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Things to do in Kyrenia

Our most recommended things to do in Kyrenia

From Larnaca: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

1. From Larnaca: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

Pickup is between 07:45 - 8:25 AM from your starting point. Drive towards the Strovolia checkpoint and cross into Northern Cyprus.  A short drive close to the ghost town will help to give you an idea of the invasion of 1974. There will be some free time to explore the old town of Famagusta with the majestic Gothic Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the big square, and the vibrant cafes, streets, and shops. Continue to Bellapais Abbey for and marvel at the breath-taking views over the coast of Kerynia. At Kerynia, there will be free time to visit Kerynia castle, stroll along the picturesque harbour or to enjoy lunch or coffee in one of the numerous taverns at the sea (optional extra, not included). In the afternoon, return via the checkpoint Strovilia to your starting point. You will arrive back at approximately 6:30 PM.

From Kyrenia: Half-Day St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Tour

2. From Kyrenia: Half-Day St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Tour

You'll visit St. Hillarion Castle reminiscent of Walt Disney's fairytale film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which was inspired by this castle. Spend around 1.5-hours to climb all the way to the top.  Then, continue through the craggy Five Fingers (Pentadaktylos) Mountains to Bellapais Abbey, a French Gothic styled monastery spectacularly set on a mountain terrace for incredible views. Discover the ruins of this 13th-century Augustinian Abbey with a licensed guide and a great view of Kyrenia's epic seascape far below. Another 30 minutes will be given to relax with a coffee break in a peaceful atmosphere.

Full day Nicosia & Kyrenia Tour: Private Tour from Limassol

3. Full day Nicosia & Kyrenia Tour: Private Tour from Limassol

Join this tour to explore St. Hilarion fairytale castle for 1.5-hours before you move onto the gorgeous Bellapais Abbey, a ruined 13th-century abbey in the Five Fingers Mountain. Visit Nicosia, the only divided capital city of Cyprus, and have lunch in the Great Han built by the Ottoman empire. After lunch, experience both its Greek and Turkish areas on this half-day trip from Nicosia. Walk into Nicosia's walled old city to visit Büyük Han and Selimiye Mosque, once St. Sophia Cathedral. Embark on a great tour for history and culture buffs. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in the lively lanes and streets. 

From Protaras: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

4. From Protaras: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

Pickup will be at 8:00-8:25AM from your accommodation, at which point you will drive towards the Strovilia checkpoint to cross the line to the occupied north. From there, a short drive close to the Ghost Town will provide you with an idea of the invasion of 1974. All houses and hotels in this fenced sealed-off area of Famagusta cannot be entered. Free time will then be given to explore the old town of Famagusta including the majestic Gothic Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the big square, and the vibrant cafes and narrow streets, complete with shops. You'll then continue to the Bellapais Abbey to visit and marvel at the breathtaking views over the coast of Kerynia. Once at Kerynia, free time will be given so that you can visit Kerynia Castle, stroll along the picturesque harbor, or enjoy lunch or coffee in one of the numerous taverns at the sea (lunch is not included in the price). In the afternoon you'll return via the checkpoint, returning to your tour starting point at 6:00-6:30PM.

Ayia Napa: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

5. Ayia Napa: Kerynia and Famagusta Coach Tour

Pickup will be between 08:00am-8:55am from the hotel/pick up point, you will drive towards the Strovilia Checkpoint. Once there you will cross the line to the occupied north, where a short drive close to the ghost town of Famagusta will give you an idea of the invasion of 1974. Whilst there some free time will be given to explore the old town of Famagusta, including the majestic Gothic Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the big square, and the vibrant cafes and narrow streets. Continuing to Bellapais Abbey, you can marvel at the breathtaking views over the coast of Kerynia. Once at Kerynia, free time will be given to visit the Kerynia Castle, stroll by the picturesque harbor, or enjoy lunch or coffee in one of the numerous taverns by the sea (lunch is not included in the price). In the afternoon, return via the checkpoint Deryneia to your starting point where you will return at approximately 6:00pm-6:30pm.

Larnaca to Kyrenia Private Transfer

6. Larnaca to Kyrenia Private Transfer

Start your holiday from the moment you arrive with private taxi transfers from Larnaca Airport. Bypass long taxi queues, and forget boring coach transfers that stop at everyone else's hotel before yours! Forget the stress and meet your driver directly in the arrival hall. Sit back and relax in air-conditioned comfort in a spacious clean car - no hire car forms to fill in, no hotel transfer buses, no taxi queues, and no family arguments reading a map! With all transfers from Larnaca to Kyrenia and Famagusta, you'll make a brief stop at a border crossing, where your driver will take care of all the necessary paperwork swiftly.

From Nicosia: Famagusta and Kyrenia Circle Day Trip

7. From Nicosia: Famagusta and Kyrenia Circle Day Trip

Following pick-up from your hotel, you will head out to the northern part of Cyprus. There you will get the chance to observe the Mesaria Plain, Kyrenia Mountain and numerous villages where the Greek and Turkish used to live together before 1974. Upon arrival, you will begin by exploring Varosha, a once vibrant tourist quarter of Famagusta, but now a ghost town due to conflicts in the 1970s. Afterwards, you will head to the Famagusta City Wall, where you'll see the Saint Nicolas Cathedral, now known as the Lala Mustafa Mosque. You will then have 40 minutes of free time to explore the area and enjoy some coffee. Your tour will resume with a visit to the ancient city-kingdom of Salamis. There, you will be taken on a guided tour around the archaeological site, which includes a beautiful ancient Greek theater, marble columns, Roman baths and a gymnasium. Afterwards, you'll have the option of stopping for 45 minutes to enjoy some lunch at a nearby restaurant. You will then head back out on a 75-minute drive to Kyrenia. You'll also have the chance to stop at Iskele/Bogaz fishing harbor village for a coffee break (depending on time). At Kyrenia, you will first stop at Bellapais to see the gorgeous Bellapais Abbey, a ruined 13th-century abbey in the Five Fingers Mountains. Finally, you will have 20 minutes to explore the harbor town of Kyrenia, which is regarded as the jewel of North Cyprus.

Other Sightseeing Options in Kyrenia

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What people are saying about Kyrenia

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 19 reviews

We really enjoyed this tour. Gemma kept in touch with us prior to departure and answered any questions we had. We were picked up promptly at our hotel and our first port of call was The St. Hilarion Castle. Gemma walked part of the way with us giving us the history of the castle then left us to explore and climb to the top, the views were stunning. When we came back down Gemma was waiting patiently for us and then drove us to the Bellapais Abbey. Once again Gemma explained the history and gave us some time to explore by ourselves. I would highly recommend this tour. What a great way to spend a morning! Do it if you are in the area.

This was a shore excursion from Limassol, Cyprus. The company reached out with he driver's name and contact info and his contact number and then sent a picture of the vehicle on the morning of the tour. Our guide, Cemal was excellent. He knew how to navigate around the crazy traffic and knew lots of historical and cultural information about the country where he was born. He was always mindful of the schedule and managed to fit in all the sites even though our day was a short one! I would highly recommend this company and Cemal.

It was a very nice tour. The communication was excellent, the timings for each location as well as our guide, Eleni, who shared very interesting insights as well as valuable personal stories. We really enjoyed the trip, all was smooth and better than expected given the rating of the tour. Just make sure you do not expect to stop at the ghost town because this is not included. But you will see it close enough from the bus.

The tour was great, we visited exciting places (Famagusta, Bellapais Abbey, Kyrenia) and our tour guide was very kind and provided us with the necessary information about the sights.

We LOVED Gemma. Amazing lady! Nothing was a problem for her. Great commentary . We loved our tour