Northern Cyprus is a land of great historical importance and interest. All those who visit are spellbound by the beauty and significance of the places they visit. It is only possible to scratch the surface here but hopefully this will give the reader enough to book their trip to actually see what this island offers to those who visit and own properties here.

Bellapais Abbey:
To the North East of Kyrenia, set on the side of a mountain, this twelth-century monastry is a fine example of Gothic architecture. Its beauty is legendary, set in the mountains just ten minutes from Kyrenia its fabulous location and pervasive atmosphere of calm is a must.

When Lawrence Durrell, famous British author, bought a house in the village of Bellapais, he felt “guilty of an act of fearful temerity in trying to settle in such a fantastic place.”

The Abbey now hosts numerous modern and classical concerts these days, not to be missed by music lovers.

 
St Helarion Castle:
Perched high in the mountains above Kyrenia, St Helarion Castle is simply spectacular. Believed to have been built in the 11th century the original castle, to which the monastery gave place, formed part of the Byzantine defenseof the Island which included castles of Kyrenia, Buffavento and Kantara also.

The castle is named after St Hilarion, a hermit monk who fled from persecution in the Holy Land and lived and died in a cave in the mountain.

Kyrenia Castle:
This imposing castle which lies to the north – east of Kyrenia dominates the harbour and is built on the tetragonal form.

It is first referred to by ancient sources in the year 1191 AD when the English King Richard the Lionheart defeated Isaac Comnenus on his way to the Crusades and conquered Cyprus.

It is thought likely that , the original castle was built in the VII AD by the Byzantines for the purpose of defending Kyrenia against Arab raids.

Ancient Shipwreck Museum:
Located in the heart of Kyrenia, the museum houses the oldest trading ship known to us with her cargo, which was raised from the bottom of the sea in 1969.

The ship sailed in the Mediterranean during the lifetime of Alexander the Great and his successors. She sank in open waters less than a mile from the anchorage of Kyrenia. Evidence points to her being taken by rough seas around the year 300 BC.

Beshparmak (Five Finger) Mountains:
Spectacular backdrop to the coastline, the “Five Finger” range of mountains are of mainly limestone. Within these mountains are the best areas to see the wildlife and a large population of native flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for griffon vultures, foxes, fruit-eating bats and moufflon, a wild sheep endemic to this part of Cyprus.

Sea Turtle Watching:
Sea turtles nest along the coasts of Northern Cyprus and being endangered species they are under strict protection. The turtles make their nests in the beach and lay eggs from May to October. Those turtles that survive into adolescence (only 1 in 4000 actually do!) come back to the same place in 30 years time to lay their eggs in the same place. This is a truly gentle, proud and rare species.

Scuba Diving:
The crystal clear waters around Northern Cyprus provide one of the longest diving seasons in the Med.

Walking:
Hiking tours for people of all ages and physical disposition are organised by a number of centres in the Kyrenia area, generally conducted in the “Five finger” mountains.

Birdwatching:
It is possible to watch 347 different species of bird. Cyprus is on a north – south migration route and there are many birds in transit.

Cypriot Folk Arts Museum:
The Kyrenia Museum of Folk Art is situated on the Kyrenia Harbour road and was opened in 1974. It is a fine example of pre 17th Century buildings and houses many interesting artefacts from the folk and art subjects.

With many other buildings of historical importance, wonderful beaches and great restaurants the above is but a flavour of what spectacular Northern Cyprus has to offer.