Explore Kyrenia CyprusHow well have YOU explored Kyrenia Cyprus? The Kyrenia district (known as Girne to Turkish Cypriots Keryneia or to Greek Cypriots) of Cyprus, can be reached by heading northeast of Nicosia. The town is built around Kyrenia castle which stands behind the curved harbour and is the hub of the tourist centre in North Cyprus. Kyrenia castle was originally built by the Byzantines in the 7th century, but the building you see today was re-modelled by the Venetians.
Be sure also to see the Shipwreck Museum next to the courtyard as is home to the Kyrenia Ship, the world’s oldest shipwreck – an ancient Greek cargo boat which sank between 33- and 280 BC. Pottery items and coins were found onboard. The shaded courtyard itself is a nice place to enjoy an ice-cream after seeing the castle. From here, the harbour is a relaxing and cheap place to have lunch. The restaurants here have a good variety of Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood, and a few of the boats double as restaurants. Like most places in Europe, the restaurant owners will all try to entice you into their own place, but don’t feel pressured, just take your time and look around. After this, head to one of the beautiful beaches in the area. The gorgeous beaches in the area are the main reason why more and more people are taking Kyrenia holidays!
It has suffered much damage over the centuries, from looting villagers and Genoese and British vandals, but still retains its beauty and atmosphere, and international music concerts are held here every year due to the acoustics and setting. If you look out of the high bay windows on a clear day you can see the Taurus Mountains in mainland Turkey. Travelling about 29 miles to the west of Kyrenia will take you to the town of Guzelyurt (Morfou to the Greek Cypriots). Here you will find the Byzantine church of Ayios Mamas, the patron saint of Tax Invaders. There are also the ancient ruins of Soloi, including a 5th century basilica which has beautiful floor mosaics of dolphins and a swan.
See Also: Kyrenia Beaches
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