From North Cyprus: Kyrenia, St Hilarion Castle, Bellapais

Taking a full-day tour around North Cyprus offers a fantastic way to experience some of the most iconic sights, all while enjoying the guidance of knowledgeable locals. This particular excursion, organized by Cyprus Fun Travel Ltd., promises a mix of history, stunning views, and charming villages, making it an appealing choice for travelers craving an authentic taste of the region.

Three things we love about this tour are the entertaining and expert guides, the inclusion of all entrance fees, and the opportunity to explore less touristy spots like Bellapais Village. The tour’s well-structured itinerary ensures you get a good blend of historical sites, scenic vistas, and leisurely wandering through peaceful streets. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which might be a consideration for some. This tour is ideal for those wanting to see North Cyprus’ highlights with comfort and insight, especially if you’re keen on history and stunning landscapes.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: The tour features engaging, knowledgeable guides who bring history and stories to life.
• All-Inclusive Entry Fees: Entrance tickets for St Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey are included, simplifying your day.
• Comfortable Transportation: A private, air-conditioned vehicle makes the journey between sites smooth and relaxing.
• Flexible & Convenient: Hotel pickup and drop-off from Kyrenia, Nicosia, and Famagusta areas offer convenience.
• Authentic Experience: Exploring Bellapais Village and the atmospheric Kyrenia Harbour provides a genuine slice of local life.
• Value for Money: The full-day itinerary packs in popular destinations with a knowledgeable guide at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at What This Tour Offers

Picking Up and Setting the Scene

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel—whether you’re staying in Kyrenia, Nicosia, or Famagusta. The comfort of a private minibus sets a relaxed tone for the day, and your guide’s friendly, informative approach makes you feel welcomed from the start. Expect to leave around mid-morning, but check the specific start time to match your plans.

St Hilarion Castle – A Fairytale Fortress

The first major stop is St Hilarion Castle, perched high in the mountains. As the guide explains, this castle was an inspiration for Disney’s Snow White castle, and it’s easy to see why. Walking through the fortress’s winding stone paths and towers, you get a real sense of medieval life. The guided tour lasts around an hour, giving you ample time to explore the courtyards, towers, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

What makes St Hilarion special is not just its fairy-tale appearance but its strategic position. From Prince John’s Tower at the top, the vistas stretch across the mountains and coastline, providing memorable photo opportunities. Several reviewers have noted that the panoramic views are breathtaking and worth the climb, and the guide’s storytelling makes history come alive.

Bellapais Abbey – A Monastic Retreat

Next, the journey takes you into the Five Finger Mountains for a visit to Bellapais Abbey, a peaceful Augustinian monastery built in 1198. The guide shares stories of the monks and the abbey’s fascinating past, enhancing the experience beyond just sightseeing. You’ll have about an hour and 45 minutes here, enough time to explore the Gothic refectory, courtyard pavilions, and soak up the serene atmosphere.

One of the highlights is the terrace views, where you can gaze down onto the North Cyprus coast, with the Mediterranean shimmering in the distance. Many visitors find Bellapais to be a perfect blend of history, architecture, and beauty, especially as a peaceful retreat from busier tourist spots. The little village of Bellapais itself, with its quaint cafes and streets, is worth a short stroll, and some travelers say it’s the inspiration for Laurence Durrell’s Bitter Lemons.

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Lunch and Leisure in Kyrenia

After Bellapais, there’s an optional lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample regional cuisine. The guide suggests this as a chance to relax and enjoy a delicious meal amid beautiful surroundings. While lunch isn’t included in the tour, many find it adds great value for the chance to experience local flavors.

The afternoon is reserved for exploring Kyrenia, a charming port town with a storied past. The highlight here is the Venetian harbour, which curves perfectly along the waterfront. You’ll have around 2 hours to walk the medieval streets, browse quirky shops, and enjoy a Turkish coffee or ice cream at a harbor café, listening to the gentle waves and seeing fishing boats bobbing in the water.

Reviewers have appreciated the guide’s insights into Kyrenia’s history and its lively atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “Our guide Cemal was friendly, patient, and knowledgeable,” which made the visit even more enjoyable. The town’s relaxed vibe and stunning harbor views make it a perfect spot to unwind and soak up the local ambiance.

Returning and Wrap-up

As the day winds down, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, with plenty of opportunities to reflect on the day’s highlights. The tour wraps up comfortably, leaving you with a good understanding of North Cyprus’ cultural and scenic treasures.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This tour packs a lot into a six-hour window, balancing history, scenery, and leisure. It’s well-suited for those who want a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of North Cyprus highlights without the hassle of planning individual visits. The inclusion of all entrance fees, the convenience of hotel pickup, and an engaging guide make it a very good value.

The experience is especially valuable for travelers eager to understand the stories behind the sights, with guides known to be friendly, entertaining, and knowledgeable. The views at St Hilarion and Bellapais, combined with the charming streets of Kyrenia, are guaranteed to appeal to lovers of history, architecture, and coastal scenery.

However, keep in mind that the tour involves some walking and uneven terrain, especially at St Hilarion Castle, which may be a consideration for less mobile travelers. It’s also worth noting that lunch is optional, so budget accordingly if you want a full meal.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a well-organized day out that highlights North Cyprus’ most photogenic and historically significant sites, this tour delivers a lot of bang for your buck. The blend of fairy-tale castles, peaceful abbeys, and lively harbor town ensures you’ll come away with memorable images and stories.

The expert guides truly elevate the experience, making history accessible and engaging. If you love scenic vistas, authentic local villages, and intriguing history, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s a great choice whether you’re visiting for a short stay or want to maximize your time exploring the region’s highlights in comfort and style.

In summary, this full-day North Cyprus tour offers excellent value, memorable sights, and the chance to enjoy the region’s highlights with a trusted guide. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate scenic beauty, cultural richness, and a relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting and ending at your hotel, with specific times available upon booking.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees, including tickets to St Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey, are covered in the tour price, making it straightforward and stress-free.

What should I bring?
You’ll need to bring your passport or ID card for identification purposes during visits, and comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the sites.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While most travelers will enjoy the sights, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility, especially due to uneven terrain at St Hilarion Castle.

Can I choose my pickup location?
Yes, the tour offers five pickup locations, including North Nicosia, Kyrenia, Bafra, and Famagusta, for your convenience.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is optional and not included in the tour price. You can opt to dine at a local restaurant during the mid-day break.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak Turkish, English, Russian, Spanish, and Italian, providing flexibility for diverse travelers.

Do I need to reserve and pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now with a “Reserve & Pay Later” option, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

Is this a private group tour?
Yes, the experience is designed for private groups, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

In summary, this North Cyprus tour offers a thoughtful mix of history, scenic beauty, and local culture, guided by friendly experts who bring stories to life. Its included entrance fees, convenient pickup, and authentic stops make it a highly recommended choice for travelers wanting to explore North Cyprus comfortably and meaningfully.

You can check availability for your dates here: