Hit The Harbour!
Wander the winding alleys of Kyrenia’s charming old town and the cobbled Venetian harbour, dotted with pretty boats, dainty souvenir shops, quaint restaurants, cafes and bars transformed from buildings that were once Venetian dwellings or carob warehouses! Relish the freshest waterfront seafood, catch a sunset boat tour, or grab a Turkish coffee and soak up the cultural vibe, against magical views of ancient Kyrenia Castle and the Mediterranean Sea. (Don’t forget to spot the ancient Greco-Roman Tombs on the street leading to Archangelos Michael Church!) By night it’s also a stunning chill out place to be, with heart-warming live music and all your favourite drinks. Make way for a Cyprus night to remember!
Climb A Crusader Castle
North Cyprus is not known as the Med’s best secret for nothing and if the mighty castles of Kyrenia could talk, they would spin you some enchanting tales. Take a snap at the top of Byzantine Kyrenia Castle, with the majestic backdrop of the picturesque harbour and check out its very own shipwreck museum, boasting a vessel dating back to 300 BC! From Kantara and Buffavento Castles to the gothic “Queen’s Window” of St. Hilarion, where the inspiration for Disney’s Snow White is said to have started, you’ll soon be whisked into your own fairy tale here – just make sure you wear comfortable shoes and forget about any glass slippers!
Tail A Sea Turtle
Did you know? Loggerhead turtles are thought to be one of the oldest turtle species weighing up to 450kg! Go on a Turtle watching tour and head to the golden sandy stretch of Alagadi Beach to witness a cute baby turtle hatch or a mother turtle secretly burying her eggs at night! Sea Turtles are often spotted between May to August and usually hatch during the hottest latter months. The pristine shores of North Cyprus are a prime nesting ground for the endangered Loggerhead and Green Turtle and Alagadi Beach is classified as a prohibited area to protect these adorable species.
Visit A Wanderlust Village
Fun Fact: Bellapais Village is the glorious setting for Lawrence Durrell's classic novel 'Bitter Lemons of Cyprus' and its incredibly stunning 13th century abbey bears witness to the fact that it has little changed. Watch out if you decide to have a seat under the “Tree of Idleness” next to the abbey as legend has it that it steals your motivation (a perfect excuse for a lazy day in the sun!). Get ready for panoramic views, authentic delicacies and handmade souvenirs as well as famous music festival performances and scenic candlelit dining, a definite camera hotspot!
Discover Ancient Treasures
Fancy being stunned with incredible ruins and views across the island? Take a fascinating day trip to the ancient City of Soli to venture a Roman Theatre dating back to the end of the 2nd century AD. And if you’ve hired a car, pay a visit to nearby Persian Palace of Vouni, sitting atop a lone plateau with a sheer 250 metre drop to the sea! Make sure you drop into one of the amazing seaside fish restaurants in the area on the way back, you won’t be hungry for the rest of the day!