From the capital to the mountain road
Nicosia (Lefkoşa) is the capital of North Cyprus, and being inland its summers are hotter than on the coast. Professionals, civil servants and university students here mostly live in flats: cats stay indoors, and dogs make do with short, careful walks in the heat. PurrNest is in Dikmen, up the Kyrenia road from Nicosia, just south of the Beşparmak mountain pass. The drive from central Nicosia takes approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Flat-faced breeds — a French bulldog or a Persian cat, for example — and older animals tire more quickly in the heat. That is why we choose transfer and walk times with care and keep the journey as short and calm as possible.
Bayram holidays, semester breaks and summer
In Nicosia, travel plans often follow the bayram holidays, university semester breaks and the summer holidays. Demand can rise at these times, so we suggest sending your dates as early as you can. For students heading home, people travelling for work and families going on holiday:
- Short stay or long, every guest has a private, cage-free room of their own.
- Our cat and dog wings are completely separate, so your cat will not meet barking or dog scent.
- Our vet carries out the arrival check, with regular check-ups throughout the stay.
- We send photos and videos every day and arrange video calls on request.
If you are going home for a long break at the end of term, ask us about our long-stay option too.
Home pick-up, and a note on Larnaca
Nicosia shares a transfer zone with Gönyeli. Home pick-up and drop-off is available here, and the cost is shown in your personalised quote. In summer we plan transfers for early morning or the cool of late afternoon. All you need is a carrier or lead, the vaccination card, their usual food and any medication. If you are flying from Larnaca, one reminder: even though the crossing points are right on your doorstep in Nicosia, pets cannot cross the Green Line. Your companion stays safely with us in the north until you are back. If you are looking for a pet hotel in North Cyprus within easy reach of the capital, get in touch.