Walking in North Cyprus

Day 1: Start Kyrenia.

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)

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

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

Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)

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

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

Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)

Day 4: Head to the Karpas peninsula; visit the Incirli caves and crusader castle at Kantara; walk to beautiful Kaplica beach.

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)

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

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)

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

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 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

Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)

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

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)

Day 8: End Kyrenia.

Our adventure ends after breakfast in Kyrenia. Those on the group flights will be transferred back to Larnaca for the flight to London.