Kyrenia

Kyrenia

Introduction

Kyrenia (Kyrenia) is located at the northern foot of the Kyrenia Mountains, facing the Mediterranean Sea, just over 60 kilometers across the sea from the Turkish mainland. The city was founded in the 10th century BC and currently has a population of about 10,000. It serves as the administrative center of the Kyrenia District.

The Kyrenia Mountain Range extends approximately 160 kilometers from Cape Andreas in the east to Cape Kormakiti in the west, lying along the northern coast of the island and acting as a natural barrier separating this coastal city from the inland areas. The northern slopes of the mountains are covered with lush pine forests and olive trees. Locals favor planting olive trees, viewing them as symbols of peace and prosperity, hence also referring to them as “sacred” fruit trees.

Here, quaint buildings are tucked away amid verdant surroundings, making visitors feel as though they’ve entered a hidden paradise. After July 1974, with the division of the island between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, following Nicosia and Famagusta, Kyrenia became the third-largest city in the Turkish Cypriot-administered part of Cyprus.

Kyrenia, Cyprus