Resorts in Cyprus

Places to visit in Northern Cyprus

Kyrenia

Kyrenia has a quaint harbour, arguably one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, and a wide promenade lined with bars and restaurants. The town is centered around its horse-shoe shaped harbour, lined with elegant buildings, formerly warehouses but now restored and used mainly as cafes and restaurants. In the evenings, and especially at weekends, they become a hub of activity - not surprising as the quality of food is generally exceptionally good and relatively inexpensive (no more than £40 for two for a three-course meal including a bottle of reasonably good wine).

During the day the harbour is lined with fishing and pleasure boats, and the waterfront cafes make an ideal place to sit and enjoy a drink or have a relaxing lunch. Kyrenia castle, based on the site of a Roman fort, has an interesting mixture of historical styles. The castle also houses the shipwreck museum where there are the remains of a 2,300 year old ship.

There are a number of other small museums in Kyrenia as well as several mediaeval churches, but the greatest pleasure comes from just wandering through the streets or along the harbour walls and enjoying the atmosphere.

Kyrenia also has good shopping; the streets are lined with small shops selling everything from traditional crafts to designer clothes and perfume. The town market is the place to buy fruit and spices.


Bellepais

Located at the foothills of the Besparmark mountains, and just a few miles from Kyrenia, is the sleepy village of Bellepais.
Gerald Durrell settled here for a while in the fifties and immortalised the village and its inhabitants in his book 'Bitter Lemons'. Durrell wrote of the tree of idleness, a large mulberry in the village square, under whose branches you should not sit even for a moment if you hope to do any work that day. This does not present a problem for those of you who are here specifically not to work and you can still pause for a drink in the village tea house which shelters under the tree.

Bellepais Abbey was founded in 1200, as St. Mary of the Mountain. The Abbey has a long and fascinating history. Today, only part of the original Abbey remains, although it is still majestically beautiful, particularly at sunset when the light catches the graceful arches of the cloister. The Abbey forms a magnificent place with a sense of peace and tranquility. For the active, the village is a great base for walkers as many paths lead into the mountains where many species of wild flowers and birds can be seen.

Bellepais still retains all the ingredients that made it so special for Gerald Durrell, and for the founders of the Abbey. And that is why more people than ever visit this special place in Cyprus.

Karmi, St Hilarion Castle, Nicosia and Famagusta

The village of Karmi is easily visited in half a day, as is St Hilarion Castle. For a full day trip visit Nicosia which will delight anyone who loves traditional surroundings, with its Ottoman buildings, Turkish Baths and bustling markets. For a full day excursion, visit Famagusta. The fine-sandy beaches on the outskirts of Famagusta are outstanding.