Background

The Blue House: A Smuggler's Secret in Çamlıbel

4.6 (641)

Discover the secrets of The Blue House in Çamlıbel, a museum with a mysterious past and unique architecture. A must-see landmark in Northern Cyprus.

Nestled in the village of Çamlıbel, the Blue House is a museum shrouded in mystery and legend. Built in 1957 by Paulo Paolides, an arms smuggler and lawyer, the mansion boasts unique architecture designed for both luxury and secrecy. Today, it stands as a historical landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into a controversial past.

A brief summary to The Blue House

  • 83C6+7M8, Çamlıbel, 1000, CY

Local tips

  • Bring your passport or identification, as The Blue House is located within a military zone.
  • Photography is restricted inside the house, so be sure to ask about current guidelines before taking pictures.
  • Visit on a weekday for a less crowded experience.
  • Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and unique features of the mansion.
widget icon

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Unlock the Best of The Blue House

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Car

    From Kyrenia (Girne) center, head west on the road towards Lapta and Güzelyurt. Pass the Geçikoy reservoir and turn right towards Çamlıbel off the Lefkoşa road. Follow the signs to The Blue House. As the house is located on a military base, you will need to present your passport or ID at the checkpoint. Parking is available near the entrance. There are no tolls to consider.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local bus from Kyrenia towards Güzelyurt. The bus stop is near Kyrenia's main square. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes to Güzelyurt bus station. From there, walk roughly 200 meters to a sign for The Blue House. Follow the sign to the museum. The bus fare is approximately 3-5 Turkish Lira.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing Service

    Take a taxi from Kyrenia to The Blue House in Çamlıbel. The ride is approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. A taxi ride will likely cost between 150-250 Turkish Lira. Alternatively, use a ride-sharing app.

Discover more about The Blue House

The Blue House, known locally as Mavi Köşk, is a captivating museum located in Çamlıbel, near Kyrenia. Constructed in 1957 by Paulo Paolides, rumored to be an arms dealer and lawyer to Archbishop Makarios III, the house is steeped in intriguing history and architectural uniqueness.The mansion's design ensured that while those inside could observe the outside world, the house remained inconspicuous. Legends swirl around the property, including tales of secret passages and the architect's alleged demise to protect its secrets. Paolides is said to have fled the house during the 1974 Cyprus operation, escaping to Italy.Visitors can explore the mansion's luxurious features, including an earthquake-resistant room and unique items. Guided tours are available in multiple languages, offering insights into the Blue House's past. The site is located within a military base, adding to its mystique and requiring visitors to present identification at the entrance. Photography inside is restricted.
Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



Select Currency