Kyrenia & Famagusta Resorts
Kyrenia is the prettiest town on the island, a tranquil seaside resort of the type that has all but died out elsewhere in the Mediterranean. If beaches are your priority, then the Famagusta region is for you.
Kyrenia (Girne)
The superb coastline of North Cyprus combines natural unspoiled beauty with a rich and varied history. This is why Kyrenia is one of the most picturesque towns in the Mediterranean, situated in a peaceful setting 2000 ft below the castle of St Hilarion, perched atop the rocks of the Besparmak mountain range. Its tiny crescent harbour still retains its original character, and is dominated by an imposing 7th century castle which houses the famous Shipwreck Museum. There, you can see examples of the ancient cargo recovered with a shipwreck, about one mile from Kyrenia Harbour, believed to have sunk in the year 300BC. This charming Venetian harbour is now the ideal place to slow down to the relaxing Cypriot pace, and watch life go by from one of the harbour cafes or restaurants, which offer something for everyone. For those with an eye for the cultural excellence, a visit to Bellapais Abbey will offer unforgettable moments. An ideal resort for holidays, Kyrenia offers a wide range of accommodation, some on the attractive seafront and some on the sleepy foothills of the mountain range. Each type of accommodation has its own charming character and all selected to represent the best value and standard in their class. Kyrenia has retained its charm and is a favourite of many of its visitors. Famagusta (Gazimagusa)
Originally a fishing village during the 13th century, Famagusta rapidly evolved to become a major mediaeval commercial centre between east and west, and a residence for rich merchants who built many of the monuments seen today, within the impressive walls built by the Venetians, to protect the wealth of the city from hostile invaders. Lusignans crowned their kings in the famous St Nicholas Cathedral which now dominates the old city, with its original gothic architecture, superbly preserved by the Ottoman Turks who added a minaret and converted the interior into a mosque. Famagusta can offer a wealth of treasure for the culturally orientated visitor, such as the antique Roman city of Salamis, Othello's Tower, Bronze age ruins of Alasia and Engomi, the monastery of St Barnabas, now an Icon museum, and the Kantara Castle. Apart from a rich and varied history, in this warmest part of Cyprus, lie miles of unspoilt and uncrowded beaches. Several bars and restaurants along the coast serve the best of fresh traditional and continental dishes as well as the local brandy, raki and beer. You will enjoy walking the narrow streets of the old city, deep within the safety of the historic walls, where hundreds of shopkeepers display their selection of local arts and crafts. With all it has to offer, we believe that once discovered, Famagusta will soon become one of the Mediterranean's most sought after vacation areas. |
Other InformationAbout North Cyprus
Kyrenia & Famagusta Excursions & Day Trips Sites of Interest Museums Culture & Activities Cuisine Price Match Promise Local NumbersEmergency Numbers:Fire (General) 199 Forest Fire 177 Ambulance 112 Police 155 British Consulate Nicosia Tel: 22 74938 Tourism Information Nicosia Selcuklu Caddesi Tel: 22 81057 Kyrenia Kordonboyu Tel: 81 52145 Famagusta Fevzi Cakmak Caddesi Tel: 36 62864 Ercan Airport Terminal Building Tel: 23 14703 |
