Although published in 2014 we thought you should take a look at Kyrenia, N.Cyprus as it’s unusually accessible for a small island.
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Just back from Kyrenia, N.Cyprus where I stayed at the 4 Star Pia Bella Hotel. Fifi in a 4star I hear you say!! Yes but it had excellent disabled facilities. They had a huge room with plenty of room to manoeuvre and a disabled wet room. On top of that, although the decor was plain, it was really clean, the staff were extremely helpful and always concerned about my well being AND there was a chair to get me in the pool. Something even the 5star resorts I normally go to such as the Cratos and Savoy Ottoman Palace, don’t have. They do have excellent disabled rooms but are twice the price (£120 vs £48 per night).
I can’t recommend Kyrenia enough as it’s very friendly although tough to get around but the harbour is accessible once you get there. Disabled toilets do exist but you have to hunt them out so I suggest you look out for the larger hotels who are equipped. The harbour dates back to the 10th century BC and was a strategic port in in the Mediterranean, hence the castle at it’s entrance. Bellapais is really interesting to visit and is in the hills above Kyrenia. It was home to Lawrence Durrell, who wrote about life in Cyprus in his book Bitter Lemons. He mentions passing the time drinking coffee under the Tree of Idleness in the village and there are two places which lay claim to being that spot. There is a beautiful restaurant there that overlooks Kyrenia – Kybele – it’ in the grounds of the Monastery and is full of cobbled walk ways but worth a visit for the view.
An adventurous holiday if you’re disabled but the Turkish Cypriots are always eager to help. BTW Tracey Emin is known to visit there, as her father is Turkish Cypriot, and has been spotted in the supermarkets.