
Walking in North Cyprus
Take in the unspoiled landscapes of North Cyprus
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Reviews 19 Reviews5/5
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Walking
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Activity Level Leisurely / Moderate
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Group Size Small Group
North Cyprus remains a hidden gem of the Mediterranean, far less visited since separation in 1974 but, thanks to the abundance of archaeological remains from many civilizations that inhabited the island over the centuries, it is considered the most beautiful and historically interesting part of the island. With superb walking through unspoiled areas teeming with flowers and wildlife, and the relaxed local Turkish Cypriot culture, this is a walking and sightseeing tour not to be missed.
* All breakfasts, 5 lunches
* 7 nights 4-star Hotel Pia Bella, all rooms ensuite (see accommodations section)
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout
* Airport transfers (at designated times)
- Flights
- Single Accommodation (available on request, inquire for supplement)
Highlights
- Discover dramatic vistas and fascinating archaeology
- See beautiful flora and fauna
- Explore crusader castles
- 7 nights 4-star Hotel Pia Bella, all rooms en suite
- 5 days centre-based walking
- Reasonable fitness required
- Low altitude throughout
- Day 1 Start Kyrenia.
- Day 2 Transfer to Catalkoy; walk to Bellapais and visit the monastery; afternoon Kyrenia Castle visit.
- Day 3 Transfer to the ancient hermitage site of St Hilarion Castle; visit the site and walk to Malatya village via Karaman.
- Day 4 Head to the Karpas peninsula; visit the Incirli caves and crusader castle at Kantara; walk to beautiful Kaplica beach.
- Day 5 Free day to relax or take an excursion to Famagusta.
- Day 6 Visit Buffavento Castle for magnificent views; walk to Bellapais village.
- Day 7 Spend a day in the Five Finger Mountains; walk includes visiting Kyrenia Rock and Sourp Magyar Armenian monastery.
- Day 8 End Kyrenia.

Hotel Pia Bella

We usually stay at the 4-star Hotel Pia Bella, a short walk to the bars and restaurants of atmospheric Kyrenia harbour. All rooms are en suite with satellite tv, telephone and air conditioning and Wi-Fi access in communal areas. The property boasts two swimming pools, a Jacuzzi and tranquil gardens.


All breakfasts and 5 picnic lunches are included.
Buffet style Cypriot breakfast is provided with bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea.
Cypriot food includes: locally caught fish and seafood by the Kyrenia fishing fleet, excellent local meat dishes, stuffed vegetables, fruit – particularly figs, oranges, nectarines, grapes, olives and pomegranates – and breads and cheeses.
Picnic lunches using locally sourced food are provided where specified. On other days we will stop at a suitable local café or restaurant.
Kyrenia has a large number of restaurants to choose from for evening meals.
Most days involve some driving and sightseeing in addition to the walks. Strong but lightweight 2/3 season boots with good ankle support are recommended, as there are descents each day that, although not technical, may be steep.
The walking is seldom too demanding, although some of the terrain is a bit rocky underfoot. Some of the paths are quite narrow and fairly undulating, and there some sections which involve some scrambling over larger rocks and boulders.There is plenty of opportunity for exploration in and around some of the area’s ruins and castles. A pair of comfortable shoes or tennis shoes will also be very handy for the evenings and journeys to/from the start/end points.
Package Confirmed Dates | Trip Status Trip Status | Price (PP) Excluding Flights | Price (PP) Including Flights | |
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February 6, 2021
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Available |
$1,049.00 |
N/A |
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February 20, 2021
|
Available |
$1,049.00 |
N/A |
|
March 6, 2021
|
Available |
$1,079.00 |
N/A |
|
March 13, 2021
|
Available |
$1,079.00 |
N/A |
|
March 20, 2021
|
Available |
$1,079.00 |
N/A |
|
April 3, 2021
|
Available |
$1,179.00 |
N/A |
|
April 17, 2021
|
Available |
$1,179.00 |
N/A |
|
May 1, 2021
|
Available |
$1,349.00 |
N/A |
|
May 8, 2021
|
Available |
$1,349.00 |
N/A |
|
May 22, 2021
|
Available |
$1,349.00 |
N/A |
|
September 18, 2021
|
Available |
$1,349.00 |
N/A |
|
October 2, 2021
|
Available |
$1,349.00 |
N/A |
|
October 16, 2021
|
Available |
$1,349.00 |
N/A |
|
November 6, 2021
|
Available |
$1,099.00 |
N/A |
|
November 20, 2021
|
Available |
$1,099.00 |
N/A |
|
December 21, 2021
|
Available |
$1,249.00 |
N/A |
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December 26, 2021
|
Available |
$1,249.00 |
N/A |
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September 25, 2021
|
Available |
$1,349.00 |
N/A |
Interesting break, lots of downhill
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We really enjoyed the views from Buffavento and Kantara Castles.What did you think of your group leader?
Gulie (apologies for spelling) was very enthusiastic. It was a shame she wasn't at the airport or hotel to meet us on arrival, it made for a rather shaky start to the holiday.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for downhill. Most days we drove out to a castle or sightseeing point up in the mountains, and then walked back towards the coast. Great scenery, but you'll feel it in your calf muscles. Also, take some Euros for the airport in Larnaca. Being in southern Cyprus, they don't accept Turkish Lira.Is there anything else you would like to add?
Exchange rates are better in the UK, so I'd advise to take cash with you. I managed to get 4.65 online in October, but the hotel were offering 4.21Hiking Northern Cyprus
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Really enjoyed seeing the Monasteries, as well as the Ghost Town. The Christmas eve dinner the hotel put on and the party were both great fun.What did you think of your group leader?
He was nice but not sure he always managed the very different hiking abilities in the group. There were several really fast ones and some very slow and the ones ahead were constantly were having to wait for the slower one and he often went ahead with the faster ones.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The food is very heavy and the lunches were boring (always the same white bread rolls and cheese). So much meat the vegetarian options not always good.Is there anything else you would like to add?
I did not like the fact that our leader would take us to restaurants of his choice (where he knew the owners well and maybe got a good tip for taking us all there) and 2 or 3 of them weren't good at all and there was a set menu and price and it was not good value. When we had a free eve we would go to a restaurant of our choice which we always found excellent and good value. I went from Gatwick airport which was far more convenient for me but most of the group thought they had to go from Heathrow on BA which wasn't convenient for some. The reason I was able to fly from Gatwick is because I asked if it was possible but others in the group were not given an option. Thi I s was not the trip of my choice as I had provisionally booked for Andalucia but then called to pay the deposiy and my place had been sold to someone else without even a phone call to ask me if I was still going. I was not happy about this and feel that the customer service of Exodus has changed over the past year or so as used to be a lot better.walking northern cyprus april 18
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
thursdays walk starting with 600 steps up to a castle. getting up thereWhat did you think of your group leader?
very well organised although used turkish time when telling us how long we had to go on walks.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Any later than april would be very HOT.Is there anything else you would like to add?
The difficlty rating was optimistic 2, we did a 3 in cappadocia last year this was at least on a par with thatA memorable experience
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Lunch at the top of a mountain, listening to the birdsong and watching the butterflies.What did you think of your group leader?
Giza was a very knowledgeable leader and organised all the activities well.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It would be very hot doing these walks after April. Also, you need to be physically fit as some terrain is quite rocky.Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was a very different holiday and not touristy at all which helped to make it so enjoyable. If you are interested in history and love walking in beautiful places you will not be disappointed!North Cyprus
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
When you get to the top and see the coast below, that's a good feeling! Even better if you know you will be swimming in the sea later in the day.What did you think of your group leader?
Gizer is a very engaging leader, accommodating to the faster and the slower amongst us, full of local knowledge and keen to introduce us to good local food.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It can be very hot, be prepared.