Why Explore Kyrenia by Taxi?
Hiring a taxi for sightseeing in and around Girne is one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to explore Northern Cyprus. Unlike group tours, a private taxi lets you set your own pace, linger at the places you love, and ask your driver — who often doubles as an informal local guide — for hidden gems off the beaten track.
Top Attractions Reachable by Taxi from Girne
1. Kyrenia Castle (Girne Kalesi)
Located right on the Old Harbour, Kyrenia Castle is one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in the Eastern Mediterranean. It houses the famous Shipwreck Museum, home to one of the oldest known sailing vessels ever recovered. Most centrally located hotels are within a short taxi ride or even walking distance of the castle.
2. St. Hilarion Castle
Perched dramatically in the Besparmak (Pentadaktylos) Mountains above Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle offers breathtaking views across the coast and towards Turkey on a clear day. It's approximately a 20-minute taxi ride from central Girne. Ask your driver to wait — it's worth a full hour or two to explore.
3. Bellapais Abbey (Bellapais Manastırı)
The ruined Gothic abbey of Bellapais, set in the village of the same name, is hauntingly beautiful. Made famous by author Lawrence Durrell in his memoir Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, the abbey and surrounding village are a must-visit. Just 8 kilometres from Kyrenia town centre, the taxi fare is modest.
4. Kyrenia Old Harbour
The iconic crescent-shaped harbour is the heart of Girne's social life. Lined with restaurants, cafés, and traditional fishing boats, it's easily reached by taxi from anywhere in the town. This is a perfect drop-off and pickup point for an evening out.
5. Alagadi Turtle Beach
Alagadi (also known as Turtle Beach) is a protected nesting site for Green and Loggerhead turtles, located about 15 km east of Kyrenia. Taxis can take you here easily; some drivers offer to pick you up at an agreed time, making it ideal for a half-day beach trip.
6. Buffavento Castle
The highest of Northern Cyprus's three mountain castles, Buffavento sits at over 900 metres above sea level. The road up is steep and winding — an experienced local taxi driver who knows the mountain roads is essential for this trip.
7. Karpaz Peninsula Villages
For a longer day trip, the Karpaz (Karpasia) Peninsula in the far northeast offers wild donkeys, ancient monasteries, and untouched beaches. The journey from Girne takes around 1.5–2 hours each way. Negotiate a full-day taxi hire rate for this kind of excursion.
Tips for Hiring a Taxi for Sightseeing
- Agree a day rate upfront: For multi-stop tours, a fixed daily rate is usually better value than paying per journey.
- Start early: Castles and historical sites are best visited in the cooler morning hours, especially in summer.
- Ask your driver: Many Girne taxi drivers know local history and can add real context to your visit.
- Carry water and sunscreen: Several sites involve uphill walking with limited shade.
- Check opening hours: Some attractions close on certain days or have restricted hours in low season. Your driver may also know this.
Suggested Half-Day Taxi Tour
- Start: Kyrenia Old Harbour for morning coffee
- Drive up to St. Hilarion Castle (20 min) — allow 1.5 hours to explore
- Continue to Bellapais Abbey (15 min from St. Hilarion) — allow 1 hour
- Return to Girne for lunch at the harbour
This itinerary covers three of Kyrenia's finest sights in around half a day — perfectly manageable with a patient, knowledgeable local driver.