Strawberries in Northern Cyprus: season, where to buy, farms for picking
The sunny island is famous not only for its citrus fruits but also for its wonderful strawberries. In Northern Cyprus, they are grown both in greenhouses and outdoors — and during the season, you can not only buy berries at the market but also pick them yourself on a farm.
- Strawberry season in Northern Cyprus
- Where to buy fresh strawberries in Northern Cyprus
- Self-picking strawberries
- Strawberry prices in Northern Cyprus
- How to choose and store strawberries
- Tips for strawberry enthusiasts
- Frequently asked questions
Strawberry season in Northern Cyprus
Strawberries are grown in Northern Cyprus all year round, including in greenhouses. However, the most delicious berries are usually considered to be those grown in the ground, with their season in spring.
Active strawberry picking from the beds generally begins around February–March. By the end of spring, the berries appear en masse at the markets, and slightly earlier, they can be picked yourself at farms.
Where to buy fresh strawberries in Northern Cyprus
1) Open markets and bazaars (the "freshest" option during the season). In the major cities of Northern Cyprus, farmers' markets regularly operate, where locals bring berries, vegetables, and fruits. People often go to city markets in Kyrenia (Girne), Famagusta (Magusa), Iskele, Lefke, and Güzelyurt (Morphou) for strawberries.
Tip: closer to closing time, sellers often give discounts, and if you buy several trays, you can negotiate.
2) Supermarkets (convenient but usually slightly more expensive). During the season, strawberries are available almost everywhere: choose packages without dark spots or a "wet" bottom, and at home, immediately transfer the berries to a dry container.
3) Farms and roadside stalls (if you want "straight from the field"). In the Lefke area and the village of Yeşilırmak, there are many strawberry farms where you can buy berries on-site, and sometimes pick them yourself (depending on the farm and season).
Self-picking strawberries in Northern Cyprus
It’s not necessary to buy berries at markets or supermarkets. You can go directly to farms and pick strawberries yourself. Of course, it’s not free, and usually you won’t save much compared to a market trip — but the process itself and the opportunity to choose "your own" berries are worth it.
Yeşilırmak area (beyond Lefke):
Closer to the central part (Gaziveren area): Gaziveren çilek.
Eastern part (near Iskele):
Strawberry prices in Northern Cyprus
It’s usually not possible to save significantly at the farms — the main joy is in the process and the chance to choose specific berries.
The price of strawberries at farms in Northern Cyprus starts from 500 TL per bucket weighing about 1 kg. At markets — from 300 TL, and in supermarkets it can be slightly higher.
How to choose and store strawberries
How to pick good strawberries: berries should be a rich red color (without gray/white "shoulders"), aromatic, and the leaves on the stem should be bright green. If the berries are dark red, they should be soft — these are best eaten first.
How to transport and store: do not wash strawberries in advance. At home, sort them, remove damaged berries, lay them in a single layer (or at most two), and you can put a paper towel at the bottom. In the fridge, strawberries usually keep best in a dry, ventilated container.
How to reduce spoilage: if you buy berries "for several days," choose slightly underripe ones (bright red but firm) and try not to crush the packaging during transport.
Tips for strawberry enthusiasts
- Buy in the morning — the berries are fresher and last longer.
- Choose strawberries of a rich red color with green stems.
- Do not wash the berries in advance — this helps preserve their flavor longer.
- Be sure to visit a farm at the end of winter — the sight of hanging beds is impressive.
- Take extra — there’s a risk the strawberries won’t make it home because you’ll eat them on the way.
Cypriot strawberries are one of the gastronomic symbols of winter and spring on the island. The long season, bright taste, and the opportunity to pick berries by hand make them a must-try for both residents and visitors of Cyprus.
Frequently asked questions about strawberries in Northern Cyprus
What to bring to the farm?
Money, comfortable clothing, and a good mood — berry containers are usually provided on-site.
Can you eat strawberries while picking?
Yes.
Is it true that large strawberries are treated with chemicals?
This is a common myth: strawberries come in many varieties, and size mainly depends on the variety and growing conditions.
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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,…