A Fascinating Trip to Kyrenia and Famagusta; What’s out there – Northern Cyprus?

Hi All! it’s quite a long read but these are very interesting places and filled with so much beauty here in Cyprus. There is an abundance of stories more from the locals and every traveler who will set foot in these places. So let’s begin…

Here is a fascinating trip to Kyrenia and Famagusta now occupied side of Cyprus, controlled by Turkey also referred to as Northern Cyprus. Cypriots call this as paradise back in the days…

There are two fascinating villages – Kyrenia and Famagusta, with so many heartfelt stories and will forever remain in the hearts of the locals. These were the main holiday destination in Cyprus before the invasion.

However, at present most of the international travel insurance does not cover TRNC areas (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) since only the Turkish Republic recognizes this as a state. Hence you would understand the reluctance of the travelers in visiting this part of the island…

After checkpoint formalities, you are now in northern territory. A Turkish flag in the middle of the mountain is very visible; signages, products, shops, restaurants, etc are all in Turkish.

• 

• 

We first stop for a well-known Turkish snack. These snacks were familiar to me while living in the Middle East, but this time they are tastier. Couldn’t it be they are prepared more traditionally? And all that snack for 3 persons with drinks at 10 euros.

I thought we have reached Kyrenia, but we are still used to be a part of Nicosia municipality but now occupied. Back to the road for another 30 mins, passing through Kyrenia mountain range, then finally a calm, blue sea greets us, and we slowly descended to our destination.

---

Kyrenia (Greek: Κερύνεια locally [t͡ʃeˈɾiɳˑa]; Turkish: Girne [ˈɟiɾne])

A small village on the northern coast is known for its charming harbour, castles and cobblestone walkways.

Kyrenia Castle

This dates back Byzantine period located at the end of the harbour. This was also used by the Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans and British periods to guard the harbour. Also called “The Jewel in the crown”.   What to see: Byzantine church remains, Shipwreck museum, archaeological tomb museum, castle quarters, and the rooftop with the spectacular view of the harbor.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Entrance fee 12 TL (Turkish lira); also accept EUR, equivalent to 2.50 Opening hours: 0800 – 1800

Kyrenia Harbour

This used to be a trading port during the British occupation around 1880. Today it remains a popular tourist destination in Northern Cyprus. Restaurants, bars, shops, and tour operators lined up. It is usually busy with tourist crowds, strolling around the harbor, or just sit in one of the restaurants for a meal and enjoy the view.

• 

• 

• 

• 

We had a seafood lunch however, it was not fresh and the bill was ripped off for 110 EUR! Just be careful in choosing restaurants, reviews help – Harbour Balikci Fish Restaurant.   But this happens sometimes. There’s more than the food or bill in dining experience – you’ve got an interesting location, excellent company and a relaxing day. Also, we gained something priceless in this visit: a history, the present and a picturesque view that stops the clock from ticking.

---

Famagusta(/ˌfæməˈɡʊstə, ˌfɑː-/; Greek: Αμμόχωστος, romanized: Ammochostos, means buried in the sand[aˈmːoxostos]; Turkish: Mağusa[maˈusa], or Gazimağusa[ɡaːzimaˈusa]) is a city on the eastern coast and known as “ghost city”.

This is a 3-hour trip, so we scheduled this on a different day. Better start early in the morning so at 0700 we were at the same checkpoint.

Be ready for a pilgrimage and a dip on the beach.

Driving to Famagusta is between 2 mountains: Mount Trodoos on your right side and Five Fingers mountain bordering the north ( Pentadactylos in Greek. Beshparmak in Turkish); on your left side.  You’ve got so much time to enjoy the scenery and to start digesting what’s in store for this day.

Approaching Famagusta, greets you a glistening sea, yes sparkling as the sun rays bathe it. A mesmerizing view and WOW. I forgot to take a snapshot….

Apostolos Andreas Monastery (Greek: Απόστολος Ανδρέας; Turkish: Apostolos Andreas Manastırı)

Dedicated to Apostle Andrew, a holy and miraculous monastery. This is an important site of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. The site has existed some 2,000 years ago. This is also known as the Lourdes of Cyprus.

Back in the 60s, this was a major pilgrimage for Cypriot orthodox family. Preparations are done accordingly for a 3- day trip (includes an overnight at the monastery) – food, beddings, and donkeys!

Located at the most northeasternmost point of Karpaz Peninzula, northern district of Famagusta. Navigation is easy through GPS or google maps.

• 

• 

• 

• 

We arrived at about 10:00, the monastery was still close. We walk around the area, outside is a spectacular view of the sea. There are cafes and I had a fresh pomegranate juice for 1 EUR, a very refreshing drink.

Several specialty shops lined up – souvenirs, accessories, garments, organic and food products. So if you’re into this, try not to splurge. But I wasn’t able to resist 2 bracelets: a multicolored stone and pure leather. And of course, they give you a free taste – that almond nut wrapped around in honey or carob syrup. Also, there was an organic lotion and that I stopped! This is supposed to be a pilgrimage.

Where is the priest?
Seller: Usually opens at 10:30; sometimes the priest decides not to open...
Hmm...after this long drive, I mean I don't know if I ever get back here.... 

Well thankfully he was right on time and tourist buses started to arrive. The place is slowly filling up…

We lighted candles and for special intentions, there is a big candle for that. Inside the monastery, my Orthodox friend touched and kissed the images and I also touched the miraculous image of Apostle Andrew.

Currently, the monastery is undergoing restoration with the United Nations Development Program that provided a separate protocol agreement with the Cyprus Church and Turkish Cypriot religious foundation. The Greek church is funding it approximately 2.5 million euros.

Fun facts!

Do you know that there is a donkey toll fee at the monastery? Approaching the monastery, the road narrows and you will start seeing donkeys who are freely roaming the place. Be ready with your carrots or they don’t let you pass! Donkeys have spots along the road waiting for the carrot toll and they will stop at vehicles – the los banditos donkeys!

Knock, knock, se parakalo, karrota mou! My carrot, please!

If you want to get close and personal with these donkeys, bring some carrots for feeding!

Lunch at Dipkarpaz

This time we had an amazing seafood lunch, as recommended. View, ambiance, and food are exceptional at Oasis Ayfilon Hotel and Restaurant. The fish was well grilled, in fact, the best-grilled fish I’ve tasted all my life. Well done chef! We went to the kitchen and gave him our compliments.

Now I am so ready to head to the beach!  

Varosha, Famagusta  

From the northern district, we head to the southern part of Famagusta about an hour and a half drive from Karpaz. We passed several towns until we reached the commercial center.   On the other side of the road was a covered area and it stretched a long way further. This is the “ghost city”.

Between 1970-1974; this was the prime tourist destination in Europe – pristine beach waters and high rise hotels. All inhabitants fled after the invasion since then it remained untouched. Negotiations with United Nations since 1984 and up to this current day but still, remain unresolved. The People of Cyprus can only hope for the return of this precious land soon.

• 

• 

We don’t know exactly where the beach is, till we found a crowded area, tourists coming and leaving. A barricade that separates the abandoned town and there is a walkway towards the beach.

And yes there it is!

Fine sand, clear waters – you can see small fishes!; not so deep ideal for swimming and smooth sand underwater, no stones. Water and air temperature are just so perfect for a dip! Sunbeds can be rented at 5 Euros or you can bring your towel and select a spot along the shoreline.

I walked along the beach strip and the abandoned area. The shore goes along several kilometers and so does the lonely town of Varosha. However it is not allowed to take a photograph, so I just took a shot from afar.   I was so looking forward to this trip.

My Cypriot friends shared several stories about the beauty of Famagusta – a paradise. Their families were once living there and just one day they lost everything and got displaced. Some fled to Nicosia, Larnaka, and other villages. Some of their relatives are living in Kyrenia and other TRNC areas. Many of them have not visited here since then. It’s been decades…  

Famagusta was once to be a major trading seaport, as goods were coming from all over Europe and a major hub for passengers. Now the port activities are diverted in Limassol.   Check out this article on the overview of Famagusta. Up to now, the capture of these areas has created a very deep scar to the People of Cyprus.

Here are 2 more good reads from this author:

1. The Thread – set in Thessaloniki, Northern Greece during the German invasion and
2. The Island – set in Crete Island in Greece; an island once been a leper colony. The latter was made into a movie and I have watched it too. Oh, I know this is such a long post. There is still so much to share and show you. I hope that someday you will see and experience this side of the world!

Update: Famagusta is also featured in Netflix’ Dark Tourist documentary by David Farrier, a journalist from New Zealand.

---

Here are your options to get to the northern side:

1. Cross via a private vehicle from the south – just what we did.
2. Northern Cyprus Bus Services – However, the schedule is not fixed and buses may not go to the main tourist spots. But if your schedule is so flexible, you can hop on and see where it takes you. Cross the north border from Ledra to find the bus station.
3. Via tour agency. Have them set up an itinerary. There are several points of interest to see for both of these places
4. . Via Ercan International Airport – a civilian airport on the Northern side, located 13km east of Nicosia.  Kindly note that routes go through Turkey airports (Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara) before you can proceed to other parts of Europe. Operating airlines: Pegasus, Turkish Airlines, Anadolu Jet, etc.
5. 5. Via ferry boat from Turkey a. Mersin ( is a port city in southern Turkey ) to Famagusta b.Tasucu ( harbor in town Silifkeilçe (district) of Mersin Province ) to Kyrenia/Girne Schedules and prices, kindly check this: http://www.northcyprusonline.com/North-Cyprus-Online-How-to-Visit-Ferry.php

Also kindly check the embassy for visa requirements if you are departing from Turkey. But still, you need a transport service to get you through these places. There are several tour operators from the northern side.

Still having second thoughts, visiting here?  

I would love to come back whenever I get the chance.

Othello’s Tower is in Varosha. Ring a bell? Shakespeare? The play of Othello refers to the port in Cyprus. So here goes your English literature…    

See how fascinating are these places are?

Some Kyrenia photos courtesy of J-AnneSome Famagusta photos, etc courtesy of Stefos. Thanks!

---