Explore Kyrenia: Discover St. Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey

from $182

Duration

9 hours

Type

Guided

Difficulty

Moderate

Reviews

(2)

4.5 /5

Paphos: Tour Kyrenia - St. Hilarion and Bellapais Abbey

Experience the best of Kyrenia (Girne) on this full-day tour, combining stunning scenery, rich history, and authentic Cypriot culture.

St. Hilarion Castle

Begin your day at St. Hilarion Castle, perched high in the Kyrenia Mountains. Explore its towers and battlements while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Legend says this castle inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, making it a magical spot for unforgettable photos.

Kyrenia and Kyrenia Castle

Next, visit the charming coastal town of Kyrenia. Wander through the historic center with its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and local shops. Explore Kyrenia Castle, a Byzantine fortress later enhanced by Venetians and Ottomans, and discover exhibits on the city’s maritime history. Enjoy some free time at Kyrenia Harbor, lined with cafes, boutiques, and scenic waterfront views. Capture photos, taste local snacks, or simply relax by the picturesque harbor.

Bellapais Abbey

Conclude your tour at Bellapais Abbey, a 13th-century Gothic monastery overlooking the sea. Wander the serene ruins, admire the two-tiered refectory with exceptional acoustics, and learn about its history under Genoese, Turkish, and English rule. The abbey offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for reflection and photography.

This tour covers top Kyrenia attractions, including St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia Castle, and Bellapais Abbey, offering an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and the natural beauty of Northern Cyprus.

Inclusions

Expert Guide
Comfortable Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off
Time for Lunch & Rest

Exclusions

Lunch and drinks
Entrance tickets Kyrenia Castle - 2 euro p/p
Entrance tickets Bellapais Abbey - 2 euro p/p
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

Itinerary

Expand All

Paphos - pick-up

St. Hilarion Castle

Guided tour, Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way - 40 min

Kyrenia Castle

Sightseeing, Self-guided tour optional

Kyrenia center

Guided tour, Sightseeing, Free time for lunch and rest - 1h 40 min

Bellapais Abbey

Guided tour, Sightseeing - 30 min

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

Pick-Up & Start Time: The pick-up begins 30 minutes before the excursion start. Detailed instructions, including the exact pick-up point and time, will be provided with your ticket.
Hotel Pick-Up: For most hotels in Paphos, we provide collection points at the hotel reception. If you’re not staying at a hotel, please arrive at the agreed meeting point. Unsure? Contact the tour operator after booking for assistance.
Border Control: All visitors must pass borderline security. Passport or ID required. Note: holders of Armenian, Syrian, Nigerian, Turkmenistan, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi passports need a special visa to enter Northern Cyprus.
Itinerary Adjustments: For your comfort and the best possible experience, the tour operator may make minor adjustments to the itinerary when needed, without affecting the overall duration of the tour.
Mobility: Guests with limited mobility or in wheelchairs are welcome upon request.
Pregnancy: For safety, this tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Cancellation Policy

Refund if cancelled at least 1 day before the event

Destinations

Paphos

Language

English

Operator

EOS TOURS (Cyprus)

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

Moon Suzuki February 7, 2023
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.
Hiroshi T. August 25, 2024
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.