Lefkoşa (Nicosia) | Gazimagusa (Famagusta) | Girne (Kyrenia) | Güzelyurt | Iskele / Karpaz

Girne (Kyrenia) Region

Charming Venetian harbour town backed by dramatic wooded hills
 
The long northern coastline is backed by the Beşparmak (Five Finger) Mountains with their dramatic wooded slopes and craggy summits. Sandy beaches and rocky coves await discovery along the shore and the Venetian harbour town of Girne (Kyrenia) sits in the centre in all its considerable beauty.

Venetian Harbour Town
One of the region’s many highlights is the picturesque port town of Girne which is famous for its historic and perfectly crescent-shaped harbour set against the dramatic backdrop of the Beşparmak Mountains. You will enjoy exploring the Venetian castle and facades, cobbled medieval streets, as well as the ancient stone-built warehouses, today transformed into a labyrinth of fascinating craft shops. The town forms the hub of activity in North Cyprus, as visitors and locals alike are drawn to its unhurried pace of life combined with a fantastic array of water-facing restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, including the newly-restored Bandabulya – a collection of craft shops, juice bars and cafes, complete with a Wireless Hotspot. Museums are plentiful in Girne, including the museum of folk art and public arts.

Fresh Local Cuisine
The harbour is home to many local fishing boats - you will relish a mouth-watering feast overlooking the harbour, with an abundance of fresh seafood, grilled meat and kebab dishes or traditional cuisine which makes fine use of the delicious local fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices.

Beautiful Bellapais
Nearby, castles, ruins and religious relics adorn the Beşparmak Mountains, whilst the lower hills and lowlands are alive with lush greenery, rare species of birds and butterflies, and a natural diversity of flowers that is unmatched in the Mediterranean, including 19 endemic orchid and plant species. Nestled on the Beşparmak Mountains is also the delightful Bellapais village and Monastery which are just a short drive from the town of Girne. Here you will encounter true Mediterranean hospitality and fantastic walking and hiking opportunities.

Golf in North Cyprus
Now is also an exciting time to visit the Girne region as facilities are being developed to add variety to life, such as the 2007 opening of Korineum, the first professional 18-hole golf course in North Cyprus - as well as an array of new boutique and luxury hotels.

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