Catalkoy - in the foothills of the Kyrenia Mountains

The History of Catalkoy in the foothills of the Kyrenia Mountains

Catalkoy (Vrysi) is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Northern Cyprus. This ancient Neolithic II settlement dating from 4000- 5000BC is believed to have been colonised by people who came from Kilikya in Anatolia.

Fearful of attack in the new land they were cultivating the inhabitants of Catalkoy built their houses half sunk into the ground with underground tunnels connecting them In their houses the walls were built with stone and wet clay and the inner walls were plastered with wet clay. Rush mats were made and used as floor coverings.

Archaeological excavations have revealed that this long disappeared community had a high level of culture. The first evidence of handmade pottery to be produced in Cyprus has been found in Catalkoy as has the first evidence of textile making.

The discovery of olive and grape remains have led researchers to conclude that these colonists introduced specialised horticulture to Cyprus not long after it originated on the mainland. Finds of golden artifacts and remnants of wine making activity have also added to the conclusion that the ancient settlement that thrived at Catalkoy for over a thousand years was sophisticated for its time. The village was abandoned in 3000BC after an earthquake.

Catalkoy today as a Tourist Attraction in Northern Cyprus

Today Catalkoy is still a thriving village of 600 inhabitants. The present settlement is a 10 minute drive West from the beautiful Harbour and Castle at Girne .

The village stretches from the coast to the mountains making it a very special place indeed. There is a private beach 5 minutes drive away and you will find picturesque shops and restaurants in the village.

Often described as ‘The Lake District without the lakes’ Catalkoy is a wonderful place for walkers and nature lovers. Wildflowers catch your eye where ever you look. For a tranquil environment with plenty of clean, fresh air you can not do much better than spend time in Catalkoy. Go back in time and visit the ancient Neolithic village of Catalkoy. It sits on the headland behind the restaurant at the Acapulco Beach Hotel. The sea is undercutting the promontory where the old village sits.

The Neolithic settlement at Catalkoy is too fragile for visitors to walk around but you may look at the site and walk around the edges. The many artifacts that have been found here can be seen at the museum in Girne Castle.

Alagadi or Turtle beach is a short drive away. It is a public beach and the longest stretch of beach on the Northern Cyprus coastline. In July and September the beach is a big attraction as visitors come to watch the female loggerhead and green turtles come to lay their eggs and see their hatchlings make their desperate run for the sea.