Girne (Kyrenia).

Girne (Kyrenia) is currently the main tourist area of Northern Cyprus. It is located in the northern part of the island, 32 km away from Nicosia, the divided capital of Northern and Southern Cyprus.

Two factors have contributed to the rapid development of Kyrenia as a resort. First, the decline of Famagusta, which was directly affected by the events of 1974 and the green line that now runs through its territory, turning the once popular resort town of Varosha into a ghost town. Second, its convenient geographic location, with proximity to the only airport in Northern Cyprus and ferry connections linking Kyrenia with cities in Turkey.

Geography.

Understanding the geography of Cyprus can be challenging, and it's even more complicated in Northern Cyprus, as all names exist in at least two versions: Greek and Turkish. In the Greek version, the city at the center of the district is called Kyrenia. The district itself is a narrow strip that stretches for 70 km from Cape Kormakitis (Koruçam Burnu) to the east, between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountain range, also bearing the name Kyrenia. There are two more transliterations - Kyrinia and Kyreneia. You can also translate it from Greek as Κερύνεια. In Turkish, the city and district are called Girne. The mountain range is called Beşparmak. Thanks to Atatürk, the Turkish version is easier to read - Girne and Beşparmak, respectively.

City and District.

Kyrenia is a small historic town (with a population of 14,000 to 26,000 according to various sources) with narrow streets, once a formidable ancient fortress, and a picturesque harbor. However, all the beautiful beaches that the northwestern coast of Cyprus is famous for are located outside the town. So, the true center of tourism should be considered not only the city itself, but also the adjacent villages of Karşıyaka, Lapta, Alsancak, Koruçam, Karakum, Ozanköy, and Çatalköy, as well as the entire Kyrenia district. This is indirectly confirmed by the density of hotels in the area.

Kyrenia Mountains.

The Kyrenia Mountains (also known as Five Finger Mountains) stretch for 160 km along the northern coast of the island. The range begins at Cape Korucam in the west and transitions into a chain of hills in the Karpas Peninsula in the east. The average height of the Kyrenia Mountains is 600 meters, although there are peaks that reach up to 900 meters, with the highest peak at 1024 meters. On clear days, one can see the Turkish coastline, which is about 80 km away. The southern slopes of the mountains are covered mainly with low trees and shrubs, while the northern slopes, descending towards the sea, are steeper and covered with forests dominated by pine and cypress trees.

History of Kyrenia, in brief.

The earliest human settlements on the northern coast of Cyprus appeared 7,800 years ago. The city of Kyrenia was founded either by Greeks in the 10th century BC or by Phoenicians in the 9th century BC. Its subsequent history was similar to many other settlements located in a strategic location, at the crossroads of trade and military routes. The list of conquerors can be summarized in a few lines. The most recent change of power occurred relatively recently, when Greeks were replaced by Turks, and the latter fled to the southern part of the island. The silent witnesses of Kyrenia's history - its castles, churches, and fortress - each rebuilt by successive conquerors, now serve as landmarks.

Weather and climate of Kyrenia.

Let's take a look at the climate of Kyrenia based on its location on the map. The city is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and a low forested mountain range that runs along the northern coast of the island, about 2-3 km from the shore. This makes the climate milder and the air cleaner. The warmest months are July and August, with daytime temperatures averaging around 35°C and nighttime temperatures around 25°C. The water temperature reaches up to 29°C. Rainy and cloudy days are rare. A gentle breeze, or rather a light breeze, with an average speed of 3 m/s, prevails, making it comfortable. The warm and dry winter with only 10-15 rainy days throughout the season transitions into an early spring, and by May, the water temperature rises above 21°C, with air temperatures reaching 18°C at night and 26°C during the day.

How to get there.

There are several ways to reach Kyrenia. Let's consider the most popular options.

Flight to Ercan Airport.

Since Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey, the only local airport, Ercan, has flights only from Turkish cities. This means that in order to reach Northern Cyprus by plane, you need to fly through Turkey. From the airport to Kyrenia (41 km), you can take a taxi for an estimated price of 40-50 euros, or you can take a bus for 13.50 Turkish lira with a travel time of 70 minutes. The official website of the carrier http://kibhas.org/ provides schedules and reservation phone numbers.

Ferry from Turkey to Northern Cyprus.

Another option is to take a ferry, which is more suitable for travelers in Turkey. The ferry connects the port of Kyrenia with the Turkish cities of Taşucu and Alanya. The ferry departs from Taşucu 6 times a week at 23:59 and arrives the next day at 05:59. From Kyrenia, the ferry departs at 23:30 and arrives after 6 hours at 05:30 in the morning, and from Alanya to Kyrenia, the ferry operates twice a week. You can check and book tickets on the website https://www.akgunlerbilet.com/online_bilet.php, though it's in Turkish.

From South to North Cyprus.

You can also reach Kyrenia via Southern Cyprus. You can fly to Larnaca or Paphos airports and then take a taxi. From Larnaca airport (77 km), a taxi will cost you around 70-80 euros, and from Paphos (170 km), the taxi fare will be approximately 160 euros.

In conclusion, Kyrenia or Girne, as you please, offers pristine warm sea, beautiful beaches, stunning mountains covered with virgin forests, and friendly people - what more could you ask for in a perfect vacation destination. As a conclusion, Kyrenia, also known as Girne, is a captivating city in North Cyprus that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, warm sea, pristine beaches, and friendly locals. With its rich history, stunning mountains, and picturesque landscapes, Kyrenia is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a beach lover, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Kyrenia has something to offer for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of Kyrenia - a city that promises an unforgettable experience and memories to cherish for a lifetime!