Kyrenia & beyond

Kyrenia is a firm favourite with many guests deciding to return year after year to this authentic holiday destination. Experience the delights of Kyrenia's harbour, home to traditional fishing boats and sailing schooners, enchanting tavernas and wonderful mountainous views.

Wander through vineyards and olive groves, taste lemons juiced onto freshly caught fish.

Open your eyes to North Cyprus! 

The heart of Kyrenia

Guarding the entrance to the old harbour, the ancient Kyrenia Castle is said to date back to 111BC. To discover the castle’s history it is well worth a visit to the onsite museum, which displays an old shipwreck rumoured to have been sunk by pirates and raised from the bottom of the sea in the late 1960s. 

Why not stroll along the beautiful old cobble streets, before you sit, savour and enjoy the unique atmosphere surrounding the harbour's edge? Taste the locally caught seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants, the perfect place to watch the world go by.

Beyond - Beautiful Bellapais

Step back in time with a visit to Bellapais, home to the iconic Bellapais Abbey, also known as the Abbey of Peace, that sits at the base of the famous Five Finger Mountain Range with astounding views of Kyrenia and the surrounding villages. It's not hard to see the draw... Beyond the Abbey, there's a wealth of history woven into the fabric of a beautifully preserved old town and a fine example of Gothic Architecture.

Life feels very laid back in Bellapais village, as you walk around the square you are greeted with a mixture of traditional craft shops selling art, lace, leather wallets and bags and a host of printed memorabilia. Stay for a long Meze lunch at one of the many exquisite restaurants set in gardens and terraces; many with breath-taking views.

Inspired by Bellapais

Bellapais has long provided inspiration for artists and writers over the years, including the world-famous English Author Lawrence Durrell who wrote the book “Bitter Lemons”, in the book Durrell refers to a tree, the Tree of Idleness. Superstition has it that those who sit under the spreading branches of this ancient mulberry will lose the will to do anything but simply relax!

West Kyrenia

Travel to the west of Kyrenia to find small sandy coves and golden beaches including Escape Beach, popular with tourists for great swimming and watersports. Looking up to the mountains you will see the imposing St. Hilarion Castle with its fairy tale towers, said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. The castle was originally built as a watchtower to give warning of approaching pirates, it’s a bit of a hike to reach, but well worth a visit.

East Kyrenia

Travel to the east of Kyrenia and discover Alagadi Beach, a well-known conservation site where Loggerhead and Green Turtle nest during June and July, then hatch from August to September. The research centre provides informative visual displays and volunteers talk passionately about their preservation activities throughout the nesting season. The beach is closed to the public at night, however, you are able to join a small group tour under the supervision of the Marine Turtle Conservation Project.

Book your holiday with Holiday Warriors

Why book with us:

• Our Travel Experts know Kyrenia & the surrounding areas
• We've visited every hotel & resort
• Experienced the many excursions/tours
• Offer you impartial advice 

Contact us for a FREE consultation to start planning your perfect North Cyprus holiday in or near Kyrenia.