Kyrenia City

Kyrenia city is the most beautiful city in North Cyprus. It is the historic coastal town, where history and entertainment joins together.

If you are planning on car rental in Northern Cyprus, you should not miss a visit to Kyrenia, also called Girne. Located within an hour’s drive of Nicosia, this charming town on the Northern coast was inhabited as far back as Neolithic times, and is full of atmosphere and history. It is well worth spending a day or two to explore the town which has been host to many important historical events.  The Romans, Richard the Lionheart, the Knights Templar, the Venetians and the Ottomans all played their part in forming the rich culture and architecture of the area, and this can be seen in the ruins and relics that are scattered around the town.

• Park your car hire at the Kyrenia car park which is 2 minutes walking distance and walk along the picturesque harbour and watch the fishing boats with the imposing Kyrenia Castle as a stunning backdrop. The sight of the illuminated castle at night viewed from the harbour is not to be missed!
• Visit one of the many restaurants dotted along the harbour for some freshly caught seafood or succulent kebabs, or check out the extensive shopping facilities in the restored shops around the harbour or the Kyrenia market.
• Wander up to the impressive Kyrenia Castle, originally built during the Byzantine period. Since then other nations have made their distinctive mark in the architecture of the castle, and you can see towers and relics built by the Venetians and the Crusaders. 
• The shipwreck museum is situated within the castle and features a fully preserved Greek trading vessel from 2300 years ago. Incredibly its cargo is also still intact and includes stone grain-mills, 400 wine amphorae and 9000 almonds!
• Art lovers will love the beautiful icon museum dedicated to the Archangel Gabriel which is located in the old port.
• If you have car hire, take a trip to the spectacular Abbaye de la Paix, in the village of Bellapais, a richly decorated Gothic monastery from the 12th Century.

Just walking around Kyrenia, you will soak up the sense of times gone by in the distinctive architecture and remains scattered throughout the town. Although a town of under 50,000 people, it is extremely rich in attractions, and you should take the time to explore and enjoy this friendly town.
And don’t forget that if you have arranged car hire in Northern Cyprus, you can also drive further afield. Within a short drive of Kyrenia you will find the Crusader castles of Kantara, St. Hilarion and Buffavento, offering a taste of history as well as stunning views over the Kyrenia mountain range.

Visit the Cyprus Photos section to see Kyrenia Castle, Kyrenia Harbour and Kyrenia City.

Visit also the Ercan Airport page. It might be useful.