Sports and Public Swimming Pools in Northern Cyprus

There are several specialised sports and university swimming pools in Northern Cyprus for regular swimming training. The main facilities are located in Lefkoşa: the indoor Olympic swimming pool at Near East University, Atatürk Kapalı Yüzme Havuzu and the 25-metre CIU Arena pool. Children, adults and athletes train here, coaches and swimming programmes are available, and competitions are held at some facilities.

• Sports Swimming Pools in Northern Cyprus
• Near East University Olympic Swimming Pool
• Atatürk Kapalı Yüzme Havuzu
• CIU Arena Pool
• Swimming Pools at Hotels and Residential Complexes
• How to Choose a Swimming Pool for Training
• Frequently Asked Questions

Sports Swimming Pools in Northern Cyprus

Both 50-metre long-course pools and 25-metre short-course pools are used for competitive swimming. Therefore, when choosing a facility, it is important to consider not only the length of the pool, but also the availability of marked lanes, coaches, regular training groups and the opportunity to train year-round.

Near East University Olympic Swimming Pool

The Near East University Olympic swimming pool in Lefkoşa is one of the main professional swimming facilities in Northern Cyprus. The main pool measures 50 × 25 m. The complex is indoors, so training and classes can be held year-round.

The pool is designed both for athletes and for those who are just learning to swim. The complex offers courses for children and adults. Its facilities also allow visitors to participate in other water sports.

• Size: 50 × 25 m
• Format: indoor Olympic swimming pool
• Purpose: sports training, swimming lessons and competitions
• Telephone: +90 392 680 20 70
• Mobile: +90 546 992 03 33
• Website: Near East University Olympic Swimming Pool
• Training programme: Swimming Programme
• Location

Atatürk Kapalı Yüzme Havuzu

Atatürk Kapalı Yüzme Havuzu is located in the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi sports complex in Lefkoşa. It is an indoor pool intended primarily for sports training and competitions.

The facility is used by swimming clubs and athletes in Northern Cyprus. Official swimming competitions are held here, so the pool is mainly suitable for those who need regular sports training rather than simply recreational swimming.

The exact technical dimensions of the pool have not been published separately in the current official materials for 2026, so this article does not specify an unconfirmed pool length.

• Location: Atatürk Spor Kompleksi
• Format: indoor sports swimming pool
• Purpose: swimming club training and competitions
• Location

CIU Arena Pool

CIU Arena Pool is located on the campus of Cyprus International University in Lefkoşa. It is an indoor heated pool measuring 25 × 22 m, with a depth of 2.5 m. It has 8 lanes.

According to the university, the pool meets the requirements for sports competitions and can be used for swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming, underwater hockey and other water disciplines.

Swimming classes for different age groups are held at CIU Arena throughout the year. The sports complex can be used not only by university students but also by external visitors.

• Size: 25 × 22 m
• Depth: 2.5 m
• Number of lanes: 8
• Format: indoor heated swimming pool
• Seating capacity: 191 people
• Telephone: +90 392 671 11 11
• Website: CIU Arena
• Location

Swimming Pools at Hotels and Residential Complexes

In addition to specialised sports facilities, swimming pools of various sizes are available at many hotels, resort complexes and residential complexes in Northern Cyprus. These include outdoor and indoor pools, heated pools, children's areas, SPA pools and separate 25- or 50-metre facilities. However, hotel and residential pools are primarily part of the infrastructure of a particular complex: the possibility of regular sports training, access for external visitors, and the availability of coaches and dedicated lanes must be confirmed directly at the facility.

How to Choose a Swimming Pool for Training

How to do it

1. For sports training, ask the coach whether you need a 25- or 50-metre pool.
2. Check the number of lanes and the training group schedule.
3. For a child, check the minimum age and requirements for the level of preparation.
4. If the goal is to participate in competitions, choose a pool and club that provide sports training for swimmers.
5. For independent swimming, check when the lanes are available outside club training sessions.
6. Before your first visit, check the current price of a single entry or subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an Olympic swimming pool in Northern Cyprus?

Yes. Near East University in Lefkoşa has an indoor Olympic swimming pool measuring 50 × 25 m. There is also an outdoor 50-metre pool at The Arkın İskele.

Are there indoor pools for sports training?

Yes. For regular training, you can consider Near East University Olympic Swimming Pool, Atatürk Kapalı Yüzme Havuzu and CIU Arena Pool in Lefkoşa.

Is a 25-metre pool suitable for athletes?

Yes. 25-metre pools are used for short-course training and competitions. CIU Arena is 25 m long and has 8 lanes.

Where can a child take swimming lessons?

Swimming lessons and training programmes for children are available at Near East University and CIU Arena. For more serious sports training, you can also contact swimming clubs that use Atatürk Kapalı Yüzme Havuzu.

Can you use university swimming pools if you are not a student?

Yes, some university complexes also work with external visitors. CIU explicitly states that CIU Arena is available to students and the general public. Near East University also offers swimming programmes for different age groups.

Are hotel pools suitable for training?

Some are suitable in terms of size, but the possibility of sports training depends on the rules of the particular hotel or complex. Before visiting, it is worth checking the pool length, availability of lanes, schedule and access for external visitors.