Kyrenia District Things to Do Tips by peterdhduncan Top 5 Page for this destination

Bellapais Abbey

We went for a meal at Bellapais Gardens Hotel Restaurant and then to a concert at the abbey. The abbey was illuminated, and during the interval, we were able to explore it. Altogether, a very enjoyable evening!

For its history and a description, go to cypnet

Website: http://www.cypnet.co.uk/ncyprus/city/kyrenia/bellapais/abbey.htm

Kyrenia Castle

Kyrenia Castle, probably built by the Byzantines in the 8th century on the site of a Roman fort, dominates the entrance to the harbour. It is an interesting place to wander around.

The Shipwreck Museum, which houses the hull of a sailing ship which sank in about 270 b.c., is on its eastern side. Unfortunately, the part of the museum containing the hull itself was closed for work on it when we visited, but we saw some fascinating items that had been salvaged from it.

Website: http://www.cypnet.co.uk/ncyprus/city/kyrenia/castle/index.html

Soli

The remains of the town of Soli, founded in 600 b.c., lie about 40 miles to the west of Kyrenia. We spent an hour or so there during which we were the only people exploring the site.

Website: http://www.cypnet.co.uk/ncyprus/city/guzelyurt/lefke/lefke-web/soli.htm

St Hilarion Castle

This castle, which is situated in the mountains a few minutes drive to the south of Kyrenia, was probably built in the late 11th century.

It is another place which provides spectacular views and which would have kept its occupants fit. Indeed, even climbing from the bottom to the top of the castle, which is on several levels, required considerable energy, particularly in the 30 degrees + heat.

For its history and a description, go to cypnet.

From here, we set off on a tour of the Karpas Peninsula....

Website: http://www.cypnet.co.uk/ncyprus/city/kyrenia/castle/sthilarion/index.html

Vouni Palace

A few miles on from Soli, this palace, believed to have been built about 500 b.c., occupies an amazing position on the sumit of a very high hill. It must have kept the original occupants (or their servants) very fit climbing up and down! The views over the surrounding country and along the coast are superb.

For its history and a description, go to cypnet

Website: http://www.cypnet.co.uk/ncyprus/city/guzelyurt/lefke/lefke-web/vouni.htm