Planning a visit
Most travellers combine Kyrenia with Nicosia. Start early to cross before traffic builds, visit St Hilarion in the cool of the morning, lunch at the harbour and finish at Bellapais for the late light.
Food
Harbour restaurants specialise in fish and meze; in the villages try şeftali kebab (the local grilled sausage), molehiya stew and fresh lemonade. Prices are often lower than in the south.
Money and practicalities
- Turkish lira is the local currency; ATMs are common.
- Mobile roaming plans may not cover the north — check your tariff to avoid charges.
- Dress modestly for mosques and churches.
Sample plans
One day
St Hilarion in the morning, Kyrenia harbour and castle at lunchtime, Bellapais in the afternoon.
Two days
Add the old town, a boat trip along the coast and a beach afternoon.
Combined with the east
Continue to Famagusta and Salamis before crossing back near Ayia Napa.
