Northern Cyprus Hidden History

This small-group tour with Just You centres on Kyrenia, a town on the north coast of Cyprus. The itinerary begins with a guided walk around its horseshoe-shaped Venetian harbour and Kyrenia Castle, which houses a shipwreck museum containing one of the world’s oldest known trade vessels, recovered from the seabed nearby.

Over the next days, there are excursions to the Kyrenia Mountains to visit St Hilarion Castle, perched with commanding views, and the ruins of Bellapais Monastery, a 13th-century example of Renaissance Gothic architecture. Optional trips reach ancient Salamis and the walled town of Famagusta with its medieval churches, plus the remote eastern tip of the Karpaz Peninsula where wild donkeys roam near the sea. A visit to a rural bakery and a halloumi farm offers a practical glimpse into local life, including the chance to swim at a quiet beach.

Several days are left free to enjoy Kyrenia itself or take the optional excursion to Nicosia, the divided capital, where 16th-century walls and the Green Line are reminders of the island’s recent history. Accommodation remains fixed in Kyrenia throughout, avoiding tedious hotel changes despite the varied programme.