Cyprus Lefke

Lefke, full of natural beauties and rich history of Cyprus, stands out as both a peaceful living space and a unique vacation spot. What you need to know about Lefke, the unforgettable activities you can do here and the places worth discovering invite you to the depths of both nature and history. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, there are many surprises waiting for you in Lefke. Let's discover what this beautiful town has to offer together.

Details You Should Know About Lefke

Lefke is a town in western Northern Cyprus, located in the Lefke District of the same name. Lefke District has an area of 162 km² and its population is 16,071 according to 2021 data. This district is the smallest district in Northern Cyprus in terms of population and area. The population of Lefke town is around 3,000 according to 2011 data.

Although small and quiet, there are many places to explore in and around Lefke. With its natural beauty, historical richness and local culture, Lefke offers visitors a variety of experiences. It also offers a variety of options in the real estate market, making it an attractive alternative for those who want to live here. Lefke stands out as an excellent location for both vacationing and long-term living. If you are looking for both a peaceful living space and a region full of riches worth exploring, Lefke may be just what you are looking for.

Unforgettable Activities in Lefke

Lefke is a region of Northern Cyprus famous for its natural beauty and offers unique experiences to its visitors. Here are the unforgettable activities you can do in Lefke:

• Have Breakfast in Eco-Villages: A breakfast full of organic products and local flavors unique to Cyprus will be a great choice to start the day in the natural atmosphere of Lefke.
• Observe the Cyprus Muflon Goat: While hiking on the nature trails of Lefke, do not miss the opportunity to observe the Cyprus Muflon Goat, a species unique to Cyprus.
• Taste the Citrus Paste: Citrus paste, one of the unique tastes of Cyprus, is among the flavors you should try in Lefke.
• Taste of Jaffa Orange: Seedless and sweet, Jaffa orange is a must-try orange that grows in the fertile soil of Lefke.
• See the Historical Vine in the Guinness Book of Records: Located in Yeşilırmak village, this historical tree, which is one of the largest vines in the world with a trunk thickness of 85 cm, is one of the must-see places in Lefke.
• Visit the Red Harbor: The 500-meter long Red Harbor pier stretching towards the sea is one of the symbols of Lefke. The harbor offers visitors an impressive view.
• Watch the Sunset by the Sea: Watching the sun set into the sea on the west coast of Lefke will be one of the most peaceful moments you will spend in the region.
• Join the Lefke Date Festival: At this annual festival, you can have the opportunity to taste Lefke's famous date paste and experience the culture of the local people.
• Visit the Walnut Festival: You can attend the Walnut Festival to taste Lefke's famous walnut paste and fresh walnuts grown in the region.
• Join the Yeşilırmak Strawberry Festival: This festival is a delicious experience where you can enjoy the strawberries grown in the fertile soil of Lefke.
• Have fun at the Jaffa Orange Festival: In this festival organized in Lefke, famous for its Jaffa oranges, you can enjoy fresh and seedless oranges to the fullest.

Fascinating Places Waiting to be Discovered in Lefke

There are many attractions to discover in Lefke, from the elegant traces of Ottoman architecture to the lush green nature of the Mediterranean. Lefke, which offers many alternatives for both history buffs and nature lovers, manages to become a favorite of vacationers. The time you spend here will allow you to enjoy a cultural journey and nature.

Gemikonagi Pond

One of the must-visit places in Lefke for nature lovers is Gemikonağı Pond. Known as the largest pond in Northern Cyprus, this natural area attracts visitors with its magnificent view.

Constructed in 1989, the pond has been playing an important role in meeting the water needs of the region since 1992. Surrounded by forests and hills, this peaceful area has become a corner of paradise for nature lovers, offering the perfect harmony of green and blue. Gemikonağı Pond, with its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, is an ideal escape for those who want to take nature walks, picnic or just relax.

Coronation Monument

This monument, which was built after the coronation ceremony for King George VI of England on May 12, 1937, is located in a public area. On the Coronation Monument, which attracts attention with its cylindrical structure, there is a relief of the British Royal coat of arms. This coat of arms is framed in the body section made of cut stone material.

The Coronation Monument, which offers a historical journey to its visitors, is an important point you should discover during your trip to Cyprus. The area around the monument offers both a historical and cultural atmosphere, giving its visitors an impressive experience.

Lefke Aqueducts

One of the must-see places in Lefke is the Lefke Aqueducts. These arches, which were built to solve the problem of clean water in the region due to frequent droughts in the past, provide an example of the Roman Empire's sensitivity to water structures in urban planning. Water structures consist of various components such as wells, well chains, aqueducts, cisterns and bridges.

Estimated to have been built in 1609, Lefke Aqueducts is an impressive structure consisting of 10 arches in total. The stone material used in their construction makes the arches extremely durable. During the Ottoman period, Lefke continued to be used with the restoration of these aqueducts. The 10 arches that have survived to the present day await visitors as an important heritage reflecting the historical and cultural value of the region.

Historic Lefke and Ottoman Mansions

The Ottoman Mansions built in Lefke during the Ottoman rule attract attention with their unique architecture. Built in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, these mansions reflect the architectural features of that period and create a historical texture. The 41 mansions, which are under protection, offer elegance with their simple designs.

These mansions, built in accordance with the architecture of the region, are located between narrow streets. Reflecting the character of the city, these houses have typical bay windows and arch structures. The date of construction is indicated on the main entrance door of each house.

Petra Tou Limnidi Reef

Petra Tou Limnidi Rock, one of the must-see places in Lefke, Cyprus, is also known as "Yeşilırmak Rock" among the people. This cliff is considered to be one of the oldest settlements on the island and attracts attention with its remains from the Neolithic Age. Discovered during the excavations of the Vouni Palace, this area was uncovered as a result of the interest of archaeologists.

In 1929, excavations unearthed the remains of two huts. The remains include a household with a kitchen with a hearth and a living room, as well as various objects such as bones, pins, agricultural tools and flints. This settlement, which is located in a small area, has a multi-layered structure and is thought to have been surrounded by water in the past.

Vouni Palace

Vuni Palace, 270 meters above sea level, was built in the 5th century by Doxandros, king of the city of Marion. Consisting of 137 rooms, this magnificent structure was built to control the surrounding Greek settlements.

The palace was burned down by the people of Soli in 380 BC and was never rebuilt. The excavated "Vouni Treasure" includes gold and silver bracelets, engraved silver cups and hundreds of coins bearing the stamps of Marion, Kition, Lapithos and Paphos.

To the south of the Vuni Palace are the ruins of a 5th century BC temple of Athena. The ruins of the palace include the entrance, royal chambers, colonnaded courtyard, kitchen, cistern, supply stores and baths. The Vouni Baths have historical significance as one of the oldest examples of the hot baths.

Soli Ancient City

Soli has a long history dating back to 700 BC and has been an important city thanks to its strategic location and fertile lands. The city, which reached its peak during the Roman Empire, was largely damaged by the Arab raids in the 7th century. It is known for archaeological finds such as gold and silver jewelry from the Hellenistic period, a statue of Aphrodite and reliefs depicting the Amazonian war. The Basilica of Soli was one of the first churches built in Cyprus, but was destroyed by Arab raids.

The Roman Theater, built in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, has a capacity of 4,000 people. On the hill west of the theater are the ruins of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite. Soli's rich historical heritage was further enhanced by the discovery of gold during excavations in 2005.