Current as of: April 26, 2024 - 12:48
Walking in North Cyprus Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: North Cyprus
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TEU
- Carbon Footprint: 19kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover Crusader castles, crumbling ruins and mountain villages
North Cyprus: Unknown to many, yet decorated with countless historic treasures. This walking adventure uncovers a land written into mythology, one shaped by the multiple civilisations who ruled it, and blessed with an uncommon natural beauty. We’ll discover it all, while walking through areas teeming with wildflowers and wildlife, and visiting beautiful, fascinating landmarks, such as the mountain-backed ruins of Bellapais Abbey and the harbour-front fort of Kyrenia Castle.
At a Glance
- Seven nights in the four-star Hotel Pia Bella
- Five days of walking
- Reasonable fitness required
- Low altitude throughout
Highlights
- Explore Crusader castles and historic landmarks
- Take some of the most beautiful walking routes in North Cyprus
- See the stalactites and stalagmites within Incirli Cave
Is This Trip for You?
This trip has been rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/ Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
Most days involve some driving and sightseeing in addition to the walks. Strong but lightweight two/three-season boots with good ankle support are recommended, as there are descents each day that may be steep (but not technically difficult).
The walking is seldom too demanding, although some of the terrain is rocky underfoot. Some of the paths are quite narrow and fairly undulating, and on Day 3 there are sections that involve scrambling over rocks and boulders. A pair of comfortable shoes or trainers will be handy for the evenings and journeys to/from the start/end points.
Moderate walking on days 3 and 6
Leisurely walking on days 2, 4 and 7
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Kyrenia
- End City: Kyrenia
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Larnaca; transfer to Kyrenia
The group flight usually arrives into Larnaca in the early evening and the group will be met and transferred to the start hotel. The transfer takes approximately 1hr 30min and includes crossing the border to North Cyprus. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)
Start Kyrenia
The adventure begins in Kyrenia, 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 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)
Transfer to Catalkoy; walk to Bellapais and visit the monastery; 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
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 will 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 several 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)
Moderate walking day
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.
In addition to Saint Hilarion and Buffavento, 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
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)
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
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
Transfer to Larnaca; fly to London
Our adventure ends after breakfast in Kyrenia. Those on the group flights will be transferred back to Larnaca for the flight to London.
End Kyrenia
Our adventure ends after breakfast in Kyrenia. Those on the group transfer will head back to Larnaca for their onwards flights.
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotel Pia Bella, a four-star resort near Kyrenia Harbour
Our home for this North Cyprus adventure is Pia Bella Hotel, a 170-room hotel in the city centre just a short walk from the historic Kyrenia Harbour.
The highlight is undoubtedly the pool area. Here, most of our groups like to relax post-exploration: for a cooling swim, chill on the sun lounger or to sip cocktails from the bar. Come evening, you may even be treated to some live music.
Elsewhere, there’s a selection of restaurants serving a mix of cuisines. You may also be interested in a spa treatment with a range of different massages available.
Amenities
- Swimming pool for a post-exploration dip (April-November)
- A selection of restaurants to suit all tastes
- Separate bar areas serving a range of drinks
Single supplement from £ 240
Food & Drink
All breakfasts and five picnic lunches are included.
A Cypriot breakfast buffet is provided with bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea. There are also hot options available, such as eggs and omelettes.
Cypriot food includes fish and seafood caught by the Kyrenia fishing fleet, excellent meat dishes, stuffed vegetables, fruit – particularly figs, oranges, nectarines, grapes, olives and pomegranates – and breads and cheeses.
Picnic lunches using locally sourced food are provided where specified. On other days, we stop at a suitable cafe or restaurant.
Kyrenia has many restaurants to choose from for evening meals.
Transport
A minibus will be used for all transfers during the week.
Weather & Seasonality
February and March are the coolest months, with daytime temperatures of 12C-19C (54F-66F) dropping to 2C-9C (36F-48F) at night. There is a chance of rain.
In April and from October through December, it should be quite warm, with daytime temperatures reaching 27C (81F). Nights will be cooler and pleasant, usually 10C-16C (50F-61F). It is generally dry but there is a chance of a shower.
May and September are the hottest months and usually very dry. Daytime temperatures can reach 33C (91F), and nights are usually 12C-17C (54F-63F).
Joining Instructions
Key information
Hotel: Hotel Pia Bella, İskenderun Caddesi No:14 Girne, Mersin 10, North Cyprus
Phone: +90 392 650 5000
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today
Airport: Larnaca Airport (LCA)
Getting to the start hotel
The hotel is approximately a two-hour drive from the airport which includes crossing the border. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, you can book a private transfer through Exodus. On arrival at the hotel, please let the reception staff know that you are part of the Exodus group and they will advise you on when to meet your tour leader.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Kyrenia
Location end: Kyrenia
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Two/three-season jacket for December to March departures
- Light waterproof jacket
- Sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Lightweight but sturdy boots with ankle support
- Daypack (20-30 litre)
- Swimwear
- Sandals or old trainers for swimming
- Comfortable shoes or trainers for sightseeing outside the walks
Temperatures can be very high in June and September; comfortable light clothing, sunhats, sunglasses and a high-factor sunscreen are highly recommended at these times of the year.
Optional Equipment
- Walking poles
Practical Information
Visa
North Cyprus
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter North Cyprus. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/cyprus
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/cyprus
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Cyprus.html
Vaccinations and Health
North Cyprus
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies (bat lyssavirus). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Electricity
North Cyprus's electricity: Plug type G (three rectangular pins) – 220/240V, 50Hz
Money
North Cyprus's currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
ATM Availability
There are ATMs around Kyrenia and all other cities in North Cyprus. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
North Cyprus remains a relatively cheap destination. Expect to spend 600-800 Turkish lira (£16.20-£21.55/US$20.55-US$27.35) on an evening meal in a good restaurant.
Approximate local prices:
- Tea/coffee/soft drink: 55 lira (£1.50/US$1.90)
- Beer/glass of wine: 150 lira (£4.00/US$5.10)
Optional excursions
- Visit to the ancient city of Salamis and the historic city of Famagusta: Approximately 1,640 lira (£44/US$56) per person (minimum five people) including lunch and admission to museums/historic sites. This excursion can only be paid for in cash, either in Turkish Lira, British pounds or euros
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus; however, most of our clients wish to tip their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is not compulsory and depends on the service received.
If you would like to leave a tip, we suggest a total of approximately 1,130 lira per person:
- 730 lira for the leader
- 235 lira for the driver
- 185 lira shared between the hotel staff where appropriate
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- This trip offers easy access for clients to interact with locals, visit cafes and bars, support crafts and to experience what life is really like in Northern Cyprus. We encourage clients to support smaller businesses and purchase souvenirs to enable locals to earn an income from tourism.
- We walk through several small villages throughout this trip and this gives a good sense of local life along the way.
- Read more about our other initiatives
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for re–usable bottles.
- The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites. We visit Kyrenia’s Crusader, Saint Hilarion, Kantara and Buffavento Castles.
- Erosion on and adjacent to popular paths is a growing problem in certain places and therefore our trip leaders encourage clients to stick to advised routes in order to minimise this.
- We rewild 100 square metres per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: we do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: please bring a re–usable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.