Places to Visit in Kyrenia

The port city of Kyrenia offers the most fascinating views of the island of Cyprus. This ancient port city has managed to maintain its fairy-tale glory for centuries. Full of nature and culture, Kyrenia means much more than a port and a castle.

The Lusignan walls that cover the city like a curtain preserve the serene beauty of the countryside. In Kyrenia, there are lush forests, citrus groves and fertile plains that will allow you to admire nature. You can experience nostalgic moments accompanied by the scents of jasmine and orange blossom while visiting this unique city of Northern Cyprus.

One of the first things that comes to mind when one thinks of Kyrenia is the story of the Sunken Ship. Located in Kyrenia Castle, the Sunken Ship Museum displays a cargo ship that sank 2300 years ago. Kyrenia is also a paradise in terms of underwater adventure. Discover the places you must see in Kyrenia;

Kyrenia Harbor and Kyrenia Castle

With its romantic atmosphere, Girne Harbor is among the favorite destinations of tourists. While walking along the harbor, cafes and restaurants are the places you can stop by to experience the Cypriot culture. This horseshoe-shaped historic harbor has a pleasant liveliness of its own. Kyrenia Harbor has a unique atmosphere that will make you feel good. The gigantic body of Kyrenia Castle surrounds the harbour. The castle, which includes the Venetian Tower, Lusignan Tower, Sunken Ship Museum, St. George's Church, has preserved its splendor since the 7th century.

Antifonit Monastery

Also known as Jesus Who Answered, this monastery is located in the small valley of the Beşparmak Mountains east of Kyrenia. The building, which has eight columns, carries the characteristics of Byzantine architecture. The interior walls covered with paintings and the figures of Jesus on the dome are impressive. The road to this monastery, which functions as a museum today, is also very pleasant. In this region, there are also the most beautiful hiking routes of Northern Cyprus. The endemic plants and orchids in the monastery's garden offer a magnificent view to everyone in spring.

Bellapais Monastery

Bellapais Monastery, located in Beylerbeyi Village, is an Orthodox monastery. This monastery, also known as the St. Mary of the Beşparmak Mountains, is estimated to have been built in the 1200s. Classical music concerts are quite impressive in the monastery, where artistic events are held today. It is also possible to see a wonderful view of the island from outside the monastery. If you come across a classical music concert in this monastery, you can have a wonderful experience.

Bufavento Castle

This historical castle, 954 meters high from the Beşparmak mountains, approaching the clouds, got its name because of the windy geography. The magnificence of the castle is noticeable not only during the day, but also at night. The castle, which creates a fairy-tale atmosphere, is reached by steep stairs. Watching the island of Cyprus from this height also offers a different beauty. On the way to this castle, you can also see Kayaköprü. Legend has it that the wishes of those who make a wish while passing under this bridge come true. Don't forget to make a wish too.

Lambusa Ancient City

You can explore the ancient history of Kyrenia in this ancient city founded by the Achaeans who returned from the Trojan War. The ancient city of Lambusa is worth seeing with its tombs, queen pool, walls and open-air museum. The name of the city means bright. It is possible to find traces of the Lusignan civilization in the ancient city of Lambusa.

Kyrenia, the dazzling port city of Cyprus, is full of more mysteries to discover. You should go to Kyrenia in the spring and spend a day or two.