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NCP24 · SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Kyrenia (Girne)
Explore 10 historical landmarks, castles, monasteries, museums and natural attractions across the Kyrenia district of Northern Cyprus.
Places to discover
10 LOCATIONS01
Byzantine‑Frankish Mountain Fortress
Buffavento Castle
- Built on a rocky peak in the Kyrenia Mountains (11th–14th c.)
- Part of trio with St. Hilarion & Kantara, used for signal defense
- Functioned as a prison during Lusignan rule in the 14th century
- Name means “Defier of the Winds” — perched at ~950 m altitude
- Combines rugged Byzantine foundations with Lusignan/Frankish additions
- Stunning views of Kyrenia coast, Mesaoria plain, Taurus Mountains
02
Monastery Ruins
Bellapais Abbey
- 13th-century Gothic abbey
- Nestled in mountain village
- Concerts held in inner courtyard
- Lawrence Durrell lived nearby
- Stunning panoramic views
03
Castle
Kyrenia Castle
- 16th-century Venetian fortress
- Built on Byzantine foundations
- Overlooks Kyrenia harbor
- Includes Shipwreck Museum
- Houses 4th-century BC Greek ship
- Small chapel inside
04
Historical Harbor & Old Town
Kyrenia Old Harbour
- Horseshoe-shaped, lined with cafés & seafood restaurants
- Overlooked by the medieval Kyrenia
- Stroll winding old-town alleys around the harbor for atmosphere and views
05
Church / Museum
Archangelos Michael Church
- 19th-century Orthodox church turned museum
- Hosts icons and Byzantine relics
- Sometimes used for cultural events
- Architecture features neoclassical elements
06
Medieval Castle
Saint Hilarion Castle
- Built in the 10th century as a Byzantine monastery, later fortified
- Stunning views over Kyrenia and the coast
- Famous for inspiring Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle
- Steep paths and steps – good footwear recommended
07
Natural Waterfall (Seasonal)
Malatya Waterfall
- A charming, tiered waterfall nestled in a lush canyon
- Often visited via a scenic hiking route from St Hilarion Castle through Karmi village
- Flows mainly during the rainy season (December to April);
- Features mossy cliffs and calm pools — ideal for nature lovers
08
Memorial Ship
1974 Monument Ship
- Commemorates naval operations of 1974
- Symbol of Turkish Cypriot resilience
- Popular stop for visitors interested in modern history
09
Monument
Peace and Freedom Museum
- Monument commemorating the 1974 Peace Operation
- Symbolizes the unity and independence of Turkish Cypriots
- Located at the site of the Turkish military landing in 1974
- Important site for national ceremonies and remembrance
- Popular photo stop with panoramic views
10
Byzantine Orthodox Church & Sacred Cave
Church & Cave of Saint Phanourios
- Church dates to the Byzantine period, with Ottoman-era modifications
- Nearby cave associated with Saint Phanourios, revered for healing and miracles
- Church dedicated to Saint Phanourios, patron of lost things
- Contains modest Orthodox iconography and stone architecture
- Both church and cave preserved as cultural heritage sites
- Notable for their serene rural landscape and historical significance