Three castles on one mountain range

The Kyrenia mountains (Beşparmak) run along the north coast of Cyprus, and three medieval castles sit on their ridge: St Hilarion above Kyrenia, Buffavento in the middle and Kantara at the eastern end, where the range meets the Karpaz peninsula. They were built as Byzantine strongholds and later held by the Lusignan kings of Cyprus. Each one has wide views over the coast, and none of them is easy to reach without a car, which makes them a natural road trip.

St Hilarion: the easiest start

St Hilarion is the closest castle to Kyrenia (Girne) and the most visited. The road climbs from the Kyrenia–Nicosia highway into the mountains, and the castle spreads over several levels up the rock, with a long climb on steps to the highest towers. Wear proper shoes and bring water in summer. The road passes military areas: watch for the signs and do not take photos where they say it is forbidden. Combine St Hilarion with a walk around Kyrenia harbour; our Kyrenia guide has parking tips.

Bellapais Abbey on the way

Bellapais Abbey is not a castle, but it is on almost every castle itinerary. The Gothic abbey ruins stand in the village of Bellapais, in the hills just above Kyrenia, and the village is a good place for a coffee between castles. The village streets are narrow, so park where it is signed and walk in.

Buffavento: the highest and wildest

Buffavento is the highest of the three and the most remote. The approach is on a narrow, winding mountain road, and the last part of the visit is a steep walk up to the ruins. It is the castle for people who enjoy a climb; the reward is the view over both the north coast and the Mesarya plain. Go in the cooler part of the day, take plenty of water and drive the mountain road slowly.

Kantara: the eastern lookout

Kantara stands above Kantara village at the start of the Karpaz peninsula. From the top you see the Karpaz stretching east and the plain around Famagusta to the south. It fits well into a day on the east coast: from İskele or Boğaz it is a mountain drive inland, and you can continue into the Karpaz afterwards. Our Karpaz road trip guide covers that route.

Planning the drive

Doing all three castles in one day is possible but rushed. A relaxed plan is St Hilarion and Bellapais from Kyrenia on one day, and Kantara as part of an east-coast or Karpaz day; Buffavento suits whichever day you have the energy for a climb. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, so allow more time than the distance suggests, keep left on bends and avoid driving them in heavy rain. Check opening hours and entry details locally before you go, as they can change by season.

Getting a car for the castles

Book online with no deposit at booking. We deliver free of charge to Ercan Airport and to hotels and addresses in our delivery areas, and a refundable £200 security deposit is collected at handover. The minimum driver age is 26, and the car stays in the north for the whole rental.