The Largest Reservoir in Northern Cyprus
Geçitköy is a place of a long turquoise body of water between the mountains, a winding road, panoramic viewpoints, and a rare sense of scale for Northern Cyprus. The reservoir is located in the Kyrenia district, about 8 km west of Lapta, and is considered the largest in Northern Cyprus — its volume is 35 000 000 m³.
People come here not only to see the dam. The Geçitköy area offers mountain routes, viewpoints, trekking, drives along winding roads, and the famous Blue House nearby. This is one of those places where the road itself becomes part of the trip.
- What Geçitköy is
- History of the reservoir
- Why people come here
- Best views and photos
- Trekking and walks
- Blue House near Geçitköy
- When is the best time to visit
- How to plan a route
- Frequently asked questions
What Geçitköy is
Geçitköy Dam (Geçitköy Barajı) is the largest reservoir in Northern Cyprus. It is located on the Mandara River in the mountainous part of the Kyrenia district.
Today it is an important part of Northern Cyprus's water supply system, but for most people Geçitköy is known primarily as one of the island's most beautiful natural locations.
What makes this place visually unusual is the combination of a large volume of water and mountainous terrain. In Northern Cyprus there are not many places where such wide panoramas open up with water between the slopes.
| Parameter | Data | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Geçitköy Barajı | Geçitköy Dam |
| Location | Kyrenia district | About 8 km west of Lapta |
| River | Mandara | Mountain watercourse |
| Dam type | Rock-fill | Modern reconstruction |
| Reservoir volume | 35 000 000 m³ | Largest in Northern Cyprus |
| Original dam | 1989 | Dagdere project |
| Reconstruction | 2012–2014 | Expansion and modernization |
| Water from Turkey | 17 October 2015 | Via an underwater pipeline |
History of the reservoir
Originally, the Dagdere Dam, built in 1989, was located here. At that time, the reservoir volume was about 1 800 000 m³.
In 2012, major reconstruction began. The dam was raised and expanded, and the main construction work was completed on 7 March 2014.
After reconstruction, the volume increased almost twentyfold — to 35 000 000 m³.
Geçitköy became part of Northern Cyprus's water supply project. Water comes here not only from the Mandara River, but also through an underwater pipeline from Turkey — from the Alaköprü Dam in Mersin Province.
The first water from Turkey arrived at the reservoir on 17 October 2015.
Why people come here
The main reason to visit is the views. The reservoir is located among mountains, and almost the entire road around it looks like a series of viewpoints.
Geçitköy is especially popular with:
- people who film road trip routes across Northern Cyprus;
- trekking enthusiasts;
- those looking for non-touristy places;
- motorcyclists and cyclists;
- travellers who love mountain roads and beautiful photos.
The place looks different depending on the season. In spring, the slopes around it are bright green, in summer the water becomes especially rich in colour, and in autumn the area looks calmer and almost empty.
Best views and photos
The most beautiful shots are usually not taken by the dam itself, but higher up the road. That is where you can see the full scale of the reservoir.
In sunny weather, the water often looks bright turquoise. This is especially noticeable in spring and at the beginning of summer.
Popular photo spots:
- panoramic stretches of road above the reservoir;
- the bends of the winding road with views of the water;
- the slopes above the dam;
- trekking trails with open views;
- the road toward the Blue House.
The best light for photos is in the morning and closer to sunset.
Trekking and walks
Around Geçitköy there are dirt roads and natural trails. This is not a developed tourist park, but a natural mountain area.
The routes here are suitable for:
- short walks;
- easy trekking;
- photo walks;
- bike rides;
- stops during a road trip through the mountains of Northern Cyprus.
Some trails rise above the level of the reservoir, and from there the best panoramic views open up.
In summer it is better to bring water and comfortable shoes — there is little shade in open areas.
Blue House near Geçitköy
Not far from the reservoir is the Blue House — one of the most well-known unusual places in the area.
We recommend combining these places in one trip, because the route passes along beautiful mountain roads and takes only a few hours.
When is the best time to visit
Many consider spring the most beautiful time for a trip — roughly from March to May. At this time the mountains are green, the water looks brighter, and the temperature is more comfortable for walks.
In summer it is better to come here in the morning or evening. In autumn the area becomes quieter, and in winter after rains the reservoir looks especially full.
How to plan a route
How to do it
- Leave Kyrenia toward Lapta.
- Set your route to Geçitköy Barajı.
- Allow time for stops along the way — the main views are between the bends of the winding road.
- If you plan to walk, bring water and comfortable shoes.
- For photos, it is better to choose the morning or the second half of the day.
For this trip, a car is the most convenient option, especially if you want to stop at viewpoints and combine Geçitköy with other mountain routes in Northern Cyprus.
If you plan to explore the mountain roads of Northern Cyprus by car, you can check rental options here: Localrent.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Geçitköy Dam located?
The reservoir is located in the Kyrenia district, about 8 km west of Lapta.
Is this the largest reservoir in Northern Cyprus?
Yes. The volume of Geçitköy is 35 000 000 m³.
Can you walk around the reservoir?
Yes, there are natural trails and dirt roads nearby for walks and easy trekking.
When is the best time to visit?
In spring, as well as in the morning and closer to sunset.
What is there to see nearby?
Nearby are the Blue House and several beautiful mountain roads with viewpoints.
Author
I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…