Kyrenia (Girne), on the north coast of Cyprus, is one of the busiest stops on the live poker calendar. From November 2026 to January 2027 the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel & Spa hosts Triton ONE, the Triton Super High Roller Series and Merit Poker's own Western Series.
This guide covers the poker room at the Merit Royal Diamond, getting to North Cyprus, where to stay and eat, and what to do around Kyrenia between sessions.
Why Kyrenia is a great poker trip
- Triton twice in a row. Triton ONE and the Triton Super High Roller Series run back to back at the same venue, from November 5 to 30, 2026.
- Big guarantees at mid stakes. The Western Series in January has a $3,000,000 Main Event at $5,500, plus two $1,000,000 events.
- Resort living. The hotel, casino, spa and restaurants are on one beachfront site, so you can walk from your room to the tables.
- Mild winter weather. November and January are cooler than summer but often sunny, and the harbour, castles and mountains are close by.
The poker room at Merit Royal Diamond Hotel & Spa
The Merit Royal Diamond Hotel & Spa is in Alsancak, on the coast about 10 km west of Kyrenia town, next to its sister hotel, the Merit Royal. It is the venue for Merit Poker's biggest festivals and for Triton Poker's visits to North Cyprus.
Tournaments
Triton ONE runs from November 5 to 15, 2026, with 22 events from $1,500 qualifiers to a $15,000 High Roller and an $8,000 Main Event. The Triton Super High Roller Series follows from November 15 to 30 with 16 events from $25,000 to $200,000. The Merit Poker Western Series from January 11 to 22, 2027, has a $5,500 Main Event with $3,000,000 guaranteed and qualifiers from $400.
Cash games
Cash games run during the festivals, and Triton weeks are known for very high-stakes games. Merit Poker does not publish a fixed list of stakes or opening hours, so ask the poker desk what is running when you arrive.
Getting to Kyrenia
Ercan Airport in the north is the closest, but flights there go via Turkey. Many visitors fly into Larnaca in the south and cross the Green Line by road.
| From | Approx. time | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Ercan Airport (ECN) | 40 – 50 min | Flights via Istanbul and other Turkish airports |
| Larnaca Airport (LCA) | 1 h 30 min – 2 h | Direct flights from much of Europe; border crossing needed |
| Nicosia | 30 – 45 min | Day trips and the Green Line crossings |
| Kyrenia harbour | About 15 min | Restaurants, bars and the castle |
Times are approximate and depend on traffic and the border crossing. Arrange a transfer in advance if you land late, and bring your passport.
Where to stay
The Merit Royal Diamond is the easiest choice: the tournaments are in the same building. During Triton weeks it fills up, so book early or ask the festival team about packages.
Other hotels in Kyrenia along the coast and in town are cheaper. Staying near the harbour puts you close to restaurants and nightlife, a short taxi ride from the poker.
Food and drink
Northern Cypriot food mixes Turkish and Cypriot traditions. Try:
- Meze – a long run of small plates, good for a group dinner after a long day.
- Hellim – the local halloumi, grilled and served with almost everything.
- Şeftali kebab – Cypriot sausage-style kebab grilled over charcoal.
- Fresh fish – the restaurants around Kyrenia harbour are the place for it.
- Turkish coffee and baklava – a good pick-me-up before an evening session.
Things to do between sessions
- Kyrenia harbour and castle. A horseshoe-shaped old harbour with a castle that houses a shipwreck museum.
- St Hilarion Castle. A ruined castle high in the Kyrenia mountains with wide views over the coast.
- Bellapais Abbey. A Gothic abbey in a hill village a short drive from town.
- Beaches. The coast either side of Kyrenia has sandy and rocky beaches.
- Nicosia. The divided capital is a short drive away, with old city walls, markets and crossings on foot.
Practical tips for poker players
- Bring your passport. You need it at the border crossings and to register.
- Plan payment. Buy-ins are in US dollars while the local currency is the Turkish lira; ask the festival team how to pay before you travel.
- Budget for re-entries. Most Triton ONE events allow re-entry during late registration, some without a limit.
- Plan the flight route. Choose early between Ercan (via Turkey) and Larnaca (border crossing), and book transfers.
- Check the time zone. North Cyprus uses GMT+3, so schedules are in local time.
Upcoming festivals in Kyrenia
- 2026 Triton ONE North Cyprus – November 5 – 15, 2026, Merit Royal Diamond Hotel & Spa
- 2026 Triton Super High Roller Series North Cyprus – November 15 – 30, 2026, Merit Royal Diamond Hotel & Spa
- 2027 Merit Poker Western Series – January 11 – 22, 2027, Merit Royal Diamond Hotel & Spa
- See all upcoming festivals
Frequently asked questions
Where is poker played in Kyrenia?
The big festivals in this guide are at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel & Spa in Alsancak, about 10 km west of Kyrenia town. Merit Poker also runs events at its other resorts on the same coast.
What poker festivals are coming to Kyrenia?
Triton ONE (November 5 to 15, 2026), the Triton Super High Roller Series (November 15 to 30, 2026) and the Merit Poker Western Series (January 11 to 22, 2027).
What is the nearest airport?
Ercan Airport (ECN), about 40 to 50 minutes by car, with flights via Turkey. Larnaca (LCA) in the south has more direct flights from Europe and is about 1 h 30 min to 2 h away, including the border crossing.
What currency do I need?
North Cyprus uses the Turkish lira, but tournament buy-ins are in US dollars. Euros and pounds are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Do I need my passport?
Yes. It is checked at the Green Line crossing points and you need ID to register for tournaments.
Cover photo: Harbour, Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus by Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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