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Tour to Kyrenia - St. Hilarion and Bellapais Abbey from Paphos

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Overview

Available languages

English

9 hours

Mobile ticket

Kyrenia (Girne) is a top destination on Cyprus' northern coast, known for its beaches, scenic harbor, and rich history. Nestled between the Kyrenia Mountains and the sea, the city boasts charming streets, traditional architecture, and historic sites.

A key attraction is Kyrenia Castle, originally built by the Byzantines in the 7th century and later expanded by the Venetians and Ottomans. It now houses a museum showcasing the city’s history. Another highlight is St. Hilarion Castle, perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views. Legend says it inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, making it a perfect spot for photos.

Next, we visit Bellapais Abbey, a stunning 13th-century Gothic monument built by the Crusaders. Its well-preserved refectory hosts annual music festivals due to its remarkable acoustics. The Abbey’s history reflects influences from the Genoese, Turks, and British, adding to its cultural significance.

Additional Info

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All visitors have to pass through the borderline security

Passport or ID card is required. Please note that the holders of Armenian, Syrian, Nigerian, Turkmenistan, Nepalese and Bangladeshi passports cannot visit the Northern part of Cyprus (need special visa)

Need comfortable walking shoes

The tour operator may amend the program without reducing the scope or quality of services provided

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Experienced Guide

Hotel pick-up/drop-off

Fully insured and air-conditioned Vehicle with Professional Driver

Time for lunch or rest

St. Hilarion Castle

Lunch

Any private expenses

Bellapais Abbey

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

1

Saint Hilarion Castle

This is a medieval castle in northern Cyprus, named after the hermit Hilarion, who lived here in a hermitage around the 6th century. Climbing to St. Hilarion Castle is like stepping into a legend — each turn reveals ancient gates, watchtowers, and cliffside views that get more breathtaking the higher you go. Locals say fairies once lived here, but today it’s hikers and history lovers who chase the magic to the top.

40 minutes • Admission Not Included
2

Kyrenia Castle

Kyrenia’s charm lives in the quiet blend of its narrow streets and lively harbor — where old stone arches frame souvenir shops, and locals still greet each other by name. Around the harbor, sleek yachts float beside fishing boats, and historic walls echo with laughter from modern cafés and rooftop bars. Kyrenia Castle is unique in that, having repeatedly changed its appearance, owners and purpose throughout its history, it has survived like no other monument of such an impressive age, and today it can delight tourists with its grandeur, legends and secrets.

40 minutes • Admission Not Included

Options

6 pax (private)

Private tour
Pickup included

6 pax (shared)

Shared tour
Pickup included

Reviews

3.60

5 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1
1
3
0
0
  • Great day tour & guide

    raymond s,

    Jun 9, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Perfect 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

    3.00

    A 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

    3.00

    A 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

    4.00

    Transfer 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

    3.00

    Great 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.

From €79.00

3.60
5 reviews
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