Kyrenia Road Trip: Best Beaches & Hidden Gems

Kyrenia: The Jewel of North Cyprus

Kyrenia (Girne) is North Cyprus's most picturesque town, with a stunning harbour, Crusader castle and mountain backdrop. Renting a car is the best way to explore the coastline and discover hidden treasures.

Kyrenia Harbour & Castle

Start your trip at Kyrenia's iconic horseshoe harbour. The 16th-century castle houses the Shipwreck Museum, containing one of the oldest trading vessels ever recovered — dating to 300 BC. The harbour is lined with restaurants perfect for a seaside lunch.

Bellapais Abbey

Just 6 km from Kyrenia, this stunning Gothic monastery sits on a hillside with panoramic sea views. Built in the 13th century, it was immortalised by Lawrence Durrell in 'Bitter Lemons of Cyprus'. Visit in the evening for occasional classical music concerts.

St. Hilarion Castle

Perched at 732m on the Beshparmak Mountains, St. Hilarion is said to have inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. The climb is worth it for the breathtaking 360° views of Kyrenia, the mountains and the Mediterranean.

Best Beaches Near Kyrenia

• Escape Beach: Crystal-clear water, beach club with music and cocktails
• Alagadi Turtle Beach: Protected nesting site for loggerhead turtles (June-October)
• Diana Beach: Quiet and family-friendly, less crowded than Escape
• Karşıyaka Beach: Off the beaten path, perfect for a peaceful swim

Mountain Villages

The villages nestled in the Beshparmak range offer a taste of traditional Cypriot life:

• Zeytinlik: Stone houses, olive groves and a village coffee shop frozen in time
• Lapta: Seafront restaurants with sunset views
• Karaman: Quiet hilltop village with great hiking trails

How to Get Around

Rent a car from KKTC Rental Kyrenia to explore at your own pace. All major sites are within a 30-minute drive. Book online for the best rates and free cancellation.