Location Descriptions

Below are brief descriptions of the more popular villages and towns on the north coast:

ALSANCAK
This village has something to offer everyone with its spectacular views, authentic village atmosphere and easy access to the beaches and restaurants. There are a couple of wells-stocked mini markets for all your supplies. It is approximately 6 miles west of Kyrenia / Girne with its pretty old harbour and shops.

BASPINAR
Set high above the village of Lapta is Baspinar, well-known for its mountain spring, breathtaking views, sleepy atmosphere and cooling breeze. The ideal place to spend lazy days enjoying the views or a variety of excellent walks in the Besparmak mountains.

BELLAPAIS
This historic village is set approximately 3 miles east of Kyrenia in an elevated position with wonderful views to Kyrenia and the coast. The village is dominated by the Bellapais Abbey which was originally founded in the 12th century by monks of the Augustinian order and is the most impressive Gothic building in Cyprus.

The Abbey is situated on a natural terrace overlooking the village of Ozankoy with a good selection of restaurants offering local and international cuisine.

CATALKOY
Another popular village with its well-maintained, whitewashed streets located approximately 5 miles east of Kyrenia. There are a couple of shops, restaurants and sandy beaches in the near vicinity.

EDREMIT
A small village located half way up the hill on the road up to the mountainside village of Karmi / Karaman. Edremit has a small grocery store where daily produce may be bought, plus the popular Hideaway Hotel with pool, bar and restaurant which is open to non-residents. The larger village of Karaoglanoglu is approximately 1 mile down the hill with supermarkets, restaurants and sandy beaches.

ESENTEPE
A charming Mediterranean village situated to the East of Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus. It has grown over the past few years to become a village of some note because many visitors to the area have sought to establish their own homes here. Spread along the idyllic coastal that nestles at the foot of the Kyrenia mountain range; Esentepe has raised its profile and desirability. Literally translated, Esentepe means windy hill. However, the town is not so much windy as cooled by the breeze that rises from the Mediterranean that is spread out before it.

KYRENIA - GIRNE
This fascinating town is situated on the northern coast of Cyprus. Its horseshoe shaped harbour with backdrop of the Besparmak (or Five Finger) Mountains make Kyrenia one of the most beautiful areas on the island. The old carob warehouses which border the harbour have been converted into attractive cafes, restaurants, bars and private residences with the fishing boats and yachts making this the ideal place to while away the hours. The harbour is overlooked by Kyrenia Castle, a truly magnificent edifice constructed in the 9th century to ward off Arab invaders.

There are plenty of places of interest in the area for those days when you want to do more than just laze in the sun, including the Shipwreck Museum in the castle, Folklore Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Monument and Museum of Freedom and Peace, Cafe Pasha Mosque, Bellapais Abbey and St Hilarion Castle.

ILGAZ
A quiet mountainside village with superb scenery and a mixture of Europeans, Turkish and Cypriots. The ideal retreat for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life, with one restaurant serving the village and many others situated at the bottom of the hill.

KARAKUM
A small village located just a mile east of Kyrenia with its own small sandy bay. The village is conveniently located on the bus route and has several restaurants, shops and a large supermarket all within walking distance.

KARAOGLANOGLU
Approximately 3 miles west of Kyrenia is the unpronounceable village of Karaoglanoglu! (Tip - the "g's are not pronounced). There are a few bars, some excellent restaurants and picturesque beaches and coves, in particular, Kervansaray Beach which affords some of the most stunning sunsets due to its westerly outlook.

KARMI / KARAMAN
The picturesque village of Karmi is situated approximately 4 miles west of Kyrenia and is 1,000 ft above sea level giving virtually every house breathtaking views along the coastline.

Karmi is undoubtedly the prettiest and most well-kept village in the north as nearly all the houses have been restored in a traditional manner often with flagged floors, beamed ceilings, stone arches and roof terraces set in an array of flowers, plants and trees. The village has a couple of restaurants, bar, pub and village shop.

KARSIYAKA
Located west of Kyrenia and approximately 30 minutes by car the area affords stunning views of the highest mountain in the Besparmak mountain range. Karsiyaka has a couple of shops and some good fish restaurants located close to the waters edge. A large sandy bay is a 5 minute drive away and there is many more sandy beaches between Karsiyaka and Kyrenia.

LAPTA
Renowned for its fresh water springs and laid back way of life, Lapta is a sprawling village approximately9 miles west of Kyrenia. It is backed by the Besparmak Mountains and offers spectacular views of both sea and mountains. The village has much to offer in the way of restaurants and has easy access to some good beaches.

OZANKOY
A popular village with Europeans and Cypriots alike, conveniently located approximately 2 miles east of Kyrenia, the village has excellent views to Bellapais, the mountains and the Mediterranean and a good selection of restaurants.

YESILTEPE
Located between Alsancak and Karaoglanoglu on the lower slopes of the mountain range is the area of Yesiltepe. It is conveniently located close to several sandy beaches, restaurants, bars, hotels and shops and is not far from the main coastal road.

ZEYTINLIK
Within easy access of Kyrenia yet set in a tranquil, rural position amongst olive groves and overlooked by the spectacular St Hilarion Castle. A small but good selection of restaurants, a couple of shops and a supermarket are close by.