Around the Harbour
Kyrenia’s harbour ceased to be a working one before 1974 and today the port is now devoted entirely to pleasure craft, all day tours along the coast, the rental of speedboats, scuba-dive operations and berths for scores of yachts.
It is also difficult to resist eating or just having a drink in the old port where dozens of restaurants and bars exploit their stunning position. The food variety and quality, plus atmosphere are superior to any other location to be found in North Cyprus.
Many tourists never shake themselves free from the picturesque harbour and fascinating, winding back streets full of local culture.
The Castle at Kyrenia
Built in the 8th century, it is the best preserved harbour fortress on the Island. It also houses the Shipwreck Museum and The Folk Art Museum.
The Castle is entered from the northwest via a bridge over the former moat. The stunning views of Kyrenia harbour are at your feet and you can make out St Hilarion castle on its peak.
Salamis
The most famous and important ancient site of Cyprus, Salamis remains the Island’s most prominent archaeological site. The ruins are 8-9km north of Famagusta and are well worth a visit even if your interest is casual. You’ll see Roman baths, the gymnasium, amphitheatre, basilica and tombs.
There is also a beach fringing the entire site, picnic area and Restaurant – so why not hire a car and make a day of it.
Famagusta
The old city of Famagusta is encircled by the historical walls which date back to mediaeval times. The walls have stayed intact to this day and are well preserved. Two of the original gates of the Famagusta castle still stand: The Sea Gate and The Land Gate. Kantara Castle is magnificently placed astride the near east end of the Five-Finger Mountain.
Karpas Peninsula
The Karpas Peninsula is a land where time stands still. Miles and miles of sandy beaches with not a person in sight. Ancient towns, basilicas, ruins and tombs scatter the area waiting to be explored. To get a taste of Cyprus twenty years ago, the traveler must visit the Karpas.
Northern Cyprus has one National Park in the Karpaz Peninsula. Here a large number of birds, wild donkeys, turtles, rare flora and amazingly beautiful beaches can be found.
The Beaches
The coastline of North Cyprus offers some of the finest and safest bathing areas in the Mediterranean - the crystal clear waters are wonderful for swimming, snorkelling, sailing and water-skiing.
Great beaches within a short distance of Kyrenia include Vogue Beach, Deniz Kizi Beach, Camelot, Escape and Club Acapulco. Some ‘attached’ to large hotels but all available to non-residents and offering superb and clean facilities.
‘Free’ beaches include Alagadi (Turtle Beach) and Kervansary Beach – these are maintained by the local council but do not offer sunbeds etc so take your own!
The Environment
Since 1992, Marine Turtle Research Group, in conjunction with the Society for the Protection of Turtles in Northern Cyprus and the Department for Environmental Protection, has been undertaking an annual survey, recording the turtles activity during the summer months. In the company of the team at Alagadi Beach (30 minutes drive from Kyrenia) you can share this unique event. The best times to observe the nesting is at the end of June and beginning of July. To observe the hatching is the best during end of August and beginning of September.
Cyprus is renowned for its wild flowers which carpet the island in spring (there are more than 38 species of orchid alone) and scent of orange, lemon and grapefruit blossom fills the air. One surprising attraction is the North Cyprus herbarium, which charms lovers of our wild flowers as well as providing a research center for botanists.
It is possible to watch 347 different species of bird in Cyprus. However, only 46 of these are native of Cyprus, and 7 of these are the endemic sub-species (that is only found in Cyprus). 119 out of the 347 birds that can be observed on the island are of winter-migrant breeder type, and 90 of these migrate to Cyprus regularly every winter-time.