Along the road westwards out of Kyrenia there are numerous safe and well-managed beaches many of which have eating and showering facilities. After about 5Km is the village of Karaoglanoglu, named after the Turkish General who led the landing in 1974 and who gave his life for the venture. At this point it is worth digressing from the journey by taking the turning on the left to Edremit and Karaman, this is a twisting road that reaches the picturesque village of Karaman after some 5Km. Expatriate incomers have restored the derelict abandoned houses to recreate the most charming village on the island. The Greek Church in the village square has been carefully maintained by the settlers and can be viewed - enquire in the village shop. Just before the village a track to the left leads to the necropolis that dates from about (1850-1050BC. There are rock cut chambers are arranged around a central passageway, Australian archaeologists excavated the tombs in 1960 and artefacts found there indicate that trade was carried on with Egypt and Minoan Crete.

Return to Karaolanoglu, which has now become a suburb of Girne and boasts some of the finest restaurants. A little way past the township look out for a sign on the right hand side to Kervanseri, this leads to a popular managed sandy beach with a number of restaurants that boast arguable the best sunset view on the island.

The next landmark is the distinctive monument and museum marking the landing place of the Turkish Troops in 1974. Just past the monument you will find Escape Beach that is well managed and popular, providing restaurant and showers.

The Deniz Kizi hotel is about 9 km from Girne offers the next sheltered beach with a sandy cove lying in a horseshoe shaped bay, again there are restaurants and beach facilities. After a further we find that we have entered Alsancak region and the Crystal Cove hotel is quite unmistakable, again offering beach facilities and one can also see the Mare Monte beach from this point. It is worth making another diversion into the villager for Alsancak (turn off at the 'Bronze lady' statue) just above the village there is a clear water spring that feeds the citrus orchards.

Further along the main road are several turnings to Lapta. Again look out for the yellow tourist signs to Lambousa on the right (also signposted to Camelot club). Quite apart from offering sheltered beach facilities that are ideal for small children, there is an old monastery and Greek church (now controlled by the army), the ancient harbour facilities the remains of a roman lighthouse, and the fish tanks where fresh fish was stored for sale. The so-called silver treasure of Lambousa was unearthed in this area in about 1900.

The village of Lapta is the next port of call along the road, and once again it is well worth diverting to the higher reaches of Baspinar where the views are outstanding and one will find the cooling seven springs. Some 3 kilometres beyond Lapta along the coast road will be found a turn off to the left to Karsiayaka village and to the right is the village of Guzelyali where there is a fish restaurant that is very popular with Turkish Cypriots.

Some 21Km from Kyrenia the road turns away from the sea and takes one past the reservoirs up the hill to Camlibel. At the point where the road turns inland it is worth digressing to the right along the roads towards Kayalar where the countryside is completely unspoiled and offers many fine aspects across the sea, the road ends at Cape Korucam with its lighthouse and where some of the finest sea fishing is reputed to be found.

From the round about near the Beledesiyi and large car park in Central Kyrenia take the road east leaving the post office and hospital on your left. After crossing the roundabout that leads down to the commercial harbour on your left, you will reach the area of Karakum where there is a small sandy beach without managed facilities. The road leads past the villages Ozankoy and Catalkoy where there are any number of well know places to eat. By Alasancak a turning from the main road leads down to the left where the Hazreti Omer Tekke one of the most revered Islamic shrines on Cyprus will be found. A little further along the road lies Catalkoy's public beach where showers and changing rooms are provided and a small snack bar is available.

Just beyond Catalkoy take the turning left to Esentepe. This road has recently been upgraded by and now boasts a broad smooth tarmac surface until just beyond Esentepe. Perhaps it has lost some of the charm of the old rambling broken surface but it does bring Esentepe nearer to Girne, is kinder on vehicles, and still gives some stunning vistas as you drive along. The first point of note is the Acapulco Hotel complex, undoubtedly one of the finest in the Girne area boasting excellent beach facilities and all of the supporting services that one would expect from a first class hotel. The next beach is officially known as Lara beach but its popular local name of 8mile beach gives an indication of its location. At 19Km we reach the longest stretch of sandy beach on the north coast, take the turn off just beyond St Catharine's restaurant, and you will find the sand dunes where the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. For this reason the beach is a protected area and visitors need to respect the regulations.

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