City Focus Kyrenia: This Coastal Town in Cyprus Is a Hidden Gem With Scenic Beaches, Rooted History, and Few Crowds
S?ylem Coli
Investment & Residency Expert in Cyprus Real Estate @ Avertiss | Voted Forbes Best Buy | Founder of Mediterranean Condos | Live and Invest Overseas Exclusive Partners, Country Manager | Forbes Global Properties Agent
Cyprus is an island with plenty of sunshine, clear waters, and nutrient-dense, flavorful food. While there are numerous areas of the island that are worth seeing, each one has its own special appeal. I want to start a new series called City Focus to provide you with more information about these various towns and what they have to offer, so you can choose your next travel destination with knowledge. Even though the island is small, every corner offers a different kind of lifestyle.
Kyrenia, or Girne, as The Locals Call It
I intended for my beloved Kyrenia to appear in the first installment of my new article series, “City Focus.” Though I wasn’t born there, I eventually went to Kyrenia in 2018 to live there permanently after falling in love with the city. Not many people outside of the country realize that Kyrenia is the name of both the city and the district or state; thus, it takes some getting used to. There are numerous additional municipalities in the District of Kyrenia outside of the city itself. Girne, as the locals name it, is home to numerous communities in addition to its bustling city, also known as the city center.
On the island of Cyprus, Kyrenia is situated on the northern shore. It is undoubtedly the most gorgeous location on the island of Cyprus, providing the pinnacle of Mediterranean living with its stunning scenery and sleepy little beach towns. Additionally, it is the location of the thriving city core with a bustling nightlife. The International Ercan Airport and the capital Nicosia are only a short drive apart (about 30 minutes). Ferries connect the Eurasian landmass by sea from the seaport in Kyrenia. Finally, the nearest border crossings can be found in Nicosia (approximately 20–30minutes drive) for both pedestrian and vehicle crossings to the European Union side.
The picturesque towns of Karmi and Bellapais, a wine farm, and one of the top golf courses in all of Continental Europe can all be found in Kyrenia. Along the shoreline are yacht marinas, opulent cruise resorts, and relaxed hotels that provide a harmonious combination of relaxation and excitement.
Location of Kyrenia on the Cyprus Map
On the northern coast of the island of Cyprus, the linear town of Kyrenia is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Kyrenia mountain range. The old town is encircled by the city center, which is located exactly in the middle. To the east and west of the Kyrenia district are the smaller Mediterranean towns spaced along.
Map of Kyrenia District and Suburban Towns
Archaeological research has revealed early human settlements in Kyrenia that have roots in prehistoric Cyprus. Its empires had a long history of ruling over their domains for many centuries. The town is filled with spectacular landmarks from the Roman and British empires that once called it home. Today, the island is a well-liked travel destination because of its breathtaking beaches and extensive cultural history.
Kyrenia Old Town and the Seafront Castle
You can travel back in time and witness the various empires and royal families that once called the stunning castle in Kyrenia’s Old Town their home with a brief visit to Kyrenia Castle.
Since most of the battles were fought in Nicosia or at the crusader strongholds in the Kyrenia Mountains, the Kyrenia castle has remained mainly intact and stands majestically beside the old harbor of Kyrenia. When you visit the castle, you will travel back in time to learn about the many lustful monarchs of the past, including the French-origin Lusignans, the Venetians, the Ottomans, and, most recently, the British.
If we ignore the Neolithic settlements along the coast, the Old Town—now known as the town center—is where the civilizations in the city of Kyrenia originated. This is the town center where trade and kingdoms first emerged, laying the foundation for Kyrenia’s modern civilization.
There were once strong walls encircling the Old Town, some of which still stand today, and there were numerous towers. Kyrenia Castle and the nearby Kyrenia Antique Harbor constituted its center. You can explore four distinct towers within the castle, each constructed during a separate era of governmental rule. The castle was once enclosed by a moat surrounding its tall walls, with a royal courtyard in the middle.
The castle houses the cathedral, chapel, dungeons, torture rooms, and royal chambers. Additionally, it now houses the oldest wreckage ever found in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. You can therefore immerse yourself in the numerous historical stories contained within these ancient walls with the aid of a guidebook.
Antique Harbor, Old Town
The Antique Harbor is in excellent condition because it underwent renovations recently. The tour boats and fishing boats are still operating there. Alongside the promenade, there are cafes and restaurants scattered about. A tasty fish plate or a refreshing drink can be had at one of the harborside eateries. There are boat trips available every day, and walking along the promenade is pleasant. This historic harbor is so lovely that it will take up most of the visual results when you search for Cyprus.
Shopping and Nightlife—Old Town
There are local candies, souvenirs, and gold shops throughout the rest of the old town. If you know your way around, this is an excellent spot to shop, as you can discover artisan craftsmen of many kinds. Being one of the few clubs in the old town, Nima gives the evenings there an additional hue.
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Other intriguing restaurants may be found in Old Town; my particular favorite is Manti, which is served on a tiny, one-way street. (Turkish ravioli). Any visitor should definitely pay a visit, in my opinion. Handmade pasta, Mensure artisan chocolatery, and the well-known George Sports Bar are also located in this area of the old town.
The City Center (New City) of Kyrenia
Kyrenia’s Old Town is included by the City Center (New City), which extends eastward and westward towards the mountaintop. The city’s business, retail, and commercial hubs are located in the city center, which also features a number of resorts with a variety of entertainment options. The Ancient Harbor, Delta Marina and Seaport, and Les Ambassedours Marina are the three harbors and marinas located in the Kyrenia city center. The cruise hotel resorts at Delta Marina and Les Ambassedeurs have exquisite dining options, bars, recreational facilities, spa services, casinos, and nightclubs.
The heart of Kyrenia City is home to numerous commercial centers, international universities, and casino hotels. The city boasts a diverse population and all the advantages of a contemporary global city. In the city core, some traffic is expected due to the density of the population. Cyprus experiences a peak season, which is generally defined as April to November. During this time, art, festivals, and concerts take place more regularly.
Apart from multinational universities, the heart of Kyrenia is also home to international hospitals, many of which specialize in IVF centers, as well as beauty and cosmetics parlors catering to medical tourists.
Because of the higher population density, the majority of the buildings in the city are mid- to high-rise apartment complexes. Outside of the city, though, Kyrenia offers?a lot of villages to the west and east that provide suburban homes, gardens, and national parks in addition to lower-rise housing.
West Kyrenia: districts of Karaoglanoglu, Zeytinlik, Karmi, Alsancak, Lapta, and Karsiyaka
East Kyrenia: districts of Karakum, Bellapais, Ozankoy, Dogankoy, Catalkoy, Alagadi, Bahceli, Karaagac, and Esentepe
The Crusader Castles of The Kyrenia Mountain Range
Activities to Enjoy In Kyrenia
The Top 5 Economic Drivers of Kyrenia
Sincerely,
Soylem Coli
Local Real Estate Expert
27 Apr 2024
Email: ?? [email protected]
Phone: ?? +90 533 864 1652