Is Northern Cyprus dangerous?
In Northern Cyprus, you live with a sense of peace.
People feel so confident about their safety that they sometimes leave their homes and cars unlocked.
Basic precautions are still important, but this highlights the level of security on the island.☝️
You can walk around at any time of the day or night without fear of street robberies—no one snatches bags or peeks through your windows. Parents don’t worry about their children, and tourists can fully enjoy their vacations.
That’s how it used to be…
…and, for the most part, it still is.
Over the past five years, the crime rate has increased but remains relatively low compared to most countries.
Like everywhere else, incidents occasionally happen in Northern Cyprus, making their way into the news, and the government takes action.
This underscores the importance of taking precautions, but Northern Cyprus remains one of the safest places to live and vacation.
Bars on the windows of ground-floor apartments are rare, creating a sense of freedom and confidence.
You don’t need to worry about someone breaking into your home or stealing your car.
Turkish Cypriots are open and hospitable, treating the island’s visitors with respect, which enhances the overall sense of safety and comfort.
According to the website Numbeo, which collects user reviews about safety worldwide, Northern Cyprus has a low crime rate.
For example, in 2024, the crime index is:
•Kyrenia (Girne): 12.41
•Iskele: 15.69
This is twice as low as:
•Larnaca: 28.40
•Paphos: 31.94
•Antalya: 28.86
And three times lower than:
•Barcelona: 51.82
•Istanbul: 47.79
This is why safety became a key factor for our team when choosing Northern Cyprus as a place to live and relax.
