Tour Overview

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. ...more ...less

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

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Start Kyrenia

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

Location: Kyrenia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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

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

Location: Kyrenia

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 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

Day 4 : Head to the Karpas peninsula; visit the Incirli Cave and Crusader castle at Kantara; walk to Kaplica beach

Location: Karpas Peninsula

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

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

Location: Famagusta

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

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

Location: Kyrenia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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

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

Location: Five Finger Mountains

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

Day 8 : End Kyrenia

Location: Kyrenia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our adventure ends after breakfast in Kyrenia. Those on the group transfer will head back to Larnaca for their onwards flights.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, five lunches

  • All accommodation (see below)

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

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
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Food

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.
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Check out our Q&As

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    4-star Hotel

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Hepatitis A.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 16 years or above age person can go on this tour.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

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

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

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

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

WALKING IN NORTH CYPRUS

Despite the intense heat, this was a very worthwhile walking holiday with excellent cultural highlights.

Fabulous

North Cyprus is an overlooked destination. The history, castles and scenery are amazing. The walks are of reasonable difficulty due to the terrain, and for May the heat made it worse, but a fabulous holiday nonetheless.

Mr

Scenic walks (apart from the introductory one on Sunday which was a bit of a walk to nowhere) with great views from the top of the hills. It was a bit hot but all the walkers coped with the permanent sunshine. Gizer, the leader, is a very good organiser, with perfect timing and good knowledge of the history of the places we visited – Girne, Bellapais Abbey, Saint Hilarion, Kantara and Buffavento Castle (the walk up to it recompense the walker with breath-taking views). He also organised the optional but very informative excursions to Famagusta and Nicosia which offered us the chance to find out a lot of facts about places we knew only from the news. I would also like to commend Omar, the driver, very efficient as well, helpful and funny; he helped me learn more Turkish language than I knew before 😉. The food was good, and the best dinners we had were at Niazi’s and Eminem (no connection with the rapper 😉). The best lunch was at the Caravan Serai in Nicosia – thank you Gizer! Pia Bella Hotel was clean with good sized rooms, very professional, polite, and friendly service, good range of food items at the breakfast. Al in all, a very rewarding holiday – Thanks to Exodus, Gizer, and everybody else who made it happen. ...more ...less

WALKING IN NORTH CYPRUS

An excellent spring break lead by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Some very pleasant walks, none too taxing. The mountains were greener than I expected and plenty of wild flowers to see. The views from the castles in the mountains are spectacular. Good evening meals are available in local restaurants, particularly in Bellapais. ...more ...less

Superb walking holiday in this lovely country

The walks were amazing, the food was great, the hotel was excellent being about a 20 minute walk from the beautiful harbour of Kyrenia and the weather was warm after a wet first morning!

Wonderful experience!

We enjoyed an interesting week of hiking and learning with a fantastic guide, Gizer, and a very friendly group. The distances and terrain were different each day and all very interesting and well thought out. Late March is a terrific time to go as not too hot and an abundance of wildflowers in bloom. Our guide was a true professional and we feel went above and beyond to make our trip interesting and enjoyable. The extent of his knowledge in all things, flora, fauna, history, and food was so helpful. The staff at the center based hotel was excellent, as was the food! The history and beauty of North Cyprus is not to be missed. We’re so glad we went! ...more ...less

Sun, sea and castles

A really enjoyable week in Northern Cyprus which is a fascinating place to visit with a rich history and culture and beautiful mountain scenery. An ideal place to escape the cold weather back home!

Interesting break, lots of downhill

This was our first time to Cyprus, and it was a great experience. The walks were not challenging, but there was plenty of downhill. We had a great group which added to the trip.

Walking in Northern Cyprus

Whilst the hotel was good quality with a pool the hotel experience was spoiled by an in-house disco on both Wednesday and Saturdays. The noise made it impossible to sleep or even eat TV until after 11.30 p.m.. The Castles were interesting and whilst walking enjoyable the combination of heat and rough tracks made it feel more difficult than the advertised grade ...more ...less

WALKING IN NORTH CYPRUS

North Cyprus was an interesting place to visit, so much history and an on-going political situation.

Read all 69 reviews

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Saturday - Saturday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
$1350 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
$1620 (USD)
Prices last published on 15-Mar-2025

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

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

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Walking in North Cyprus

8 Days Starting and ending in Kyrenia

Visiting: Kyrenia, Karpas Peninsula, Famagusta, Five Finger Mountains

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TEU

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1350 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 16-Mar-2025 but subject to change.