NORTH CYPRUS VISTAKyrenia · Famagusta · Karpaz

The three mountain castles of North Cyprus

Three medieval castles on the Five Finger range — the island’s best viewpoints.

Time for only one?

St Hilarion — the most beautiful, 20 minutes from Kyrenia.

For hikers

Buffavento — almost 1,000 m, 30–45 minutes’ climb.

For quiet

Kantara — views of two seas, hardly any visitors.

Ready-made route: Three castles in one day

Prices, opening hours and entry rules change — check official sources before you travel.

Places in this article

Kyrenia and the northSt Hilarion CastleA fairy-tale castle on crags over 700 metres up — local legend says it inspired Disney’s Snow White castle.2 h · 12 km · ~20 min

Kyrenia and the northBuffavento CastleThe highest and wildest of the three mountain castles — almost 1,000 metres above the sea.2 h · 25 km · ~40 min

KarpazKantara CastleThe easternmost of the three mountain castles — from its towers you see both coasts of the Karpaz peninsula.1–2 h · 70 km · ~75 min

Questions and answers

Most beautiful castle?

St Hilarion.

All three in one day?

Yes, by car with an early start.

Answers to common questions

Best beaches in North CyprusWild Karpaz dunes, protected turtle coves, the long sands of İskele and rocky bays near…Larnaca to North CyprusLarnaca is the easiest airport for the north: about 1 h 15 min to Kyrenia, about an hour to…

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