Kyrenia District Things to Do

Massive walls

by TheWanderingCamel

Previous Next

Massive walls
by TheWanderingCamel
Things to Do
by TheWanderingCamel
Crunchy radishes
by TheWanderingCamel
Baldoken turbe
by TheWanderingCamel
Wild asparagus
by TheWanderingCamel

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

BELLAPAIS IS A MUST!!

by erendilight

To the north-east of Kyrenia (Girne), set on the side of a mountain, this twelfth-century monastery is a fine example of Gothic architecture of the Lusignan period. The abbey comprises of a church, refectory, dormitory and storage rooms grouped around an inner courdyardDuring the reign of the Latin kings, this order was held in great esteem. The abbot was allowed to wear the protifical mitre during mass, and was accorded the honour of carrying a sword and wearing golden spurs while riding.The beauty of Bellapais is legendary. Set in the mountains, just ten minutes above Kyrenia, a visit to this 14th century Lusignan abbey with its fabulous location and pervasive atmosphere of calm is a must.

Bellapais Abbey

by peterdhduncan

We went for a meal at Bellapais Gardens Hotel Restaurant and then to a concert at the abbey. The abbey was illuminated, and during the interval, we were able to explore it. Altogether, a very enjoyable evening!For its history and a description, go to cypnet

Kyrenia Castle

by peterdhduncan

Kyrenia Castle, probably built by the Byzantines in the 8th century on the site of a Roman fort, dominates the entrance to the harbour. It is an interesting place to wander around. The Shipwreck Museum, which houses the hull of a sailing ship which sank in about 270 b.c., is on its eastern side. Unfortunately, the part of the museum containing the hull itself was closed for work on it when we visited, but we saw some fascinating items that had been salvaged from it.

Visit Bellapais

by MikeBird

At a distance of only about 5kms from Girne there is the tourist honeypot of Bellapais village and Abbey. Set up on the hills southeast of Girne you get a wonderful view over the coastline. The Abbey, which dates back to the 14th century is often considered a place of calm and tranquility but given that it is on the itinerary of most visitors to the area it's hard to achieve that sense of peace unless you are there early morning or late afternoon. There is an entrance fee to the grounds. When we visited there was also a small exhibition of paintings in the cellars. I am glad we went to explore but probably wouldn't rush back.The village of Bellapais was the home of the writer Lawrence Durrell who wrote Bitter Lemons. You can find his house not far from the main square. There is a yellow plaque above the house doorway announcing the famous occupant .The village has a wide selection of...

Stroll round Kyrenia harbour

by MikeBird

On a warm balmy evening in October it was very pleasant to stroll around the harbour wall and take in the atmosphere of the bustling town. The Kyrenia castle ( seen in the photo) provides a great backdrop to the place. There are numerous restaurants to choose from but we were happy to wander around deciding which boats we liked the look of before stopping by for a drink. Locals and visitors alike pass the time in this way - very relaxing and part of what makes a holiday in a place like Kyrenia very special.

Soli

by peterdhduncan

The remains of the town of Soli, founded in 600 b.c., lie about 40 miles to the west of Kyrenia. We spent an hour or so there during which we were the only people exploring the site.

Salamis - Roman town

by MikeBird

North of Gazimagusa ( Famagusta) on the coast are the extensive Roman ruins of Salamis. The whole site covers a very large area that we lost the energy to explore but the columnar courtyard with communal toilets - enough for 40+ bottoms, bath houses and the impressive but renovated amphitheatre are all within easy walking distance. There are the occasional mosaics and some headless statues aswell. You can choose to wander round on your own - the entrance price includes a small explanatory leaflet - or you can join a tour guide.I'm really glad we went. My teenage children were less enthusiastic but they did manage to say it had been worthwhile . My photographer son found lots to interest him.The site is right next to the beach so after a hot time mooching around the ruins you can go for a swim or snorkel off the public beach. Pity we didn't find any Roman treasure.

St Hilarion - nearly a fairy tale castle

by MikeBird

St Hilarion Castle at 732 metres offers brilliant views over Girne and right along the range of hills that run parallel to the coastline. But it's not just the views as the castle is very extensive and you'll enjoy exploring the ruins with its dark corners, steep turrets and eery stories about murder and intrigue. Parts of the castle are quite steep climbs and you need to be reasonably fit and nimble for some of the higher towers and turrets. I remember the Prince John tower being a bit of a climb - that's where, according to the guidebook, Prince John got "so upset" he pushed his bodyguards out of the window to their doom on the rocks below. We looked but couldn't see any evidence of the crime - presumably the Police had been in.If you like mountains, local history ( and there's plenty of it in Cyprus) and exploring ruins then a visit to St Hilarion castle should be on your...

All day Boat trips from Girne Harbour

by MikeBird

As you stroll round the old harbour in Girne you will be invited to consider taking the traditional Gulet sailing boat out for a day trip. We were persuaded because we enjoy that sort of thing and the prospect of sitting on deck in the sunshine, stopping off for a swim and snorkel and enjoying a freshly prepared lunch was irresistible.There were just 3 families on board - all British as it happened - and we chatted and shared the huge lunch that the skipper had prepared whilst we were anchored up in a small bay. There were drinks on board that we could buy which made me feel incredibly mellow.I even spotted some flying fish skitter and glide over the surface of the waves as the boat sailed back to harbour. We were out for about 6 hours. At 50YTL (about £21)each I thought it was good value because the lunch alone was equal to other meals we'd had in restaurants for about the same...

You have to visit Bellapais!

by exotique18

Bellapais is one of the most beautiful locations in Kyrenia district. History and natural beauty are blended well. You should definitely see the Bellapais Monastery when you go to Bellapais(Beylerbeyi). It was built during Lusignan period in Cyprus. It's one of the most amazing Gothic style architecture piece you can see in the islanf.