Kyrenia (Girne) North Cyprus

Also known as Girne is the most northern shore of Cyprus and is remembered in history by its famous castle and harbor. After the invasion of Turkey in 1974 and the announcement of a separate state of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus by Turkish Cypriots Kyrenia is a part of North Cyprus and is under the command of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus since then.
Kyrenia is 40 miles away from Turkey on her south, 60 miles away from Syria on her west and 250 miles away from Egypt on her North occupying total 1357 square miles area of North Cyprus.
Kyrenia is one of the most exotic tourist place of North Cyprus that has shown a rapid grown in its tourism. It is said that the one who has not seen Kyrenia in his trip to North Cyprus has not been North Cyprus.
Once the city was largely inhabited by Greek Cypriots, Kyrenia's today's population is mainly Turkish Cypriots, Turkish settlers and some minor community of English people from UK.
As the sun sets in the deep blue sea of Kyrenia, life does not sleep in the city. Night life of Kyrenia welcomes its visitors at the harbor where several restaurants, bars and other wine-dine places are opened for the whole night in the mind blowing sceneries and cooling breeze.

Kyrenia Harbour

Kyrenia or Girne harbor in a shape of half moon full of fishing boats, tour boats and other private yachts is the most common and famous place among all tourists visiting Cyprus. Just on walking distance from the Girne Harbor is the shopping area where you will see tourists from around the globe specially European Tourists throughout the year. This tiny but a wonderful harbor is famed by the Crusader Castle confronting sea to the North with the magnificent view of mountains on its back adds a magical sensation to this beautiful city.
Near to Girne harbor are the tombs from 4th century. Behind are the ancient ruins from the Christian church and a tower in the harbor that was used to close the harbor by a chain. Near the Kyrenia main bus stop is The Anglican Church of St. Andrews behind the castle. The church is opened for public 12 months a year.

Kyrenia Castle

Dominating the beauty of old Girne harbor, Kyrenia Castle situated at the east end of city dating back to the Byzantine time has served as a wall of defense for several rules of the city in different ages including Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans and the British Empire. The castle consists of several buildings that reflects architect from different ages and is believed that the original base was designed by Romans. Following the Lusignans enlargements and the strength given by the Venetians against artillery by adding the huge corners towers in 1540 is a Museum home of many historical events, artefacts and a display place of the world's oldest found shipwreck with many ancient items.

St. Hilarion Castle

St. Hilarion Castle is believed to be the fairy tale castle of the most famous tale of "The Sleeping Beauty" where the princess is resting for years and waiting for her true lover's kiss to come back to life. The castle is constructed few minutes drive away from Kyrenia on the mountain top to the South of the City during Crusades also served as a watch tower or watch castle in defense of not only Kyrenia but the whole northern coastline of Cyprus.

Bellapais Abbey

A 14th century Lusignan abbey, originally occupied by French also knows as "Abbaye de la Paix" meaning The Peace Monastery is only 15 minutes drive to the north east of Kyrenia, with its wonderful views looking towards the Kyrenia and north shore of Norther Cyprus is a place for quite and peace lovers and is and ideal point for hiking and morning or evening walks.
Lawrence Durrel, a famous British writter believed of guiltiness of fearful temerity for settling in so magnificent place of Bellapais.
The abbey is a complex of several buildings consisting a dormitory, church, storage rooms and a refectory.