Walking in Northern Cyprus

Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Walking in Northern Cyprus


(10 reviews)

From:

CAD $1,520 Was CAD $1,670

8 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Easy

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 18 Oct 2025

Experience Overview

With the imposing Besparmak Mountains running alongside the beautiful cobalt of the Mediterranean Sea as our backdrop, our week-long walking tour takes in the rural beauty of Northern Cyprus. Explore flower-rich mountain trails and discover imposing ruined castles as we showcase the contrasting scenery on this idyllic Mediterranean island.

Bellapais - Walk in the hills above Bellapais, ending the day exploring the famous 12th-century Crusader abbey.
Flora and fauna - Witness the islands diversity with over 1,200 plant species and the ever changing variety of migrating birds.
Mediterranean food - Enjoy the fresh flavours of mezes at local restaurants. Sample homemade halloumi with freshly baked bread.
Crusader castles - Soak in the spectacular views from Buffavento, one of the lesser-visited castles.

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

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 20266

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: Bus

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Tour OperatorTour Operator: Explore Worldwide

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: LNC

StartStarts: North Cyprus

FinishFinishes: North Cyprus

DurationDuration: 8 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical Rating: Easy

Includes

  • Explore Tour Leader
  • Driver(s)

Accommodation

The Ship Inn

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,520 ($190 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1-Join 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. 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 an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and a spa and fitness centre, as well as a bar and a choice of restaurants.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - The Ship Inn
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - No
  • Breakfast Provided - No
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - No
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: None

2
Day 2-Discover Incirli cave, walk the Tunnel Trail, finish the day at Alagadi turtle beach

This morning, we'll have our introductory briefing before heading out and driving along the coast. We'll leave the coastal development behind us and travel 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 70 metre passage. After visiting the cave, we'll continue a short distance by bus to the start of a scenic hike on the Tunnel Trail, situated on the skirts of the Kyrenia Mountains, where a natural tunnel cuts through the rocky hillside. The 6km (3.7 mile) trail features a gentle ascent and descent of around 350 meters (1,150 feet), making it an easy to moderate walk suitable for most walkers. The route winds through pine forests, dotted with colourful wildflowers. In springtime, we'll have the chance to see wild orchids. The hike takes around three hours. Along the way, the views open up and we'll pick a scenic spot along the trail for our picnic lunch break. On five days (day 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7) a picnic lunch is included on our walk. We'll vary the menu each day, choosing Cypriot regional dishes, with a seperate vegetarian option as well. Typically the main course will be chosen from Pilavuna (a cheese-filled pastry, comparable to bread dough which is rolled very thinly), Hellimli (a savoury pastry with halloumi), Zeytinli (a savoury pastry with olives), Ispanakli Börek (a savoury pastry filled with spinach) and Mantar-Kiymali Börek (a savoury pastry filled with mushrooms and beef). This will be accompanied by a fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumber and egg and fresh fruit and a fruit juice. We'll also include a desert, again this will vary each day. Typically these will be one from Ici Dolu (a stuffed pastry with walnut), Tahinli (a pastry made from crushed sesame seeds), Norlu borek (a cheese based pastry) and Sigara Boregi (a cigar shaped fried pastry stuffed with cheese). We conclude the day at Alagadi turtle beach, renowned as a nesting site for marine turtles, where you can unwind with a relaxing drink at the beach cafe and, if you wish, take a refreshing swim in the clear Mediterranean waters before heading back to our hotel. Please note, the order of the walking days may be changed to take account of weather conditions, as some of the trails are slippery when wet. Our tour leader will advise of any changes.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - The Ship Inn
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - Yes
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

3
Day 3-Walk through Besparmak Mountains, visit Bellapais abbey and village, introduction to halloumi making

A short drive this morning takes us into the Besparmak Mountains. Our route today follows an circular route along a undulating well-graded path through pine trees, cypress and through maquis scrub, providing something of a haven for wildlife. If travelling during the spring time, there is often the chance to see wild orchids and other endemic plants to the island. From February to May the island is ablaze with colour with subtle changes in tone and form as the season advances. Cyprus as a whole hosts over 1,200 plant species of which 140 of which are endemic to the island and nine of which are specifically found in the north. We'll break for a picnic lunch along the way with views that stretch all the way down to the Karpaz Peninsula on a clear day. Today's moderate 8 kilometre / 5 mile walk is expected to take around three hours. After our walk we visit Bellapais. Made famous by Lawrence Durrell in his 1950s award-winning autobiography, Bitter Lemons, the book vividly captures village life and reflects on the political tensions of Cyprus during the 1950s. 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'll make a stop in the small hamlet of Ozankoy to get an introduction to making halloumi. Traditionally crafted from a blend of sheep's and goat's milk, modern versions often include cow's milk, halloumi holds a special place in Cypriot cuisine. Our hosts will welcome us into their home; we get to witness the traditional art of baking bread in stone ovens and get to taste homemade halloumi, commonly enjoyed in salads, sandwiches, or as a grilled dish on its own.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - The Ship Inn
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - Yes
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

4
Day 4-Visit Saint Hilarion Castle, Karmi and Kyrenia harbour

This morning, we'll visit Saint Hilarion Castle, a stunning historic fort overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. There's 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 several steps to climb to the upper floors, however the effort is well worth it, as the views are magnificent from the upper levels of the castle. We'll drive from St Hilarion to the charming village of Karmi (also known as Karaman) nestled below the peaks of the Besparmak Mountains. There is time to explore the narrow lanes and the church of Virgin Mary in the central square of this delightful village. There is also a small cafe and shop in the village where it's possible to purchase a drink and snacks. This mornings walk is a easy going scenic 6.5km / 4 mile trail starting in Karmi Village, passing through the peaceful village of Ilgaz (also known as Ftericha), where we'll make a stop at the Gillham Vineyard, a Cypriot wine producer. We'll break for lunch along the way before continuing the walk to Malatya, where we re-join the bus for the short journey to Kyrenia town. Our final stop of the day is to 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. We'll have time to stroll around the castle and the recently renovated harbour, with its lively restaurants and bars before we head back to our hotel.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - The Ship Inn
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - Yes
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

5
Day 5-Optional excursion to the historic city of Famagusta, the Salamis ruins and the ghost town of Varosha

Today has been left free for you to relax or explore more at your own pace. 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 five miles to the north of Famagusta is the ancient site of Salamis, where we'll explore remarkably preserved ruins including the grand gymnasium, theatre, and intricate Roman baths, offering a glimpse into public life of the classical world. From there, the tour continues to the haunting streets of Varosha, the famous ghost town, once a glamorous coastal resort in the 1960s and 1970s frequented by celebrities, now frozen in time since its abandonment in 1974. After this reflective walk, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Famagusta, savouring traditional Cypriot flavours. The afternoon is dedicated to discovering the historic old town of Famagusta, with an impressive view from the top of the Porta del Mare and continuing to the Othello Castle, said to have inspired Shakespeare's play. The tour also includes the towering Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicholas, now Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, and the remains of the Venetian Palace, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures that shaped this once-thriving medieval port city. Please see the budgeting section for prices, which depend on the group size. Alternatively, you may prefer to use your day to relax, spending time by the hotel's pool or on one of the local beaches.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - The Ship Inn
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - No
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast

6
Day 6-Hike the Lapta coastal walkway and Karsiyaka trail, sample traditional homemade Macun preserve

We start our day with a short drive to the neighbouring village of Lapta, where we have a gentle stroll along a three kilometre (two mile) coastal walkway. The path is paved all the way along and winds its way through a small fishing port and then hugs the coast, part of the walk is built over the ocean itself. We'll finish up at a small cafe with wonderful views looking back towards Kyrenia and the entire northern coast of Cyprus, with the backdrop of the Besparmak Mountains providing a natural barrier to the rest of the island. Moving on, it is a short ten-minute drive to a reservoir at Gecitkoy, in the far northwest of the island. The reservoir is unusual in that it fed, not by water from Cyprus, but from the Alakopru Dam in mainland Turkey some 80km away. An underwater pipeline transfers 75 million square meters of water to the island annually. After a short visit to a view point to see the reservoir we'll continue to the starting point of our second walk, the Karsiyaka trail a 8 km / 4.5 mile hike. Along the way, you'll visit the atmospheric ruins of Sinai Monastery, nestled quietly in the hills, and walk through landscapes rich with aromatic wild herbs such as thyme, sage and oregano, filling the air with their natural fragrance. During the extended period of the spring migration, large numbers of birds pass through Cyprus, heading to northern breeding areas. A section of the walk opens up with fine views over the rolling hills making it a good spot for some birdwatching. It's worth keeping an eye out for two endemic birds to the island, the Cyprus Warbler and the Cyprus Pied Wheatear. After our walk, we'll will visit a rural homestead for Macun tasting and drink Turkish coffee. Macun is a local delicacy in Cyprus consisting of fruit preserves, generally served in little plates or on miniature forks, it is an inherent part of Cypriot culture, where they are offered to guests as an act of hospitality. Almost all fruits, nuts and even vegetables can be made into Macun, it's a chance to try some authentic Cypriot preserves. To end the day, we can spend some time at Sardunya beach, there is a cafe for a drink and the opportunity to swim before we drive back to the hotel.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - The Ship Inn
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - Yes
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

7
Day 7-Visit Buffavento Castle. Walk in the shadow of the Besparmak Mountains

This day begins with a visit to dramatic Buffavento Castle, perched on the second highest peak of the Kyrenia Mountains at around 950 meters / 3,100 feet above sea level. Built during the Byzantine period, Buffavento, meaning "defier of the Winds" served as a key lookout and defensive fortress, part of a trio with St. Hilarion and Kantara Castles. Its strategic position offers breath-taking panoramic views stretching across the east, west, and north coasts of Cyprus. The climb to the castle is steep and rewarding, taking about an hour and a half in total. After exploring the castle ruins, we'll continue to the beautiful Alevkayasi area for a gentle 3km / 2 mile hike through pine forests. Along the trail, we'll have impressive views of Mount Pentadaktylos up close, its distinctive five-fingered silhouette dominating the skyline. While we walk keep your eyes peeled for endemic wild plants and flowers. In the spring time the forest comes alive with wildflowers, including a stunning variety of native orchids, making this an easy, scenic walk a perfect relaxing way to finish the week surrounded by nature.
Accommodation:

  • Type - Hotel
  • Accommodation Name - The Ship Inn
  • Grade - Comfortable
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - Yes
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

8
Day 8-Trip ends in Kyrenia

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.
Accommodation:

  • Type -
  • Accommodation Name -
  • Grade -
  • All Inclusive - No
  • Any Meal Provided - Yes
  • Breakfast Provided - Yes
  • Dinner Provided - No
  • Lunch Provided - No
  • Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast

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Tour Operator

Explore Worldwide

A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.

In Business Since 1981

Reviews

 

Andrea  -  Traveled, May 2024

Hi, I had a lovely hiking tour guided by Mehmet. Would definitely recommend the tour and the guide as hiked every day followed by swimming and some sightseeing

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/12/2024

 

Jesse  -  Traveled, February 2023

Wine tasting

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/27/2023

 

John  -  Traveled, February 2023

Visit to Salamis - though could have been longer - was very intersting. Climbing up to castles above Kyrenia. Ship Inn is a very pleasant and friendly hotel

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/28/2023

 

Jean L.  -  Traveled, February 2023

Hilarion castle

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/25/2023

 

Dave  -  Traveled, February 2023

Visiting the castles was wonderful, the views were amazing and the different terrains surprising

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/25/2023

 

Hilary  -  Traveled, February 2023

Interestingly, my hightlight was the non-walking day when we visited St Barnabas tomb and Church, Salamis and its extensive ruins and Famagusta, its history and the "ghost city.".. Also the hard day's walking in the Besparmak Mountains with the early flowers on the goat trails

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/26/2023

 

Lorraine  -  Traveled, March 2023

The optional day trip.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/11/2023

 

Lynne  -  Traveled, March 2023

The beautiful scenery and the guide was very good at pointing out and naming the flowers we saw along the walks.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/13/2023

 

Alistair  -  Traveled, March 2023

Won’t remove anything from itinerary as all highlights, all the more so due to Engin Sah who was an exceptionally wonderful guide.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/22/2023

 

Steve  -  Traveled, March 2023

Visiting the ghost town in Famagusta Climbing up to the castles The optional wine tasting visit Walking in varied countryside

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/25/2023

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