Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Cross into Northern Cyprus and discover one of the Mediterranean's most enchanting destinations on this full-day Kyrenia day trip from Paphos.
Nestled between the dramatic Kyrenia Mountains and the sparkling sea, Kyrenia is a city where centuries of history and timeless charm come together in perfect harmony.
Your first stop is the dramatic St. Hilarion Castle — a medieval fortress with breathtaking panoramic views, said to have inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Next, explore the magnificent Kyrenia Castle — built by the Byzantines in the 7th century, later shaped by Venetians and Ottomans, now housing a fascinating cultural museum. Stroll the charming Kyrenia harbour and sip a coffee overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean.
The day ends at the serene Bellapais Abbey — a breathtaking 13th-century Gothic masterpiece whose ancient walls carry stories of Genoese, Turkish, and British rule.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our vehicle seats up to 6 passengers. As the car is cosy rather than spacious, please consider your comfort needs before booking.
All visitors must pass through borderline security.
A valid passport or ID card is mandatory. Please note that holders of Armenian, Syrian, Nigerian, Turkmenistan, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi passports require a special visa to enter Northern Cyprus.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended
The tour operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary while maintaining the full quality and scope of your experience.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Saint Hilarion Castle
Climbing to St. Hilarion Castle is like stepping straight into a fairy tale. Named after the hermit Hilarion who sought solitude here in the 6th century, this extraordinary medieval fortress clings dramatically to the clifftops of the Kyrenia Mountains — each ancient gate, crumbling watchtower, and stone staircase revealing more breathtaking views than the last. Legend says fairies once roamed these heights — and standing at the top, gazing across the shimmering Mediterranean, it's not hard to believe. Said to have inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, this is one of the most magical spots in all of Cyprus.
Kyrenia Castle
Step into the irresistible charm of Kyrenia — where ancient stone arches frame colourful souvenir shops, sleek yachts bob alongside traditional fishing boats, and the laughter from waterfront cafés mingles with centuries of history. At the heart of it all stands the magnificent Kyrenia Castle — a fortress that has survived Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman rule, reinventing itself through every era while losing none of its grandeur. A place of legends, secrets, and stories that refuse to be forgotten.
What‘s Included
Experienced local guide
Time for leisurely lunch break and rest
Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off
Fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
St. Hilarion Castle
Bellapais Abbey
Lunch and additional beverages (available to purchase locally)
Any personal or private expenses
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
6 pax (private)
Private tour
Pickup included
6 pax (shared)
Shared tour
Pickup included
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day tour & guide
raymond s,,Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect d add y tour, guide picked us up right on time, he was very informative about the sites. It was a long drive each way but worth it.
Snapshot of Northern Cyprus
jennybH8256DS,,Apr 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00A long but very scenic day. We had a competent driver who navigated the sharp bends skilfully but we did have a few concerns. The driver used a handheld microphone which meant that they were driving and steering one handed. It was often difficult to hear the commentary above the road noise. Also on the way back, the driver exceeded the speed limit (100) by 20-40kph for most of the way which we found unnerving and uncomfortable. We didn’t get much information about the history of Northern Cyprus, especially events from 1960 onwards, which we had expected to hear. We did get a brief explanation of Kyrenia castle, St Hilarion and Bellapais. Although entrance fees aren’t included, they are very cheap. St Hilarion is definitely unsuitable for anyone with poor mobility: even the toilet is up uneven steps and part without a handrail! It was hard to understand why the entrance fee to St Hilarion was only payable in Turkish Lira yet the toilets charged 1 Euro per person! The views at each site are amazing and we felt we had adequate time in each place given that the journey time to and from Paphos accounted for 5.5 hours. It’s true that there isn’t long in Kyrenia but we managed to walk around the harbour, have lunch, walk the outside of the castle in the available time. Having just 6 in the group meant that we had enough room in the minibus. Overall, this tour gives a snapshot of Northern Cyprus.
An interesting trip which could benefit from some adjustments
Happiness596746,,Mar 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00A packed schedule with a very competent driver, who expertly navigated the numerous hairpin bends to St Hilarion - wonderful views from the castle. As we travelled, we were given an extensive history of Cyprus but not so much about what we were seeing (or the day's plan) and felt that the time we were allowed in Kyrenia (1 hour and 40 minutes) was too brief to allow for lunch and exploration. We wondered why our fellow travellers (3) were all collected from their hotels, whereas we were allocated a pick-up point at least 10 minutes walk away.
6 person excursion
Traveler693161,,Mar 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Transfer to Van, 6 guests. The driver is also a driver and uses a headset and the vehicle's radio system to make sure you understand him despite driving noise. Very punctual, easy border crossing, good organization. Entrance fees are not included in the price. Driver was trying and explained a lot on the way out. No tours on site, just a few tips. The time on site was always quite short, but still sufficient. On the way out breakfast break in good bakery, back through. In each case problem-free border crossing.
Kyrenia
Paul W,,Jul 8, 2023
- Review from Viator
3.00Great Visiting two castles and a monestary along with the harbour at Kyrenia (from a distance as road closures). Good transport in an air conditioned car. Disappointed booking three was the minimum as only two going. Also disappointed we had no guide at the three sites. Would have made all the difference having a hands on guide. Considering how much we paid further disappointed we had the pay three entrance fees totalling nine euros to the sites.
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Operated by EOS TOURS (Cyprus)