Friends, imagine stone ramparts above a horseshoe harbor, pine-scented mountain roads to sky-high fortresses, and a far-eastern peninsula where empty sands meet slow villages and tea houses.

Border crossings make it simple to explore, flights connect via Türkiye, and days revolve around walkable old towns, coastal ruins, and cliff-top lookouts.

Why go

This quieter side of Cyprus centers on Girne’s picture-perfect harbor, a trio of dramatic ridge-top castles, and the expansive ancient city at Salamis near Gazimağusa. Beyond the towns, the Karpas Peninsula strings together long beaches, small settlements, and open views that feel unchanged for decades.

Best time

Spring and autumn bring warm days, flowered hillsides, and easier hiking, while summer is hot, dry, and sunny with more than ten hours of light daily. Winter can be cool and showery; some visitor services reduce hours or pause maintenance between late autumn and early spring, so confirm openings if traveling off-season.

Getting there

Flights land at Ercan (ECN) via Türkiye; there are multiple north–south crossing points for travelers already on the island. Private transfers from Ercan to the Girne area typically cost about €50 one-way (≈$55), with fixed-price listings published by local taxi operators. An alternative coastal arrival is the Taşucu–Kyrenia ferry; recent averages run about $212 for a vehicle crossing and roughly $116 for a foot passenger.

Getting around

For flexibility, rent a car: reputable agencies quote from about £25 per day in low season (≈$32) and £29–£33 in summer for compact models. If driving only in town, dolmuş minibuses and short-hop taxis link Girne with nearby neighborhoods and sights, but rural timetables can be limited.

Must-see

- Kyrenia Castle and harbor: Explore ramparts and the shipwreck gallery next to Girne’s crescent waterfront; plan 2–3 hours, with summer hours roughly 08:00–19:00 and winter 08:00–15:30. Recent visitors report a 50 TRY entry (≈$2), paid on site.

- St Hilarion Castle: A spectacular climb with sweeping views; typical hours 09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00), and allow 2–3 hours for the full ascent. Reported entries have ranged around 15–20 TRY (≈$1), with card acceptance varying by booth.

- Buffavento Castle: The highest and wildest of the three; it’s free to enter on weekdays, commonly 08:00–15:30, and closed on weekends and public holidays—bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.

- Salamis Ancient City: Start at the gymnasium and theater near the entrance, then wander the colonnades and forums; recent tickets are 50 TRY (≈$2).

Karpas edge

Past Ziyamet, the peninsula grows emptier and hillier, with tarmac fading to narrower lanes toward quiet coves and wind-combed headlands. Pack water and supplies, fuel up before detours, and plan extra time for photo stops and unpaved spurs off the main road.

Food finds

Expect meze spreads, grilled seafood, börek, kofte, dolma, and Cyprus specialties like grilled halloumi; many places also serve fresh salads, dips, and thick yoghurt. For non-alcoholic staples, look for lemonade, ayran, Turkish coffee, and tea, widely available in towns and along the coast.

Practical costs

- Entries: Kyrenia Castle about 50 TRY (≈$2), Salamis 50 TRY (≈$2), St Hilarion commonly 15–20 TRY (≈$1), Buffavento free on weekdays.

- Taxis/transfers: Ercan–Girne listed from €50 (≈$55) one-way; confirm fixed quotes in advance.

- Car hire: From about £25–£33 per day for small automatics, with seasonal variation and delivery to hotels or ECN often included.

- Ferry (Taşucu–Kyrenia): Average around $212 vehicles, $116 foot passengers; check sailing days and weather windows.

Smart tips

- Start early for castles and Salamis to beat heat and tours; bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water for exposed sites.

- Confirm posted hours: Kyrenia Castle shifts seasonally; Buffavento closes weekends; last entry at St Hilarion can be 17:00.

- Border-crossing basics: multiple checkpoints operate daily; carry passports and allow a little buffer when connecting north–south transport.

- Cash and cards: small booths may prefer cash; keep a modest TRY float for tickets and parking even if cards work elsewhere.

Health & safety

Emergency care is available at state hospitals, pharmacies handle common issues, and overall street crime levels are low in resort towns and villages. For emergencies dial local services promptly, and use standard precautions for valuables in busy areas.

Conclusion

Ready to link harbor strolls, ridge-top forts, and ancient colonnades into a balanced week of easy drives and unhurried afternoons. Which will come first: Girne’s waterfront and castle, a mountain-top hike to St Hilarion, or Salamis at golden hour before a Karpas beach sunset.