Buffavento Castle
The highest and wildest of the three mountain castles — almost 1,000 metres above the sea.
The name roughly means “defier of the winds”. With St Hilarion and Kantara it formed a signal chain across the island.
Walls and arches remain; the view spans the north coast and the Mesaoria plain to Nicosia.
The last stretch is on foot. Nearby is the Five Finger Mountain with hiking trails.
Tips
- The climb takes 30–45 minutes — good shoes and water.
- Windy even in summer.
- Narrow mountain road without barriers — drive slowly.
Getting there
About 40 minutes from Kyrenia, by car or jeep tour only.
Prices, opening hours and entry rules change — check official sources before you travel.
Nearby
Kyrenia and the northBellapais AbbeyA 13th-century Gothic abbey high above the sea — one of the finest medieval buildings in the eastern Mediterranean.
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.
Kyrenia and the northKyrenia Castle and Shipwreck MuseumA Byzantine, Lusignan and Venetian fortress holding one of the oldest merchant ships ever found, from the 4th century BC.