- Experience the best of North Cyprus on foot, taking scenic trails to historic landmarks
- Climb to hilltop Crusader castles for magnificent panoramas
- Explore Incirli Cave to walk among stalactites and stalagmites
- Spend a day on the trails of the Five Finger Mountains
- Unwind with the group each night at Hotel Pia Bella near Kyrenia Harbour
Walking in North Cyprus
8 Days
Excluding Flights From
8 Days
from
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Superior
Discover Crusader Age castles, crumbling ruins and mountain villages on this culture-rich hiking hotspot
North Cyprus: An enigma to many yet decorated with countless historic treasures. Join this walking adventure to discover a land written into mythology, one shaped by the multiple empires who ruled it and one blessed with natural beauty. Guided by an expert tour leader, we have a well-balanced mix of walking and sightseeing, with time to explore the varied landscapes while also visiting fascinating landmarks, such as the mountain-backed ruins of Bellapais Abbey and the waterside Kyrenia Castle.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (Hotel Pia Bella)
- Five days of walking
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: North Cyprus
What's Included
- All breakfasts, five lunches
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
5 Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Leisurely: 2mph-3mph (3kph-4kph)
Terrain:
Low altitude; good paths
Day 2
5 km / 3.1 miles
Day 3
14 km / 8.7 miles
Day 4
8 km / 5 miles
Day 6
16 km / 9.9 miles
Day 7
10 km / 6.2 miles
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
11 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
18 Oct 2025 18 Oct 2025
Availability Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price £ 1179 £ 1179
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
01 Nov 2025 01 Nov 2025
Saturday Saturday
08 Nov 2025 08 Nov 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 3 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price £ 999 £ 999
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
15 Nov 2025 15 Nov 2025
Saturday Saturday
22 Nov 2025 22 Nov 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 3 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price £ 999 £ 999
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Dec 2025 20 Dec 2025
Saturday Saturday
27 Dec 2025 27 Dec 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 1 space left!
Land Only Trip Price £ 1079 £ 1079
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 260
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
31 Jan 2026 31 Jan 2026
Saturday Saturday
07 Feb 2026 07 Feb 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 999 £ 999
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
14 Feb 2026 14 Feb 2026
Saturday Saturday
21 Feb 2026 21 Feb 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 999 £ 999 Book with £ 300 deposit Book with £ 300 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
28 Feb 2026 28 Feb 2026
Saturday Saturday
07 Mar 2026 07 Mar 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1099 £ 1099 Book with £ 300 deposit Book with £ 300 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Mar 2026 07 Mar 2026
Saturday Saturday
14 Mar 2026 14 Mar 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1099 £ 1099 Book with £ 300 deposit Book with £ 300 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
14 Mar 2026 14 Mar 2026
Saturday Saturday
21 Mar 2026 21 Mar 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1099 £ 1099 Book with £ 300 deposit Book with £ 300 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
28 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026
Saturday Saturday
04 Apr 2026 04 Apr 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1099 £ 1099 Book with £ 300 deposit Book with £ 300 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
11 Apr 2026 11 Apr 2026
Saturday Saturday
18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1099 £ 1099 Book with £ 300 deposit Book with £ 300 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026
Saturday Saturday
02 May 2026 02 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1099 £ 1099 Book with £ 300 deposit Book with £ 300 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
02 May 2026 02 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
09 May 2026 09 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1249 £ 1249 Book with £ 312 deposit Book with £ 312 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1249 £ 1249 Book with £ 312 deposit Book with £ 312 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1249 £ 1249 Book with £ 312 deposit Book with £ 312 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
31 Oct 2026 31 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
07 Nov 2026 07 Nov 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1099 £ 1099 Book with £ 300 deposit Book with £ 300 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Nov 2026 07 Nov 2026
Saturday Saturday
14 Nov 2026 14 Nov 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1099 £ 1099 Book with £ 300 deposit Book with £ 300 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
14 Nov 2026 14 Nov 2026
Saturday Saturday
21 Nov 2026 21 Nov 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1099 £ 1099 Book with £ 300 deposit Book with £ 300 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Dec 2026 05 Dec 2026
Saturday Saturday
12 Dec 2026 12 Dec 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 999 £ 999 Book with £ 300 deposit Book with £ 300 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
19 Dec 2026 19 Dec 2026
Saturday Saturday
26 Dec 2026 26 Dec 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1209 £ 1209 Book with £ 302 deposit Book with £ 302 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 260
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
Itinerary
Kyrenia Kyrenia
Adventures starts in Kyrenia
The adventure begins in Kyrenia, a harbour town and great base from which to explore North Cyprus. Archaeological excavations show the area was first settled as far back as the 10th century BCE, and today historic buildings and winding lanes offer a glimpse into the past, sitting alongside more modern additions. If there’s time, make use of the hotel facilities – perhaps toasting the adventures to come with a cocktail in the garden bar.
Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)
Transfer to Bellapais and visit the monastery; walk to Catalkoy; afternoon Kyrenia Castle visit
This morning, we have a welcome briefing before a 20-minute transfer to Bellapais, a mountain village home to the ruins of Bellapais Abbey, a medieval gothic monastery. There’s free time to explore, before a short walk to Catalkoy village, where we catch our transfer back to Kyrenia. The walk today is mainly along an old dirt track; it is fairly undulating, with views towards the coast along the way.
Upon our return, we embark on a tour of Kyrenia. It includes a visit to the harbour-front castle, a city landmark and important fort for civilisations as diverse as the Ottomans, Venetians and British. Alongside glorious sea views and fascinating architecture, the castle houses the Shipwreck Museum, home to a fourth-century Greek merchant vessel and its cargo.
Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)
Leisurely walking day
Transfer to the ancient hermitage of St Hilarion Castle; visit the site and walk to Malatya village via Karaman
We transfer approximately 25 minutes to Saint Hilarion Castle, a former stronghold within the Kyrenia mountains. Originally a hermitage, the monastery and church were built in the 10th century and later fortified. The site consists of three main parts, linked by steep staircases: the lower section was for the stables and men of arms; the middle was home to the church; and the upper was for reserved for royalty.
We spend time exploring the castle and enjoying the magnificent views of Kyrenia, before a walk through the hills to Malatya village. The first section cuts through forest, following an old riverbed with some loose rocks underfoot. We then reach an old dirt track, which we follow into the village, with coastal views ahead and Saint Hilarion Castle behind. We walk through some small villages today, getting a good sense of local life along the way, and pausing for lunch in one of the village squares.
We transfer back to the hotel this afternoon, stopping to enjoy a drink on the seafront if time allows.
Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)
Head to the Karpas peninsula; visit the Incirli Cave and Crusader castle at Kantara; walk to Kaplica beach
We head east (approximately 1hr 30min) to the Karpas peninsula. In the morning, we visit Incirli Cave, the largest on the island, which contains an amazing collection of stalactites and stalagmites, before heading to the Crusader castle at Kantara.
Kantara Castle is one of three mountain fortresses built by the Byzantines along the Kyrenia mountains, along with Saint Hilarion and Buffavento. It was used as a beacon station, communicating with Buffavento by fire. The castle has an incredible 360-degree view; on a clear day, you can see both coasts of the Karpas peninsula and the Turkish mountains.
After a picnic lunch near the castle, we walk down the slopes of the Five Finger Mountains to Kaplica beach. If time allows, there will be a chance for a swim in the sea after our walk, before our transfer (approximately one hour) back to Kyrenia.
Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)
Leisurely walking day
Free day to relax or take an excursion to Famagusta
Today has been left free for further exploration of the island. There are several options available, but a trip to the ancient ruins of Salamis and the historic city of Famagusta is the standout attraction for many.
It starts with a visit to St Barnabas Monastery, followed by a tour of Salamis, which remains the biggest Roman site on Cyprus. There will be a lunch break by the sea before the tour continues to the ghost town of Varosha, which has been deserted since 1974. The trip finishes in the old walled city of Famagusta, home to St Nicholas Cathedral. This tour can be arranged locally (please note, you may be joining a larger group on this tour). Of course, you could choose to spend the day relaxing or exploring under your own steam.
Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)
Visit Buffavento Castle for magnificent views; walk to Bellapais village
We start with a 45-minute transfer to Buffavento Castle, the highest Crusader castle on the island and a highlight of the week. It was built in the 11th century to defend against the Arabs, and control an important mountain pass. It’s approximately 680 steps to the top, but the dramatic location offers glorious views over Kyrenia and the Five Finger Mountains.
This afternoon, we walk from the castle, taking the footpath that leads down to Bellapais village. We have lunch at the top of the mountain and see both sides of the Five Finger Mountains. Our route takes us along a narrow path, which is a bit rocky underfoot, passing between the mountains, and offering us views in both directions. The vehicle meets us in Bellapais, and we transfer about 10 minutes back to Kyrenia.
Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)
Moderate walking day
Spend a day in the Five Finger Mountains; walk includes visiting Kyrenia Rock and Sourp Magyar Armenian monastery
We transfer approximately 30 minutes to the start of our last walk, the Five Finger Mountains. We take a path up towards the Herbarium of Alevkaya (currently closed for renovation), where we stop for lunch. This afternoon, we walk to Sourp Magyar, the only Armenian monastery in the mountains, and on to Kyrenia rock, which offers excellent photo opportunities.
Accommodation: Hotel Pia Bella (or similar)
Leisurely walking day
Adventure ends in Kyrenia
You’ve hiked the most scenic trails in North Cyprus, climbed to hilltop Crusader castles and discovered the stalactites and stalagmites of Incirli Cave. Now, however, it’s time to begin our return journeys home.
If you have time before your flight, you may wish to explore Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.
Hotel Pia Bella, a four-star resort near Kyrenia Harbour
Our home for this North Cyprus adventure is Pia Bella Hotel, a 170-room hotel in the city centre just a short walk from the historic Kyrenia Harbour.
The highlight is undoubtedly the pool area. Here, most of our groups like to relax post-exploration: for a cooling swim, chill on the sun lounger or to sip cocktails from the bar. Come evening, you may even be treated to some live music.
Elsewhere, there’s a selection of restaurants serving a mix of cuisines. You may also be interested in a spa treatment with a range of different massages available.
Amenities
- Swimming pool for a post-exploration dip (April-November)
- A selection of restaurants to suit all tastes
- Separate bar areas serving a range of drinks
Trip Experts
Gizer Burge
Expert Leader: North Cyprus
Reviews
Add your own reviewWalking, sightseeing and swimming in North Cyprus
Fun week with a diverse group of like-minded people. Good balance between walking, sightseeing and relaxation. Good quality hotel with swimming pools and pleasant bar area.
Most Inspirational Moment
A few: views from hilltop castles, Roman ruins at Famagusta with excellent tour by our guide, swimming in the sea and/or pool after a day’s walking, fun with the group
Thoughts on Group Leader
Good, experienced and knowledgeable leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A bit more challenging than expected due to September heat. Could maybe go a little later in the season but while the hotel pools are still open. Trip notes are a bit out of date as regards costs of optional excursions and meals out.
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Plenty of sunshine, history and sea views alongside a nice hotel.
Most Inspirational Moment
Excursion to Salamis, Famagusta etc on free day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Everything very well-organised: Gizer an excellent guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go in the spring or the autumn when the weather is not too hot.
Very enjoyable
A lovely sunny week in November in North Cyprus. A very enjoyable trip with a week of medieval castles, wonderful sea views and rewarding walks through pine forests and on mountain slopes. Interesting recent history of the island too.
Most Inspirational Moment
View from Buffavento Castle at 900 m.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gizer was an excellent leader, knowledgeable, organised and a good sense of humour. An ambassador for his country.
Walking in North Cyprus 12th May 2024
Trip notes “Walking through areas teeming with wildflowers and wildlife” . I saw very few wildflowers and hardly any wildlife. “Leisurely/Moderate”. I suppose I took leisurely to mean easy rather than slow because of the rough terrain.
Most Inspirational Moment
Optional excursion to Famagusta. Should be included
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
The weather was exceptionally hot. If you want to see wildflowers go earlier in the spring.
Walking in Northern Cyprus
Whilst the hotel was good quality with a pool the hotel experience was spoiled by an in-house disco on both Wednesday and Saturdays. The noise made it impossible to sleep or even eat TV until after 11.30 p.m.. The Castles were interesting and whilst walking enjoyable the combination of heat and rough tracks made it feel more difficult than the advertised grade
Most Inspirational Moment
Views from the mountaintop castles
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very thorough in his preparation and control of the group
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for heat and rough tracks with some steep hills. Climbing the steps to the top of the castles is worth it for the views.
Superb walking holiday in this lovely country
The walks were amazing, the food was great, the hotel was excellent being about a 20 minute walk from the beautiful harbour of Kyrenia and the weather was warm after a wet first morning!
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing the 680 steps up to and then back down from Buffavento Castle and being rewarded by the fantastic views, seeing only 4 other people on that climb, in fact maybe the whole day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gizer was patient, helpful and knowledgeable with a good sense of humour. He provided us with a detailed history of Northern Cyprus with lots of other information and arranged some very tasty meze meals. He found a Chameleon and a Blunt-nosed Viper for us too!
Advice for Potential Travellers
You do need to be fit. Wear walking boots and long trousers for walks through the scrub. Take an extra water bottle as the hotel provides a glass bottle of water with the packed lunch which added to the weight.
A beautiful country.
A wonderful walking holiday in a beautiful part of the world. The highlight for me will always be the castles. Spectacular location and amazing views. Our guide Gizer was amazing and gave us a wonderful overview of North Cyprus.
Very centrally located accommodation with easy access to the charming centre of Kyrenia.
Most Inspirational Moment
The castles and the views from the top.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gizer was very helpful and a font of knowledge.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Generally an amazing holiday. However, I wouldn't call the two walks listed as "moderate" moderate. They are serious hikes and I thoroughly enjoyed walking them. But some may actually find it "strenuous". Also, if you have a problem with heights, the castles are not for you. I just loved them!
Great walking holiday learning about the history of North Cyprus along the way
Overall an enjoyable week of walking with a great guide (Gizer) and driver (Omer). The walks were as stated in the trip notes and places visited were definitely well worth the walks. A great group of 11 in total, that definitely helped make the week a lovely break. The hotel Pia Bella is well situated in Kyrenia, with excellent facilities, and the staff were all very helpful. If you enjoy walking and visiting historical sites, this trip is for you.
Most Inspirational Moment
I found the visit to Varosha on our 'free day' really interesting, especially hearing of why it is deserted. The views on the walks are also inspiring, well worth the climbs.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gizer was a knowledgeable guide providing the group with lots of information on the history of the island, also information on great places to eat and things to see in the locations we visited. Gizer looked after us all, making sure we had what we needed.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Some of the walks are through scrub which can cause scratches etc, so take long trousers with you for those walking days and walking poles if needed, as lots of 'undulations' to navigate. Some of the walks are also quite challenging, but Gizer ensured there were plenty of rest stops along the way.
Great Trip
This was a busy week of walking, sometimes on quite difficult paths. However it was combined with visits to beautiful cultural sites and a lot of information about Cyprus – both historical from way back and the more recent and current political situation. We also saw some wildflowers, lizards, and a chameleon.
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to choose. The views from the hills as we walked through them, the ruins at Salamis, and the chameleon were all highlights.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader, Gizer, was very engaging, knowledgable, patient and helpful. Our driver, Omar, was also helpful and professional and coped admirably when there was a problem with the minibus engine. They are both a credit to Exodus.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Much of the time we could use euros or our cards to pay for meals, etc. We did need some Turkish lira and Gizer very helpfully explained how to get money from ATMs or to exchange currency on our first walk into the old town of Kyrenia. Walking poles are essential for some as in places the paths are steep (up and down) and a little unstable with loose stones and large boulders.
Great views, fabulous scenery and lots of history.
A really good trip with excellent walking. Our guide Gizzer was very knowledgeable and good company.
Most Inspirational Moment
Kantor Castle and the walk that day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gizzer was informative, has a good sense of humour and made us feel looked after.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Remember good walking boots with ankle supports. Also the weather can be hot so be prepared for this on the longer walks.
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Walking in North Cyprus
8 Days
Excluding Flights From
8 Days
from