On the northern coast of Cyprus is the Town of Kyrenia facing Turkey, the mountains offers the most magnificent green scenery on the island. To get to Kyrenia from Nicosia (Lefkosa) the journey by car is about 20 minutes and from Ercan airport to Kyrenia by car is about 35 minute.

Settlements in Kyrenia dates back to the Neolithic times, many civilizations had settled and left their mark on the town. During the Roman times Kyrenia became a Christian city even before it had become the official religion of the Roman Empire.

The horseshoe shaped harbor is the focal point of kyrenia, the historical Kyrenia harbor is filled with colorful fishing boats surrounded by many restaurants and bars overlooked by the majestic Kyrenia castle.

The old town spreads out from here, narrow streets some cobbled are worth exploring as there are lots of small shops, cafes and restaurants with small courtyards tucked away from view.

Night times, especially in the summer the harbor is bustling with people dining and wining in the many open air bars and restaurants that offer local and international cuisine, or just walking on the promenade

and sea wall enjoying the picturesque setting of the colorful lights in the area and the lit up castle.

If you wish to try delicious home made local food, then try the restaurants on the outskirts of Kyrenia, they serve mouth watering dishes that are quite reasonably priced, the local cuisine offered at these

restaurants use fresh ingredients, meat, fruits and vegetable, the food is cooked to local traditional recipes.

The tourist information office is next to the harbor on the promenade, here you can get maps and brochures, the staffs are very helpful, it is possible to get information from them on places of interest.

Kyrenia castle is interesting to visit, it is possible to walk around the walls, see the picturesque town below

and the beautiful five-finger mountain range to the rear and on a clear day you can see the Turkish coastline and the mountains.

Inside the castle in one of the rooms is the " Ship Wreck Museum ", on display are the remains of a ship dating back to 300BC, this is the oldest ship ever discovered to be on display.

Some interesting place to visit in the area are:-

· Up a slight hill close to the harbor is Archangelos Church, it was built in 1860. The museum houses the many splendid icons that were collected from Kyrenia.

· The Museum of Folk Art is also close to the harbor, an 18th century house now serves as the museum, olive oil presses, primitive ploughs, a wooden threshing sled, agricultural tools etc.

· If you venture a few miles out of Kyrenia, Bellapais Abbey. The Augustinian monks in 1025AD built the abbey, originally known as the "Abbey of Our Lady of the Mountains". It is now the

scene for concerts, there are shops and restaurants close by, the view of the sun setting from here is unforgettable, the sun turning red and slowly going down and disappearing in the distance.

· There are boat tours from the harbor in traditional gullet type boats, tourists are taken around the coastline of Kyrenia food and drinks are served on board, on the tour you will see beautiful

views of Kyrenia town, the coastline and the 5 Finger mountains. The boat will also anchor in shallow and calm water coves and those who wish to go for a swim can dive into the warm Mediterranean waters.

The banks, money exchange offices, pharmacies, clothes shops, taxis etc. are all located in the centre of the town, the shop keepers are all very friendly and will try to help if you are looking for something.

Kyrenia in North Cyprus, although it is the main tourist town of North Cyprus, it is not like the resorts in the south of the island there is no mass tourism here, the old town still preserves its character, it has

now expanded outwards with new buildings as the town has grown.