8 Best Hiking Trails in Kyrenia, North Cyprus

The best hiking trails in Kyrenia, North Cyprus, have stunning views, challenging terrain, and a sense of adventure. From the heights of Antiphonitis church to the winding Cypress trees and majestic mountain trails of St Hilarion, there’s something for everyone. So come explore the beautiful hiking trails of Northern Cyprus.

Hiking Trails

Karmi – Saint Hilarion Loop

Stunning views over the Mediterranean and St. Hilarion Castle.

Try this 9.5-km loop trail near Karmi, Kyrenia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 45 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This 9.5-km loop trail near Karmi, Kyrenia is a great option for those looking for a moderately challenging hike. The average completion time for the trail is 3 h 45 min. Hikers can enjoy beautiful scenery year-round on this relatively isolated trail.

Bellapais – Bogazkoy

This 25.7-km out-and-back trail near Agirda, Kyrenia is a great place to hike and take in the beauty of nature. It’s an average of 8 h 21 min to complete and is considered moderately challenging. The trail is open year-round and is definitely worth a visit!

The Bellapais to Boğazköy Kyrenia Mountain Trail is a long, linear route that starts in Bellapais, climbs the northern slope of the Kyrenia Mountains, and continues west along the southern slope. The route then descends west towards the Nicosia-Kyrenia Highway and the recreation area north of the Boğazköy village. Along the way, hikers will enjoy beautiful views of the sea and hinterland.

It is worth to mention Bellapais Abbey, which is located on the flanks of the Five-finger mountain in the village of Bellapais.

Bellapais – Buffavento Castle

The track is a beautiful route to the green northern slopes of Kyrenia mountains, starting from Bellapais area. The path goes eastwards passing ravines, hills with small plateaus, and forests on its way up to reach the ridge. The route ends at the end of the road for Buffavento Castle, which is built in a spectacular location on top of a hill with views both north and south.

This 13.4-km out-and-back trail near Bellapais, Kyrenia is a great hiking trail that is relatively uncrowded. The average completion time for the moderately challenging route is 4 h 29 min. The trail is open year-round, so you can enjoy its beauty anytime.

Agios Epiktitos (Çatalköy) – Trapeza (Besparmak) Trail

This 11.6-km point-to-point trail near Bellapais, Kyrenia is perfect for your next hike. It’s a moderately challenging route that takes an average of 3 h 50 min to complete. You’re likely to have the trail mostly to yourself, as it’s not frequently visited. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful at any time of year.

Klepini (Arapköy) – Kyrenia Mountains

The route takes you through the northern forested slopes of Cyprus’s Kyrenia Mountains, starting from a main road south of Klepini village and climbing up to dirt roads. The route follows the road eastwards and then descends through a green gully to the original dirt road; from there, it returns to its starting point. The green landscape and the topography of the downhill area, which extends to the sea, is magnificent.

This 7.7-km loop trail near Klepini, Kyrenia is a great choice for hikers looking for a moderately challenging route. The average completion time for this trail is 2 h 40 min. This trail is open year-round, and it’s a great option for anyone looking to get outdoors and explore.

Buffavento Castle

One of the best places to visit in Kyrenia is Buffavento Castle. This trail is almost an easy one which needs only around 49 minutes to complete. The route ascends the southern slope of Mount Pentadachtilos to reach the second highest peak of the mountain. Then you see the castle and the panoramic view of the island. You will enjoy 11th-century Byzantine architecture.

Alevkayası Kuzgun Trail

Alevkaya is an easy 15-minute drive from Kyrenia. A traditional recreational area for Cypriots, it was established by the British as a forestry station and picnic spot. This trail leads to Sourp Magar, a hidden Armenian monastery in the mountains. Along the way hikers can also see another ruined chapel (Viran Church) and may come across up to 14 different species of orchids during spring months—when these flowers are at their most beautiful. The distance is around 7.75 km and this trail is technically an easy one.

Loop around the Five Fingers Mountain

Known as Beshparmak in Turkish, and Five Fingers in English. The distance is 11.4 km and it takes around 3 hours to complete the route. The trail is technically moderate in difficulty.

It’s an amazing hike between mountain and see. Hiking shoes recommended but can be done in sneakers. Few sections shaded.

Where to Stay near hiking trails in Kyrenia

There are 2 recommended residential projects in esentepe which is not far from most of the hiking trails and are available for rent.

Maldives Homes

Maldives Homes are luxury villas with pool and apartments. This is one of the best places to stay in North Cyprus. You will enjoy watersports, private lagoon beach, open air cinema, communal pool, Califorian restaurant, spa, and other facilities of Maldives Homes.

You may noticed there are many hiking trails near five finger mountains, in Maldives Homes you will have the eye catching view of both these mountains and Mediterranean see.

Approximate driving duration from Maldives Homes to hiking trails:

• Karmi – Saint Hilarion Loop: 43 mins.
• Bellapais – Bogazkoy: 35 mins.
• Bellapais – Buffavento Castle: 44 mins.
• Agios Epiktitos (Çatalköy) – Trapeza (Besparmak) Trail: 27 mins.
• Klepini (Arapköy) – Kyrenia Mountains: 25 mins.
• Buffavento Castle: 42 mins.
• Alevkayası Kuzgun Trail: 27 mins.
• Loop around the Five Fingers Mountain: 27 mins.

Idyll Homes

Idyll Homes are luxury apartments with affordable prices in esentepe, east of Kyrenia. With its marvelous mountain view and close range to the sea Idyll Homes is the perfect place for those seeking a peaceful yet luxury life style.

Approximate driving duration from Idyll Homes to hiking trails:

• Karmi – Saint Hilarion Loop: 39 mins.
• Bellapais – Bogazkoy: 30 mins.
• Bellapais – Buffavento Castle: 39 mins.
• Agios Epiktitos (Çatalköy) – Trapeza (Besparmak) Trail: 22 mins.
• Klepini (Arapköy) – Kyrenia Mountains: 20 mins.
• Buffavento Castle: 37 mins.
• Alevkayası Kuzgun Trail: around 22 mins driving.
• Loop around the Five Fingers Mountain: around 22 mins driving.

Final words

North Cyprus is truly a paradise for hiking lovers. There are other routes which you can find on alltrails and wikiloc, here we introduced you 8 best hiking trails in Kyrenia. If you’re planning to visit North Cyprus, it is wonderful to visit turtles and bird watching also.

It is an unforgettable place to visit North Cyprus, whether for a vacation or enjoying from benefits of living here, it is listed as one of the best countries to retire in 2022.