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Kyrenia

Cyprus · Coast · EUR · 35.336300, 33.316500
Family friendly 7.1/10 · Rank 656 of 2 709
Best season: April-June, September-October

Best for

Kyrenia is an ideal place for those who want to see the northern part of Cyprus with its medieval castles and picturesque harbour. It is recommended for history, nature and quiet holiday lovers. Suitable for couples, families and solo travellers. Least suitable for vibrant nightlife lovers.

Best season

April-June, September-October

Daily budget
$117.00 (≈ 9 819 ₽ · ≈ 104 EUR)
For 7 days
$819.00 (≈ 68 730 ₽ · ≈ 731 EUR)
Kyrenia (Girne) is the main resort and port of Northern Cyprus, where the picturesque old harbour with fishing boats and yachts is the heart of the city. The Venetian castle and the ruins of Bellapais Abbey, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean, attract history lovers. This is a cosy town with excellent restaurants and a mild climate at the foot of the Pentadaktylos mountains.
Summer
34.5°C
Winter
7.0°C
Sea
27.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Kyrenia is a city with Turkish-Cypriot population. Locals are welcoming and used to tourists. The atmosphere is calm and authentic.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Picturesque harbour with a medieval castle
  • Bellapais Monastery and St. Hilarion Castle
  • Fewer tourists than in the south
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Proximity to Nicosia
  • Excellent restaurants

Cons

  • Political situation (northern part of Cyprus)
  • Limited nightlife
  • Infrastructure is poorly developed
  • Difficult to get from southern airports
  • High prices
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.8°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
34.5°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
34.5°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
10.6°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
16.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
7.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
27.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
27.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-February
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Kervensaray Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Kyrenia is a safe city. Beaches are equipped with lifeguards. Main risks are jellyfish in summer.

Sea urchins — details

  • Paracentrotus lividus (purple sea urchin) — common species in Cypriot coastal waters, inhabits rocky bottoms and Posidonia seagrass beds
  • Arbacia lixula (black sea urchin) — also found in Cypriot waters, prefers rocky substrates at depths from 1 to 30 metres
  • Diadema setosum (long-spined sea urchin) — invasive species from the Red Sea, spreading in the eastern Mediterranean, including Cyprus

Corals and reefs — details

  • Vermetid reefs — biogenic constructions made of vermetid mollusc shells, widespread along the northern coast of Cyprus, including the Kyrenia area. These reefs form characteristic protruding platforms in shallow waters
  • Upper Miocene coral reefs (Koronia Formation) — include poritid corals found in the geological deposits of the Kyrenia Range

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish are occasionally found off the coast during summer months.

Sharks — details

  • Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) — found in Cypriot waters, feeds on plankton, not dangerous to humans. Reaches 23-30 feet in length
  • Blue shark (Prionace glauca) — one of the most frequently encountered species in the Mediterranean Sea off Cyprus. Poses a potential danger, but attacks are rare
  • Shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) — fast and powerful predator, inhabits open waters of the Mediterranean Sea
Attractions

Kyrenia Castle

A majestic 16th-century fortress overlooking the harbour. Inside is a shipwreck museum and a chapel.

Kyrenia Harbour

A picturesque old harbour with restaurants, cafes and yachts. One of the most beautiful places in Cyprus.

Kervensaray Beach

A popular urban beach with golden sand and calm water. Ideal for families.

Bellapais Monastery

Impressive ruins of a 13th-century monastery with sea and mountain views. One of the main historical monuments of Northern Cyprus.

St. Hilarion Castle

A medieval castle on a mountain top with a panoramic view of the coast. Legend associates it with Sleeping Beauty's castle.

Escape Beach

A popular beach with water sports, bars and a lively atmosphere.

Best areas

Harbour and Old Town

The heart of Kyrenia with the castle, harbour and restaurants. The best area for tourists.

Kervensaray Beach Area

A coastal area with hotels, the beach and restaurants.

Must-try food

Meze

A traditional Cypriot feast of many small dishes.

Souvlaki

Cypriot pork or chicken skewers.

Halloumi

The famous Cypriot cheese.

Moussaka

A baked casserole of aubergines, potatoes and minced meat.

Cypriot wine

Local wine.

Seafood

Fresh fish and calamari.

Where to go next

Nicosia

The capital of Cyprus with a divided city and museums. 30 minutes away.

Bellapais Monastery

Monastery ruins with sea views. 20 minutes away.

St. Hilarion Castle

A medieval castle on a mountain. 30 minutes away.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Эрджан Международный Аэропорт (ECN).
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Visa
Visa requirements
Schengen visa (or e-visa)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
April-June, September-October
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 31 EUR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 63 EUR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$110.00
≈ 9 231 ₽ · ≈ 98 EUR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽ · ≈ 161 EUR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 134 EUR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 80 EUR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 27 EUR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 3 EUR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.80
≈ 67 ₽ · ≈ 1 EUR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 7 EUR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 7 EUR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 36 EUR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 2 EUR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 7 EUR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 40 EUR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 45 EUR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 63 EUR
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$65.00
≈ 5 455 ₽ · ≈ 58 EUR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$16.00
≈ 1 343 ₽ · ≈ 14 EUR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
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Frequently asked questions
Kyrenia: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is April-June, September-October. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Kyrenia: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +34.5°C, during the day — up to +34.5°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Kyrenia: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +7.0°C, during the day — up to +16.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Kyrenia: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +27.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Kyrenia: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-February. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Kyrenia: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Kervensaray Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Kyrenia: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Kyrenia: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Kyrenia is a safe city. Beaches are equipped with lifeguards. Main risks are jellyfish in summer.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Kyrenia: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $117.00 (≈ 9 819 ₽ · ≈ 104 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Kyrenia: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $35.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $70.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $110.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $180.00 per night, an apartment — $90.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Kyrenia: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $12.00, dinner at a restaurant — $30.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.00, a 0.5L beer — $4.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.80. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Kyrenia: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $40.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $8.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Kyrenia: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Kyrenia Castle — A majestic 16th-century fortress overlooking the harbour. Inside is a shipwreck museum and a chapel.; Kyrenia Harbour — A picturesque old harbour with restaurants, cafes and yachts. One of the most beautiful places in Cyprus.; Kervensaray Beach — A popular urban beach with golden sand and calm water. Ideal for families.; Bellapais Monastery — Impressive ruins of a 13th-century monastery with sea and mountain views. One of the main historical monuments of Northern Cyprus.; St. Hilarion Castle — A medieval castle on a mountain top with a panoramic view of the coast. Legend associates it with Sleeping Beauty's castle.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Kyrenia: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Meze — A traditional Cypriot feast of many small dishes.; Souvlaki — Cypriot pork or chicken skewers.; Halloumi — The famous Cypriot cheese.; Moussaka — A baked casserole of aubergines, potatoes and minced meat.; Cypriot wine — Local wine.; Seafood — Fresh fish and calamari.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Kyrenia: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Harbour and Old Town — The heart of Kyrenia with the castle, harbour and restaurants. The best area for tourists.; Kervensaray Beach Area — A coastal area with hotels, the beach and restaurants.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Kyrenia: is a visa required?
Visa: Schengen visa (or e-visa). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Kyrenia: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Эрджан Международный Аэропорт (code ECN). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $40.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Kyrenia: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $117.00 (≈ 9 819 ₽ · ≈ 104 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Kyrenia: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Kyrenia: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Kyrenia: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Nicosia — The capital of Cyprus with a divided city and museums. 30 minutes away.; Bellapais Monastery — Monastery ruins with sea views. 20 minutes away.; St. Hilarion Castle — A medieval castle on a mountain. 30 minutes away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.1/10
Overall rank: 656 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 469

Best season

April-June, September-October

Useful information

Currency: EUR
Coordinates: 35.336300, 33.316500