Would you like to know Güzelyurt, where history and nature meet in Northern Cyprus? Güzelyurt, known by the Greek name Morphou, received higher education investments in recent years. Let’s find out more about Guzelyurt in the Cyprus Real Estate Center regional guide.
Guzelyurt / Morphou Region Guide
Take the new dual track way from the capital Nicosia or alternatively head west from Kyrenia and follow the coastal route, and you enjoy kilometres of unspoilt countryside before reaching the town of Güzelyurt covered in the scent of orange gardens.
Its translation to “Beautiful Place” in Turkish naturally suggests Güzelyurt and its’ surrounding villages as stunning, rich and fertile grounds.
Situated close to the foothills of the Troodos Mountains this town is the most fertile agricultural area on the island growing many of its’ vegetables, soft fruits and citrus trees.
Also known by its Greek name Morphou, Güzelyurt is has been inhabited since Bronze Age times. It was also a major centre for copper mining during its history. Under the British rule, it was also a major part of the transportation network, connected to Nicosia and Famagusta by railway which has become obsolete.
Although Güzelyurt is not as culturally or architecturally important as other towns and cities in North Cyprus, it features deep historical roots and with a little bit of exploration it will reveal its hidden gems.
The Archaeology and Nature Museum and the Church of St. Mamas, the patron saint of tax avoiders are certainly worth a visit. Built in the late 18th century, this church reveals a combination of Gothic and Byzantine architectural styles and showcases an exquisitely beautiful glass chandelier. The museum situated in the buildings adjacent to the church has displays of historical Cypriot artefacts including some pieces of ornate gold jewelry.
Visitors may be tempted to drop by the bustling market on a Saturday where local produce is sold, and can share the day with the offerings of the town of Lefke, only a short drive further East on the coast, stopping off at roadside stalls selling bottles of freshly squeezed juice.
These windy shores are hosting thousands of windsurfers tackling the fierce waves throughout the year.
There is no luxury hotel or casino in Güzelyurt. The natural beauties have been preserved.
The urban development in Güzelyurt is slower compared to other rapidly expanding cities of the TRNC. The possibility of being returned to Southern Cyprus as a condition of the settlement agreement of the ongoing negotiations for decades is the main reason for that. Initially investors shied away from investing in Guzelyurt, which gradually changed after the establishment of the Middle East Technical University,
Subsequently new housing projects and dormitories have been built.
In fact, Güzelyurt has a very special history.
Located in the North-west of Northern Cyprus, the town was founded by the Spartans, who brought with them the worship of Aphrodite.
Content Guide:
- Where is Morphou?
- Morphou Transport
- Morphou Weather
- Morphou Universities
- Morphou Bank Branches
- Place to Visit in Morphou
It is interesting to those who want to see a part of North Cyprus not in the least affected by tourism, located in between Kyrenia, Lefke and the capital Nicosia.
Guzelyurt is famous for its annual Orange Festival, which is a major event lasting for two weeks every June. It also hosts a culture and arts festival annually in May.
The weather is pleasant, citrus fruits, pomegranate, watermelon, melon and strawberries are grown in surroundings.
Güzelyurt Municipality Telephone Number: 0 392 714 28 13
It shall be noted that in fact, Güzelyurt had much more greenery and historical artifacts but when Lefke, once a part of Güzelyurt, became the sixth district of the TRNC, many beauties remained within the borders of Lefke.
Where is Guzelyurt – How to get to Guzelyurt?
Güzelyurt is to be reached by roadways only. The distance between Güzelyurt and Nicosia is 40 km, and the distance between Kyrenia and Güzelyurt is 47 km.
The military staff use their own transportation means to get to their caserns and most of the students benefit from Güzelyurt public transportation services. Universities have shuttle services and many bus services organized.
Güzelyurt car rental services are also among the commercial activities that are in demand recently.
Although bus services at the Nicosia Güzelyurt route connect the city with Famagusta and Kyrenia many consider using Güzelyurt rent a car services for a relaxed travel.
Be aware that the application of police radar is very common on the Nicosia -Güzelyurt road whilst traveling by car. Follow the rules of speed, pay attention whilst driving as the road is comfortable and tempts to speed. You could end up by paying surprise fines.
This green city of Cyprus, the jewel of the Mediterranean Islands, reflects the characteristics of a mild climate.
There is no suffocating heat in the summer months as much as Kyrenia and Nicosia, and it does not get cold in the winter.
If you are going to check the Güzelyurt weather forecast on the internet, make sure to enter Cyprus in the search area. Otherwise you will end up with the weather forecasts of the city Aksaray in Turkey.
Some more details on the weather…
Torrential rains in Kyrenia, Nicosia, Famagusta and Iskele often get to paralyze daily life when it happens. With the low density of population in Güzelyurt this problem will not occur.
Güzelyurt is on the way to gain an important place at the higher education sector of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus through Middle East Technical University with its Northern Cyprus Campus located at Kalkanlı village in addition to its historical and natural beauties.
The second, recently established university in the region is the Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University.
Most of the university students as well as academicians prefer to stay at accommodations set up in Güzelyurt like housing projects and Güzelyurt Student Dormitories.
In addition to privately managed dormitories, the Güzelyurt KYK Dormitory also provides services right next to the Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University.
With the establishment of universities followed by the increase of the inhabitants, demands in the area are also changing.
Banks reacted quickly to the demand and opened branches in the Güzelyurt region, which they had neglected until recently.
A lot of local banks of the TRNC and branches of Turkish banks are available in Morphou.
Ziraat Bank Güzelyurt Branch Telephone Number 0 392 224 05 16
Turkey Business Bank Morphou Branch Phone Number 0392714 68 60
Garanti Bank Güzelyurt Branch Telephone Number 0 392 660 30 00
Halk Bank Guzelyurt Branch
Near East Bank Güzelyurt Branch Telephone Number 0 392 714 31 94
Albank Güzelyurt Branch Telephone Number 0 392 714 62 70
İktisatbank Güzelyurt Branch 0 392 600 40 00
Archeology and Natural History Museum
Tumba Tu Skuru Ancient City
Saint Mamas Church
Blue Mansion
After the opening of universities, a serious need for accommodation arose in Güzelyurt. Subsequently there is a serious increase in the number of housing projects and student dormitories.
A lot of land in Güzelyurt has been sold in recent years. The increase in pricing based on the demand accelerated the sale of inherited land from ancestors. Plots are rapidly transformed into residential projects. Therefore, ads for houses for sale in Güzelyurt are in demand. Interestingly this demand has not been reflected on the activity of real estate agencies in the Güzelyurt region. They are almost nonexistent. The majority of rental accommodation ads are directly from landlords.
If you plan an investment in Güzelyurt, we will be happy to share contacts of our corporate members with you.
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