Top 5 Kyrenia Outdoor Adventures: Your Guide

Kyrenia, is that shimmering jewel on the northern coast of Cyprus, and it’s just waiting to be explored! It’s almost overflowing with history, jaw-dropping views, and a bunch of chances to get your blood pumping with outdoor fun. You could be into ancient castles, clear-blue waters, or stunning mountain trails; Kyrenia just has something to catch everyone’s fancy. So, pack your bags, get set for some sun, and I want to show you a few super-duper outdoor thrills that this part of the Mediterranean has to offer.

1. Discovering Kyrenia Harbour & Castle

Right, we’re going to kick things off with Kyrenia Harbour, this picture-postcard place where time seems to have almost ground to a halt. The boats bob gently, you know, and the backdrop is this amazing castle that’s seen way more than its share of drama over the ages. Walking along the quay, and you’ll spot fishing boats rubbing shoulders with fancy yachts, with loads of restaurants and cafes spilling onto the pavements.

And you will, it’s almost like, *have* to go inside Kyrenia Castle. It’s rather well-preserved, actually! Over history, it’s had Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans… basically anyone who was anyone! Exploring it? It’s just the thing to make you feel like you’ve zipped back in time. Also, there’s the Shipwreck Museum within the castle walls, displaying a trading ship dating back to the 4th century BC – properly mind-blowing! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kyrenia Castle Tickets)

Why It’s Awesome: You can’t help but feel the pull of history when you’re there, also the views out to sea are just perfect for Instagram.

Heads Up: Just so you know, the castle can get a little busy, and so first thing in the morning is usually a better bet. And, in that summer sun, areas get really hot underfoot. So it might be wise to bring a hat and stay hydrated.

2. Hiking the Trails of the Kyrenia Mountains

Right then, those Kyrenia Mountains? Just so incredible for anybody who gets a kick out of hiking. They’re also sometimes called the Five Finger Mountains, as it goes; there are tons of trails that snake all over them, suitable whether you’re just after a saunter or something much more demanding.

St Hilarion Castle sits up high, right, and it’s another really old castle that’s totally worth exploring. So, rumor has it it even gave Walt Disney a spark of inspiration for the castle in “Snow White!” Now, picture that, will you? And you know, when you’re hiking up to it, the views get ever more stunning. Along the way you get a full vista of that north Cyprus coastline. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kyrenia Mountains Hiking Tours)

Why It’s Awesome: The variety of scenery keeps your attention; from wild flowers, to pine forests. The air smells lovely. Besides that, there’s wildlife, the peace… oh, and that massive sense of achievement as you reach the summit of the climb. Plus those incredible views from St. Hilarion are almost worth the effort alone.

Things To Bear In Mind: It gets plenty hot, mostly during the summer! So make sure that you take enough water with you, it might be wise too to slap on the sunscreen, wear a hat, and maybe get going at crack-of-dawn to get ahead of the sun. Also the paths are a bit rough in places, too it’s almost recommended to wear really good walking boots. Then there’s always letting someone know exactly where you’re headed and about when you think you’ll be back, you know, so they can raise the alarm if you’re delayed.

3. Experiencing Scuba Diving or Snorkeling in the Clear Waters

If you’re really more into water, anyway Kyrenia gives you some of the very best, cleanest bits of the Med to plunge into. No matter what, it’s not all old stones and dusty trails.

So, if you fancy strapping on a tank, there’s several good diving spots dotted along the coast. Plenty of schools are just there and able to assist no matter how experienced (or not!) you may be. Loads of sea-life, and ancient remains wait down below. You’ll get the chance to look at the reefs or swim through tunnels. And there’s one thing for sure, crystal-clear waters promise good visibility so that, really, it becomes just magical. Prefer simply to potter about on the surface? So, you can get pretty similar thrills simply by snorkeling, so there’s that too. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kyrenia Scuba Diving Experiences)

Why It’s Awesome: Whether you decide to go deep, or take it a bit easier on the surface, these things get you face-to-face with a part of Kyrenia loads of visitors just miss.

Things To Bear In Mind: Follow every instruction that’s provided by any dive school, you know, also make sure that your gear’s good. So when snorkeling, keep fairly close to beaches or where you can see that boats aren’t going to run you over. Protect what’s under the surface as well. Any sea life and corals, should be there undisturbed, very important!

4. Enjoying a Boat Tour Along the Coastline

Right, fancy kicking back instead? And why not think about jumping on a boat tour? There are several leaving from Kyrenia Harbour, right, mostly so you can see more of that stunning coastline and bits that are just a little harder to get to by land.

You might want to explore spots, for example Escape Beach or Alagadi Turtle Beach – seriously! Onboard these tours? Most likely, you will get food, swimming breaks and, sometimes, some sunbathing while anchored up in really still bays. Sunset cruises have got a reputation as extremely romantic, yet they’re rather fun with groups, also. So take your pick. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kyrenia Boat Tour Deals)

Why It’s Awesome: Really easy, seriously scenic. Plenty of boats have got something for everyone, so the mood can be rather exciting or more quiet.

Things To Bear In Mind: It might be wise to get these trips sorted well ahead, really the busiest periods! Double-check what exactly is or isn’t included in the price. And please, think, bring sunscreen, and also drink plenty of water; those rays are quite intense out on the open sea, seriously.

5. Wandering Around Bellapais Monastery

Now then, fancy seeing a monastery? Wandering among old stones and getting a feel of history? So then make a beeline up to Bellapais Monastery; it’s an almost unbelievably lovely bit of ancient building a little way away from Kyrenia itself.

This stunning ruin sits, anyway, on a hillside so you get the coast below spread out. Which is just perfect for some photos. The monastery has had a rather busy history; it began with the Lusignans back in the 13th century and then was home to the White Canons, later it went through some issues and these bits are clearly on display! Nowadays it’s often just very still inside, still you may get occasional concerts. And there’s the village itself, Bellapais, the cafes and shops make for a morning or afternoon out. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Bellapais Monastery Visit)

Why It’s Awesome: It is not only really significant historically but also there’s tons of quiet just to unwind from all of Kyrenia’s energy, too it’s almost that important.

Things To Bear In Mind: Some bits are slightly uneven underfoot, particularly the courtyard, so make sure you’ve sensible shoes. Get on the website just to find about opening times. I am pretty certain that respect needs being paid when walking round – a little quiet reflection would do well here!

Read our full review: Kyrenia Outdoor Activities Full Review and Details