Kyrenia is located on the north coast of Northern Cyprus. With the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean in front and protected by the magnificent Kyrenia mountain range in the background, the town and its surroundings have been the most popular holiday area in Northern Cyprus for many years. Kyrenia, the nearby towns and the coast are dotted with places to stay and in every type and style you can imagine: from small family estates with a handful of bungalows clustered around a pool and cage, to large developments with every possible amenity. This short article is by no means a comprehensive list of all the places to visit in or near Kyrenia, but we have been visiting and working in the country for over twenty years, so the comments may be useful to anyone who is Thinking of a holiday in Kyrenia.

The region can be roughly divided into four separate areas. Kyrenia city, the coast to the west, the coast to the east and the surrounding towns. Hotels are generally divided into similar types for each of these areas. Most of the small holdings are in the village locations, although there are a few in Kyrenia and along the coast. Kyrenia’s hotels are for the most part quite large, luxurious and well-equipped, although the relative lack of space in a city means that facilities are limited. This is a relative term though as they all have odd sized pools, a selection of restaurants and bars etc. Properties along the coast are less limited in terms of physical area, and it is here that you will find the large resort-style properties, with every conceivable facility on site. However, the location means that you will inevitably have to travel to visit other restaurants and shops. That being said, renting a car in Northern Cyprus is relatively cheap. Most of the roads are deserted and you drive on the left, just like in the UK. A car is almost essential if you want to get out and explore, although guided tours can be booked from most locations.

Home to Kyrenia’s castle, the beautiful old port and an enormous variety of shops and restaurants, Kyrenia also has some truly world-class hotels. For something that feels a little smaller, the Pia Bella Hotel is on the outskirts of town and has good-sized gardens with two freshwater pools. Famous for its Cypriot cuisine, the hotel regularly organizes “Cyprus nights” during the main season. Just on the outskirts of town, about a mile and a half from the center, Altinkaya Hotel also has a justified reputation for food and service. Altinkaya is divided into two ‘sections’, one designed more for family use and the other for smoking cessation. The hotel also has a handful of larger bungalows that can accommodate up to four people.

Approximately four miles from Kyrenia and nestled in the foothills of the Kyrenia mountain range, the village of Bellapais is one of the most famous in Cyprus and is home to the impressive Bellapais Abbey. The town has a lovely quiet atmosphere, although the center can be a bit “touristy” in high season. There are a handful of restaurants in the center of the village. Bellapais Gardens Hotel is located in the heart of the village, dominated by the abbey above it. With a small selection of studio apartments and cottages, the hotel has beautiful gardens, a good swimming pool and is renowned for the quality of its restaurant. The hotel has a very calm atmosphere and does not accept children. Beyond the foothills and to the east, the Malpas Hotel is a high-quality hotel that specializes in offering a luxurious environment. With an elegant and sophisticated style, the hotel is well equipped and suitable for families.

A little further on, and just on the coast, is Acapulco Cyprus. One of the largest properties on the entire island, Acapulco Cyprus is a resort with almost everything you can imagine. There are three swimming pools, a large private beach, a selection of restaurants, bars and cafes and provision for all kinds of activities. There is also a wide range of accommodation here, from reasonably basic bungalows to high-quality luxurious suites. Truly something for everyone!

In the opposite direction of Kyrenia, traveling west, a short drive will take you to Hideaway Cyprus. Originally built as a private club, accommodation was added to it some time ago. Hideaway is located in a quiet area near the village of Edremit. Family run for two generations, the hotel is an intimate retreat and is renowned for its cuisine and poolside barbecue nights. Small and with a languid atmosphere, the emphasis here is on the personal touch.

Further west, near the village of Alsancak, Riverside Cyprus is a much larger property. Set in eight acres of attractive gardens, however, the resort feels more relaxed, with bungalow and villa accommodations spread throughout the grounds. Riverside has three swimming pools, a selection of restaurants and bars and a host of facilities, making it an ideal family stay.

Whatever your requirements, holidays in Kyrenia are still truly some of the best in the world. Northern Cyprus remains outside the Eurozone, so value for money is excellent. The weather year round is favorable and depending on the time of year you can find it range from warm to sizzling. While almost all modern pursuits can be found somewhere in the area, the country as a whole still retains an old-fashioned approach to life. It really is the Mediterranean as it used to be.