Kyrenia city in Cyprus: hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions

Kyrenia is a beautiful coastal city which is the center of the tourism industry in Northern Cyprus.

Breathtaking landscapes and the azure sea, impressive architecture and mysterious ruins, rich history, numerous bars, cafes and restaurants - all this awaits those who decide to spend their holidays in this beautiful place.

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How to get to Kyrenia from the airport

The nearest airport to Kyrenia is Ercan (Northern Cyprus), located at a distance of 42 kilometers from the city. There are several ways to get from the airport to the city:

• By bus is the most economical option. The fare is 95 Turkish liras (about 5.4 euros).
• By taxi - you can take it directly at the airport or book it in advance. The approximate fare is 35-50 euros.
• To rent a car.
• Order a transfer from the hotel. And book a hotel in the WIOTTO catalog.

Get from the airports of Larnaca and Paphos (Southern Cyprus) in the same ways (by taxi, by rented car or using a hotel transfer). Or you can take a bus to Nicosia, where you can cross the border between Northern and Southern Cyprus.

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Kyrenia hotels

Kyrenia offers all types of accommodation, from budget hostels to luxury hotels for discerning travellers.

The cost of one night's stay varies: from 30 euros in a hostel to 465 euros in a luxury hotel with all meals inclusive. On average, accommodation in a 3-4 star hotel is 60-110 euros per day for a double room.

Here are some examples of accommodation options in Kyrenia:

• New Kirenia is a clean and well maintained hostel with friendly staff and free parking. Located close to the main historical sights of the city. It has rooms both with separate beds and with one large double bed - from 27 euros.
• Paradise is a quiet hotel with spacious rooms, a small pool, good food and beautiful views. Residents have access to the beach of the neighboring 5-star hotel Cratos - from 50 euros.
• Olivia Palm Hotel - 3-star boutique hotel within walking distance of Kyrenia Castle. Excellent cuisine, picturesque views, a swimming pool and a cozy spa - from 75 euros.
• RIX Apartments - fully equipped apartments with two bedrooms, a good option for a budget holiday for a company or a large family - from 75 euros.
• Kemerli Konak Boutique Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel with an authentic medieval feel and great service. Located 15 minutes from the center, a shuttle service is available for guests - about 90 euros with breakfast.
• Rocks Hotel & Casino is a magnificent 5-star hotel located 850 meters from Kyrenia Castle. A beautiful pier, an elegantly shaped outdoor pool, a casino, massage rooms, several restaurant and bar establishments - from 280 euros with breakfast and dinner.
• Merit - luxury hotel complexes owned by Merit International Hotels & Resorts are distinguished by high standards of service, convenient location, as well as a wide range of services and entertainment - from 350 euros for an all inclusive vacation.

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Food

When visiting Kyrenia, you should try local delicacies, for example, lahmajun (Turkish pizza), dolma, moussaka and kleftiko, sheftali kebab and, of course, the famous meze. Kyrenia has a variety of restaurants and cafes ready to offer travelers local snacks and dishes, as well as international cuisine. Most of them are concentrated in the harbor area, but walking along the streets of the city or taking a short tour of the surroundings, you can discover wonderful gastronomic establishments.

For example, you can eat by the sea at a reasonable price in the popular Ezic restaurant. Peanuts, located near the port of Kyrenia. If you are ready for a short trip, visit the restaurant of the Bellapais hotel Gardens, which offers a harmonious combination of gourmet cuisine and scenic views.

Meal costs depend on your preferences. Approximately the cost of lunch in a middle-class restaurant for two can be about 45 euros.

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Transport

Public transport in Kyrenia consists of buses and minibuses. You can rent a bike to move around the city.

Buses run regularly between the cities and major villages of Northern Cyprus. The destination is usually marked on the windshield. The disadvantages of the bus service include the fact that the buses can often arrive at the wrong time, and as a rule, bus routes do not include stops near tourist places. Therefore, to get to the main attractions, it is better to rent a car or take a taxi.

The cost of renting a car in the high season starts from 52 euros per day. In low season prices range from €26 per day for a compact manual car to €170 for an upscale automatic car or minivan.

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Sights of Kyrenia

There are not many attractions within the city of Kyrenia itself, but nevertheless, travelers have enough opportunities to spend their time interestingly and profitably. What interesting places can be visited in Kyrenia itself and its environs?

Kyrenia harbor

The medieval harbor of Kyrenia is considered one of the main attractions and practically the heart of the city. The small horseshoe-shaped harbor is filled with tourist boats and yachts. During a leisurely walk during the day, you can admire panoramic views, and in the evening numerous restaurants and taverns come to life, and many tourists flock here to eat and have fun.

The main highlight of the harbor is a well-preserved medieval castle located in its eastern part.

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Kyrenia Castle and Shipwreck Museum

Kyrenia Castle, towering over the old harbor, is its main decoration. The castle was first erected by the Byzantines in the 7th century to protect the city from Arab raids, subsequently it was repeatedly transformed, and in the 16th century it acquired its current appearance. The castle has a rich history and today behind its powerful walls you can see a Byzantine church, mysterious dungeons, the tomb of an Ottoman admiral and many other interesting objects.

Of particular interest to tourists is the Shipwreck Museum, which is the remains of a wooden ship dating back to the 4th century and raised from the bottom of the sea in the 1960s. About 400 amphorae, millstones, dishes and other interesting artifacts were found at the shipwreck site.

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Bandabulya

Originally built as a town hall, in the 70s the building served as a covered market, but with the advent of supermarkets, it lost its purpose. In 2005, a decision was made to restore Bandabulya as a tourist market and craft center with cafes and restaurants. A feature of the location is a miniature version of the ship stored in the Kyrenia Castle. In the evenings, live music sounds here, which gives the place a special atmosphere.

Saint Hilarion Castle

The well-preserved remains of a majestic fortress in a mountain range, about 17 kilometers from the city of Kyrenia . Together with the castles of Buffavento and Cantaru, the castle of St. Hilarion was used as a watchtower, warning and protecting the region from enemy raids.

The location is of interest to both history buffs and those who appreciate breathtaking views.

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Bellapais Abbey

The small village of Bellapais, a few kilometers from the city of Kyrenia, attracts tourists with its authentic atmosphere, narrow streets with old buildings, small, cozy cafes and restaurants, and magnificent panoramas.

The name of the village in French means "beautiful peace" (belle paix), which fully reflects its peaceful, serene atmosphere.

The main architectural decoration of this area is the majestic abbey, which rises on the mountainside and dates back to the 13th century. The abbey has a rich history and was mentioned in the work "Bitter Lemons" by the famous British writer Lawrence Durrell, who spent several years of his life in Bellapais .

In the summer, concerts and festivals are held on the territory of the abbey.

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Beaches around Kyrenia

There are many good beaches around Kyrenia. Many of them belong to resort complexes. But even if you are not a guest of such a hotel, by paying a very reasonable entrance fee, you can enjoy a great beach holiday and use amenities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, toilets and showers. A pleasant addition to the rest on the hotel beaches will be bars, restaurants and rental of water equipment.

Among the most popular beaches in the vicinity of Kyrenia, it is worth highlighting:

• Kervansaray, located 5 kilometers from Kyrenia, is famous for its clean golden sand, beautiful sunsets and is one of the most popular beaches in Northern Cyprus. There is a bar, a restaurant, a wide range of water activities. Paid entrance.
• Escape Beach Club is a popular place among tourists and locals. It is located at a distance of about 8 kilometers from Kyrenia . Equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. You can sit on the upper tier on the grass or on the lower tier on the sand at the water's edge. Due to the shallow depth of the sea, it is well suited for families with children. There is parking, a restaurant and water sports facilities. In the summer season, incendiary parties are held. Paid entrance.
• Denizkizi is a fairly well-known beach located in a cozy bay in the shape of a horseshoe and is part of the hotel of the same name. For hotel guests, admission is free, and for guests, the entrance fee is 35 Turkish liras (about 2 euros) per person. The fee includes the use of umbrellas, showers, changing rooms and parking. The hotel is family-oriented, and the beach itself has a gentle entry into the water and provides safe swimming and recreation for all age groups. It features a beachfront restaurant and bar, as well as a PADI certified diving center. Nautilus .
• Camelot - a well-maintained beach of the town of Alsancak, a few kilometers from Kyrenia. Thanks to the breakwaters, the sea here is relatively calm and is well suited for families with small children. There are showers and toilets on the beach. The beach is equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, some of which are located on a wooden deck, equipped with a convenient descent into the water. Live music plays at night, and the club is open until the morning. There are ample opportunities for active water activities and snorkeling. Paid entrance.
• Acapulco - the longest private sandy beach on the island belongs to the 5-star hotel complex Acapulco Resort Convention Spa Sports , located in the eastern part of Kyrenia . But the entrance is also possible for those who do not live in this hotel, for an additional fee. In addition to the well-groomed beach equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, you can also visit the resort water park with water slides.

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Things to do

In addition to a beach holiday and sightseeing, while relaxing in Kyrenia, you can:

• discover the secrets of local winemakers and appreciate their products during an exciting excursion with tasting at Etel wineries;
• Kyrenia mountain range during an unforgettable jeep safari;
• go on a day boat trip from Vela Yachting , during which you can enjoy beautiful scenery, snorkeling and barbecue, or take an evening cruise that includes dinner in a romantic atmosphere;
• play golf on the Korineum course Golf & Beach Resort , which is one of the best in the Mediterranean;
• get to know the nightlife of the city by visiting the many fun bars, karaoke or nightclubs.

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