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| With its 6,000 year long
history, unique remains of countless civilisations, miles of natural
beaches, calm sea, and mild climate - Kyrenia is an idyllic Mediterranean town.
Bounded to the north by the sea and to the south by the greenery of the Besparmak (Fivefinger) Mountain range, it offers the most magnificent
scenery on the island. With the backdrop of the jagged mountains behind
and the calm sparkling sea in front, the harbour has an intoxicatingly
serene atmosphere. Kyrenia is an easy place to while away any time of the
day... exploring shops, markets and local cafés in late morning,
strolling in the narrow cobbled alleys behind the harbour in the
afternoon, or stepping out for a brisk walk along the promenade and sea
wall in the evening. |
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Overlooking the entrance
to the harbour is Kyrenia Castle. Dating from the time of the
Byzantines, its massive defences surround a complex mixture of building
styles from centuries before and it is likely that there was a Roman
fort here originally. Subsequently enlarged and strengthened by the
Lusignans and then the Venetians, the castle is now home to many
historical artefacts and is the current resting-place of the world's
oldest shipwreck. |
| As the sun sets, Kyrenia
harbour again becomes the focus of activity as the locals take their
evening stroll and the cafés and bistros that face the sea
prepare for their nightly trade. Crisp white linen and small vases of
local flowers are lovingly arranged on tabletops to welcome the
evening's guests to wine and dine in the cooling breeze. The promenade
has been turned into a pedestrian zone, and chic pavement cafes and
restaurants conceal their kitchens behind elegant Venetian façades.
Memorable evenings can be enjoyed in the restaurants and cafes, with the
candlelight reflecting softly on the water and the gentle strumming of
guitar music wafting out across the harbour. Why not try Turkish Coffee
at a local coffee-house over a chat with the locals. There are also several
mosques and churches to see in the town, well worth a visit. |
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