Kyrenia Castle (Girne Kalesi): This imposing fortress guards the harbor entrance and dates back to Byzantine times, with later expansions by Crusaders and Venetians.
Ancient Shipwreck Museum: Housed within Kyrenia Castle, this museum displays the remarkably preserved remains of a 4th-century BC Greek merchant ship recovered just off Kyrenia’s coast.
Kyrenia Old Harbour: A horseshoe-shaped harbor lined with vibrant restaurants and bars, the Old Harbour is the social hub of Kyrenia, North Cyprus.
Archangel Michael Icon Museum: Near the western end of the harbor stands a white-washed church with a tall bell tower – the 19th-century Archangelos Michael Church, now an icon museum.
Bellapais Abbey: Just outside Kyrenia in the village of Bellapais lies the Bellapais Abbey, a ruined Gothic monastery founded in the 13th century.
St. Hilarion Castle: High up in the Kyrenia mountain range (Five Finger Mountains) above the city, St. Hilarion Castle beckons adventurous travelers.
Old Town & Bazaar: Behind Kyrenia’s harbor lies the old quarter with narrow, cobbled streets and rustic buildings. Here you can explore little shops selling local crafts, pottery, and souvenirs (a nod to traditional Cypriot arts.
Nature & Scenery Around Kyrenia
Five Finger Mountains: Kyrenia is framed by the rugged Five Finger Mountains (Besparmaklar), named after a finger-like peak visible from the city.
Beautiful Beaches: While Kyrenia’s city shoreline is mostly rocky, there are lovely beaches in the area. To the east, Alagadi Beach (also known as Turtle Beach) is famous for its nesting sea turtles and golden sand.
Sea Caves & Boat Trips: One of the fun things to do in Kyrenia is taking a boat tour from the harbor. These leisurely cruises sail along the coast, providing gorgeous views of the Kyrenian shoreline and mountains from the water.
Outdoor Activities: Kyrenia’s natural setting lends itself to outdoor adventure. Hiking trails abound in the hills (especially pleasant in spring when wildflowers bloom). You can also go scuba diving in the clear Mediterranean waters.
