On the slopes of the Beshparmak mountain range, covered with dense greenery and shrouded in the atmosphere of antiquity, is the picturesque village of Karmi (or Karaman, as it is called in Turkish). This place is like something straight out of a fairy tale: stone houses surrounded by lush gardens, cozy streets steeped in history, and breathtaking views that make your heart skip a beat. Karmi is one of those places where you want to return again and again to breathe in the clean mountain air and feel the tranquility that is so lacking in the modern world.
Traveling through Northern Cyprus from Aslancak to Kyrenia is already a pleasure in itself, but it is Karmi that becomes the real reward for the attentive traveler. Cozy stone houses, scattered along the mountain slopes, like steps into the sky, attract with their unique details and harmonious unity with nature. This is not just a village, it is a living embodiment of history that has been preserved in every corner.
History that breathes in every stone
Karmi's roots go deep into the past. Archaeological finds, such as ancient tombs dating back to the mid-Bronze Age, indicate that life was in full swing here thousands of years ago. One of the first buildings in these places was the Carmelite monastery, which gave the village its name. The nuns who lived here were engaged in dairy farming, supplying fresh food for the royal family and the garrison of the castle of St. Hilarion, which towers nearby.
Later, during the period of British colonization, Karmi became a refuge for the subjects of the Crown. Here they built houses, tended gardens, and enjoyed solitude. However, the events of 1974, which divided Cyprus into Northern and Southern parts, changed the fate of the village. Most of the residents fled their homes, and the once thriving Karmi was abandoned.
Everything changed in the 1980s, when the government of Northern Cyprus offered foreigners a long-term lease of houses with the condition of their restoration. This program breathed new life into the village: the buildings were restored, the streets were filled with voices again, and Karmi found a second youth.
Modern look of Karmi
Today Karmi is an idyllic village of about 200 houses. Most of them belong to the British, but among the residents you can also meet representatives of other countries: Germans, French and Americans. Each house in the village is unique: here you can see unusual clay masks, decorative handles on the doors, exquisite front gardens, surrounded by bright flowers. The snow-white facades of the buildings emphasize the Mediterranean style, and the windows offer panoramic views of the endless Mediterranean Sea.
The streets of the village also deserve attention. Narrow paved paths wind between the houses, connecting them with limestone steps. There are fig, pomegranate, almond and citrus trees at every turn, and street names such as Bougainvillea, Jasmine or Geranium add a special charm to the place.
Sights of Karmi
Karmi is not only comfort and beauty, but also a rich cultural and historical program. One of the main attractions of the village is the castle of St. Hilarion, majestically rising above the slopes. Built during the era of the Crusades, it served as a defensive structure and royal residence.
In the central square of the village there is an old Orthodox church with Gothic elements. Her blue doors became a symbol of Karmi. Although the church is no longer used for worship, it remains the center of cultural life in the village. Concerts, exhibitions and celebrations take place here. And the museum located inside allows you to see ancient icons and church utensils.
Another iconic place is the ancient necropolis, dating back to 1900–1600. BC Unique finds such as a Cretan amphora and Egyptian faience beads indicate that Karmi was connected by trade routes with Egypt and Crete. On the walls of one of the tombs there is a relief of the goddess of fertility - one of the oldest in Cyprus.
Life and holidays in Karmi
Although Karmi seems like a place where time has stood still, it has everything you need for a comfortable life. There are two pubs and a restaurant in the village.
For walkers, Karmi offers narrow paths leading to observation platforms. Here you can enjoy the silence and views, explore the surroundings and take memorable photographs.
Why visit Karmi
Karmi is more than just a village. This is a place where history, nature and culture merge together. Here you will find harmony, which is difficult to feel in the modern world. Picturesque streets, hospitable residents, incredible views and a sense of time that seems to slow down make Karmi a place worth visiting at least once in your life. This is a real paradise for those who seek inspiration and peace.
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