One of the most beautiful places to visit if you are in North Cyprus is Kyrenia. Full of tradition, beautiful architecture, backstreets full of surprises if ever there was a place not to be missed it is Kyrenia, not just the town but its magnificent harbour.
Here are some of our favourite places to visit:
Korineum Golf & Beach Resort
Just a short drive up the road from The Villa, Korineum has a golf course, tennis academy, private beach, spa and walking trails. Korineum also provide themed lunches and dinners and host Cyprus nights which include an open buffet layout of Cyprus cuisine as well as entertainment, Cyprus Folklore Performance displays and guests can even try some belly dancing.
Saint Barnabas Monastery
St. Barnabas Monastery near Famagusta is dedicated to the patron saint of Cyprus, St. Barnabas. The church is now an icon museum housing a stunning collection of Cypriot artefacts dating back as far as the 7th Century BC which are kept in the monks' old cells.
https://www.cyprusparadise.com/articles/st-barnabas-monastery/
Kyrenia Castle
Kyrenia Castle lies at the entrance to the town's famous harbour and stands majestic guard over the port. Well worth a visit, the castle is in a remarkable state of preservation and is fully accessible to the public today.
Bellapais Abbey
With stunning views from the mountains, Bellapais Abbey is a very picturesque place to visit.
Salamis Ruins
Take a moment to step into history whilst you explore the ancient Roman ruins. Salamis also has a fantastic beach with the opportunity for snorkelling by the jetty.
Boat Hire - Kyrenia
A visit to Kyrenia harbour will provide you with lots of choice for boat hire. There are options for group hire at around £15 per person including lunch or private hire for around 8-10 people will cost around £200-£250.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g190378-Activities-c55-Kyrenia_Kyrenia_District.html
Kaya Artemis Resort & Casino
Riverside Garden Resort
Acapulco Resort
With day passes on offer to access the hotel’s aqua park, as well as the spa facilities, tennis courts etc, the below hotels offer lots to do for the whole family.
https://kayahotels.com/en/oteller/kaya-artemis-resort-casino/aquapark-mini-club
Elexus Hotel Aqua Park
Visitors can purchase a day pass to enjoy the aqua park at Elexus Hotel. Prices may be subject to change however the price as of Spring 2022 is 250 Turkish Lira per person.
Visitors can also use the spa facilities for an additional fee.
Donkey Sanctuary - Dipkarpaz Milli Parki
A day trip for animal lovers, you will find stalls selling souvenirs, postcards and water.
Freedom Dog Sanctuary
Another opportunity for animal lovers, this time to visit and volunteer at a local dog sanctuary. The sanctuary provides a safe, caring, open door refuge for homeless and adoptive cats and dogs where they can live and be protected in a safe-haven.
The charity are passionate about educating and transforming the way that local people think of and treat animals.
https://domdog.org/volunteer-for-freedom-dog-sanctuary
Esentepe Village Sanctuary
There is also a sanctuary in Esentepe Village who welcome volunteers to come and play with the puppies, dogs and help with walks. If you are interested in volunteering during your stay, please contact Karen on 0548 852 5765.
KAR Animal Rescue Centre
This Rescue Centre is located in the Besparmak Mountains and is home to over 200 dogs and puppies and 50 cats and kittens. The centre is fully committed to providing a caring and loving environment for all the animals.
Visitors are welcome to see the centre and to take a dog for a walk in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Many of the dogs are very eager for ‘walkies’, it is a great treat for them.
Easy Divers Cyprus
Easy Divers Cyprus, is a PADI Scuba Diving Centre, operating on the south-east coast of Cyprus. They are proud to be a PADI Five Star Instructor Development Centre. With this rating, you can be sure you have the best experience, equipment and education.
They have a fully stocked dive shop for all water-lover’s needs with masks, fins, rash-guards and t-shirts.
https://www.ezdivers.com/?fbclid=IwAR1MKt75R-mJosN9wM5SAJBvfl2fIp2F0g8wP3RhI8cvo1SluPOczgm_RlY
Cyprus Turtles
A memorable opportunity to release baby sea turtles at Alagadi beach. Follow Cyprus Turtles Facebook page for further information.
Kyrenia Market (Wednesday’s)
The biggest and best street market on the North coast is held every Wednesday from 9am to 4pm in Kyrenia. On sale are fresh fruits, nuts, olive oil and produce from local growers at ‘local’ prices, plus housewares, clothes, shoes, tools, plants and garden plants. There are around 100 stalls and it is situated across the car park in front of the Kyrenia Police Station.
Kyrenia Police Station can be found on google maps by clicking here.
Nearby you can also find a great children’s playpark including lots of slides and animals for children to look at - Peace Park further details can be found below.
Girne Barış Parkı- Peace Park
The Peace Park consists of a spacious area. It serves as a rest stop for adults and a children’s entertainment area, with walking paths surrounded by lush trees and an artificial lake. It also includes a small zoo, a train, a trampoline, and rotating horses, among others; In addition, there is a simple restaurant serving light meals and refreshing drinks.
https://www.safarway.com/en/property/peace-park-3#gallery
https://tr.foursquare.com/v/girne-bar%C4%B1%C5%9F-park%C4%B1/509cc40fe4b0642591cfbbc8/photos
Horse Riding - The Ranch
The Ranch is a small animal petting farm and horse riding club that offers both in-school lessons as well as outdoor hack tour experiences. They offer unique five-star rated, guided horseback trail experiences in the Girne-Vasillia Olive Groves and Mountain range. These can apply to both beginner or timid riders as well as the more confident and experienced. In turn, allowing all to relax, enjoy and take in all of the great views, landscapes, and scenery Cyprus has to offer. Students can expect a fun and safe learning experience from personable staff and team of much-loved school horses and ponies. The program values horsemanship and students learn to groom and tack-up their own horses.
The Ranch is around a 15 minute drive from The Villa.
Kings Bowling
Great fun for all in both the day or evening.
Kings Bowling also has an arcade with small children’s rides, arcade games, pool tables etc for additional family fun. Food and drink can also be purchased.
https://www.facebook.com/Kings-Bowling-694839477264442/?ref=page_internal
Jeep Safari
Explore Northern Cyprus’ Kyrenia mountain range on this exciting off-roading adventure. Alongside a small group and driver-guide, board your Jeep for a scenic tour through the rugged mountain landscapes. Stop at various lookouts for panoramic views of the island, see the Mountain Memorial Tank, and discover hidden gems in the region.
Vineyard & Wine Tasting
Enjoy the delights of the latest Cypriot wines without worrying about driving home when you book this small-group tour to Etel Winery, one of the island’s top new wineries. Learn how wine is made, from planting the vines to ageing and bottling, on a winery tour. Sample six unique wines, then enjoy a creative lunch accompanied by a glass of wine. Stop at the Kozan Experience en route for views.
Highline Tandem Paragliding
Highline Air Tours has been operating since 2003.
They offer tandem paragliding flights, single pilot transport and guiding, paragliding, equipment as well as aerial photography and fishing trips.
Hamam
For those wishing to experience the traditional Turkish bathing known for regenerating and purifying the body, here are some options below:
Acapulco Resort
https://www.acapulco.com.tr/en/spa-wellness/acapulco-turkish-bath
Elexus
https://www.elexushotel.com.tr/tr/zoya-spa
Lords Palace
https://lordspalace.com/en/spa-2/
The Resort Spa
Racket Sports
There are various facilities available usually within local belediye sports halls and facilities, university campuses and hotel resorts, so you can always find out when they are free and book yourself up for a session of wrist flicking fun! Try the excellent facilities at the Middle East Technical University in Lefkoşa or the Ertuğrul Apakan Sports Hall in Kyrenia for badminton. Tennis courts are modern and asphalted for those who fancy a bit of ball bouncing, and most of the time you don’t need to book, just turn up and you should find a free court. Some of the universities have tennis facilities such as the Girne American University, contact +90 (0) 392 650 2000 for more information.
https://www.essentialcyprus.com/land-activities-north-cyprus/
Quad Bike Safari
Located in Lapta on the west coast one company offers personalised safaris, day trips, half days and all tuition and for a guaranteed thrill – call +90 (0) 533 847 3732 to book your place.
https://www.essentialcyprus.com/land-activities-north-cyprus/
Mountain Bike Hire
The Kyrenia mountain trail and the adjacent area is a really wonderful place for mountain biking, offering a great opportunity to explore the islands ancient villages and marvel at the fantastic views from the mountain tops.
Walking Groups
If you want to see the best of North Cyprus you can get to appreciate the landscape via the healthy option of a good bracing stroll across the mountains and lowlands, and there are a few organisations who have sought to accommodate people’s desire for walking and hiking too.
https://www.essentialcyprus.com/north-cyprus-walking-groups/