Things to do in Kyrenia
Discover the best attractions and experiences Kyrenia has to offer
Historic Monuments
Kyrenia’s castle-town heritage unfolds across cliff-top fortresses and hilltop abbeys that overlook the harbor.
Kyrenia Castle
A medieval fortress guarding the harbor, with panoramic views and a shipwreck collection.
Bellapais Abbey
13th‑century Gothic monastery ruins perched above Kyrenia with tranquil cloisters.
St. Hilarion Castle
A dramatic hill-top fortress noted for spectacular views and legends.
Buffavento Castle
Remote fortress reached by a scenic hike, offering coastal and mountain vistas.
Museums
Delve into Kyrenia’s maritime lore and local life at compact museums around the harbor.
Kyrenia Shipwreck Museum
Exhibits from the ancient ship found nearby, showcasing Cyprus’s seafaring history.
Kyrenia Ethnographic Museum
Displays traditional Cypriot life, crafts and local costumes from the region.
Kyrenia Castle Museum
Museum inside the fortress narrating its multi‑century history and artifacts.
Religious Monuments
Spiritual sites reflect the island’s layered past, from medieval monasteries to hilltop chapels.
Bellapais Abbey
13th‑century monastery ruins with atmospheric cloisters and views.
St. Hilarion Church
Ruined church within St. Hilarion Castle offering a sense of history and scale.
Church of Saint Nicholas (Ayios Nikolaos)
Historic church site in Kyrenia with a sense of old harbour faith.
National & Theme Parks
Outdoor spaces and scenic trails offer nature breaks near Kyrenia.
Kyrenia Mountains Nature Trails
Hike through pine forests with views across the coast and valleys.
Buffavento Trail
A scenic hike to the remote fortress with dramatic sea and mountain panoramas.
Korineum Golf & Beach Resort
Seafront golf and leisure area set amid olive groves and hills.
Neighborhoods
Different quarters of Kyrenia reveal its character, from old harbour to hillside villages.
Kyrenia Old Town (Girne)
Cobbled lanes, markets and historic houses around the harbour.
Kyrenia Harbour Area
A lively waterfront district with cafés, shops and scenery.
Lapta
Seafront resort area with beaches and palm-lined promenades.
Alsancak (Karşıyaka)
Residential and seaside neighborhood just west of Kyrenia.
Free Things to Do
All about outdoor strolls and views that don’t cost a penny.
Walk along Kyrenia Harbour
Stroll the harborfront and watch boats come and go at sunset.
Explore Kyrenia Old Town lanes
Wander ancient streets and peek into courtyards and shops.
Sunset from the Castle walls
Take in views over the bay as daylight fades.
Gastronomy
Taste the Cypriot-Turkish Cypriot frontier flavors that define the coast.
Meze at a Kyrenia tavern
Sample a spread of small dishes including grilled specialties.
Halloumi & local cheese tasting
Try Cypriot halloumi paired with fresh bread and olive oil.
Fresh seafood by the harbour
Dine on grilled fish and seafood along Kyrenia’s waterfront.
Mastic ice cream
A unique Cypriot ice cream flavor from local mastic resin.
Nightlife
Evenings glow along the harbour with bars and live music.
Harborfront bars
Casual venues offering drinks with sea views.
Live music by the water
Seasonal performances at select venues in the old town.
Night strolls in the harbour quarter
Post‑dusk walks with ambient lighting and street scenes.
Entertainment
Small theatres and cultural spots bring local flavor to the evenings.
Kyrenia Municipal Theatre
Local productions and cultural events in a historic setting.
Cultural evenings at historic sites
Occasional performances near Bellapais and the harbour.
Sports
Water sports and outdoor activities for all levels.
Scuba diving along Kyrenia coast
Explore clear waters and underwater life with local operators.
Boat trips from Kyrenia Harbour
Short tours to nearby bays and viewpoints by boat.
Korineum Golf & Country Club
Golf on a hillside course with sea views and clubhouse facilities.
Off the Track
Hidden corners and day trips beyond the main sights.
Bellapais village stroll
Quiet lanes and hillside cafes just above Kyrenia.
St. Hilarion nature detours
Little‑known trails and viewpoints near the fortress.
Lapta coastal walk
A scenic, less crowded stretch with sea breezes and views.