A Guide to Hotels in Kyrenia
Kyrenia is located on the north coast of Northern Cyprus. With the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean in front, and protected by the magnificent Kyrenia mountain range behind, the city and its surroundings have been the most popular area for holidays in Northern Cyprus for many years. Kyrenia itself, the nearby towns and the coastline are dotted with places to stay and in every type and style you can imagine: from small family properties with a handful of bungalows clustered around a pool and cage, to major developments with each possible amenity. This short article is by no means a complete list of all the places to say in or near Kyrenia, but we have been visiting and working in the country for over twenty years, so the comments can be helpful to anyone who are considering a vacation to Kyrenia.
The region can be roughly divided into four separate areas. The city of Kyrenia, the coast to the west, the coast to the east, and the surrounding villages. Hotels are generally classified into similar types for each of these areas. The small properties will be found mainly in the village locations, although there are a few in Kyrenia and along the coast. Kyrenia hotels are mostly quite large, luxurious, and well-equipped, although the relative lack of space in a city means that facilities are limited. This is a relative term though, as they all have odd-sized pools, a selection of restaurants and bars, etc. Properties along the coast are less restricted in terms of physical area, and it is here that you will find the large resort-style properties, with every imaginable facility in place. However, the location means that you will inevitably have to travel to visit other restaurants and shops. That said, renting a car in Northern Cyprus is relatively cheap. The roads are mostly uncrowded and driving is on the left, as in the UK. A car is almost essential if you want to get out and explore, although guided tours can be booked from most places.
Home to Kyrenia Castle, the beautiful Old Harbor, and a huge variety of shops and restaurants, Kyrenia also has some truly world-class hotels. For something that feels a bit smaller, the Hotel Pia Bella is on the outskirts of town and has good-sized gardens with two freshwater pools. Famous for its Cypriot cuisine, the hotel organizes “Cypriot nights” in the main season. Just outside of town, about a mile and a half from downtown, Altinkaya Hotel also has a justifiable reputation for food and service. Altinkaya is divided into two ‘sections’, one designed more for family use and the other as an outlet part. The hotel also has a handful of larger bungalows that can accommodate up to four people.
Approximately six kilometers from Kyrenia and nestled in the foothills of the Kyrenia mountain range, the town of Bellapais is one of the most famous in Cyprus and is home to the impressive Abbey of Bellapais. The town has a charming and peaceful atmosphere, although the center can be a bit “touristy” in high season. There are a handful of restaurants in the center of town. Bellapais Gardens Hotel is located in the heart of the village, dominated by the abbey above. With a small selection of studios and cabins, the hotel has beautiful gardens, a good pool, and is famous for the quality of its restaurant. The hotel has a really quiet atmosphere and does not accept children. Beyond the foothills of the mountains and to the east, Hotel Malpas is a high-quality hotel that specializes in offering luxurious surroundings. The elegant and sophisticated hotel is well equipped and suitable for families.
A little further afield, and right at the cost, is Acapulco Cyprus. One of the largest properties on the entire island, Acapulco Cyprus is a resort with almost everything you can imagine. There are three swimming pools, a large private beach, a selection of restaurants, bars and cafes and provision for all kinds of activities. There is also a wide variety of accommodation here, from reasonably basic bungalows to luxurious, high-quality suites. Truly something for everyone!
In the opposite direction from Kyrenia, traveling west, a short drive will take you to Hideaway Cyprus. Originally built as a private club, accommodation was added some time ago. Hideaway is located in a quiet area near the town of Edremit. Run by a family through two generations, the hotel is an intimate retreat and is famous for its cuisine and barbecue nights by the pool. Small and with a languid vibe, the emphasis here is on the personal touch.
Further west, near the town of Alsancak, Riverside Cyprus is a much larger property. However, set on eight acres of attractive gardens, the resort feels more relaxed, with bungalow and villa accommodations dotted throughout the grounds. Riverside has three pools, a selection of restaurants and bars, and a host of facilities, making for an ideal family getaway.
Whatever your requirements, holidays in Kyrenia continue to be some of the best in the world. Northern Cyprus remains outside the euro zone, so the value for money is excellent. The weather throughout the year is favorable and depending on the time of year you can find a range from hot to sizzling. While almost all modern activities can be found somewhere in the area, the country as a whole still retains an old-fashioned approach to life. It really is the Mediterranean as it used to be.