Kyrenia – discover the old town and fortress with a private guide

Among Cyprus’s most iconic coastal towns, Kyrenia Cyprus captivates with its rich history, medieval architecture, and unique blend of cultures.

From ancient foundations to Venetian fortresses, the town has stood the test of time as both a strategic harbor and a cultural gem.

In this Sanyctours Infothek entry, we take you beyond the travel brochures to explore the deeper historical and architectural significance of Kyrenia.

Whether you’re preparing for a tour or looking for inspiration, discover why Kyrenia Cyprus is considered one of the island’s must-see destinations.

Kyrenia Cyprus – Castles, History & Heritage

Located along the northern coastline, Kyrenia Cyprus (known locally as Girne) is a town layered in history, shaped by conquerors, traders, and settlers over more than two millennia. Originally founded by Achaean Greeks after the Trojan War, it later flourished under Roman and Byzantine rule, evolving into a vital maritime hub thanks to its naturally sheltered harbor.

The most dominant symbol of its historic legacy is the Kyrenia Castle, a formidable stone fortress guarding the eastern side of the harbor. Built in its earliest form by the Byzantines in the 7th century and later expanded by the Venetians, the castle still houses one of the island’s most fascinating attractions: the Shipwreck Museum, which displays a well-preserved Greek merchant vessel from the 4th century BCE along with its cargo—one of the oldest shipwrecks ever recovered.

Towering above the city, the dramatic St. Hilarion Castle sits perched on the Kyrenia mountain range. Originally a monastery, it was later fortified and served as a royal residence during the Lusignan period. Its fairy-tale appearance is said to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle, and today it offers panoramic views of the coastline and plains below.

Back in the heart of town, Kyrenia’s old harbor is the beating heart of the city. Lined with restored warehouses turned into tavernas and boutique shops, it reflects both Kyrenia’s mercantile past and its vibrant present. Fishing boats and yachts bob gently in the bay, surrounded by ancient walls and sun-warmed stone.

A short distance from the center, the Bellapais Abbey offers another window into the island’s medieval heritage. This 13th-century Gothic monastery, surrounded by cypress trees and mountain views, became internationally known thanks to author Lawrence Durrell, who lived nearby and immortalized the setting in his book Bitter Lemons of Cyprus.

Visitors to Kyrenia Cyprus find more than a beach town—they discover a living museum of Mediterranean history, wrapped in natural beauty and authentic local atmosphere. It’s a destination that invites deeper exploration through every castle corridor, stone alley, and sunlit terrace.

Visit Kyrenia with Sancytours

Some short informations about your tour

Pick-Up about 9:00 to 9:15 at your hotel, depending where you´re staying

Please bring your passport with you and comfortable shoes

Tour Highlights:

– Private full-day tour – no strangers, no groups
– Explore Kyrenia’s old town & historic harbor
– Visit to Kyrenia Castle & Shipwreck Museum
– Choose between Bellapais Monastery or St. Hilarion Castle for 2nd stop
– Custom pace – focus on what interests you most
– Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
– Includes border crossing to North Cyprus (ID/passport required)

 

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