Highlights
Explore the mountains of North Cyprus on easy and moderate grade walks from our hotel base
We drive each day to a different walk in the Besparmak Mountains
Taste the fresh flavours of Mediterranean mezes at local restaurants
Itinerary
Picture yourself walking beneath the rugged Besparmak Mountains with the sapphire Mediterranean Sea as your constant companion—this is the essence of the Walking in Northern Cyprus tour. Over eight days, this expertly guided group trip introduces experienced travelers to the region’s scenic beauty, from flower-draped mountain trails and remote Crusader castles to the tranquil charm of villages like Bellapais and Lapta. Savor Mediterranean cuisine, including homemade halloumi and fresh mezes, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich biodiversity, with over 1,200 plant species and an ever-changing array of migratory birds. Explore historic sites such as the 12th-century Bellapais Abbey and enjoy spectacular vistas from Buffavento Castle, one of Cyprus’s hidden gems. The tour’s unique appeal lies in its blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and culinary delights, creating a walking holiday that’s as enriching as it is relaxing.
day 1Join trip in Kyrenia
Our trip begins at our hotel, a small resort located around 1.5 miles from the centre of Kyrenia.
There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Kyrenia at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into either Ercan Airport (North Cyprus ECN) a 25-minute drive from the hotel or Larnaca Airport (Cyprus LCA) and a 90-minute drive. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. As many flights get in later in the afternoon and early evening, the welcome meeting will take place on the morning of day two.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to head into Kyrenia to sample some excellent North Cyprus food and explore the town's waterfront setting. Kyrenia is particularly famous for its postcard-perfect vista of its striking Crusader castle and old harbour set against the dramatic backdrop of the Besparmak Mountains.
Our base for the week is The Ship Inn, located around 1.5 miles from the centre of Kyrenia (a 45-minute walk or can take a local bus or taxi). The comfortable-grade, 3-star hotel features en-suite rooms with air-conditioning and a balcony or terrace. The hotel also has a swimming pool (seasonal opening times apply from May to October) and a spa and fitness centre, as well as a bar and a choice of restaurants.
day 2Discover Incirli cave, walk the Tunnel Trail, finish the day at Alagadi turtle beach
day 3Walk through Besparmak Mountains, visit Bellapais abbey and village, introduction to halloumi making
day 4Visit Saint Hilarion Castle, Karmi and Kyrenia harbour
day 5Optional excursion to the historic city of Famagusta, the Salamis ruins and the ghost town of Varosha
day 6Hike the Lapta coastal walkway and Karsiyaka trail, sample traditional homemade Macun preserve
day 7Visit Buffavento Castle. Walk in the shadow of the Besparmak Mountains
day 8Trip ends in Kyrenia
What's Included
Customer Reviews
An interesting tour, good scenery and a fantastic guide. The hotel had a lovely garden and pool, ok bedroom but poor breakfast. Northern Cyprus is an intriguing place. The good microclimate provided by the Kyrenia mountains made the scenic hikes more enjoyable but the coastal plain is overdeveloped.
Wonderful walking holiday in Northern Cyprus with beautiful scenery - castles, woods, seascapes. Our guide took us for an extra evening walk around Nicosia on the evening of our delicious final dinner - that was another highlight.
Dramatic views from mountain top crusader castles after sometimes challenging climbs
Great holiday which I would expect from Explore. Guide was really good, Driver equally as good. Hotel was also decent. The only thing I might suggest is that somehow a half a day/evening is spent in Nicosia.
I enjoyed a lovely spring break walking and sightseeing in North Cyprus. If you enjoy spring flowers and orchids then definitely go in springtime. The walking was at the easy end of walking up and down and across the side of mountains on forest tracks and rocky goats tracks. You do need hiking boots and some people benefit from walking polls. It was lovely to enjoy the spring sunshine, blue skies and blue Mediterranean sea in the distance. The temperature late April was ideal for walking. The trip was a mixture of walking and sightseeing (monasteries and castles) which is an ideal mix. The packed lunches on walking days are unique (in a good way and all vegetarian). The optional day to visit the Roman ruins of Salamis, the ghost city of Varosha and Famugusta (Orthello's castle and tower, and fabulous baklava) ought to be a permanent part of the itinerary. Overall, a well balanced trip between walking and sightseeing :>
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