Walking

Walking in North Cyprus

Walking in North Cyprus

The Kyrenia Mountain Trail is a 230 km/143 miles trail along the length of the whole Besparmak and Kyrenia mountain chain, which traverses the whole northern coast of Cyprus, from east to west.

Stretching from the Zafer Cape at the eastern tip of the island to Cape Korucam at the western tip this range of mountains is without question the most beautiful area in the whole of the island of Cyprus, and probably the Mediterranean. From the wild remote Karpaz peninsula, with its stretches of beautiful white sandy beaches and wild donkeys in the east, the mountain chain starts climbing westwards. This continues on an ever more grand and impressive scale until it reaches the crowning glories of the range at 1026m near Lapta, before plunging down to the sea at the eastern extremity at Cape Korucam. The northfacing escarpment of the whole range catches the incoming rain in the winter, accounting for the extraordinary lush greenery. The whole area is wooded, and has a profusion of wildlife, birds and flora, including the famous orchids, which abound in spring. This contrast dramatically with the dry dusty interior of the central plains to the south (Greek side) of the island. The Kyrenia Mountain area increasingly attracts walkers, cyclists, nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Cyprus Active offers programmes for walkers along the Kyrenia Mountain Range:

  1. The Three Crusader Castles Walk - A 50-mile, 7 day (5 days walking) programme lining the three Crusader Castles of Kantara Buffavento and St Hilarion, accommodation in local guesthouses and hotels.
  2. The Cape to Cape Walk - A 14 day (10 day walking) programme along the whole of the trail, accommodation in local guesthouses and hotels.
  3. Lemon Tree House Walks - A mix and match programme of walks (flexible) based on grous of eight staying on B&B basis in an immaculate traditional Cypriot house.

Visit www.northcypruswalks.com for a downloadable brochure, or www.kyreniamountaintrail.org for downloadable maps, and more information on the Kyrenia Mountain Trail.