Places to see in Bafra and around 

Photo by Kadri San

Karpas Peninsula

The Karpas Peninsula is the long arm that stretches from Cyprus towards Turkey and it is the least populated of the island.  With some of the beast beaches to be had, there is talk of turning the entire peninsula into a nature reserve in an effort to protect the land and wild life.  Large immaculate dunes cover the two sides of the Peninsula, and visitors should plan on hiking or driving an off-road vehicle into this area when they visit. 

Nangomi Beach

Another pristine beach, Nangomi Beach is a good hike from Bafra, but well worth the trip to get there.  It is a crescent of golden sand and dunes that has been broken in half by a distinctive promontory that is home to plenty of Cypriot wildlife. 

Strongylos Castle

Located east of the towns of Bafra and Bogaz, the remains of this Byzantine watchtower are ripe for exploration.  Built prior to the Crusades, it was enlarged by the Knights Templar during the 12th century. 

Iskele

The city of Iskele is made up of mostly Turkish Cypriots who fled north in 1974 when the Turkish invaded the island.  The city runs to the very end of the Karpas Peninsula and is the home of a Byzantine church and museum.  Visitors to Iskele should not be surprised to find herds of wild donkeys running through the city.  Iskele is also the home to the annual grape festival, and anyone visiting the area during the summer months will want to visit the city and experience the fun. 

Apostolos Andreas Monastery

Once served by volunteer priests and laymen from all over this island, the Apostolos Andreas Monastery stands at the tips of the Karpas Peninsula.  Over the centuries, pilgrims stopped here and rested on their journey, and the area still sees many visitors on their own pilgrimages to this day.  A natural spring refreshes three baptismal basins that were carved into the rocks, accessed by a set of stairs from the Church.  It was on this site that Richard the Lionheart accepted the surrender of Isaac Comnenus.  St. Andrew, a disciple of Jesus Christ, also briefly rested here during his return trip to Palestine. 

Bogaz

Not far from Bafra is the small village of Bogaz.  Laid back and not quite as busy as Bafra, this coastal town is the home to at least six fish restaurants that are arranged around the little town’s harbour.  There are plenty of sandy beaches stretching from it and it is the perfect spot for a relaxing day of walking on the beach looking for seashells and enjoying a seafood meal before heading back home or to the hotel. 

Famagusta

The city of Famagusta has its own rich history.  It has been up and down through the centuries and is beginning to bounce back as a tourist spot.  There are numerous cultural places to visit as well as theatres, restaurants and shopping centres.  The Varosha sector of Famagusta is closed off to residents and visitors alike.  This ghost town was once the home of Greek Cypriots who fled the city in 1974 when the Turkish invaded.  No one has been in or out of the area in over thirty years and if visitors get a chance to look down into this area of Famagusta from their hotels in the Turkish part of the city, they will see how nature is slowly reclaiming this area that is still under dispute between the island’s two governments.  It is interesting to note that construction sites in the Varosha districts also remain as they were left, with cranes still visible in the city skyline, buildings half finished, and blueprints still sitting on drafting tables fading in the sun.

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