Kyrenia: weather, beaches, transportation, photos, reviews

Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, whose resorts attract many tourists every year. But not everyone knows that after the events of 1974, Cyprus was divided into two parts. More precisely, even four.

Now there are separate countries on the island: the Republic of Cyprus and the unrecognized state of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Between them, a buffer strip stretches across the entire island, where the UN peacekeeping forces are located. And a small part of the land belongs to the UK.

Despite the division of the island, tourists appreciated the resorts of both the southern and northern half of Cyprus. Moreover, in recent years, the Turkish side has become more and more attractive for vacationers not only from Europe, but also from Russia.

This is facilitated by a wonderful climate, when during the high season there are no rains and storms on the coast. A huge number of beaches makes it possible to relax in secluded places, and clean air and sea water have a beneficial effect on strengthening the body.

Northern Cyprus is rich in cultural monuments, so history lovers will find a lot of interesting things here. The most famous resorts of Northern Cyprus are the cities of Kyrenia and Famagusta. In addition, there are many tiny villages built on the coast, where hotels are open and there are small cozy beaches.

Climate on the beaches of Northern Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is perfect for a summer holiday. The local climate belongs to the subtropical, respectively, in the high season it is hot here. But the proximity of the sea makes staying on the coast quite comfortable.

And sea water and healthy air filled with iodine and oxygen help to strengthen the immune system and cure a number of diseases. The average temperature in summer is around 25–30 °C, but in the center of the island the temperature can rise up to 42 °C.

It is cooler in mountainous areas. The holiday season begins already in early May, but only at the end of the month the water temperature warms up to 22–23 °C.

It can still be chilly in the evenings, so tourists usually try to take warm clothes with them. The hottest months are July and August. And vacationers with small children prefer to come to Cyprus in September, when there is no exhausting heat, and the sea is still warm and gentle.

In October and November it gets cooler, it rains more often, there are thunderstorms. But in especially warm years in autumn, there are also hot days here, although at night the thermometers drop to 10-11 ° C. In winter, you can expect any surprises from the weather in Cyprus.

In December, the most precipitation falls, it snows in the mountains. In January and February, the sea is often restless, strong winds blow. The average January temperature is 10–15 °C. The amount of precipitation on the coast is within the range of 300-500 mm per year, in mountainous areas it falls up to 1300 mm.

Kyrenia

Kyrenia (Turkish Girne) is a resort city located on the northern coast of the island of Cyprus. Favorable weather, clear sea, golden sandy beaches, rich historical heritage make Kyrenia an ideal destination for tourists from all over the world.

The first mention of the city dates back to the tenth century BC, during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses III. Kyrenia was spoken of as an important port village through which trade caravans sailed to different parts of the world.

But people have lived here before. Archaeologists have found artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period, that is, to the 5th-4th millennium BC.

Kyrenia was under the rule of the Egyptian pharaohs, later the French Lusignan dynasty ruled here. During the period of the Roman Empire, a harbor for merchant ships was built on the coast. The Venetian Republic also owned the city, under which a fortress was built, which played an important role in defending the city from Arab raids.

Then for several centuries the island belonged to the Ottoman Empire. Since 1878, Great Britain began to rule Cyprus. At the same time, the construction of roads, hospitals, and schools began in Kyrenia. The first resorts appeared, where travelers from Europe and Asia went.

Since the middle of the last century, Cyprus has gained independence, and then the tourism industry has become dominant in the economy of the island. In 1974, the Turkish invasion began, and Kyrenia was the first to experience all the hardships of the military conflict. The city, along with the northern coast, went to the unrecognized state of Northern Cyprus.

Today more than 50 thousand people live in Kyrenia. The main national composition is the Turkish Cypriots. Modern Girne is a popular resort where tourists from different countries come to rest. Families with children can safely go here. Rest here is safe, every hotel has playgrounds, the sea is calm and shallow off the coast.

Transportation

Northern Cyprus cannot boast of a developed public transport network. And the reason is simple: almost all families on the island have personal cars. But between large cities, such as Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, there are buses and dolmushi - a kind of minibuses familiar to us. Usually dolmushes stop at the request of passengers and work until 18.00. The bus station is located in the center of Girne.

Kyrenia also has a city taxi. But there are not very many cars on the streets, so it is advisable to find out in advance the phone numbers of companies involved in the transportation of passengers. Prices for taxi rides are mostly fixed, and meters are rarely used here.

You can rent a car in the city. Traffic in Cyprus is left-handed, and you can drive with Russian rights. But only the first three months, then you need to pass an exam for a local driver's license.

Kitchen

The cuisine of Northern Cyprus has absorbed the culinary traditions of several peoples of the world. All the empires that visited here left their mark on the architecture and culture of the island, and also helped create an original synthesis of European and Asian cuisine. In Kyrenia, there are many cafes, restaurants, eateries offering Cypriot cuisine and culinary masterpieces from around the world.

One of the oldest establishments of the island is Niazi's restaurant. The network of these institutions was opened in 1949 and today has six branches in Northern Cyprus. The chefs of the establishment came up with the Meze Kebab dish, which many tourists want to try. The Bellapais Gardens restaurant, located in the hotel of the same name, is also popular.

Food prices are reasonable, and the establishment's terrace allows you to enjoy the surrounding views. Another interesting institution is located in the former library. The House and Garden stands out for its good cuisine and interesting interior.

Not far from the harbor is Lavash, which serves different types of kebabs. Traditional Cypriot dishes can be tasted at Kibris Evi Cafe. The price tag for food here is quite democratic. Kyrenia also has fast food establishments, chains of popular restaurants and cafes.

They will not be left without their favorite dishes and sweet tooth. A lot of mini-coffee shops, pastry shops, pizzerias are open on the coast. For example, an establishment called The Cacao offers chocolate made by its chefs, various desserts, sweets, and cocktails.

Shops and markets

If you are going to visit local stores, you should not count on a large assortment. Since Northern Cyprus is a state unrecognized in the world, there are almost no boutiques of well-known companies, huge supermarkets of famous retail chains.

You can only find Adidas, Calliope, Nike stores that took a chance and opened their representative offices here. But good Turkish clothing brands are sold in Girne, although they are very expensive here.

Wednesday in Kyrenia is considered a market day. The fact is that such markets “roam” around the cities of the unrecognized state all week. On Wednesday it's Girne's turn. The market is located next to Barysh Park and is open until dark. The prices for the goods sold are reasonable, even lower than in the shops of the city.

And the choice of products and manufactured goods is great: clothes, shoes, books, decorative items, carpets, home products and much more. In addition, on the shelves on this day a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits. Here in the market you can buy various souvenirs and gifts for family and friends.

From local products, Cypriot wines, halloumi cheese and gizmos made by Cypriot craftsmen from stone and wood are valued. But sold in Kyrenia and a lot of goods produced in Turkey.

Kyrenia beaches

The beach season here on the coast lasts from April to November. Local hotels are not empty even in winter, when the air temperature drops to 15–20 °C. At this time, lovers of antiquity come here for sightseeing. The city has many cafes and restaurants, casinos and bars, where fun continues at night.

In Kyrenia, it is also convenient to relax for families with children, the sea here is calm and clean. The choice of beaches in Girne is large, but mostly they are located outside the city at a distance of 10-12 kilometers. Getting to them is easy. Local minibuses - dolmushi - run along the coast.

And each beach has its own road sign. You can stay at the municipal free or go swimming and sunbathing on the paid territory of a hotel. Many city and private beaches are equipped with everything you need: toilets, showers, changing rooms, and rows of sun loungers and umbrellas stretch along the coastline. There are small cafes here, you can rent equipment for water activities and sports.

Escape

This beach has several names: Sunset Beach, “Five Mile Beach”, but most of all it is known as Escape, which means “escape” in Russian. The coast is covered with sand, and a small island of rocks rises from the sea, which protects the bay from winds and sea currents.

The beach area is well maintained. There is a canopy, but you will have to pay extra for sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach is equipped with everything you need. A restaurant was built near the water. For sports fans, there is a volleyball court, there is a rental of equipment for water entertainment, there is a school for those who want to learn scuba diving. This place is also known for its parties for young people.

Deniz Kyzy (DenizKizi) or Golden Bay (Golden Bay)

This beach belongs to the Denizkizi Hotel, so hotel guests can relax here for free, and those who want to spend time on this part of the coast will have to pay an entrance fee. For this money, you can swim in the fresh water pool, which is located on the territory of the hotel.

DenizKizi beach is well equipped, local employees keep it clean. From the shore you can also get to the pier, where there is a rental point for boats and catamarans. Those who wish can go windsurfing, rafting, water skiing. Diving is also available.

Kervansaray

This famous beach is located near Kyrenia if you drive along the main Karaolanolu highway to the sign. Getting here from the city is not difficult, you can rent a car or call a taxi. The beach is sandy and entry is free. But for an umbrella and a sunbed you will have to pay extra at the local rate. Not far from the water there is a restaurant and a bar with a good menu.

Alsancak

This small cozy beach is located on the site of the former base of the Turkish army. Part of the coast is part of the municipal property, so everyone can relax here. There is no equipment on the beach, but its absence is fully compensated by the wonderful landscape, gentle sea and golden sand. A small restaurant has been built next to the water, offering delicious Cypriot cuisine.

Camelot Beach

Camelot Beach stretches to the west of Kyrenia. Here on the sandy shore it is comfortable to relax for both adults and children. There is a restaurant, a bar, a free bathroom on the beach, but you will have to pay extra for some amenities. As entertainment, it is proposed to ride on the water on a banana and a cheesecake, water skiing, and explore the seabed while scuba diving.

Lara

Lara beach is also called Vakiflar. It is located near the village of Vyrsi, where mostly immigrants from the UK live. The sand on this coast is darker than usual, but the beach is private. Therefore, there are all the amenities necessary for relaxation: a bathroom, changing rooms, a restaurant with an open veranda. Parking is available nearby.

Lara

Diana

Diana Beach is located two kilometers east of Kyrenia. For the convenience of vacationers, sand was brought here, but it ends at the very edge of the water. Therefore, the seabed here, although shallow, is covered with pebbles.

Diana

The bay where the beach is sheltered is small. Stone breakwaters were also built to prevent sea currents and strong waves. Lifeguards are on duty on the beach, there are amenities in the form of a bathroom and changing rooms. Umbrellas and sun loungers are taken for a small fee. There is a cafe nearby.

Acapulco

Acapulco Resort Convention SPA is located near Kyrenia. The hotel has several large swimming pools, an aqua park and a private beach. The coast of Acapulco has everything you need for a quality holiday, and the sea area is suitable for windsurfing.

The entrance to the water is gentle, so it is convenient for small children to swim here. There are two restaurants on site. Rest on the coast for hotel guests is free, everyone else will have to pay an entrance fee.

Alagadi (Alagadi)   

Alagadi or Turtle Beach is a reserved and wild place, but also the most famous on the Cypriot coast. It is located 16 kilometers from Kyrenia. Turtles come here and lay their eggs in the sand. And after some time, the little turtles get out of the shells and hurry into the sea in a friendly company.

Everyone can watch this amazing picture. Volunteers are constantly on duty on the beach, who keep order and help small tortillas if necessary.

There are changing cabins next to the car park. In the high season, there is also a bathroom. But there are no umbrellas and sun loungers, so vacationers have to take care of the accommodation themselves. The beach is closed at night.

This list of Kyrenia beaches is far from exhausted. There are private territories belonging to hotels, and municipal, and wild desert places with crystal clear water and amazing sands.

Active recreation

The beaches of Kyrenia offer many water activities. Diving centers operate here, catamarans, boats, equipment for scuba diving, surfing, water skiing are available for rent. On the coast, this can be mountain biking and walking tours. And for lovers of fishing, excellent fishing is organized.

Girne also has golf courses. For example, the Korineum Golf & Beach Resort has its own world-class golf course, bowling alley, and gyms. Adrenaline lovers can try their hand at paragliding. This is the same flight on a special parachute - a paraglider, only the athletes do not jump from an airplane, but from a high cliff. Jumps are paired with an instructor.

In addition to the paragliding office, there are diving centers in Kyrenia that teach scuba diving. After completing the course, you can get a certificate of a novice athlete. On the beaches of Girne you can rent catamarans and jet skis. There are many bars in Kyrenia. But some of them, located far from the embankment, work only from autumn to spring.

And beach establishments offer their services in the high season almost all night until four in the morning. Here on the coast, famous singers and DJs perform all summer. The list of the most popular clubs in Kyrenia includes Locca, Cage, AlMahara, Tango to Buddha, Ice Club and others. The gambling business also developed here.

During the tourist season, Kyrenia hosts many festivals and festivities. So, with the beginning of May, it's time for the student holiday Spring Fest. For a whole week, sports competitions, concerts, fairs of national cultures from students from different countries alternate here.

After eventful days, grandiose parties begin, at which guest celebrities perform. Admission to events is free. After the Student Spring, a tourist festival opens, where exhibitions of products of Cypriot masters, concerts, fireworks are held.

Next comes the classical music festival at the Bellapais Abbey, where works by Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi sound under the old vaults with excellent acoustics.

Attractions

Kyrenia is a beautiful, cozy city where you can wander for hours, looking at the streets, ancient temples, houses. In the center is the Old Pier, from which Girne began many centuries ago. Here, on the shore, there are the oldest buildings that have preserved the atmosphere of a seaside town for so many years. There are many cafes and small restaurants on the pier.

From here begins the old part of the city and the Kyrenia fortress, built during the period of the Roman Empire. The walls of the citadel were reconstructed more than once and withstood sieges. During the war with the Ottoman Empire, the fortress was surrendered to the enemy without a single shot being fired due to the betrayal of the local commandant.

But this also helped the citadel to remain in good condition until our times. Since the middle of the last century, the fortress has been a museum with a large collection of ancient weapons, clothing, and household items.

In the fortress on the coast there is the Shipwreck Museum with the remains of an old ship. It is believed that this ship was built during the time of Alexander the Great and is at least two thousand years old. The Museum of Folk Art has a large collection of products by local craftsmen. Exhibitions and sales are also held here.

You can see the faces of Christian saints in the Kyrenia Museum of Icons. There are three more ancient fortresses in the mountains outside the city, which can also be seen. It is worth visiting the Bellapais Abbey, located in the mountains near the village of the same name. The church and monastic cells built here in the 13th century are a vivid example of medieval Gothic.

Every year from May to June, a classical music festival is held here, which attracts performers from Europe and the USA. Not far from Kyrenia is the castle of St. Hilarion, the construction of which began in the 7th century. The royal halls, the knightly arena, an ancient temple, and casemates have been preserved here.

There are many other attractions in Kyrenia and the surrounding area. There are several dozens of ancient monasteries, cathedrals, mosques. Not all have been preserved intact to this day, but even the ancient ruins make a great impression.  

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