Wrapped around a harbour chock-a-block full of bobbing traditional Turkish yachts, Kyrenia (Girne) is a postage-stamp-sized squiggle of narrow lanes teetering into genteel decay. Stride up the honey-toned stone ramparts of Kyrenia Castle, perched on the harbour’s northern cliff. Stroll the waterfront, bordered by tall carob warehouses converted into cafes, then wander out into the alleyways to capture a thread of Kyrenia’s yesteryear.

With the backdrop of the jagged mountains behind and the calm sparkling sea in front, the harbor has a heady, peaceful atmosphere. The graceful arch shaped harbor is filled with restaurants and cafes and is perfect for sitting back and just watch people.

Kyrenia harbor is dominated by the impressive Kyrenia Castle which guarded this important and strategic port since the 1500s. It’s an excellent idea to visit and explore, and you get a great view of the town of Kyrenia from the top. On the castle grounds you can find Kyrenia Shipwreck Museum, the remains of an ancient merchant ship.