North Cyprus is a famous destination for tourists, and Kyrenia or Girne is a beautiful city with rich culture and history. Here is the list of best things to do in Kyrenia and best places to visit.
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Kyrenia Harbour
This is probably the most picturesque area in Kyrenia, because it has the Old Harbor and allows you to eat and relax as well as see the sights after a long day of touring.
You can stroll along cobblestone streets alongside yachts and boats, and at the harbor there are beautiful restaurants, and the Kyrenia Castle dominates the landscape.
Never the other way around: the seafood is super fresh! Fishermen usually catch the fish really close by, and the meals come directly to your table.
The colourful fishing boats and yachts anchored at the harbour make the Girne Harbour a favorite attraction for locals as well tourists to visit.
Kyrenia Castle
The construction date is not known, but it is believed that the fortification was erected during the Seventh Century. It may have been erected for defensive purposes against invading Arabs, and other fortresses like St Hilarion, Buffavento, and the fortress of Kantara were built around the same time. This was during the Lusignan reign, with some changes added by the Venetians.
The Kyrenia Castle is well preserved, and you can clearly see the fascinating influence of the Byzantine, Lusignan, and Venetian. Inside, you’ll also find the tomb of Admiral Sadik Pasha, who took over Kyrenia in 1570.
Spending a day wandering along the fort walls provides excellent views of the harbour and the city centre, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants to stop at along the way. If you want, take some time to stop by the Shipwreck Museum too and admire the remains of an ancient Greek merchant ship.
Bellapais Monastery
Also known as Bellapais Abbey, is located on the flanks of the Five-finger mountain in the village of Bellapais. Nearby a 13th-century monastery’s ruins in the village of Bellapais is about 5 km to the southeast of Kyrenia.
Being between two large mountain ranges and the coastline, the landscape is really beautiful. Plus, being 220 metres above sea level, there are panoramic views of the surrounding region and out to Turkey.
The world famous English author Lawrence Durell, who wrote his book the “Bitter Lemons” whilst living in Bellapais Village between 1953-1956, constantly mentioned his admiration for the abbey. The house in which he lived in next to the abbey, also attracts many visitors.
St. Hilarion Castle
The Castle is located on top of the Besparmak mountain range, 732 metres above sea level and just a short drive from Kyrenia. scrambling up the hundreds of stone steps to the top can be a great workout for half a day at least.
The best preserved of Northern Cyprus’ castles, this fairytale castle is supposed to have been the inspiration to the Disney’s production of Snow White. It is said that, the famous Walt Disney was also inspired by the St. Hilarion Castle and that the location of the renowned cartoon “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was based in this Castle.
The castle was built in the eleventh century (its exact date is unknown) and abandoned later. It has amazing views and a lot of history to explore.
Saint Hilarion Castle is not something to be missed, and is definitely worth your time and your admiration. Its mountaintop location offers breathtaking views of Girne/Kyrenia and the Mediterranean coastline as well.
Buffavento Castle
Buffavento Castle was built for defense, and it’s situated at 950 meters (3,100 feet) above sea level. The castle overlooks the bay.
Climb to the top , and you will be rewarded with awesome views! Be sure to take some comfortable shoes though, as the path can often be a rough.
If you enjoy walking around historic temples and churches then you’ll love visiting the 11th-century Byzantine architecture in Kyrenia. One of the best places to visit in Kyrenia.
Beaches
One of the best things to do in Kyrenia is going to the beaches.
Alagadi Turtle Beach
The best known long stretch of golden sandy beach close to Kyrenia is the Algadi (Turtle) Beach going east. This is free of charge and is also a famous Turtle nesting site.
Older or teenage children looking for some excitement in the summer months can think about signing up for the North Cyprus Turtle Project as hatchling volunteers (spending the night with sleeping bags on the beaches to help protect the hatchling turtles!)
Escape Beach Club
Escape Beach is an amazing beach on the north coast of the island. It’s only 10 minutes from Kyrenia center and the bay has crystal clear water. Escape Beach Club has many facilities and resembles an entertainment complex and a beach club.
Some of activities are water skiing, banana boat, jet ski, pedal boat, fly board, parasailing and diving courses.
Other available beaches are Acapulco Beach, Kervansaray Beach, Mermaid Beach (or Deniz Kizi), and Green Coast Beach (or Güzelyali).
Nightlife
One of the best things to do in Kyrenia is enjoying the nightlife. There are plenty of bars and restaurants that offer a great vibe when night falls.
If you want to party, head to Escape Beach. Escape Beach Club is the most popular venue in that area and hosts many international DJs in a beach setting. Is very visited by tourists and locals.
If you like casinos then you will enjoy Lord’s Palace casino. The spacious architecture reminiscent of British royal palaces, the Italian Abbiati custom-made gaming tables, the open buffet and the a la carte restaurant, with a warm atmosphere, enchants every guest.
Where to stay in Kyrenia
There are a lot of options available in Kyrenia. We offer you some choices which are luxury properties in North Cyprus and with affordable prices.
Maldives Homes
Maldives Homes offers uniquely built villas and luxury apartments. The exotic Maldives villas and apartments have an unobstructed north facing view towards the Mediterranean Sea, with panoramic views of both the Five Finger Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The site is only 20mt to the sea: with a magnificent lagoon to be used as your own private beach.
Everything you need is simply within your reach in Maldives Homes:
- Communal Swimming Pools
- Indoor Swimming Pool
- Gym
- Café & Pool Bar
- Spa/Thai
- Sauna
- Hamam (Turkish Bath)
- Market
- Private Beach
- Tennis court
- Mini Golf
- Site Management Office
- First Aid Room
- Kids Play Ground
- Restaurant
- 24/7 Maintenance Service
Maldives Homes is one of the best places to visit and stay in North Cyprus. There is a shuttle service twice a day to the Korineum Golf Club if you like to play golf.
You may contact our Rental Management by call/message at +90 546 995 7070 (WhatsApp). Furthermore, you may message us from our pages on Facebook or Instagram: @maldiveshomescyprus
Idyll Homes
Idyll Homes is an affordable luxury project in Esentepe. With its marvelous mountain view and close range to the sea Idyll Homes is the perfect place for those seeking a peaceful yet luxury life style.
Conclusion
Kyrenia is known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean. Tourism attractions are a lot more, we listed the best things to do in Kyrenia and best places to visit in this article.
Cyprus Constructions is the premier provider of high quality North Cyprus Properties.
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