Walking in North Cyprus

The group flight usually arrives into Lanarca in the early evening and the

group will be met and transferred to the start hotel. The transfer takes

approximately 1.5 hrs and includes crossing the border to North Cyprus. Land

Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. In the evening

our guide will hold a short meeting to discuss the plan for the following

day, to give advice on the local area and to answer any questions.

After the Welcome Briefing, we will have a short 20 minute transfer to

Bellapais village and the beautiful 12th century Bellapais Abbey, set in the

mountains to the south. There will be some free time to explore the beautiful

village and the abbey before starting our short walk to Cattalkoy village

where we get the transfer back to Kyrenia. The walk today is mainly along an

old dirt track; it is fairly undulating, with views out towards the coast

along the way.

Kyrenia is a pretty harbour town and a great base from which to explore North

Cyprus. Archaeological excavations show the area was first settled as far

back as the 10th century BC, and today historic buildings and winding lanes

offer a glimpse of the past, sitting side by side with more modern additions.

Our tour also takes in a visit to Kyrenia's Crusader Castle, which features

in English history as far back as the third crusade, when it was taken by

Richard the Lionheart. Since then the castle has been updated and used by

civilizations as diverse as the Ottomans, the Venetians and the British. As

well as glorious views and fascinating architecture, the castle also houses

the Shipwreck Museum, home to a 4th century Greek merchant vessel and its

cargo.

Walk: Distance 5 km Ascent 153 m Descent 145 m Max Altitude 350 m Time: 2

hours

Today we transfer approximately 25 minutes to the Saint Hilarion Castle, a

former stronghold of the Kyrenia mountains. Originally a hermitage site, 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 section was home to

the church and the upper section was for use by only royalty. The stunning

views from the upper level are well worth the climb!

We will spend some time exploring the castle and enjoying the magnificent

views of Kyrenia, before starting our walk through the hills to Malatya

village. The first part of our walk is through the forest, following an old

riverbed with some loose rocks underfoot. We then reach an old dirt track

which we follow into the village, with stunning views of the coast ahead of

us and the impressive Saint Hilarion Castle up on the hills behind us. We

will walk through several small villages today, getting a good sense of local

life along the way. We’ll stop for lunch in a square in one of these

villages.

We will transfer back to the hotel this afternoon, stopping en route to enjoy

a drink on the seafront if time allows.

Walk: Distance 14 km Ascent 205 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 900 m Time: 4

hours

We head east approximately 1.5 hrs today, towards the Karpas peninsula. In

the morning, we will 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 Castle and Buffavento Castle. It was used as a beacon station,

communicating with Buffavento Castle with the use of fires. The castle boasts

an incredible 360 degree view of the region. On a clear day you can see not

only both coasts of the Karpaz Peninsula but also the mountains of Turkey!

After a picnic lunch near the castle, we will walk down the slopes of Five

Finger Mountains to the beautiful Kaplica beach. If time allows, there will

be a chance to swim at Kaplica beach after our walk, before we transfer

(approximately 1 hr) back to Kyrenia.

Walk: Distance 8 km Ascent 50 m Descent 450 m Max Altitude 740 m Time: 3.5

hours

Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similar

*Comfortable Hotel*

Today has been left free for further exploration of the island. Of the many

options available, of particular interest is a trip to the ancient city of

Salamis and the historical city of Famagusta. This trip starts with a visit

to St. Barnabas Monastery, followed by a tour of the Ancient city of Salamis,

which remains the biggest Roman site on the whole island of Cyprus. There

will be a lunch break by the sea before the tour continues to the ghost town

of Varosha, which is closed to the civil life since 1974. The trip finishes

with visiting the old walled city of Famagusta, where the St. Nicholas

Cathedral is located. This tour can be arranged locally (please note that you

may be joining a larger group on this tour). Of course you could choose to

spend the day relaxing, or explore under your own steam.

We start our day with a 45 minute transfer to the magnificent Buffavento

Castle. Standing at 970m, it is the highest Crusader castle on the island and

a highlight of the week. Buffavento was built in the 11th century as a part

of the island's defences against the Arabs, and also controlled an important

mountain pass. The dramatic location offers glorious views over Kyrenia and

the Five Finger Mountains.

This afternoon we will walk from the castle taking the footpath which leads

us down to Bellapais village. We will have our lunch at the top of the

mountain where you will see the both sides of the Five Finger Mountain. Our

route takes us along a narrow path, which is a bit rocky underfoot, passing

between the mountains, and offering us stunning views in both directions. The

vehicle meets us in Bellapais village, and we will transfer about 10 minutes

back to Kyrenia.

Walk: Distance 16 km Ascent 300 m Descent 350 m Max Altitude 970 m Time: 4

hours

Today we transfer approximately 30 minutes to the start of our last walk, the

Five Finger Mountains. The walk takes us on a path up towards the Herbarium

of Alevkaya (currently closed for renovation), where we will stop for lunch.

This afternoon we will walk to Sourp Magyar, the only Armenian Monastery in

the mountains, and on to Kyrenia rock, which offers excellent photo

opportunities.

Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 100 m Descent 120 m Max Altitude 650 m Time: 4

hours

Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similar

*Comfortable Hotel*

Our adventure ends after breakfast in Kyrenia. Those on the group flights

will be transferred back to Larnaca for the flight to London.