Kyrenia Things to do

Kyrenia is perfect for a beach holiday, from the family-friendly Altinkaya and Acapulco to the wilder Alagadi, breeding ground of the Caretta Caretta turtles, the coastline around Kyrenia offers plenty of beaches on which to soak up the wonderful Mediterranean sunshine, with many providing an idyllic base for the day. The more developed beaches offer convenient tourist facilities, with unspoilt stretches providing seclusion and privacy.The heart of this historic coastal town is the Venetian harbour, home to both luxury yachts and traditional fishing boats, which offers a charming base where visitors can watch the world go by, thanks to the selection of bars, restaurants and shops providing plenty of attractions, and great views out across the water. Boat rides depart from the harbour, and embark on scenic journeys along the coastline, with snorkelling trips popular, as well as visits to secluded coves and bays for swimming and picnic lunches. The well-preserved 7th-century Kyrenia Castle dominates the picturesque harbour, and boasts Venetian and Byzantine influences. There's plenty to see whilst touring this historic structure, from dungeons, living quarters and chapels to a museum housing the world's oldest shipwreck, as well as stunning views to take in from the ramparts.Hotels in the resort offer swimming pools, tennis courts and spa centres. Water sports available on the local beaches include jet-skiing, windsurfing, water skiing and parasaililng, with walking, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding possible in and around the town, as well as up in the scenic interior. Quad biking, paintballing and paragliding are also offered, with golf available nearby.   The inviting mountains offer a host of wonderful drives and walks, and the chance to discover the natural beauty of the countryside, with its local flora and fauna, by following one of the many marked paths that criss-cross the landscape. There's a host of hidden villages and sleepy hamlets to see, as well as churches, monasteries, and ancient ruins dotted throughout the hills. Don't miss a trip inland to the stunning Bellapais, a quaint hillside village made famous by Lawrence Durrell, with authentic character and timeless charm. As well as strolling around the captivating town centre, visit the stunning Bellapais Monastery and all it's Gothic glory, before taking a well-earned seat beneath the delightfully named 'Tree of Idleness'. Visitors can hike up to the St Hilarion Castle whilst on a holiday to Kyrenia, take a trip to the historic Famagusta, the old port of Gazimagosa, or a tour of the ancient Roman site at Salamis. The capital, Nicosia, offers great shopping and dining in its eclectic city centre, and the chance to cross the border into Southern Cyprus and see the popular tourist spots of Larnaca, Limassol and Ayia Napa.