Paphos: Tour Kyrenia – St. Hilarion and Bellapais Abbey

If you’re looking for a full-day excursion that combines history, scenic views, and charming villages, the tour to Kyrenia and its highlights from Paphos could be just what you need. While we haven’t taken this trip ourselves, reviews suggest it’s a well-loved choice for travelers eager to explore Northern Cyprus’s unique treasures.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with engaging commentary. Second, the breathtaking vistas from castles and lookout points that make the long bus ride worth it. And third, the chance to walk through historic sites that seem to transport you back in time. That said, a potential consideration is the duration of the journey—around 9 hours—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day on the road. This trip is ideal if you want a comprehensive taste of Kyrenia’s highlights without the hassle of planning each stop yourself.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive tour covering Kyrenia’s top sights, including castles and abbeys.
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary that brings history alive.
• Magnificent views from St. Hilarion Castle and scenic spots along the way.
• Full-day experience with hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.
• Limited group size (6 participants) for a more personalized feel.
• Cost-effective considering transport, guided tours, and entry fees included.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Full Breakdown: What to Expect on This Tour

Starting Your Day with Convenience and Comfort

The tour begins early with a pickup from one of 81 designated locations in Paphos—ranging from major hotels like the Almyra Hotel and Louis Ledra Beach to popular resorts and apartments. The vehicle is fully insured, air-conditioned, and driven by a professional guide, which takes the stress out of transportation. Expect to confirm your pickup point in advance, and arrive about 10 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.

The Scenic Drive and Introduction to Kyrenia

The journey to Kyrenia (or Girne, as it’s locally called) takes approximately 2.5 hours. While a long drive, the route provides opportunities to enjoy commentary from your guide, who shares insights about Cyprus’s complex history, culture, and landscape. The scenery along the way—olive groves, pine forests, and hillside views—sets the stage for what’s to come.

Visiting St. Hilarion Castle: A Medieval Wonder

The first major stop is St. Hilarion Castle, a fortress perched high above Kyrenia. This 40-minute guided tour allows you to walk through the castle’s battlements, towers, and courtyards. The views from here are stunning, offering a sweeping panorama of the surrounding mountains and sea. The castle’s dramatic setting is even said to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, adding a touch of fairy-tale magic.

Reviewers like Uwe mention that the interesting commentary from guides helps make the long journey worthwhile, as they share stories about the castle’s history and legends. You’ll love the way the structure’s medieval architecture contrasts with the lush landscape below.

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Exploring Kyrenia’s Historic Center and Harbor

Next, a 25-minute drive takes you to the heart of Kyrenia, where you’ll spend around 100 minutes soaking in the lively atmosphere. The highlight? The Kyrenia Castle, which houses a museum showcasing the city’s cultural history. Walking through its ancient walls, you’ll see artifacts, cannons, and learn about the city’s strategic importance through centuries of rule by Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans.

The vibrant harbor area invites a leisurely stroll, where you can admire colorful boats, browse local shops, or simply enjoy the Mediterranean breeze. Many find this part of the tour to be the most charming, with options to relax over lunch or explore at your own pace.

Visiting Bellapais Abbey: Gothic Charm with Sea Views

The final stop is the Bellapais Abbey, a well-preserved Gothic ruin built by Crusaders in the early 13th century. The guided walk here lasts about 30 minutes, during which your guide will point out features like the two-tiered refectory renowned for its acoustics. The ruins overlook the Mediterranean, offering fantastic photo opportunities.

Reviewers have remarked that Bellapais feels like stepping into a storybook, with its romantic atmosphere and the echo of centuries of history. Its walls tell tales of different rulers and religious life, making it a meaningful place to reflect on Cyprus’s layered past.

Returning to Paphos with a Long but Rewarding Day

The trip back to Paphos takes roughly 2.4 hours, giving you time to relax after a day of exploring. The full itinerary, including all stops and travel, adds up to around 9 hours, balancing sightseeing with comfort and rest.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers transportation in a fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and a couple of hours for lunch and rest. Entrance fees are minimal at 2 euros per site, making this a good value for the comprehensive experience.

Food and drinks, personal expenses, and additional entrance tickets are not included, so consider bringing cash or cards if you want to purchase souvenirs or snacks.

The Experience and Group Dynamics

With a small group limit of six participants, the tour feels intimate, allowing for personalized attention from your guide. Travelers have noted that guides are knowledgeable and engaging, making the long drive more enjoyable with stories and historical context.

Practical Details: Timing, Comfort, and Tips

The start times vary—check availability when booking—but expect to begin early in the morning. Arriving 10 minutes early at your pickup point is advised. The tour is suitable for those comfortable with a full day of travel and walking; however, it’s not ideal for children under 12, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

What to bring? Your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and water are essential. The tour is conducted in English, and a detailed itinerary will be sent with your booking.

Note that crossing the border into Northern Cyprus requires passing through security and presenting your ID. Certain nationalities, such as Armenian, Syrian, Nigerian, Turkmenistan, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi passports, may face restrictions.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Guided Experience: Rather than just visiting sites, your guide shares stories and historical tidbits, making each stop more meaningful. Many travelers highlighted how guides like the one Uwe praised “made the journey shorter” with interesting commentary.

Stunning Views and Photo Opportunities: From the heights of St. Hilarion to the panoramic vistas at Bellapais, every scenic overlook offers chances for memorable photos and moments of awe.

Balanced Itinerary: The mix of castles, towns, and abbeys ensures you gain a well-rounded understanding of Kyrenia’s history and charm without feeling rushed.

Convenience and Comfort: Hotel pickup, small group size, and all logistics managed ensure a relaxed experience, especially for those who prefer not to organize transport or navigate borders alone.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you love history, castles, and scenic landscapes, this full-day tour offers a rich and practical way to explore Northern Cyprus’s highlights from Paphos. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a guided experience, enjoy storytelling along with sightseeing, and appreciate the convenience of organized transport and small groups.

The long travel time might be a drawback for some, but the stunning views and in-depth visits make it worthwhile. It’s also perfect for those who prefer a stress-free day—everything is arranged for you, with expert guides to enhance each stop.

For budget-conscious travelers, the price includes transport, guide, and entry fees, offering excellent value for a full day of discovery. However, if you’re not comfortable with a packed schedule or long coach journey, you might prefer shorter or more relaxed alternatives.

FAQ

How long is the total duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 9 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and rest time.

What is included in the price?
The package covers transport in a fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a small amount of time for lunch and rest.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, entrance tickets are only 2 euros each and are not included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 12 years old, mainly due to the full-day schedule and walking involved.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and water.

Does the guide speak other languages?
The tour is conducted in English, and the guide provides commentary throughout the day.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded adventure into the historic and scenic wonders of Kyrenia. It’s best suited for travelers who want an organized, guided experience with plenty of opportunities for photos and storytelling. While the journey is long, the stunning views, expert guides, and manageable group size make it a worthwhile option for those eager to see Northern Cyprus’s highlights without the hassle of planning each detail.

You can check if your dates are available here: