Walking in Northern Cyprus: Kyrenia & the Besparmak Mountains – 8 Days
Castles, mountain trails and a turtle beach from a single base near Kyrenia, in a group of up to sixteen.
Tour overview
This 8-day walking holiday explores the mountains and coast of Northern Cyprus from a single base near Kyrenia. A tour leader walks with the group, which numbers between four and sixteen, with transfers to the trailheads. You stay seven nights in a small resort hotel with pools, with breakfast daily and picnic lunches on walking days.
You visit Incirli Cave and walk the Tunnel Trail to Alagadi, where turtles nest. A circular walk in the Besparmak Mountains leads to Bellapais Abbey, followed by an introduction to halloumi-making.
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You climb to St Hilarion Castle above the Mediterranean, explore the village of Karmi and Kyrenia harbour, and after a free day walk the Lapta coastal path with a taste of homemade macun. The final walk climbs to Buffavento Castle on the range's second-highest peak.
The physical rating is medium. This holiday suits walkers looking for winter sun, history and good food.
Trip highlights
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Alagadi turtle beach (Day 2)
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Bellapais Abbey (Day 3)
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Halloumi-making (Day 3)
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St Hilarion Castle (Day 4)
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The Lapta coast (Day 6)
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Buffavento Castle (Day 7)
Your route
9 stops from Larnaca to Buffavento Castle
- Larnaca Days 1 & 8
- Kyrenia Days 1–7
- Incirli Cave Day 2
- Alagadi Turtle Beach Day 2
- Bellapais Abbey Day 3
- Saint Hilarion Castle Day 4
- Karmi Day 4
- Lapta Day 6
- Buffavento Castle Day 7
Why choose this tour
One hotel with pools all week. Picnic lunches on every walking day.
Best suited to
- Walkers
- Winter-sun seekers
- Solo travellers
- History lovers
Day-by-day itinerary
8 days from Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus to Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus
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Day 1 · Kyrenia Kyrenia
The trip begins.
- Hotel
- The Ship Inn
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Day 2 · Incirli Cave, Alagadi Alagadi
A turtle beach.
- Hotel
- The Ship Inn
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 3 · Besparmak Mountains, Bellapais Besparmak Mountains
Halloumi-making.
- Hotel
- The Ship Inn
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 4 · St Hilarion Castle, Karmi, Kyrenia St Hilarion
A mountain castle.
- Hotel
- The Ship Inn
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 5 · Famagusta, Salamis Famagusta
A free day.
- Hotel
- The Ship Inn
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 6 · Lapta, Karsiyaka Lapta
A coastal walk.
- Hotel
- The Ship Inn
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 7 · Buffavento Castle Buffavento
A high castle.
- Hotel
- The Ship Inn
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 8 · Kyrenia Kyrenia
The trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Kyrenia (7 nights) The Ship Inn
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 7 nights in a resort hotel
- Meals 7 breakfasts and 5 lunches
- Bus transfers to trailheads and sights
- Five days of guided walking
- St Hilarion, Buffavento and Bellapais
- Halloumi-making and macun tasting
- Tour leader throughout
Not included
- Flights and airport transfers
- Meals not included 1 lunch and 7 dinners
- Dinners
- Optional Famagusta excursion
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want dinners included
- You want strenuous treks
- You want to change hotels
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £845 per person, twin share, tour only. 21 upcoming departures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Do I need a visa for Cyprus?
No, UK citizens can visit Cyprus visa-free for short stays. Check the latest advice on crossing to and from Northern Cyprus.
How hard are the walks?
Moderate walks of a few hours on mountain and coastal paths.
Is the hotel comfortable?
Yes, a small resort with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and air-conditioned rooms.
Can I visit Famagusta?
Yes, as an optional excursion on the free day.
Can I have my own room?
A single supplement is available on request.
How many people travel together?
Between four and sixteen travellers, with a tour leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary