Girne, the shining jewel of Northern Cyprus, with its historic castles, beautiful beaches, and lively markets, is the ideal destination for a memorable trip in the heart of the Mediterranean. In this article, we will take a look at the history, culture, nature, and unique entertainment of this city and introduce you to the hotels and tourist attractions of this city.
The Best Time to Visit Girne: Experience the Pleasant Mediterranean Climate
Girne weather and the best time to visit
like other Mediterranean cities, enjoys a mild and pleasant climate. The best time to visit this city depends on your preferences and the type of holiday you have in mind.
Spring (March to May): During this season, the weather gradually warms up and nature becomes lush and full of flowers. If you are looking for a peaceful and secluded trip and enjoy spring rains, spring can be a good time to visit.
Summer (June to August): This is the hottest season of the year. During this season, the weather is sunny and warm, and the beaches are full of tourists who come to sunbathe and enjoy water sports. If you are looking for an exciting and thrilling trip and enjoy the heat, summer is a good time to visit.
Autumn (September to November): This season, the weather cools down and the summer crowds subside. Autumn is also a beautiful season to visit this city and you can enjoy its colorful nature and pleasant weather.
Winter (December to February): This is the coldest season of the year. During this season, rain and snow are common in this city. If you are looking for a cheap trip and enjoy rain and snow, winter can be a good time to visit.
Girne Tourist Attractions: From the Ancient Castle to the Beautiful Beaches
With its rich history and stunning nature, this city offers many tourist attractions for its visitors. In this section, we introduce some of the most prominent attractions of this city:
Girne Castle
This ancient castle, which is located on a hill overlooking the city, is undoubtedly one of the symbols of Northern Cyprus. This castle dates back to the 7th century and has been used by different governments throughout history. Today, the castle is used as a museum and popular tourist attraction, and visitors can see its towers, walls, and inner grounds.
Girne Port
The port of Girne is the beating heart of the city with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. In this port, you can enjoy walking along the beach, watching the boats, and eating fresh seafood.
Blapais Monastery
This monastery, which is located on a rock overlooking the city, is one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Girne. This monastery dates back to the 14th century and was originally used as a church for orthodox monks. Today, the Belpais Monastery is used as a museum and popular tourist attraction, and visitors can enjoy the church, the interior of the monastery, and the beautiful views of the city.
Grine Beaches and Things to Do
Grine is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches. Some of the most popular beaches in this city are:
Lapta Beach: This beach with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters is an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Karakum Beach: This beach with its beautiful rocks and deep waters is an ideal place for diving and snorkeling.
Kyrenia Harbour Beach: This beach with its palm trees and relaxed atmosphere is an ideal place for relaxation.
Other attractions:
Shipwreck Museum: This museum showcases the remains of a Greek ship that sank in 1980.
Karpaz Village: This traditional village with its stone houses and narrow streets offers a glimpse into rural life in Cyprus.
St. Savvas Church: This church, built in the 19th century, is one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in Cyprus.
Things to do in Girne:
Water sports:
Diving and snorkeling: The clear waters and coral reefs of Girne make it an ideal place for diving and snorkeling. In this activity, you can enjoy watching the underwater world and various fish, corals, and other marine creatures.
Swimming and sunbathing: The beautiful beaches of Kyrenia with their golden sands and clear waters are an ideal place for swimming and sunbathing.
Water sports: On the beaches of Girne, you can enjoy various water sports such as jet skiing, boating, and parasailing.
Sightseeing:
Visit Girne Castle: This ancient castle, perched on a hill overlooking the city, is undoubtedly one of the symbols of Girne and Northern Cyprus. In this activity, you can visit its towers, walls, and inner courtyard and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Essential Information for Traveling to Girne: From Visas to Transportation
Visas:
- You can stay in Northern Cyprus for up to 90 days without a visa.
- To enter Northern Cyprus, you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
Transportation:
Airport: The nearest airport to Girne is Ercan International Airport, which is located 35 kilometers from the city.
Bus: Numerous buses travel from various cities in Turkey to Girne.
Ferry: You can take a ferry from Turkish ports to this city.
Car: If you are traveling to this city in your own vehicle, you must enter Northern Cyprus through Turkish ports.
Accommodation:
Girne offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and villas.
You can choose the most suitable accommodation for your budget and preferences.
Booking a hotel online before your trip will help you find suitable accommodation at a reasonable price.
Currency:
The official currency of Northern Cyprus is the Turkish lira (TRY).
You can exchange your currency for Turkish lira at exchange offices, banks, and hotels.
You can pay with credit and debit cards in most shops and restaurants.
Language:
The official language of Northern Cyprus is Turkish.
English is also widely spoken in tourist areas.
Learning a few basic Turkish words and phrases will help you communicate with the locals.
Where to Stay in Girne
Girne offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every type of traveler and budget. From luxury hotels to affordable apartments and traditional guesthouses, you’re sure to find a place that’s perfect for you.
Here are some of the most popular areas to stay:
City Center: The city center is the best place to stay if you want to be in the middle of all the action. Here you’ll find a wide range of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Harbor Area: The Girne harbor area is another popular place to stay, with beautiful views of the harbor and castle. In this area, you’ll find a variety of hotels, apartments, and restaurants.
Beach Area: The beach area is a great place to stay if you want to be right on the beach. In this area, you’ll find a variety of hotels, apartments, and villas.
Karakum Area: The Karakum area is a more relaxed place to stay, with a variety of hotels and apartments. This area is also home to many historical attractions, including Bellapais Monastery and Agios Chrysostomos Church.
Best hotels in Girne
Merit Crystal Cove Hotel & Casino: This luxury hotel is located on the beachfront and offers a wide range of amenities, including a casino, multiple restaurants, and swimming pools.
The Colony Hotel: This chic boutique hotel is located in the city center and features a rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar.
Pia Bella Hotel: This beachfront hotel is an affordable option and features a pool, restaurant, and bar.
Kyrenia Palace Boutique Hotel: This historic boutique hotel is located in the city center and features a small pool, restaurant, and bar.
Vuni Palace Hotel: This hotel features an outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar, as well as a spa and fitness center.
Cost of living in Girne
The cost of living in Girne is significantly lower than in many other European countries, making it an ideal place to live or vacation. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly costs for a single person:
Rent: €400-€600
Food: €200-€300
Transportation: €50-€100
Utilities: €50-€100
Entertainment: €100-€200