Walking in Northern Cyprus

Walking in Northern Cyprus

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8 Days From

$1100

Walking in Northern Cyprus

8 Days Starting and ending in Kyrenia

Visiting: Kyrenia District, Beylerbeyi, Kaplıca, Lapta, Famagusta

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

LNC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

None

Age range:

16-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1100

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

With the imposing setting of the Besparmak Mountains running alongside the beautiful cobalt of the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop, this week long walking tour of Northern Cyprus offers a perfect getaway with pleasant winter time temperatures. Explore flower-rich mountain trails and discover imposing ruined castles as we showcase the contrasting scenery on this idyllic Mediterranean island.

Bellapais - Explore the famous twelfth century Crusader abbey
Mediterranean food - Enjoy the fresh flavours of mezes at local restaurants
Buffavento - Spectacular views from this less visited castle

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

Expand All

Day 1: Join Trip In Kyrenia

Location: Kyrenia District

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Ship Inn

Our trip begins at our hotel, a small resort located around 1.5 miles from the centre of Kyrenia. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 8pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Kyrenia at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into either Ercan Airport (North Cyprus ECN) a 25 minutes' drive from the hotel or Larnaca Airport (Cyprus LCA) and 1.5 hours' drive. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.



If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you could choose to head into Kyrenia to sample some excellent North Cyprus food and explore the town's waterfront setting. Kyrenia is particularly famous for its 'picture postcard' 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 a taxi. The hotel facilities include an outdoor pool, bar and restaurant, the comfortable rooms are all en-suite with air conditioning and a balcony or terrace.

Day 2: Hike To Kantara Castle. Afternoon Visit To Kaplica Beach

Location: Beylerbeyi, Kyrenia District, Kaplıca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Ship Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Our main introductory briefing will be after breakfast this morning before we drive along the coast, eventually leaving the built up coastal development behind, and through a rural landscape of green fields, olive groves and small villages. En route, we will stop off at Cyrpus\ largest cave at Incirli to see its impressive collection of stalactites and stalagmites along a 100 metres/330 feet passage. After visiting the cave we continue our drive to Kantara village and we start our walk through pine forest. Along the way the views eventually open up and we pick a scenic spot with vistas along the north coast for our picnic. In springtime we have the chance to see wild flowers and orchids. Eventually we reach Kantara Castle which we visit after our walk.



Kantara Castle has seen its fair share of conflict over the centuries. Indeed, Richard the Lionheart won a famous victory here when he defeated the self-proclaimed king of the island, Isaac Komnenos, after the latter's ill-judged slight against Richard's fiancé.



After visiting the castle, we drive down to the seaside and Kaplica Beach where you have the opportunity to swim.



Today's leisurely 7.5 kilometre/4.7 mile walk is expected to take around 2 to 3 hours with 50 metres/165 feet of ascent and 450 metres/1475 feet of descent.



Please note that the order of the walking days may be changed to take account of weather conditions, as some of the trails are slippery when wet. Your Leader will advise of any changes on the tour.

Day 3: Walk Through The Besparmak Mountains To Bellapais Village

Location: Beylerbeyi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Ship Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

A short drive this morning takes us into the Besparmak Mountains, ascending to the Arapkoy area, where we leave our vehicle and start walking along the forest trails towards Bellapais village. Our path today follows an undulating well-graded path through pine forests with excellent views that stretch all the way down to the Karpaz Peninsula on a clear day. We will break for a picnic lunch along the way, just before we start our descent to picturesque Bellapais village.



Made famous by Lawrence Durrell in his 1950s award-winning autobiography, Bitter Lemons, much of Bellapais village still retains the easy charm of those Durrell days. The village's main attraction is Bellapais Abbey, now an imposing ruin with spectacular views of Kyrenia and the Mediterranean Sea, it was founded by Augustinian monks fleeing the Holy Lands in 1200. The abbey flourished until it was looted and vandalised during the 14th century Genoese invasion. It went on to earn a reputation for scandal and corruption, eventually shutting down in the 16th century.



After visiting the abbey we will drive to Kyrenia harbour to visit the imposing castle, which also contains the Shipwreck Museum - home of the remains of a well preserved 4th century BC merchant ship. There is time to stroll around the harbour before we head back to our hotel.



Today's moderate grade 12.5 kilometre/7.8 mile walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 300 metres/985 feet of ascent and 350 metres/1150 feet of descent.

Day 4: Visit Saint Hilarion Castle; Walk To Karmi

Location: Lapta

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Ship Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we visit Saint Hilarion castle, a stunning historic fort overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. There is time to explore the three floors of the castle complex on foot, one of the best preserved of the Crusader castles. Built into the hillside there are some steep sections and steps to climb to the upper floors. We meet at the cafe where you can try a refreshing homemade lemonade before we walk from the castle towards Lapta on the western edge of the Besparmak Mountain range.



The first section of today's walk follows a track through a remote valley than runs behind Saint Hilarion Castle. In the spring the pathway is full of wild flowers and it should be possible to spot orchids along the way. There is a steep section of around 100 metres/330 feet where we descend along a dry river bed, where you will need to pick your footing carefully and sometimes use your hands as well if you prefer, after which the path levels out as we re-join a forest track. We break for a picnic at the charming village of Karmi (also known as Karaman) nestled below the peaks of the Besparmak Mountains. Winding our way through the narrow lanes we make our way to the church of Virgin Mary in the central square, an ideal spot to enjoy our lunch. There is a small cafe and shop in the village where it's possible to purchase further drinks and snacks.

After lunch we descend to Gillham vineyard, close to Lapta, where our vehicle meets us and takes us back to our hotel.



Today's moderate grade 10 kilometre/6.2 mile walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 150 metres/490 feet of ascent and 450 metres/1475 feet of descent (including a short steep section).

Day 5: Optional Excursion To The Historic City Of Famagusta And Salamis Ruins

Location: Famagusta

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Ship Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today has been left free for you to use as you wish. You may choose to visit Famagusta - once one of the richest cities and most important trading ports in the world. The so-called 'City of 365 Churches' has been ravaged by wars and earthquakes throughout history, but still contains beautiful examples of medieval and gothic architecture. William Shakespeare is purported to have used it as the setting for Othello and the Venetian Citadel overlooking the harbour is popularly known as Othello's Tower. Just 5 miles to the north of Famagusta is the ancient site of Salamis, which is also well worth a visit and included in the day trip. With its significant collection of Mycenaean, Roman and Byzantine artefacts, it is the most important ancient city on the island.



Alternatively, you may prefer to use your day to relax, spending time by the hotel's pool or on one of the local beaches.

Day 6: Hike Akdeniz King Tombs Trail

Location: Beylerbeyi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Ship Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we head out towards the west coast, through one of the most fertile agricultural regions in Cyprus. From the village of Akdeniz, our walk this morning takes in pretty countryside, through west coast pine forest and fields in flower (seasonal), and along the way we will visit a few interesting historical sites including some 5th century BC tombs and 2500 year old Greek fish ponds. We have a picnic lunch on route, before descending to the coast. Our walk continues along turtle beach and arable land until we reach Akdeniz village. After the walk, we can spend some time at Akdeniz Caretta beach, there is a cafe for a drink and the opportunity to swim before we drive back to the hotel.



Today's leisurely 13 kilometre/8.1 mile walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 200 metres/655 feet of descent.

Day 7: Visit Buffavento Castle. Walk In The Shadow Of Besparmak Mountain

Location: Beylerbeyi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Ship Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we head again into the Besparmak Mountains and to the highest of the Kyrenia strongholds, the ruined fortress of Buffavento. The name means 'buffeted by the wind' and a walk up to the top of the highest tower helps us to understand why. The zig zag path gradually ascends to the ruins, with some steeper steps to get to the top to the castle. On a clear day, our efforts are rewarded with a spectacular view over half the island, with the Troodos Mountains stretching out beneath us and Famagusta in the distance.



After visiting Bufavento Castle, we start our final walk which takes us to the base of Besparmark, translated as the five fingered mountain because of its distinctive jagged peaks. Legend has it that the mountain was formed when the Byzantine hero, Dhiyenis Akritas, leapt across the sea from Anatolia leaving his handprint forever etched into the landscape as he landed. While we walk keep your eyes peeled for endemic wild plants and flowers and we have the opportunity to see the north coast of Cyprus as well as inland Nicosia, which is the capital city of Cyprus.



Today's moderate grade walk is 13 kilometres/8.1 miles, which is expected to take around four hours with 70 metres/230 feet of ascent and 170 metres/560 feet of descent. The forest paths are uneven under foot in places and undulating with a few very short steeper sections.

Day 8: Trip Ends In Kyrenia/Alsancak

Location: Kyrenia District

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel.



There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from either Ercan Airport (North Cyprus ECN) a 25 minutes' drive from the hotel or Larnana Airport (Cyprus LCA) and 1.5 hours' drive.

What's Included

  • Fully Guided

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

  • Accommodation

  • Meals – Half Board

    Breakfast: 7

    Lunch: 5

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • 1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day

  • Country Entry Visas

Why Book this Tour

Get off the beaten track and explore the real North Cyprus.

Meals

Breakfasts: 7
Lunches: 5

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Catherine  

On Foot In Northern Cyprus

Wonderful trip with a lovely guide. Leaving the ho

Wonderful trip with a lovely guide. Leaving the hotel early each morning helped walking before the weathert too hot!

Alison  

On Foot In Northern Cyprus

The excursion Cem put together for us on our free

The excursion Cem put together for us on our free day, taking in Salamis, Famagusta, St Barnabas monastery was fantastic - we saw so much!!

Rebecca  

On Foot In Northern Cyprus

I want to say thank you for my News Eve Dinner tha

I want to say thank you for my News Eve Dinner that you provided. We had an excellent evening mixing with the locals and eating a hug amount of food.

Jim  

On Foot In Northern Cyprus

Simon  

On Foot In Northern Cyprus

Thanks for a great trip. It was fortunate that ou

Thanks for a great trip. It was fortunate that our groupt on very well together.

Sarah  

On Foot In Northern Cyprus

it was our first foreign trip for two years, and w

it was our first foreign trip for two years, and we enjoyed it overall. The Covid safety measures were affective, and we appreciated Cema arranging for tests at our hotel the day before departure. I would add that the New Year's Eve celebrations surpassed expectations - the food and the entertainment were excellent.

David  

On Foot In Northern Cyprus (20-Dec-2019)

A good and well organised trip although dominated

A good and well organised trip although dominated by poor weather - which was no one's fault of course. Good group - we gelled well together - and with a good Tour Leader it made for a very good week with the bonus of celebrating new year in our style.

Jim  

On Foot In Northern Cyprus

Les  

On Foot In Northern Cyprus (21-Dec-2019)

Enjoyed the trip and company of Cemaliye and the r

Enjoyed the trip and company of Cemaliye and the rest of the group very much. Should have mentioned our full Christmas dinner provided by the hotel on Christmas Day. It was excellent and a lovely surprise.

Susan  

On Foot In Northern Cyprus

best to in the spring when all the flowers are out

best to in the spring when all the flowers are out and the ground is not too dry and the temperature is not too hot

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  • Free Date Changes

    Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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