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Region · North Coast of Northern Cyprus

Girne (Kyrenia): Port city with castle, mountains and history

Picturesque old harbor, a mighty castle on the water and a mountain backdrop — Girne is the most famous tourist region in Northern Cyprus, ideal for sightseeing and enjoyment.

PositionNorth Coast · Girne
characterHarbor & Mountains
Ideal forSightseeing & Culinary Delights
HighlightsCastle, Bellapais
overview

Girne in Northern Cyprus — the classic holiday region.

Girne (Kyrenia) Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Beşparmak Mountains on the north coast, the town boasts a charming old harbor lined with restaurants and cafes, while historical buildings beckon from above – a region that combines history, cuisine, and mountain panoramas.

Harbor & Castle

The old port and Kyrenia Castle.

The heart of Girne is its horseshoe-shaped old harbor with its promenade. Right next to it, Kyrenia Castle watches over the entrance; inside, the Shipwreck Museum displays one of the oldest salvaged merchant ships in the world.

  • Old Harbor. Promenade with restaurants and cafes by the water.
  • Kyrenia Castle. Fortress at the harbor with a shipwreck museum.
Alter Hafen und Burg von Girne/Kyrenia (Platzhalterbild)
In the mountains

Bellapais Abbey & St. Hilarion Castle.

Above Girne lie two of the island's most beautiful buildings: the Gothic Bellapais Abbey overlooking the coast and the Crusader castle of St. Hilarion, which clings spectacularly to the rocks of the Beşparmak Mountains.

  • Bellapais Abbey. Gothic monastery ruins in the mountain village above Girne.
  • St. Hilarion Castle. A fairytale mountain fortress with panoramic views.
Historische Burg in den Bergen bei Girne (Platzhalterbild)
At a glance

Highlights in Girne.

Old PortPromenade & Restaurants
Kyrenia CastleWith shipwreck museum
Bellapais AbbeyGothic monastery ruins
St. Hilarion CastleMountain fortress with a view
beachesBays along the coast
Mountain sceneryBeşparmak Mountains
Impressions

Impressions from Girne

My own photos will follow — the gallery temporarily shows placeholder images.

Map

Places in Girne (Kyrenia) on the map.

Restaurants, beaches, sights & tips in Girne (Kyrenia) — filtered directly for the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Girne (Kyrenia) — Your questions.

What is there to see in Girne (Kyrenia)?
Landmarks include the picturesque old harbor and Kyrenia Castle with its shipwreck museum. In the mountains above lie Bellapais Abbey (a Gothic monastery ruin) and the Crusader castle of St. Hilarion, offering sweeping views of the coast.
Where is Girne (Kyrenia) located?
Girne lies on the north coast of Northern Cyprus, between the sea and the Beşparmak Mountains (Pentadaktylos). It is probably the most famous tourist region on the island.
Is Bellapais Abbey worth visiting?
Yes. The Gothic monastery ruins above Girne are among the most beautiful buildings on the island and offer a wide view of the coast from their hillside location.
Are there beaches in Girne?
Yes. There are several beaches and bathing bays along the coast around Girne — sightseeing and swimming can be easily combined.
How do I get to Girne?
Via Ercan or Larnaca airports, ideally by rental car. From the east coast (Long Beach / İskele), Girne is easily accessible as a day trip or stopover — see also our Getting There page.

Discover Girne — a holiday on the coast of Northern Cyprus.

Combine sightseeing in Girne with a beach holiday. Take a look at our facilities or write to us.

Long Beach area contact

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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