When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Ercan?
Summers are long in Cyprus; from May to October, you can swim in the sea. July and August are the peak tourism months, so Ercan flights will be more expensive. Book at least two months in advance or keep your eyes peeled for last-minute flights if you want to visit then. December through February is still warm and ideal for sightseeing. View flights to Ercan month-by-month with Netflights to pick the best routes and rates for you.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Ercan?
Last-minute flights can pop up at any time, although you’re more likely to secure cheap flights to Ercan during the winter months and shoulder seasons of March to May and September to October. Avoid the Greek Orthodox Easter when the number of visitors to Cyprus increases significantly. Return flights are often higher on Fridays and Mondays, so avoid travelling on these days if you can.
Flying to Ercan International Airport ECN
Ercan International Airport (ECN) is the main airport for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and is located around 13 km east of North Nicosia in the village Tymbou. The project to develop the airport to ten times its current size and to double its incoming and outgoing plane capacity should be completed in 2018. The airport is also referred to as Lefkoşa (Nicosia) Airport by some airlines. There are no direct flights departing from the United Kingdom (UK) at the moment. Nevertheless, you can still find UK-Ercan flights with one stopover in Istanbul from Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines. You can check in for flights to Ercan International all across the UK. London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh all have return fights with additional flights added during the peak summer season.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
At present, ECN has just one terminal building and is small enough to navigate on foot easily. The compact airport has little need for people movers or shuttle buses, and it manages to maintain a relaxed atmosphere because of its small size. There are a handful of restaurants and a large duty-free shopping area, helping you to spend your time in transit as pleasantly as possible.
Getting to the City from Ercan International Airport ECN
You’ll find kiosks for car hire companies in the arrivals hall as well as plenty of taxis and private shuttle buses waiting outside. Make sure to confirm the fare with your driver before you leave. The Kibhas Airport Shuttle makes around 12 trips daily between the airport and the main bus station on Cemal Gürsel Caddesi, taking around 30 minutes. From here, you can get to most destinations in Northern Cyprus.
Why visit Ercan?
Visiting North Nicosia is a like travelling through time. This ancient walled city is full of scenes from bygone years. Its old town is a maze of streets that all seem to lead to the central Atatürk Square. The Arabahmet Quarter, which rubs up against the Green Line, is home to many examples of well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Büyük Han, the largest caravanserai (roadside inn) of the island. is the heart of the old town; its cloistered courtyard with clattering cafes and colourful stalls makes is the ideal spot to watch the world go by.
Those interested in the region’s history should visit the Colonial Law Courts, while those looking for a uniquely Turkish experience should head to Büyük Hamam to enjoy a good soak and scrub with famous black soap. Travellers looking for a taste of Turkey will be enchanted by the sights and sounds of North Nicosia, but don’t forget that the glorious beaches of Cyprus are less than an hour away.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
You don’t need a visa to enter Northern Cyprus when travelling on a British passport, and you can stay up to 90 days. However, your passport does need to be valid for at least six months. If you don’t want your passport stamped, ask, and you will be issued a separate piece of paper to stamp, which you must keep until you leave. You can pick up Turkish liras at ATMs and currency exchanges in the airport.
