The first time I visited Kyrenia or Girne as the locals refer to it, I seemed to have entered a postcard. The Cypriot sun was shining on the Mediterranean, the fishing-boats were rocking over the harbor, and behind them all the Kyrenia Mountains were like a rampart. Located on the north coast of Cyprus, this town is the one where history, nature, and seaside appeal blend to create a blend that appears to be easy.

I had even chosen meet and greet Luton before boarding my flight, and this made the trip much easier. It helped me save time and go on my trip without a stressful mood at all, hence, by the time I reached the landing spot, I was already in the right mood to enjoy the beauty of Kyrenia.

If you are planning to visit Kyrenia, here are some of the best ways through which you can spend your time there in castles and harbors to sun-kiss beaches.

Wandering in the Kyrenia Harbor

The horseshoe shaped harbor is the heart of the city. Whatever the hour of the day, there is something of a buzz here, waiters carrying trays of meze, families taking their evening strolls, fishermen working on their boats.

I recall one morning I was sitting in a cafe with a heavy Turkish coffee in my hand and as the sun changed the sea to blue. By night the same place becomes a vibrant strip of tavernas where the tables are spilling on the water.

Hint: Go to the port during sunset. The sky is gilded with gold and pink and the shapes of the boats in the fading light are not to be forgotten.

Exploring Kyrenia Castle

Kyrenia Castle is a fortress that towers on one side of the harbor overlooking the town and has observed it since centuries. As one walks into its huge stone gates, it is like moving backward in time. There is a shipwreck museum inside, which houses a Greek merchant vessel of the 4th century BC, which has miraculously survived thousands of years in the depths of the sea.

I went up to the castle walls and glimpsed over one side the Mediterranean, which stretched out indefinitely; and on the other side the town with its blend of Ottoman houses and cafes of the present day.

Out of the Town: Bellapais Abbey

Bellapais Abbey is only a few miles inland, in the Kyrenia Mountains. It is a Gothic arch with crumbling stone cloisters, all of it enclosed by cypress trees and bougainvillea, which is a medieval monastery. I stood there and almost heard the murmurs of the monks that once led a quiet life therein.

The perspective of Bellapais is spectacular. You have the whole coast stretched out beneath you, and the town of Kyrenia is a little jewel of a town by the sea. It is the type of an establishment that you would like to sit down and enjoy, perhaps a glass of wine in a cafe that is located close by, simply enjoying the surroundings.

Note: Always check Airport Parking Stansted before travelling and book accordingly.

Beaches: Where the Sea Meets Serenity.

Kyrenia is not only about history, the beaches are as welcoming as well.Escape Beach: A vibrant place that has music, water sports and sun loungers. It is the place to visit when you are in need of energy and fun. Alagadi Beach: Smaller and more natural, and a nesting area of sea turtles. Luckily you may come on a day when they are hatching and the conservation organizations will take the baby turtles out to sea.

Kervansaray Beach: A compromise between the two with smooth waters that are ideal to swim. One afternoon I spent at Alagadi, and was lying on the warm sand, listening to the waves. I stood at the edge of the shore and wondered how much of history had come ashore there, Phoenician merchants, Ottoman pirates, British colonists, all of them, as is the case now, arriving by sea, as do the travelers nowadays.

Food: A Taste of the Mediterranean.

The food in Kyrenia deserves a mention when talking about the description of the city. Grilled halloumi plates, freshly caught fish, olives and meze spreads will continue to come. One evening, I was having dinner in a small family restaurant in an alley close to the harbor.

Tips for Travellers

• Accessibility: Kyrenia is 40 minutes drive or a little more when you are arriving in the south at Larnaca Airport in Northern Cyprus.
• Transportation: It is much easier to travel by car through the mountains and the surrounding villages using a rental car, which is also very easy to walk around the town.
• Peak Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the most pleasant seasons when there are no large crowds of people.