Northern Cyprus offers a variety of unique souvenirs that reflect its history, culture, and Mediterranean charm. From handmade crafts to delicious local foods, here’s a quick guide to the best items you can bring home:
- Handmade Crafts: Lefkara lace ($25–$500), Kilim rugs ($150–$1,200), and pottery from Famagusta.
- Local Foods: Halloumi cheese, carob syrup, and extra virgin olive oil from the Karpaz Peninsula.
- Health & Beauty: Olive oil soaps, lavender lotions, and herbal teas like mountain sage and wild thyme.
- Jewelry & Metalwork: Silver filigree pieces and copper items like coffee pots and decorative plates.
Shop at Buyuk Han Market in Nicosia or the Kyrenia Harbor Shops for authentic finds. Whether it’s a handwoven rug or a bottle of olive oil, each item tells a story and makes a meaningful keepsake.
Cyprus Paradise Guided Day Tour of Nicosia, North Cyprus …
Handmade Crafts
Explore the rich craft traditions of Northern Cyprus, where every handmade piece tells a story rooted in history. Local artisans create items that reflect generations of skill and heritage.
Lefkara Lace Products
Lefkara lace, or "lefkaritika", is one of Northern Cyprus’s most cherished crafts. These intricate embroidered pieces feature geometric whitework patterns passed down through families. Items range from small doilies to ornate table sets, with prices starting around $25 and reaching over $500 for larger, detailed designs.
When buying Lefkara lace, check for:
- Consistent, tight stitching throughout the design
- Clean, crisp cotton fabric in white or ecru shades
- Hand-rolled edges for a polished finish
- The artisan’s signature or workshop stamp
Kilim Rugs from Karpaz
The Karpaz Peninsula is famous for its kilim rugs, made using traditional methods. These rugs, available in sizes from 4×6 to 8×10 feet, feature bold geometric patterns with earthy tones. Prices range from $150 to $1,200, depending on size and detail.
Each rug incorporates symbolic motifs representing:
- Protection from harm
- Fertility and prosperity
- Good luck
- Family harmony
Local Pottery
Northern Cyprus pottery blends Mediterranean style with practical use. Local clay gives these ceramics their signature reddish-brown color, making them instantly recognizable.
Popular items include hand-painted bowls, traditional water pitchers, coastal-themed wall plates, and patterned oil dispensers.
Visit the old quarter of Famagusta to find pottery workshops where artisans still use wood-fired kilns. Many pieces are signed and dated, making them meaningful and authentic keepsakes.
Local Food Products
Northern Cyprus boasts a variety of traditional food products that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage. These edible treats make for perfect souvenirs, offering a taste of the area’s culture.
Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese is made from a mix of sheep and goat milk. Its firm texture holds up well to grilling or frying, making it a staple in local dishes. For the best experience, choose halloumi from producers who stick to traditional recipes and use quality packaging.
Carob Products
Carob is a versatile ingredient transformed into several products. Try carob syrup, carob powder for baking or drinks, and carob molasses, which works great as a breakfast spread. These options are naturally caffeine-free and deliver a deep, caramel-like flavor unique to the region’s produce.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil from Northern Cyprus is known for its fruity aroma and slightly peppery finish. Often sourced from ancient groves, especially in the Karpaz Peninsula, it retains a distinct character. To ensure quality, pick cold-pressed oil in dark glass bottles. Many local mills even invite visitors to watch the olive pressing process and sample freshly made oil.
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Health and Beauty Items
These products bring a touch of everyday luxury, combining local traditions with natural ingredients. Explore a range of health and beauty items inspired by the region’s heritage.
Handmade Soaps and Skincare
Artisans in the area create high-quality soaps and skincare products using age-old techniques and ingredients like olive oil, lavender, rosemary, and citrus. These natural elements are often paired with dried flowers and herbs for added charm and benefits.
Some popular options include:
- Olive oil soaps: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E
- Lavender lotions: Known for their calming properties
- Aloe vera products: Great for soothing skin
- Rose water toners: Made from locally grown roses
Local Teas and Spices
The Mediterranean climate of Northern Cyprus nurtures aromatic herbs that are used in traditional teas and spice blends.
Top tea choices include:
- Mountain sage: Thought to support digestion
- Wild thyme: Often used for respiratory wellness
- Lemon verbena: Known for its relaxing qualities
- Chamomile: A go-to for better sleep
For spices, look for freshly ground blends like wild sumac or multi-spice mixtures at local markets. To keep their flavor intact, store them in airtight glass containers away from direct sunlight.
Jewelry and Metalwork
Artisans in Northern Cyprus blend time-honored techniques with modern styles to create jewelry and decorative items that reflect the island’s rich metalworking history.
Silver Filigree Pieces
Silver filigree jewelry is a standout craft in Northern Cyprus. This delicate art involves twisting fine silver threads into intricate patterns. Local craftsmen produce a variety of stunning pieces, including necklaces inspired by Mediterranean themes, bracelets featuring the protective evil eye, geometric earrings, and brooches with floral designs.
When shopping for silver, check for the ‘925’ stamp, which guarantees quality. Many pieces also come with a certificate to confirm their authenticity.
Copper Decorative Items
Copper craftsmanship on the island draws from Ottoman and Byzantine influences. Artisans skillfully engrave and shape copper into both decorative and practical items, such as:
- Decorative plates: Etched with traditional designs
- Coffee pots: Classic cezve used for brewing Turkish coffee
- Wall hangings: Often adorned with calligraphy or historical imagery
- Serving trays: Decorated with detailed geometric patterns
To identify authentic hand-crafted copper, look for slight imperfections or variations in the design – these are signs of genuine artistry. Over time, quality copper develops a patina that adds depth and character.
Care Tip: To keep your copper looking its best, clean it with a mix of lemon juice and salt, rinse well, and dry thoroughly to avoid tarnishing.
Shopping Locations
Northern Cyprus offers a variety of places to shop for local crafts, foods, and art. These spots allow you to experience the region’s culture up close, adding to the craftsmanship and culinary highlights mentioned earlier.
Buyuk Han Market
Located in Nicosia’s walled city, Buyuk Han is a beautifully restored 16th-century caravanserai. This historic two-story building features ground-floor workshops, upper-level boutiques, and a central courtyard that often hosts cultural events and cafés.
- Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except Sundays. For the best experience, visit in the morning to watch artisans begin their work.
- Shops to Check Out: Mehmet’s Silver Workshop for intricate filigree jewelry, Cyprus Delights for local sweets and carob products, and Lefkara Corner for lacework.
- Payment Options: Vendors accept Turkish Lira and Euros. Cash is preferred, though major shops also take credit cards.
Kyrenia Harbor Shops
The waterfront promenade in Kyrenia features boutiques housed in restored colonial-era buildings. These shops offer a mix of local crafts, unique souvenirs, and cultural goods.
- Hours: Open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM during summer. Hours are shorter in winter.
- Shopping Areas:
- Harbor Arcade
- Old Town Bazaar
- Antique Quarter
Bargaining Tips: Larger stores usually have fixed prices, but in smaller shops, friendly haggling is often welcomed.
Seasonal Note: During summer, many shops close between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM due to the heat. Plan your visit for the morning or evening when it’s cooler and shops are open.
Conclusion
Northern Cyprus offers a variety of markets and handmade treasures that reflect its rich history and craftsmanship. From detailed handcrafts to local delicacies, every item tells a story of the island’s heritage, shaped by generations of skill and tradition.
The charm of the region comes alive in its preserved techniques and recipes. Whether you’re wandering through the historic Buyuk Han Market or browsing the shops at Kyrenia Harbor, you’ll find artisans eager to share the stories behind their work. Every purchase becomes more than just a transaction – it’s a connection to the island’s culture and history.
These souvenirs aren’t just keepsakes – they’re a way to bring a piece of the Mediterranean’s vibrant traditions home. By selecting items that blend age-old craftsmanship with modern design, visitors leave with more than just memories – they carry a lasting piece of Northern Cyprus’s cultural heritage.
