Apostolos Andreas Monastery

Apostolos Andreas stands at the far end of the Karpaz on the shore, on a spot where by tradition the apostle Andrew struck the rock and a spring appeared. It was one of the most visited pilgrimage sites on the island and the buildings had fallen into serious decay by the 2000s. A restoration completed in 2020, funded and managed jointly across the island's communities, brought the church and ranges back into sound condition, and pilgrims come again, in numbers on the feast days.

What you actually see

• The church - the restored monastery church on the shore.
• The holy spring - the water below the church that pilgrims come for.
• The restored ranges - monastic buildings brought back in the joint restoration.
• The setting - the sea on three sides near the island's northeastern tip.

When to go

April to June and September to November are the most comfortable. The feast days on 30 November and 15 August bring large numbers. Summer on the exposed point is hot and windy.

Honest expectations

It is a very long drive out and back, most of a day from Kyrenia. Facilities near the monastery are minimal. Modest dress is expected, and ID is needed at the crossing points.

Nearby

Golden Beach is back along the peninsula, and the Karpaz tip is a few kilometres beyond.