Exploring North Cyprus's Ancient Castles

As the weather warms up and the flowers bloom across the stunning Northern Cyprus coastline, so the island welcomes walkers in their droves who come to examine the rare orchids for which Northern Cyprus is famous and who also come to explore some of the dramatic landmarks for which the island is also well known.

If you’re considering taking a break in TRNC why not spend some time exploring North Cyprus’s ancient castles? Even if you aren’t a keen walker or you’re coming to the island in the heat of the summer sunshine when walking too far is pretty impossible, you can still get close enough to each magnificent castle to be impressed – we promise you!

The first one that you will find impossible to miss is Kyrenia Castle. It dominates the town’s stunningly beautiful harbour area and houses a fascinating shipwreck museum as well. The castle remains incredibly well preserved – although parents may want to watch out for some of the precarious drops from high walls and parapets which are unmarked and unrestricted!

The castle is built on the ruins of a settlement that has existed in Kyrenia since the 10th Century BC – but the structure as you will see it today has been in place since the Romans began construction of a heavily fortified castle and then this was improved upon by the Byzantines and the Lusignans.

And the best thing about visiting Kyrenia Castle is that you can have a beer on the harbour and watch the world go by afterwards!

From the top of the castle and indeed from the harbour area, if you look south towards the mountains you will see the outline of St. Hilarion Castle on a high peak – this is the next castle that you should consider visiting. It’s not for the feint hearted though as you have to wind up a road with a significant drop to reach it – and then if you want to see the incredible views from the top of the castle you have to climb many steps to do so.

It is well worth it – but avoid visiting in the heat of the midday sun or you might just find it all too much to cope with! The castle is apparently named after a monk who escaped from persecution in Palestine to live on the mountain where the castle now stands, and according to local popular legend, Walt Disney’s design for Snow White’s castle was based on St. Hilarion Castle in Northern Cyprus…it’s true - allegedly!

The next castle to visit is Buffavento…this is set high up above the village of Arapkoy which is on the eastern side of the coast. You can either park at the bottom of the track to the castle if you are a keen hiker and traipse for a couple of hours along the track to the base of the castle and then climb hundreds of steps to reach the main gate (you need to be fit!), or you can drive almost to the base of the castle and simply climb the long path of steps up to reach some of the most spectacular views on the island!

It’s believed that the castle began life as a Byzanine watchtower before surrendering to Richard the Lionheart when he invaded in 1191. During the Lusignan period it was used as a prison and then it fell into a state of disrepair through neglect which is why it may be the least impressive ruin but certainly the one with arguably the best views.

And finally, take time to drive the long road from Kyrenia out to the Karpas region and visit Kantara Castle. Kantara is not difficult to get to, you have no scary climbs and no frightening roads, but it is a long drive from Kyrenia. However, it is worth it especially if you visit on a clear day when you can see North and South Cyprus as well as Turkey and sometimes even Lebanon.

If you’re coming to visit North Cyprus and were wondering what to do – step back and explore the island’s fascinating history.