Walking in North Cyprus

The group flight usually arrives into Lanarca in the early evening and the
group will be met and transferred to the start hotel. The transfer takes
approximately 1.5 hrs and includes crossing the border to North Cyprus. Land
Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. In the evening
our guide will hold a short meeting to discuss the plan for the following
day, to give advice on the local area and to answer any questions.

After the Welcome Briefing, we will have a short 20 minute transfer to
Bellapais village and the beautiful 12th century Bellapais Abbey, set in the
mountains to the south. There will be some free time to explore the beautiful
village and the abbey before starting our short walk to Cattalkoy village
where we get the transfer back to Kyrenia. The walk today is mainly along an
old dirt track; it is fairly undulating, with views out towards the coast
along the way.
Kyrenia is 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 BC, and today historic buildings and winding lanes
offer a glimpse of the past, sitting side by side with more modern additions.
Our tour also takes in a visit to Kyrenia's Crusader Castle, which features
in English history as far back as the third crusade, when it was taken by
Richard the Lionheart. Since then the castle has been updated and used by
civilizations as diverse as the Ottomans, the Venetians and the British. As
well as glorious views and fascinating architecture, the castle also houses
the Shipwreck Museum, home to a 4th century Greek merchant vessel and its
cargo.
Walk: Distance 5 km Ascent 153 m Descent 145 m Max Altitude 350 m Time: 2
hours

Today we transfer approximately 25 minutes to the Saint Hilarion Castle, a
former stronghold of the Kyrenia mountains. Originally a hermitage site, 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 section was home to
the church and the upper section was for use by only royalty. The stunning
views from the upper level are well worth the climb!
We will spend some time exploring the castle and enjoying the magnificent
views of Kyrenia, before starting our walk through the hills to Malatya
village. The first part of our walk is through the forest, following an old
riverbed with some loose rocks underfoot. We then reach an old dirt track
which we follow into the village, with stunning views of the coast ahead of
us and the impressive Saint Hilarion Castle up on the hills behind us. We
will walk through several small villages today, getting a good sense of local
life along the way. We’ll stop for lunch in a square in one of these
villages.
We will transfer back to the hotel this afternoon, stopping en route to enjoy
a drink on the seafront if time allows.
Walk: Distance 14 km Ascent 205 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 900 m Time: 4
hours

We head east approximately 1.5 hrs today, towards the Karpas peninsula. In
the morning, we will 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 Castle and Buffavento Castle. It was used as a beacon station,
communicating with Buffavento Castle with the use of fires. The castle boasts
an incredible 360 degree view of the region. On a clear day you can see not
only both coasts of the Karpaz Peninsula but also the mountains of Turkey!
After a picnic lunch near the castle, we will walk down the slopes of Five
Finger Mountains to the beautiful Kaplica beach. If time allows, there will
be a chance to swim at Kaplica beach after our walk, before we transfer
(approximately 1 hr) back to Kyrenia.
Walk: Distance 8 km Ascent 50 m Descent 450 m Max Altitude 740 m Time: 3.5
hours
Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similar
*Comfortable Hotel*

Today has been left free for further exploration of the island. Of the many
options available, of particular interest is a trip to the ancient city of
Salamis and the historical city of Famagusta. This trip starts with a visit
to St. Barnabas Monastery, followed by a tour of the Ancient city of Salamis,
which remains the biggest Roman site on the whole island of Cyprus. There
will be a lunch break by the sea before the tour continues to the ghost town
of Varosha, which is closed to the civil life since 1974. The trip finishes
with visiting the old walled city of Famagusta, where the St. Nicholas
Cathedral is located. This tour can be arranged locally (please note that you
may be joining a larger group on this tour). Of course you could choose to
spend the day relaxing, or explore under your own steam.

We start our day with a 45 minute transfer to the magnificent Buffavento
Castle. Standing at 970m, it is the highest Crusader castle on the island and
a highlight of the week. Buffavento was built in the 11th century as a part
of the island's defences against the Arabs, and also controlled an important
mountain pass. The dramatic location offers glorious views over Kyrenia and
the Five Finger Mountains.
This afternoon we will walk from the castle taking the footpath which leads
us down to Bellapais village. We will have our lunch at the top of the
mountain where you will see the both sides of the Five Finger Mountain. Our
route takes us along a narrow path, which is a bit rocky underfoot, passing
between the mountains, and offering us stunning views in both directions. The
vehicle meets us in Bellapais village, and we will transfer about 10 minutes
back to Kyrenia.
Walk: Distance 16 km Ascent 300 m Descent 350 m Max Altitude 970 m Time: 4
hours

Today we transfer approximately 30 minutes to the start of our last walk, the
Five Finger Mountains. The walk takes us on a path up towards the Herbarium
of Alevkaya (currently closed for renovation), where we will stop for lunch.
This afternoon we will walk to Sourp Magyar, the only Armenian Monastery in
the mountains, and on to Kyrenia rock, which offers excellent photo
opportunities.
Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 100 m Descent 120 m Max Altitude 650 m Time: 4
hours
Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella or similar
*Comfortable Hotel*

Our adventure ends after breakfast in Kyrenia. Those on the group flights
will be transferred back to Larnaca for the flight to London.