Walking in North Cyprus

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8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 999

Walking & Trekking

Activity Level

Moderate

Comfort Level

Superior

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TEU2

Carbon Footprint :

19kg CO2e per person per day

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

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.

Highlights

Experience the best of North Cyprus on foot, taking scenic trails to historic landmarks
Climb to hilltop Crusader castles for magnificent panoramas
Explore Incirli Cave to walk among stalactites and stalagmites
Spend a day on the trails of the Five Finger Mountains
Unwind with the group each night at Hotel Pia Bella near Kyrenia Harbour

Key Information

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

Countries visited: North Cyprus

What's Included

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

What's Not Included

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

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Leisurely: 2mph-3mph (3kph-4kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths

Day 2

5 km / 3.1 miles

Day 3

14 km / 8.7 miles

Day 4

8 km / 5 miles

Day 6

16 km / 9.9 miles

Day 7

10 km / 6.2 miles

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

TEU2 - Walking in North Cyprus

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Kyrenia 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)

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

Distance covered: 3mi (5km)

Ascent: 502ft (153m); Descent: 476ft (145m); Activity hours: 2

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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)

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Ascent: 673ft (205m); Descent: 1,312ft (400m); Activity hours: 4

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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

Distance covered: 5mi (8km)

Ascent: 164ft (50m); Descent: 1,476ft (450m); Activity hours: 3hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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

Distance covered: 10mi (16km)

Ascent: 984ft (300m); Descent: 1,148ft (350m); Activity hours: 4

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 328ft (100m); Descent: 394ft (120m); Activity hours: 4

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate).For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Most days involve some driving and sightseeing in addition to the walks. 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 so we recommend having reasonable fitness. Some of the paths are quite narrow and fairly undulating, and on Day 3 there are sections that involve scrambling over rocks and boulders. Our walks take place at low altitude throughout. A pair of comfortable shoes or sports shoes will be handy for the evenings and journeys to/from the start/end points.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

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

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.

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.

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.

Weather

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).

TRIP

TEU2 - Walking in North Cyprus

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

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