Kyrenia, Cyprus

Kyrenia is the most wonderful town, by the sea and overlooked by the Besparmak Mountains, it has a long and unique history with remains of countless civilisations, miles of beaches and that marvellous Mediterranean climate.

The town is a perfect place to spend a day. Although it is very quiet there is plenty to do. Museums and a castle for those interested in its history, several mosques and churches or visit the old bazaar and the round tower. Shop for gifts and holiday mementoes or choose one of the many quality restaurants where you can get a good meal at a reasonable price. There is a HSBC bank on the edge of town and a cash point on the seafront by the Dome Hotel.

A boat trip maybe of interest, the harbour has many boats offering you a relaxing day, swim in the sea and really good food, idyllic? Perhaps you would prefer a fishing trip or just take a walk along the harbour which is overlooked by Kyrenia Castle, sit, have a quiet drink, and watch the world go by.

There is a modern harbour with a small café where you can watch the ferries come in or maybe take the boat and have a daytrip to Turkey.

Drive a few minutes out of town and visit St Hilarian Castle set up high in the mountains with the most incredible views of the coast or if you don’t mind driving on narrow mountain roads perhaps Buffavento is the castle for you. Bellapais is a must for all visitors, the locals are very proud of this village with its 14th century abbey and it’s only 10 minutes out of town.

Travel from Riverside in Kyrenia through the town itself and continue up the coast, along the way you will find so much to see and do. Many interesting and varied shops selling everything you might need. Beaches ranging from quiet rocky coves to safe sandy shores with organised activities and watersports, and those protected quiet places that turtles visit in the summer. Restaurants are hidden in the mountains and on quiet roads leading down to the sea. There are bars for a quiet drink and Turkish coffee or with music and widescreen TV, discos, nightclubs and casinos something to suit everyone. 

The mountains are stunning and a wonderful place for a quiet walk or picnic whilst looking for the many wild flowers or watch the birds. Take binoculars, the views are astounding; you can see the mountains of Turkey which will be covered in snow in winter months.

Riverside is located in Kyrenia.