Guzelyurt district

The Guzelyurt district, which is located in the western part of Northern Cyprus, is a place where ancient history, entertaining culture and modern living and investment opportunities are intertwined. This region, named after the Turkish word “Güzelyurt”, which means “beautiful land”, fully justifies its name. Here, picturesque landscapes coexist with favorable living conditions, and the unique cultural heritage attracts tourists from literally all over the world.

Location

Guzelyurt is located in the north-west of the island of Cyprus, a few kilometers from the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. The area is surrounded by fertile valleys where citrus orchards and vineyards grow. Guzelyurt is about a 50-minute drive from Nicosia, the capital of Northern Cyprus, and an hour’s drive from the popular resorts of Kyrenia. This strategic location allows residents and guests of the area to enjoy complete privacy and tranquility, while remaining at the same time in proximity to major cities and resorts.

Due to the mild Mediterranean climate, Guzelyurt is attractive for living all year round. Summers are hot and sunny here, with temperatures reaching +35C, and winters are mild, with temperatures around +15C. This combination makes the area an ideal place for both recreation and permanent residence.

History of the Region

The history of Guzelyurt goes back to the distant past. This region has been inhabited since ancient times and has served as an important trade and cultural center for many centuries. Guzelyurt, known in ancient times as Morphou, was founded in ancient times and served as an important trading hub due to its advantageous location at the intersection of trade routes.

Throughout its history, Guzelyurt has been ruled by various civilizations, including the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Genoese and Ottomans. This cultural mix has left an indelible mark on the architecture and traditions of the region. One of the most significant monuments is the monastery of St. Mamas, built in the Byzantine period. The monastery is known for its frescoes and ancient icons, as well as its unique architecture. Pilgrims and tourists come here every year to see this unique place and touch the history.

Archaeological excavations in the Guzelyurt area have uncovered numerous artifacts attesting to the rich history of the region. Ancient amphorae, mosaics and other household items were found here, which are now kept in the local museum. Every stone, every street of Guzelyurt is imbued with the spirit of antiquity, which creates a unique atmosphere and attracts historians and researchers.

Culture of the region

The culture of Guzelyurt is an amazing combination of ancient traditions and modern trends. Ancient crafts such as carpet weaving, pottery and jewelry making are still preserved here. Local craftsmen pass on their knowledge and skills from generation to generation, which allows us to preserve the unique cultural heritage of the region.

One of the most striking aspects of the culture of Guzelyurt is the local holidays and festivals. Harvest festivals such as the Strawberry Festival and the Citrus Festival take place here every year. These events bring together thousands of people, including locals and tourists, who come to enjoy the vibrant colors, flavors and aromas of the region.

One of the main attractions of this region is the Ancient city of Soli. Founded in ancient times, this city was an important trading center, known for its fertile land and lush vegetation. Visitors can stroll among the ruins, feel the atmosphere of antiquity and imagine how life was in full swing in this once prosperous city. The Solis Theater, with its amphitheatre structure, still impresses with its grandeur, allowing you to plunge into the era when performances were staged here for thousands of spectators.

Tu Skuru Tumba deserves special attention, an ancient settlement founded by Aegean merchants more than three thousand years ago. Excavations at this place have made it possible to discover many household items and art that reveal the secrets of the life of ancient civilizations that existed on these lands.

And finally there is the Vouni Palace, perched on a hill overlooking the sea, which is an example of the luxury and grandeur of the ancient Cypriot rulers. This palace, built by the Persians, served not only as a place of residence, but also as a symbol of their power. In 499 BC, an uprising broke out in Soli, which was subsequently successfully suppressed by the Persians. However, in order to “keep an eye” on the inhabitants of this rebellious city in the future, the Persians decided to build a kind of “observation post” near the Salt. That’s how the Wuni Palace appeared.

In general, each of these interesting places is not just ruins, but a piece of history that allows you to touch the rich heritage of Guzelyurt and feel the spirit of that time.

Life in Guzelyurt

The local life is characterized by calmness and regularity. This area is perfect for those who are looking for coziness and comfort away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Guzelyurt attracts family people, pensioners and everyone who really appreciates the proximity to nature and tranquility.

Guzelyurt has a well-developed infrastructure that provides all the necessary conditions for a truly comfortable stay. There are supermarkets, shops, pharmacies and medical facilities, which makes life in the area both convenient and safe. In addition, modern schools and kindergartens are located in Guzelyurt.

One of the main advantages of living in Guzelyurt is the proximity to the sea. Here you can enjoy clean beaches, swimming in the warm Mediterranean Sea and water sports. Beaches with volcanic sand, which has a black color reminiscent of the famous beaches of Santorini, create a special atmosphere. This unique sand not only attracts tourists, but also creates a unique flavor of the coast. 

Guzelyurt is also famous for its restaurants and beach clubs, which offer visitors to enjoy not only beautiful views of the coastal area, but also local cuisine. There are many restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine in the area.

One of the most famous restaurants in Guzelyurt is Aphrodite Beach Bar. Here, guests can taste traditional Cypriot cuisine, such as meze, souvlaki, halloumi and more. The restaurant is famous for its cozy interior and welcoming atmosphere, which makes it a solid place for family dinners and romantic dinners. In addition to Aphrodite Beach Bar, it is worth visiting one of the best fish restaurants in the region – Swan of Soli Fish Restourant, where you can enjoy the freshest seafood and delicious fish dishes. And for those who prefer coffee and desserts, there is an excellent MOAR coffee shop in Guzelyurt, where you can taste various types of Cypriot coffee and a stunning chocolate cake of your own production, as well as other delicious desserts.

Guzelyurt is home to several large universities and schools that attract young people from all over Northern Cyprus. One of the most famous educational institutions in the district is Health and Social Sciences, University of Cyprus, which provides students with comprehensive educational programs focused on training highly qualified specialists who can significantly influence the improvement of the health system.

It is worth noting that Guzelyurt offers a variety of leisure and entertainment activities. One of the most popular activities in the area is strawberry picking. In spring, the harvest season of this juicy berry begins here, which attracts many guests. Local farmers organize tours of their plantations, where everyone can pick fresh strawberries on their own and enjoy their taste. This process has become a kind of tradition and an important part of the cultural life of the region. For those who like active recreation, Guzelyurt provides excellent conditions for windsurfing. The wind conditions on the coast of Guzelyurt are ideal for this sport, which attracts athletes and amateurs from literally all over the world. There are windsurfing schools in the area where you can take lessons or rent equipment.

The real estate market

Guzelyurt’s regional real estate market continues to grow, attracting both local and many foreign investors. With the help of a stable economy and attractive conditions for foreign investors, real estate investments in Guzelyurt are becoming increasingly popular. Thousands of foreigners annually purchase housing here for their own permanent residence or for rent, which makes this area attractive for long-term investments. Most of the properties are located in the very immediate vicinity of the sea, which makes them especially in demand.

Real estate in Guzelyurt is represented by a variety of options, ranging from modern apartments to luxury villas overlooking the water surface. Prices in Guzelyurt vary depending on the type and class of real estate. For example, the cost of apartments starts from £70,000 for a spacious apartment with modern amenities. But villas located in prestigious areas can cost from £400,000.

Rental housing in Guzelyurt is also in great demand among tourists and long-term tenants. Apartment rental prices range from £600 to £1,300 per month. Luxury villas with private pools and terraces can cost from £1,200 to £5,000 per week, making rentals an attractive choice for both vacationers and investors.

The process of acquiring real estate in Guzelyurt includes several key stages. First, you need to choose a suitable facility taking into account all your requirements. Secondly, a thorough legal check of the status of the selected property is carried out to ensure that there are no problems with property rights. Next, a purchase and sale agreement is concluded and the transaction is registered. The last stage is payment and the long–awaited acquisition of ownership. It is worth recalling that foreign investors who purchase real estate in Guzelyurt can also count on a full-fledged residence permit in Northern Cyprus, which is an additional advantage.  

If you are interested in more detailed information about the real estate market in Guzelyurt, we invite you to take a look at our website.

Investment Prospects for the development of the district

Guzelyurt, which was previously a predominantly agricultural area, is now actively developing in the real estate sector. Over the past year, more than 7 large developers, both local and Turkish, have come here, which makes this area promising for long-term investments on the horizon of 3-5 years. Real estate prices here remain lower than in the already built-up regions of Northern Cyprus, which attracts the attention of investors. However, Guzelyurt’s trick is not only in this. The area attracts investors from all over the world also due to its picturesque location and growing infrastructure. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the flow of tourists, which is associated with the improvement of the transport and tourist infrastructure of the region.

According to data from last year and this year, the tourist flow to Northern Cyprus increased by 15% compared to previous years, which of course had a positive impact on the region’s economy and the value of real estate. The stable annual increase in the value of real estate in Guzelyurt is estimated at around 10-15% from 2020, which makes this area very promising for investment.

Moreover, the process of investing in Guzelyurt includes not only the purchase of real estate, but also the opportunity to participate in various business projects related to the development of tourism, construction and infrastructure. In recent years, the district has seen a significant increase in the number of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, which opens up new opportunities for investors who are interested in developing the tourism industry.

Conclusion

Guzelyurt is a unique corner of Northern Cyprus, where rich historical heritage, cultural traditions and modern living and investment conditions are harmoniously intertwined. Living here gives a feeling of peace and comfort, which makes this area an ideal choice for families, pensioners and anyone who seeks unity with nature and a peaceful lifestyle. And modern infrastructure, high-quality educational institutions, a variety of entertainment and a high level of service in local restaurants and beach clubs ensure comfort and enjoyment of life in Guzelyurt.