Cruising Into North Cyprus Harbours

If you’re spending some time cruising around the north coast of Cyprus, make sure you see the best of the island’s harbours. Here are some of the essential stops along the way:

Kyrenia Venetian Harbour

Known as the ‘Jewel of Cyprus’, Kyrenia is a picturesque harbour town in an ideal position on the northern coast of Cyprus. The town is thought to have been built in the 10th century BC, and it’s a beautiful place to walk around. The harbour is full of yachts and fishing boats, and has a backdrop of mountains and sparkling sea. You can also see Kyrenia castle which is believed to have been built by the Byzantines.

The beautiful Kyrenia Harbour in North Cyprus

Kyrenia is a great place to visit in summer, as the sea breezes make it lovely and cool. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit here, and it’s well worth trying the locally caught fish. You’ll need to get there early to beat the crowds though – the harbour is a very popular place for tourists.

Kyrenia Harbour in North Cyprus

Stroll around the back alleys behind the harbour to find handmade souvenirs and artefacts by local craftsmen. You can also visit a number of churches and mosques in the town if you’re looking for a more religious experience. Not too far away is the village of Bellapais where the author Lawrence Durrell once lived and wrote. There’s also Alagadi Turtle Beach, where you might spot turtles laying their eggs!

Alagadi Turtle Beach, where you might spot turtles laying their eggs!

Karpaz Gate Marina.

Karpaz Gate Marina is a brand new harbour in North Cyprus, and is part of the Karpaz Bay Resort. It’s the first marina in Cyprus to receive Gold Anchor status. It is designed for luxury and comfort, with a beach club, gym and modern repair facilities. This makes it the perfect place to stop off for some rest and relaxation if you’re cruising around North Cyprus’ Harbours.

Karpaz Marina in North Cyprus – Image copyright of Karpaz Gate Marina

If you’re visiting, why not have dinner and cocktails at Hemingway’s Resto-Bar? It serves both international and traditional Cypriot cuisine. Or spend the day at the beach club, where you’ll find a 200m long private beach, and an infinity pool. The marina has duty-free status, so you’ll get duty-free prices on fuel, technical services and supplies.

Karpaz Marina – Image copyright of Karpaz Gate Marina

If you want to visit the local area, there’s the Karpaz peninsula and the Karpaz National Park Wild Donkey Protection Area – it’s a paradise for the island’s wild donkeys! The marina also offers a subsidised shuttle bus service to the nearest cities – Famagusta, Nicosia and Girne.

Megayacht at the new Karpaz Gate Marina in Northern Cyprus

Famagusta Industrial Harbour.

Famagusta is on the north-eastern coast of Cyprus. During Medieval times this was the island’s most important port, as it was a gateway to the Levant, and to trade with Western Europe. The city has a rich history as a result – it was listed as an endangered heritage site by the World Monument Fund in 2007. One strange fact about the city, is that the old town was once nicknamed ‘the city of 365 churches’, as Famagusta boasted it had a church for every day of the year!

Enjoy a spot of lunch on a boat while cruising around North Cyprus.

The walled city is well worth a visit, and there is a vibrant nightlife to be found in Famagusta. It is host to the world renowned Culture and Arts Festival in June each year. One of the most interesting, although somewhat chilling sights, is the ‘ghost town’ of Famagusta, an area which was deserted in 1974. You can also visit the St Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum, and take a tour of the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque.

Have you visited any of these harbours, If so did you cruise into them, What are you tip for fellow holiday makers?

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