place is the Black Olive Cafe, a cozy cafe in Alsancak that attracts guests with its warm and friendly atmosphere. It is an ideal place for those who are looking for a quiet corner to meet with friends. It is also famous for its events such as theme nights and workshops that bring together locals and tourists.

Education in Alsancak is also at a high level. There are several prestigious schools and universities in the area that offer quality education. Girne University is located quite close, one of the leading educational institutions in the region, offering a wide range of programs in different languages, including English.

The real estate market

Real estate in Alsancak is becoming increasingly popular among foreign investors, thanks to a stable economy and extremely favorable investment conditions. Investing in real estate here is not only a way to save and increase capital, but also an opportunity to live in one of the most picturesque and comfortable places.

The cost of real estate in Alsancak varies depending on the location and type of housing. Apartments here can be purchased for between £105,000 and £255,000, depending on their size, location and comfort level. Villas with sea and mountain views located in prestigious areas can cost from £420,000 to £820,000 and above. Such villas usually have spacious grounds, private pools and gardens, which makes them especially attractive for families and wealthy buyers.

Housing in Alsancak is also in demand among tenants. Renting apartments in the area can cost from £600 to £1,200 per month, depending on their location and conditions. Luxury villas with sea views, private pools and modern amenities can be rented for between £1,200 and £4,000 per week, which makes renting such properties an attractive option for tourists and provides a stable income for the owners.

The process of buying real estate in Alsancak includes several important stages:

1. Choosing an object is the first step, which includes determining the type of property you need: apartment, villa or commercial property. It is important to consider your budget, as well as what amenities and views you want to get.

2. Legal verification is a mandatory stage at which it is necessary to check the legal status of the object to ensure that there are no encumbrances or other legal problems.

3. Conclusion of the contract – after you have selected the object and completed the legal review, the next step is to sign the purchase and sale agreement.

4. Registration and payment – after the conclusion of the contract, it is necessary to register the ownership right with local authorities and make payment.

You can learn more about the real estate market in the Alsancake area on our website in our catalog.

The investment market

The main factors contributing to the growth of the real estate market are the attractiveness of the region for tourists, the development of infrastructure and the stability of the local economy.

Foreign investors purchasing real estate in Alsancak can also count on obtaining a residence permit in Northern Cyprus, which is an additional advantage for those who want to settle in the area permanently or spend a long time here.

The rental market in Alsancak is also attractive to investors. Renting apartments and villas can bring stable income, especially during the tourist season, when the demand for housing increases significantly. The owner of a luxury villa with sea views can earn up to £50,000 per year from renting, which makes such investments especially profitable.

Conclusion

Alsancak is not just a place to live, it is a whole world that is ideal for those who want to enjoy life in nature without giving up urban amenities. Alsancak provides ample opportunities for recreation, cultural leisure and active pastime, which makes it an excellent choice for families, young professionals and investors.

The local real estate market offers a wide range of properties for a variety of purposes, whether it is buying a home to live in or investing capital in order to generate income. Stable growth in real estate prices, high tourist demand and favorable living conditions make Alsancak one of the most promising areas of Northern Cyprus.