Explore Kyrenia: Discover St. Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey

$172 $172
Duration
9 hours
Type
Difficaulty
Reviews
(2)
4.5 /5

About This Tour

Kyrenia, also known as Girne, is a city located on the northern coast of the island of Cyprus. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cyprus, known for its beautiful beaches, scenic harbour, and historic castle.

Kyrenia is situated on the slopes of the Kyrenia Mountains and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes of pine forests, olive groves, and citrus orchards. The city's historic centre is filled with narrow streets, traditional buildings, and historic landmarks.

One of the main attractions in Kyrenia is the Kyrenia Castle, which was originally built by the Byzantines in the 7th century and later expanded by the Venetians and Ottomans. The castle now houses a museum with exhibits on the city's history and culture.

Another showplace in Kyrenia is the St. Hilarion Castle. This medieval castle is perched on a hilltop overlooking Kyrenia and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It is believed to have inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. On the top of the St. Hilarion Castle, you can make very beautiful and picturesque photos.

Our next destination is Bellapais Abbey. It is one of the most beautiful monuments of Gothic architecture in Cyprus, built by the Crusaders in the early 13th century. From the top of the ruins, there is a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea and Kyrenia. The two-tiered hall of the monastery's refectory has been well preserved to our days. The refectory has excellent acoustics, which is why music festivals are held in this area every year.  Bellapais Abbey has a rich history that begins with its foundation and construction. Over the centuries, the Abbey has gone through different periods of prosperity and decline, experiencing the domination of the Genoese, Turks and English. Each era left its mark on the architecture and history of this place.

Destinations
Activities
Accessibility
Language
Max People
10

Inclusions

  • Fully insured Air-conditioned vehicle with a Professional driver
  • Experienced guide
  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off
  • Time for lunch and rest

Exclusions

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Entrance tickets (3-5 euro each)
  • Any private expenses

Tour Plan

Paphos - pick-up

St. Hilarion Castle
The castle is renowned for its strategic location, as it overlooks the coastline of Northern Cyprus and offers commanding views of the surrounding countryside. It was originally built as a lookout post, but was later fortified and expanded to become a full-fledged castle.

Kyrenia Castle
The castle is renowned for its impressive architecture, which includes massive stone walls, towers, and a moat. Inside the castle, visitors can explore various rooms and exhibitions, including a shipwreck museum, which displays the remains of a 4th century BC Greek merchant ship that was discovered off the coast of Kyrenia.

Bellapais Abbey
The stunning architecture of Bellapais Abbey, which includes a beautiful cloister, a refectory, and a church with magnificent stained glass windows will not leave you indifferent. The church is also home to a rare 14th-century double pulpit, used for preaching to the monks and the congregation.

Kyrenia center - time for lunch and rest
Time for a walk, lunch and rest.

Paphos - drop-off

Meeting / Pickup

Pick-up only: Customers must be picked up from selected pick-up locations.

What to Bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Walking comfortable shoes 
  • Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
  • Bottle of water
  • Phone

Please Note

  • Detailed instructions, including the pickup point and time, will be provided in the information accompanying your ticket
  • For most hotels in Paphos we provide collection points at the hotel reception. If you are not staying at a hotel, you need arrive to the designated and agreed upon meeting point with the operator
  • If you have difficulty choosing a pick-up point, after booking the tour, contact the tour operator and he will help you
  • All visitors have to pass through the borderline security
  • Passport or ID card is required. Please note that the holders of Armenian, Syrian, Nigerian, Turkmenistan, Nepalese and Bangladeshi passports cannot visit the Northern part of Nicosia (need special visa).
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Cancellation Policy

  • Refund if cancelled at least 1 day before the event

Reviews

4.5/5
Wonderful
2 verified reviews
Location (5/5)
Amenities (5/5)
Services (4.5/5)
Price (4/5)
Rooms (4/5)

2 Comments

  1. 4.6

    • Location
    • Amenities
    • Services
    • Price
    • Rooms

    We had a memorable day touring the stunning St. Hilarion Castle, where the views were simply breathtaking and made climbing to the top worth every step. Discovering the serene beauty of Bellapais Abbey was a highlight, as we enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and impressive architecture.

  2. 4.4

    • Location
    • Amenities
    • Services
    • Price
    • Rooms

    Exploring St. Hilarion Castle was a highlight of our day, as the views over Kyrenia were breathtaking, offering perfect photo opportunities. While the abbey at Bellapais had its own charm, we felt the guided tour could have shared more insights about its history.

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