Photogallery of Kyrenia, Cyprus

The magnificent city of Kyrenia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Cyprus. Surrounded by the mountains, this port city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea has everything needed for a comfortable stay. The resort city has a calm atmosphere. There are no high-rise buildings here because all houses must have five stores or less according to the local law. Numerous tourists arrive in Kyrenia every year for the sake of clean beaches with soft sand and tender sea. The most active tourists not only indulge themselves in beachside recreation but also visit local attractions. First inhabitants on the site of the modern resort appeared almost six thousand years BC. It is believed that Cepheus from Arcadia was the founder of Kyrenia. The first mentions of the town in official documents date back to the period of Ramesses III. At that time, Kyrenia was the main center of sea trade between Asia Minor and Greece. During the Roman Empire period, which Kyrenia was a part of, the town kept its position of an important trading stop. In 395, the Cyprian town came under the Byzantine Empire. Kyrenia not only maintained its importance but also turned into a major political center. The city was developing over the years and got protective fortresses and strongholds, but even they failed to protect the territory from the attacks of Ottomans who invaded Cyprus in 1571. The well-protected settlement was captured. Local people were forced to leave their houses and move … Read further