Walking in North Cyprus

Discover Crusader Age castles, crumbling ruins and mountain villages on this culture-rich hiking hotspot

Walking in North Cyprus

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Trip Fee

$ 1.770

Single Room Difference

$ 390

Date

20 - 27 December 2025

Trip Information

North Cyprus: An enigma to many yet decorated with countless historic treasures. Join this walking adventure to discover a land written into mythology, one shaped by the multiple empires who ruled it and one blessed with natural beauty. Guided by an expert tour leader, we have a well-balanced mix of walking and sightseeing, with time to explore the varied landscapes while also visiting fascinating landmarks, such as the mountain-backed ruins of Bellapais Abbey and the waterside Kyrenia Castle.

Activity Areas

Centre-Based
Coastal Walks
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking Bestsellers
Walking & Trekking Bestsellers
Walking & Trekking Bestsellers
Walking & Trekking Bestsellers
Walking & Trekking Bestsellers

Region & Country & City

Europe: North Cyprus

Included in the Price


- All breakfasts, five lunches
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available

Not Included In The Price


- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation Information


- Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (Hotel Pia Bella)
- Five days of walking
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Map

Itinerary

Day 1 Adventures starts in Kyrenia

The adventure begins in Kyrenia, a harbour town and great base from which to explore North Cyprus. Archaeological excavations show the area was first settled as far back as the 10th century BCE, and today historic buildings and winding lanes offer a glimpse into the past, sitting alongside more modern additions. If there’s time, make use of the hotel facilities – perhaps toasting the adventures to come with a cocktail in the garden bar. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)

Day 2 Transfer to Bellapais and visit the monastery; walk to Catalkoy; afternoon Kyrenia Castle visit

This morning, we have a welcome briefing before a 20-minute transfer to Bellapais, a mountain village home to the ruins of Bellapais Abbey, a medieval gothic monastery. There’s free time to explore, before a short walk to Catalkoy village, where we catch our transfer back to Kyrenia. The walk today is mainly along an old dirt track; it is fairly undulating, with views towards the coast along the way. Upon our return, we embark on a tour of Kyrenia. It includes a visit to the harbour-front castle, a city landmark and important fort for civilisations as diverse as the Ottomans, Venetians and British. Alongside glorious sea views and fascinating architecture, the castle houses the Shipwreck Museum, home to a fourth-century Greek merchant vessel and its cargo. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar) Leisurely walking day

Day 3 Transfer to the ancient hermitage of St Hilarion Castle; visit the site and walk to Malatya village via Karaman

We transfer approximately 25 minutes to Saint Hilarion Castle, a former stronghold within the Kyrenia mountains. Originally a hermitage, the monastery and church were built in the 10th century and later fortified. The site consists of three main parts, linked by steep staircases: the lower section was for the stables and men of arms; the middle was home to the church; and the upper was for reserved for royalty. We spend time exploring the castle and enjoying the magnificent views of Kyrenia, before a walk through the hills to Malatya village. The first section cuts through forest, following an old riverbed with some loose rocks underfoot. We then reach an old dirt track, which we follow into the village, with coastal views ahead and Saint Hilarion Castle behind. We walk through some small villages today, getting a good sense of local life along the way, and pausing for lunch in one of the village squares. We transfer back to the hotel this afternoon, stopping to enjoy a drink on the seafront if time allows. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)

Day 4 Head to the Karpas peninsula; visit the Incirli Cave and Crusader castle at Kantara; walk to Kaplica beach

We head east (approximately 1hr 30min) to the Karpas peninsula. In the morning, we visit Incirli Cave, the largest on the island, which contains an amazing collection of stalactites and stalagmites, before heading to the Crusader castle at Kantara. Kantara Castle is one of three mountain fortresses built by the Byzantines along the Kyrenia mountains, along with Saint Hilarion and Buffavento. It was used as a beacon station, communicating with Buffavento by fire. The castle has an incredible 360-degree view; on a clear day, you can see both coasts of the Karpas peninsula and the Turkish mountains. After a picnic lunch near the castle, we walk down the slopes of the Five Finger Mountains to Kaplica beach. If time allows, there will be a chance for a swim in the sea after our walk, before our transfer (approximately one hour) back to Kyrenia. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar) Leisurely walking day

Day 5 Free day to relax or take an excursion to Famagusta

Today has been left free for further exploration of the island. There are several options available, but a trip to the ancient ruins of Salamis and the historic city of Famagusta is the standout attraction for many. It starts with a visit to St Barnabas Monastery, followed by a tour of Salamis, which remains the biggest Roman site on Cyprus. There will be a lunch break by the sea before the tour continues to the ghost town of Varosha, which has been deserted since 1974. The trip finishes in the old walled city of Famagusta, home to St Nicholas Cathedral. This tour can be arranged locally (please note, you may be joining a larger group on this tour). Of course, you could choose to spend the day relaxing or exploring under your own steam. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)

Day 6 Visit Buffavento Castle for magnificent views; walk to Bellapais village

We start with a 45-minute transfer to Buffavento Castle, the highest Crusader castle on the island and a highlight of the week. It was built in the 11th century to defend against the Arabs, and control an important mountain pass. It’s approximately 680 steps to the top, but the dramatic location offers glorious views over Kyrenia and the Five Finger Mountains. This afternoon, we walk from the castle, taking the footpath that leads down to Bellapais village. We have lunch at the top of the mountain and see both sides of the Five Finger Mountains. Our route takes us along a narrow path, which is a bit rocky underfoot, passing between the mountains, and offering us views in both directions. The vehicle meets us in Bellapais, and we transfer about 10 minutes back to Kyrenia. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar) Moderate walking day

Day 7 Spend a day in the Five Finger Mountains; walk includes visiting Kyrenia Rock and Sourp Magyar Armenian monastery

We transfer approximately 30 minutes to the start of our last walk, the Five Finger Mountains. We take a path up towards the Herbarium of Alevkaya (currently closed for renovation), where we stop for lunch. This afternoon, we walk to Sourp Magyar, the only Armenian monastery in the mountains, and on to Kyrenia rock, which offers excellent photo opportunities. Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar) Leisurely walking day

Day 8 Adventure ends in Kyrenia

You’ve hiked the most scenic trails in North Cyprus, climbed to hilltop Crusader castles and discovered the stalactites and stalagmites of Incirli Cave. Now, however, it’s time to begin our return journeys home. If you have time before your flight, you may wish to explore Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.

Travel Dates

20 - 27 December 2025 $ 1.770

31 January - 07 February 2026 $ 1.650

14 - 21 February 2026 $ 1.950

07 - 14 March 2026 $ 1.650

14 - 21 March 2026 $ 2.100

11 - 18 April 2026 $ 2.205

25 April - 02 May 2026 $ 2.100

02 - 09 May 2026 $ 2.100

16 - 23 May 2026 $ 2.100

12 - 19 September 2026 $ 2.100

26 September - 03 October 2026 $ 2.100

10 - 17 October 2026 $ 2.100

31 October - 07 November 2026 $ 2.100

14 - 21 November 2026 $ 1.950

05 - 12 December 2026 $ 1.650

19 - 26 December 2026 $ 1.650

17 - 24 January 2027 $ 1.950

31 January - 07 February 2027 $ 1.950

14 - 21 February 2027 $ 1.950

28 February - 07 March 2027 $ 1.950

07 - 14 March 2027 $ 2.100

14 - 21 March 2027 $ 2.100

28 March - 04 April 2027 $ 2.100

11 - 18 April 2027 $ 2.100

25 April - 02 May 2027 $ 2.100

02 - 09 May 2027 $ 2.175

16 - 23 May 2027 $ 2.175

12 - 19 September 2027 $ 2.175

19 - 26 September 2027 $ 2.175

26 September - 03 October 2027 $ 2.175

10 - 17 October 2027 $ 2.175

31 October - 07 November 2027 $ 2.175

07 - 14 November 2027 $ 1.950

14 - 21 November 2027 $ 1.950

05 - 12 December 2027 $ 1.950

19 - 26 December 2027 $ 1.950

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