Monday 16 May: Girne and Alagadi Beach (20 miles)

After breakfast we wander around the old part of Girne; the mosque, the harbour and little backstreets. We've eyed up and booked a place to eat tonight just out of the main harbour and near a statue of Ataturk (flanked by both Turkish and TRNC flags), which goes by the name of Niazi's. Then we cycle off along the busy and built up coast road to Alagadi, passing some truly monstrous Casinos on the way. Apparently gambling is forbidden in Turkey, but clearly flourishes here, with flights to nearby Ercan bringing in lots of lucrative custom from the mainland. Despite dire warnings about the beach being strewn with rubbish and marred by the nearby power station it is delightful, with lovely clear water and  the Kyrenian mountains soaring up majestically behind. Salad in the little beach taverna and then eventually a hot and dusty cycle back....we seem to have coincided with rush hour as the road is even busier than on the way out. Back in the old town we have a freshly squeezed orange juice at a friendly little place with old men drinking chay from glass cups. Back to the rooftop terrace for a final dip before  supper. Niazi's is a superb place, full of Turkish and we have a delicious  meze followed by a variety of doner and sish kebabs with grilled cheese, and lamb chops and kofte. It's all cooked on a big charcoal grill in the middle of the restaurant. We are outside, next to the road and opposite the Dome casino, but it seems very authentic, and very cheap. Nice sweet Turkish puddings and then Turkish chay in tulip shaped glasses.