Savoy Cyprus hotels are all situated in or around the historic holiday resort of Kyrenia. Favoured by most holiday makers in Cyprus, it possesses miles of beautiful sandy beaches along the North coast.
Whilst local shops cater for every need of the residents and visitors alike, there is an abudance of exotic restaurants, bars and music clubs. For the duration of the Summer season, open-air live music and local cultural events provide interesting entertaintment at most establishments and local municipalities.
Housing probably some of the best hotels in Cyprus, those who are lucky enough to experience holidays in Kyrenia, always leave with fond memories and a strong desire to return back for more.
A favourite with the visitors, historic Kyrenia Harbour has preserved its mystic atmosphere over hundreds of years. The harbour is within few minutes of walking distance from the city-centre and from The Savoy Hotel of the Savoy Group Cyprus hotels .
The horse-shoe shaped old harbour accomodates some of the best local restaurants and bars, with a candle lit long promenade. Relax in Kyrenia harbour with a quite drink or lunch during the day, or dine under the stars, enjoying the romantic atmosphere of long summer evenings in Cyprus.
Dominating Kyrenia harbour the castle is believed to be constructed during of the Early Byzantine Period (VII - XII A.D.). The original castle was built in the VII. A.D. by the Byzantines for the purpose of defending Kyrenia against Arab raids.
The castle had additions during the reign of Lusignans (1208 - 1211 A.D.) and the Venetians(1489 - 1570 A.D.). After 1570 A.D. it remained in Ottoman hands for three centuries. During the British Colonial administration it was used as a prison and police academy.
The castle houses the preserved wreck of the oldest trading ship in the area with some of its cargo still intact, believed to have sunk about a mile from the coastline around 300 B.C.
Bellapais Abbey, North Cyprus, is situated close to the top of Kyrenia moutains, overlooking the coastline East of Kyrenia town. It sits at the edge of a village by the same name.
Belonging to Lusignan period, it was originally constructed in Gothic style during the 12th centuryas a home for the Augustinian monks who named it as Abbaye de la Paix. Subsequent Venetian rule of Cyprus during the 13th century changed the name to Bella Paise or Bellapaix, which in turn had changed to be called Bellapais Abbey.
Three miles from the holiday resort town of Kyrenia, the abbey is only yards away from the local restaurants and shops with breath-taking views of surrounding countryside.
The castle is named after a saint counted among the three hundred saints, who according to local tradition, sought refuge in Cyprus during the 7th century, when the Arabs overran the Holly Land. His relics were preserved in the castle and "kept right workshipfully" according to an English visitor in the 14th century.
By the 10th century, a Byzantine chapel and monastery has been added to the site of the saint´s tomb. During the 12th century the original castle was added to the site formed part of the Byzantine defences of the Island.
Breathtaking views of North Cyprus coastline, as well as neighbouring mountain peaks can be observed from varios locations inside the castle. Climbing up hundreds of stairs in a pine-scented atmosphere to visit different sections of the castle is a welcome exercise and a challenging experience for most visitors.
Buffavento castle, about 8 miles drive from Kyrenia town, is the highest of the three mountain castles in Kyrenia Range, North Cyprus. Buffavento means "buffeted by the wind". The castle stands at an altitude 3000 ft. in a very commanding position, with wonderful views overloking the towns of Kyrenia, Nicosia, Famagusta, and half of the island.
The castle was used as a Byzantine watchtower during the 10 th century and was surrendered to Guy de Lusignan in 1191. It was recorded that there existed a fortress of some type here, before Richard the Lionheart seized the island from Isaac Commenus.
In medieval times the castle was known as the Lion Castle, but little is known about its early history. The first historic record was in 1232 when the wife of Balian of Ibelin took refuge in Buffavento, while her husband was fighting off the attempted occupation of the island by Frederick II.
Main shopping area extends from the coastline to few hundred yards behind the old harbour.
Shops are open from 08.00 to 18.00 and most are closed on Sundays. Most accept credit cards, GBP, USD, and Euro besides Turkish Lira.
Popular souvenirs such as handicrafts, ceramics, cane baskets, carvings, silver and copper products as well as a wide range of local or designer clothes, shoes and bags can be purchased.
Supermarkets and pharmacies supply a wide choice of toileteries and parfumery. Local spirits such as raki, brandy, beer and wine are available at prices much cheaper than their imported counterparts.
