Kyrenia, Cyprus
Museums
If you're in Kyrenia and interested in museums, I would suggest visiting the Kyrenia Castle. It houses a museum that showcases the history of the castle itself, as well as exhibits on the history and culture of Kyrenia and Cyprus more broadly. Additionally, the nearby St. Hilarion Castle also has a small museum dedicated to its history and architecture. If you're looking for more museum options, the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia (the capital city) is about an hour's drive away and contains a vast collection of archaeological artifacts from all over the island.
Food
In Kyrenia, there are several traditional dishes that are very popular among locals. Some of the most recommended and typical dishes to try include:
1. Kleftiko: This is a slow-cooked lamb dish that is typically cooked in a clay oven with vegetables and potatoes.
2. Meze: Meze is a collection of small dishes that are served as appetizers or as a meal in themselves. It usually includes dips like hummus and tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, grilled meat skewers, and other small plates.
3. Stifado: A stew made with beef or rabbit, onions, garlic, red wine, and spices such as cinnamon, bay leaves, and allspice.
4. Souvla: This is a traditional Cypriot barbecue-style dish that features large chunks of marinated meat (usually pork, chicken, or lamb) skewered and grilled over charcoal.
5. Halloumi: A type of cheese made from goat and sheep milk that's often fried or grilled and served with salads or as part of a meze platter.
6. Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, honey, and chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios).
These dishes are all delicious and representative of the local cuisine in Kyrenia and Cyprus more broadly.
