11 days in Northern Cyprus Itinerary

Famous for its natural port and Byzantine castle, Kyrenia is not only a lovely old Venetian town, but also the most visited tourist destination in Northern Cyprus.

Popular historic sites such as Bellapais Monastery and Saint Hilarion Castle are in your itinerary. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at St Andrew's Church and Lord’s Palace Hotel Casino. There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of Mavi kosk, kick back and relax at Alagadi Turtle Beach, get a new perspective on things with Vela Yachting, and see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To see photos, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Kyrenia day trip planner.

Brisbane, Australia to Kyrenia is an approximately 30-hour combination of flight and car. Traveling from Brisbane to Kyrenia, you'll gain 8 hours due to the time zone difference. While traveling from Brisbane, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Kyrenia, ranging from highs of 33°C to lows of 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Famagusta.

Just east of the capital sits Famagusta, an ancient port city with archaeological attractions, as well as an abandoned quarter that is popular among tourists as a symbol of the conflict between Turks and Greeks.

Sea Gate and Ghost Town Varosha are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Salamis Ancient City and Monastery of Apostolos Varnavas. Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Silver Beach, tour the pleasant surroundings at Glapsides Beach, pause for some serene contemplation at St Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum, and delve into the distant past at St George of the Greeks.

For reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Famagusta driving holiday planner.

Getting from Kyrenia to Famagusta by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. May in Famagusta sees daily highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 17th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.