Alagadi -
Situated on the borders of Esentepe, Alagadi is one of the cleanest and longest stretches of sandy beaches on the island. On driving from Kyrenia towards Esentepe, at the end of a 16km drive, taking a left hand turn on the road, Alagadi is situated 600 meters towards the coast. During the summer season, because the green turtles (caretta-caretta) have chosen this coast in order to lay their eggs, vehicle entrance to the beach is prohibited at most late afternoons and sunsets.
Alsancak-
The established area of Alsancak is located just west of Kyrenia, and has something to offer everyone with its spectacular sea and mountain views. The village is located at the foothills of the Besparmak Mountains. It has a good selection of quality restaurants within easy walking distance. Its closeness to escape and Camelot beaches, beach clubs with a number of facilities including water sports, makes Alsancak one of the most popular holiday destinations.
Arapköy-
Located 10 minutes east of Kyrenia the village of Arapköy is conveniently situated for Ercan airport just 20 minutes away. Certain areas of Arapköy command beautiful mountain and sea views.
Bellapais-
Unchanged and unhurried since its colonial days, tiny narrow streets on serpentine turnings away from the main square, and scattered amongst the whitewashed buildings are many excellent and inexpensive cafes and bistros. Bellapais is an ideal haven for those seeking a calm and relaxing opportunity to sample the Cyprus of a bygone era. Bellapais Abbey is perched precariously on a natural terrace, and stands guard over the whole of the Northern coastline, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful and indeed most important Gothic buildings in the Near East.
Çatalköy-
The quaint village of Çatalköy has around 600 inhabitants, maintains its own private beach for residents which is five minutes from the village. The retired locals refer to the Mountain and Meadows as "The Lake District without the lakes". It is a walker's paradise with many colorful species of wild orchids and flowers dotting the landscape.
Doganköy-
It is a small sleepy hillside village just east of Kyrenia neighboring Bellapais with magnificent views of the sea and the Besparmak Mountain range. Picturesque properties are dotted along the mountainside. Only five minutes from all the amenities available in Kyrenia as well as being close to the new harbor.
Edremit-
Set lower on the mountainside is the village of Edremit, 10 minutes west of Kyrenia. A typical Cypriot village where the locals gather after sunset to catch up on the day's gossip. The views from Edremit are stunning, both the mountain and sea views.
Esentepe-
When translated into English, the name Esentepe means "Windy Hill". Esentepe is one of the most beautiful villages of Northern Cyprus, located just 16 kilometers away from the eastern shores of Kyrenia. It is famous for its unspoilt nature with panoramic mountain and sea views. Esentepe is located at the foothills of the five finger mountain range, overlooking a coastline made up of natural sandy beaches.
Karakum-
A small village located just a mile east of Kyrenia with its own small sandy bay. The village is conveniently located on the bus route and has several restaurants, shops and a large supermarket all within walking distance. There is a good number of fish restaurants and bars in Karakum adding it an extra charm and character.
Karaman-
The village lies on the mountain above Kyrenia and nestles in the foothills of the Besparmak Mountain range and the crusader castle of St Hilarion. The old Greek Orthodox Church is now a museum and is open on most Sunday mornings around 11am.
Kyrenia-
The bustling town of Girne(Kyrenia) is adorned with tradational artifacts and lively stalls that would be a feasting welcome for global shoppers and tourists . With the backdrop of the mountains behind and the calm sparkling sea in front, the harbor has an intoxicatingly serene atmosphere. Kyrenia Castle is a North Cyprus highlight that should not be missed when in Kyrenia. You can visit a Shipwreck Museum inside, which is along with the castle fascinating.
Kyrenia Harbour is the jewel of North Cyprus
Karaoglanoglu-
Once a small sleepy village, Ayyrogi (Karaoglanoglu) has grown to be a sought - after suburb of Kyrenia, about 5km to the west of the town. The village is famous for its lemon and olive groves which sprawl the hills and the fields. In the recent years, with the popularity of the area both with locals and with tourists, several hotels and restaurants have emerged on the coastline with extra care taken not to overdevelop the area to the detriment of the environment.
Karsiyaka-
The picturesque area of Karsiyaka affords stunning views of the highest mountain in the Besparmak Range. It is an up and coming area with a quantity of shops and good quality fish restaurants close to the waters edge.
Kayalar-
Follow the winding road along the mountain side to the village of Kayalar with its stunning panoramic coastline views. Discover the numerous secret beaches hidden by the rugged cliff tops. This area is untamed and wild, a nature lovers paradise.
Lapta-
Located west of Kyrenia, Lapta reflects its past glory into its role as one of the jewels in the crown of North Cyprus's tourism industry with its abundance of historical sites, natural beauty, hotels, restaurants and beautifully restored buildings. Perched on the northern slopes of the Besparmak Mountains, facing down towards the Mediterranean, this rather large village has been blessed with such pure water and fresh air that locally produced fruit, vegetables and meat cannot help but be delicious.
Ozanköy-
A sprawling mountainside village east of Kyrenia, the narrow village roads wind their way up the mountainside. It is a picturesque village offering a variety of restaurants perched on the mountainside affording stunning sea views.
Tatlisu-
When translated into English Tatlisu means sweet water which describes perfectly this unspoilt region. A number of quiet sandy coves dot the coastline, with its crystal clear turquoise aqua marine sea; it is the perfect location to unwind, and for the more energetic it is a diving and snorkeling paradise.
Zeytinlik-
The exclusive area of Zeytinlik is set in a tranquil rural position amongst olive groves and overlooked by the spectacular St Hilarion Castle. A panoramic view from the village means that you can watch the sunrise over the Karpaz and then set over the Mediterranean Sea in the West.
Places that you must stop by:
Kyrenia Castle should not be missed when in Kyrenia. There is a Shipwreck Museum inside, which speak of historical fact and heritage.
Aqua Park in Northern Cyprus lies outside Kyrenia, on the main road, near Çatalkoy.
Bogaz, a lovely coastal fishing village situated in Karpaz is lined with harbour cafes
Bellapais Abbey outside Kyrenia is a mystical yet romantic Gothic monastery. With its outstanding views, it is set in a lovely village of Bellapais. Considered as very auspicious for wedding rituals and special events.
St Hilarion Castle, speaks of the famous walt disney fairy tale-Snow White. It is a famous Lusignan fort towering high in the Kyrenia Mountain Range is an absolute must. A stunning evidence of North Cyprus history.
Salamis, ancient Roman ruins near Famagusta is a gorgeous historical site, just cast your mind back ...
Buffavento Castle can be reached by a rough ride or a bit of a walk, but would take your breath away once you reach its stunning beauty at the peaks!!
Kantara Castle exists as one of the Crusaders castle trio in the Kyrenia Mountain Range and allows wonderful views on North Cyprus beaches.
The Karpaz Peninsula
Karpaz stretches out to the southern shores of Turkey and is known as the Golden treasure of Northern Cyprus. With lovely villages and sparkling clean beaches,this lovely treasure trove is bound to mystify any holiday maker!!. Admire the Karpaz wild donkeys living free.