City Focus Kyrenia: This Coastal Town in Cyprus Is a Hidden Gem With Scenic Beaches, Rooted History, and Few Crowds
Cyprus is an island with plenty of sunshine, clear waters, and nutrient-dense, flavorful food. While there are numerous areas of the island that are worth seeing, each one has its own special appeal. I want to start a new series called City Focus to provide you with more information about these various towns and what they have to offer, so you can choose your next travel destination with knowledge. Even though the island is small, every corner offers a different kind of lifestyle.
Kyrenia, or Girne, as The Locals Call It
I intended for my beloved Kyrenia to appear in the first installment of my new article series, “City Focus.” Though I wasn’t born there, I eventually went to Kyrenia in 2018 to live there permanently after falling in love with the city. Not many people outside of the country realize that Kyrenia is the name of both the city and the district or state; thus, it takes some getting used to. There are numerous additional municipalities in the District of Kyrenia outside of the city itself. Girne, as the locals name it, is home to numerous communities in addition to its bustling city, also known as the city center.
On the island of Cyprus, Kyrenia is situated on the northern shore. It is undoubtedly the most gorgeous location on the island of Cyprus, providing the pinnacle of Mediterranean living with its stunning scenery and sleepy little beach towns. Additionally, it is the location of the thriving city core with a bustling nightlife. The International Ercan Airport and the capital Nicosia are only a short drive apart (about 30 minutes). Ferries connect the Eurasian landmass by sea from the seaport in Kyrenia. Finally, the nearest border crossings can be found in Nicosia (approximately 20–30minutes drive) for both pedestrian and vehicle crossings to the European Union side.
The picturesque towns of Karmi and Bellapais, a wine farm, and one of the top golf courses in all of Continental Europe can all be found in Kyrenia. Along the shoreline are yacht marinas, opulent cruise resorts, and relaxed hotels that provide a harmonious combination of relaxation and excitement.
Location of Kyrenia on the Cyprus Map
On the northern coast of the island of Cyprus, the linear town of Kyrenia is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Kyrenia mountain range. The old town is encircled by the city center, which is located exactly in the middle. To the east and west of the Kyrenia district are the smaller Mediterranean towns spaced along.
Map of Kyrenia District and Suburban Towns
Archaeological research has revealed early human settlements in Kyrenia that have roots in prehistoric Cyprus. Its empires had a long history of ruling over their domains for many centuries. The town is filled with spectacular landmarks from the Roman and British empires that once called it home. Today, the island is a well-liked travel destination because of its breathtaking beaches and extensive cultural history.
Kyrenia Old Town and the Seafront Castle
You can travel back in time and witness the various empires and royal families that once called the stunning castle in Kyrenia’s Old Town their home with a brief visit to Kyrenia Castle.
Since most of the battles were fought in Nicosia or at the crusader strongholds in the Kyrenia Mountains, the Kyrenia castle has remained mainly intact and stands majestically beside the old harbor of Kyrenia. When you visit the castle, you will travel back in time to learn about the many lustful monarchs of the past, including the French-origin Lusignans, the Venetians, the Ottomans, and, most recently, the British.
If we ignore the Neolithic settlements along the coast, the Old Town—now known as the town center—is where the civilizations in the city of Kyrenia originated. This is the town center where trade and kingdoms first emerged, laying the foundation for Kyrenia’s modern civilization.
There were once strong walls encircling the Old Town, some of which still stand today, and there were numerous towers. Kyrenia Castle and the nearby Kyrenia Antique Harbor constituted its center. You can explore four distinct towers within the castle, each constructed during a separate era of governmental rule. The castle was once enclosed by a moat surrounding its tall walls, with a royal courtyard in the middle.
The castle houses the cathedral, chapel, dungeons, torture rooms, and royal chambers. Additionally, it now houses the oldest wreckage ever found in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. You can therefore immerse yourself in the numerous historical stories contained within these ancient walls with the aid of a guidebook.
Antique Harbor, Old Town
The Antique Harbor is in excellent condition because it underwent renovations recently. The tour boats and fishing boats are still operating there. Alongside the promenade, there are cafes and restaurants scattered about. A tasty fish plate or a refreshing drink can be had at one of the harborside eateries. There are boat trips available every day, and walking along the promenade is pleasant. This historic harbor is so lovely that it will take up most of the visual results when you search for Cyprus.
Shopping and Nightlife—Old Town
There are local candies, souvenirs, and gold shops throughout the rest of the old town. If you know your way around, this is an excellent spot to shop, as you can discover artisan craftsmen of many kinds. Being one of the few clubs in the old town, Nima gives the evenings there an additional hue.
Traditional night out experience in Kyrenia.
Other intriguing restaurants may be found in Old Town; my particular favorite is Manti, which is served on a tiny, one-way street. (Turkish ravioli). Any visitor should definitely pay a visit, in my opinion. Handmade pasta, Mensure artisan chocolatery, and the well-known George Sports Bar are also located in this area of the old town.
The City Center (New City) of Kyrenia
Kyrenia’s Old Town is included by the City Center (New City), which extends eastward and westward towards the mountaintop. The city’s business, retail, and commercial hubs are located in the city center, which also features a number of resorts with a variety of entertainment options. The Ancient Harbor, Delta Marina and Seaport, and Les Ambassedours Marina are the three harbors and marinas located in the Kyrenia city center. The cruise hotel resorts at Delta Marina and Les Ambassedeurs have exquisite dining options, bars, recreational facilities, spa services, casinos, and nightclubs.
The heart of Kyrenia City is home to numerous commercial centers, international universities, and casino hotels. The city boasts a diverse population and all the advantages of a contemporary global city. In the city core, some traffic is expected due to the density of the population. Cyprus experiences a peak season, which is generally defined as April to November. During this time, art, festivals, and concerts take place more regularly.
Apart from multinational universities, the heart of Kyrenia is also home to international hospitals, many of which specialize in IVF centers, as well as beauty and cosmetics parlors catering to medical tourists.
Because of the higher population density, the majority of the buildings in the city are mid- to high-rise apartment complexes. Outside of the city, though, Kyrenia offers a lot of villages to the west and east that provide suburban homes, gardens, and national parks in addition to lower-rise housing.
West Kyrenia: districts of Karaoglanoglu, Zeytinlik, Karmi, Alsancak, Lapta, and Karsiyaka
There are a handful of towns west of Kyrenia that are well worth visiting. Karmi is a well-known town of British descent with a village center that features charming passageways for a leisurely stroll, distinctive residences and neighborhoods for sightseeing, and walking paths. Karmi is also the birthplace of Cyprus’s first Hollywood film, starring Raquel Welch. There are a few nice restaurants and bars in the town center, as well as an old church.
Zeytinlik, a charming suburban village on the Kyrenia mountainside, is the next stop. There are several lovely hiking routes in this town, and guests can sample the native Cypriot food and beverages at the lovely Arch Way restaurant.
Lapta, Alsancak, and Karsiyaka are home to opulent boutique hotels and upscale accommodations such as the Merit hotels. Living in a peaceful neighborhood close to a commercial hub that caters to the requirements of both locals and tourists is feasible in this location. Additionally, there are lots of romantic eateries and beaches nearby where guests can unwind on a beautiful evening.
The Vineyard estate is one of the most well-known estates in this area, in addition to the entertainment resorts like Merit. A delightful evening with artisan dishes and a variety of regional wines may be had by guests, who can also take part in a wine tasting session and learn about the cultivation and processing of the grapes. Being the home of the Guinnes World Record for the oldest wine in the world, Cyprus is a great site to learn about the ancient legends surrounding the “wine of the kings and the king of the wines” and to immerse oneself in the craft of winemaking.
Kormacit, Akdeniz, and Sadrazamkoy are the last towns in Kyrenia district to the West. A fact that many do not know is that the third largest ethnic group in Cyprus are Armenians and the Kormacit village in West Kyrenia is an Armenian Town. There is an amazing Kleftiko restaurant here, definitely worth a visit across the St. George Cathedral. Where these last towns in the West end the district of Morphou begins.
East Kyrenia: districts of Karakum, Bellapais, Ozankoy, Dogankoy, Catalkoy, Alagadi, Bahceli, Karaagac, and Esentepe
Although I may be biased because I live here, I genuinely believe that Bellapais is the most beautiful section of the island. Its energy and spectacular beauty are the main reasons I chose to make Bellapais my home. It has charming neighborhoods, the stunning gothic cathedral of the Bellapais monastery, the Bellapais Abbey, and the popular old town center, which is perched on the mountains and looks out over the nearby waterways. At restaurants in Kybele or Bellapais Gardens, you may savor delectable meals while taking in views of the ancient monastery lit up at night. In Bellapais Monastery, the annual classical music and opera festival is also held.
Lawrence Durrell, the well-known British author, also settles down in Bellapais. In his work Bitter Lemons, he ultimately narrates his tale of arriving in Cyprus and falling in love with Bellapais in the 1950s British Colonial era. Thus, I believe the charm of this region goes beyond the modern-day importance of its location, allowing easy access to the Kyrenia City Center (New Kyrenia) and other major cities, but further due to the calming spirit of the region.
Nowadays, a commercial center with a range of stores, eateries, and lodging options can be found in Catalkoy and Ozankoy. Over the past few decades, this area of the town has developed the most. In addition to providing guests with a range of entertainment alternatives, the Cratos Hotel on this side also offers luxurious accommodations. In addition to the luxurious resorts around Kyrenia like Cratos and Merit, Eastern Kyrenia offers rental private villas, while boutique hotels may be found in Western Kyrenia.
Alagadi is a protected site located a little further to the east. It is home to the stunning Alagadi Turtle Beach. This golden sandy beach offers stunning views of the Kyrenia Mountain Range when entering the warm waters. It is a preferred spot for rare Caretta Caretta and Loggerhead turtles to make a home. Two horseshoe-shaped divisions occur along the lengthy seashore. The beach area is served by a restaurant and is managed, and guests can unwind on loungers and umbrellas. There is no charge to access this beach, but there is a small price for the optional services. Alagadi is also an exceptional place for water sports, especially for divers, with a whole new world underwater waiting to be explored.
The final few northeastern settlements of Kyrenia are located further east and include Karaagac, Esentepe, and Bahceli. Of them, Esentepe is the most well-known and is sometimes referred to as the Saintropez of North Cyprus because of its similar pun. It is commonly known to have frequent sightings of dancing dolphins. Very lovely estates and little, private lagoon beaches may be found in this area of Kyrenia. If you’re up for the endeavor, hiking the mountain routes is highly rewarding, with beautiful views around every bend. With the Korenium Country Club, which features an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, and a spa center, a very lovely neighborhood is taking shape on this side of the Kyrenia area. With new developments slated to be beautiful neighborhoods, the area is undergoing a significant transformation right now.
The town of Akanthou, the first town in the Famagusta area in the north, begins where the last town in the northeast, Bahceli, ends. Owing to their location, these eastern Kyrenia towns are also close to the Iskele Long Beach and the center of Famagusta. For those who would like to experience a change of environment, this location provides easy access to a variety of Cities and attractions. These communities enjoy the best of both worlds because they are only a 30-minute drive from Iskele Long Beach, Famagusta City Center, and Kyrenia City Center.
The Crusader Castles of The Kyrenia Mountain Range
There are three magnificent crusader castles located in the Kyrenia mountains. These castles have many legends attached to them and blend in wonderfully with the mountains. The castles of Saint Hilarion to the west, Kantara Castle to the east, and Buffavento situated halfway between the first two. It is necessary to have comfortable footwear when visiting these castles because ascending to the peak will involve some effort. Once at the summit, though, the breathtaking vistas more than makeup for the exertion. A fun fact is that it is commonly believed that Walt Disney drew inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castle from Saint Hilarion.
Many tales surround these majestic castles, and they were used as governors’ palaces and as summer apartments for the royal families for many centuries. Eventually, they were used in defense and were the last places many governors ran to before execution or surrender.
Like the crusader castles, there are many myths surrounding the Five Finger Mountains in Kyrenia. Having Hellenic roots, many speculate the titans from Greek mythology have the answers to the shape of these uniquely shaped Five Finger Mountains. Legend has it that when two giant titans were play fighting, one threw a handful of mud that laid in the shape of the mountain and hardened over time. Cyprus is home to many Greek myths like this, the most famous being the Aphrodite Rock in Paphos, where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is speculated to have formed from the foams of the waves coming ashore. Looking at stories from the past that shed light on odd beliefs, human sacrifices, superstitious rituals, and unexplainable customs such myths will get you questioning their real-life origins.
Activities to Enjoy In Kyrenia
Beaches and beach clubs: Alagadi, Escape, and Kervansaray.
Golf and wine tasting: Korenium Golf Course Resort and Gillham Vineyard Estate
Historic landmarks: Kyrenia Castle, Antique Harbor, Bellapais Monastery, and St. Hilarion Castle.
Hotels, casinos, and nightlife: Merit, Cratos, Lord’s, Pasha.
Festivals and concerts: cultural festivals, music festivals, and food festivals
Shopping: Old Town Mustafa Cagatay Avenue, Bedrettin Demirel Avenue, Semih Sancar Avenue, Ziya Rizki Avenue, Ugur Mumcu Avenue (Eastern Kyrenia), and Fevzi Cakmak Avenue (Western Kyrenia).
Hiking, diving, camping, BBQ sites, parks, and nature: Lapta Coastal Walk, Alsancak Natural Park, Alevkayasi BBQ Area, Karmi, and Bellapais Hiking Trails.
Food and dining: Bellapais Gardens, Kybele, Gillham, Hoots, Charcos, Archway Local food…
Marinas, Yatches, and Boat Tours: Antique Harbor, Delta Marina, and Les Ambassedeurs Marina.
The Top 5 Economic Drivers of Kyrenia
Tourism, luxury hotels, and casinos
International Universities
Destination Events: weddings, golf tournaments, wine festivals, etc.
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy your time in Kyrenia and learn plenty about it. Before your travels, be sure to check out this guidebook. Safe travels!
Sincerely,
Director of Mediterranean Condos | Investment, and Residency Expert Broker in Cyprus Real Estate
Voted Forbes Best Buy | Formerly associated with Live and Invest Overseas, Forbes Global Properties, & Expat Exchange
Email: 📧 cyprus@mediterranean.condos
Phone: ☎️ +90 533 864 1652
One Comment