Tour to Kyrenia – St. Hilarion and Bellapais Abbey from Paphos

Exploring Kyrenia (Girne) from Paphos offers a captivating glimpse into Cyprus’ northern coast, with a 9-hour guided experience priced at $95.10 per person. This tour features visits to St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia Castle, the lively Kyrenia Harbour, and the tranquil Bellapais Abbey, making it ideal for those eager to see iconic landmarks and enjoy scenic views. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a fully insured air-conditioned vehicle, and an experienced guide who shares insights along the way.

While the duration makes for a full day of exploration and the price is reasonable, travelers should prepare for a long drive across the island, as well as a small entrance fee at St. Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey. This tour suits visitors interested in history, architecture, and panoramic vistas, especially those comfortable with walking and passing border security checks.

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour from Paphos to Kyrenia costs $95.10 per person
• Includes visits to St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia Castle, Kyrenia Harbour, and Bellapais Abbey
• Duration of approximately 9 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Entry fees at castles are not included; expect to pay €2.00 at each site
• The tour features scenic views, especially from St. Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey
• Suitable for those comfortable with long drives and moderate walking

Starting the Day with St. Hilarion Castle

The tour begins early in the morning with hotel pickup around 8:30 am. The first stop is St. Hilarion Castle, perched high on a hilltop. Named after the 6th-century hermit Hilarion, this medieval fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. The castle’s structure, built by the Byzantines and expanded by Venetians and Ottomans, provides a vivid look at Cyprus’ layered history.

Climbing the castle involves some walking and exploration of its ancient walls and towers. While admission costs €2.00 per person, this fee is not included in the tour price. From its vantage point, visitors get excellent photo opportunities, and the legend linking it to Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle adds a whimsical touch.

Exploring Kyrenia Castle and the Harbour

Next, the tour leads to Kyrenia Castle, a historical fortress that dates back to Byzantine times and now functions as a museum. The 40-minute visit allows for a walk through its chambers and exhibits, showcasing the city’s past. The harbor area around the castle is lively, with narrow streets, traditional stone buildings, and quaint souvenir shops.

The free time at Kyrenia Harbour is perfect for a leisurely walk, lunch, or simply soaking in the scenic atmosphere. The harbor’s setting, with yachts floating and old stone arches framing the scene, offers many picturesque moments. This stop balances history, local life, and scenic beauty.

Visiting Bellapais Abbey’s Tranquil Setting

The final main stop is Bellapais Abbey, a 13th-century Gothic monastery built by the Crusaders. The 30-minute visit highlights its well-preserved architecture and peaceful environment. Located high in the mountains with stunning sea views, the Abbey remains a favorite spot for photography and reflection.

Its refectory is renowned for hosting music festivals thanks to its remarkable acoustics. The Abbey’s history shows influences from Genoese, Turks, and British, enriching its cultural significance. The tour finishes here before returning to Paphos, making it a fitting conclusion to the day.

Practicalities: Transport and Group Size

The tour is operated by EOS TOURS (Cyprus), using a fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle driven by a professional guide. With a maximum group size of 6 travelers, the experience feels intimate and personalized. Pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics straightforward.

Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes, as some exploration involves easy but uneven terrain. Passing border security is required, with passport or ID card necessary. The tour operates in most weather conditions, but cancellations are possible due to poor weather, with options for rescheduling or a full refund.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Reservations are best made 76 days in advance due to popularity. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, providing flexibility for changing plans. Since entrance fees are not included in the booking, travelers should budget an additional €2.00 per site.

Overall Experience: Strengths and Considerations

This tour stands out for its comprehensive itinerary, combining historic castles, a picturesque harbor, and a peaceful monastery. The guide’s knowledge and the scenic views greatly enhance the experience, and the small group size fosters a relaxed atmosphere.

However, the long drive across the island may be tiring for some, and entry fees are not included, adding a minor extra cost. The 9-hour duration is well-paced, but travelers should be prepared for moderate walking and border security procedures.

Visiting Kyrenia’s Historic Highlights from Paphos

This tour offers a rich visual and cultural journey into Northern Cyprus, ideal for those who enjoy history and scenic landscapes. The guides share stories that bring the sites to life, making the experience informative yet relaxed. The views from St. Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey are particularly memorable.

While the price covers most of the logistics, the additional entrance fees and long travel times are worth considering when planning. This tour balances history, scenery, and convenience, making it a solid choice for curious explorers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making the start and end of the day convenient.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting around 8:30 am and returning later in the day.

What is the cost per person?
The price is $95.10, which includes transportation, a guide, and site visits, but entrance fees are extra.

Are entrance fees included?
No, admission to St. Hilarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey costs €2.00 each and must be paid separately.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as some exploring involves walking on uneven surfaces.

How many people are in each group?
The tour operates with up to 6 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the long drive and walking may be more suitable for older children or teenagers.

What do I need to bring?
Bring passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, and any personal expenses for meals or souvenirs.

Are there any restrictions on passport holders?
Holders of Armenian, Syrian, Nigerian, Turkmenistan, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi passports need a special visa to visit Northern Cyprus and may be restricted from crossing.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Key highlights include St. Hilarion Castle’s views, Kyrenia Castle’s exhibits, Kyrenia Harbour’s lively atmosphere, and the serene beauty of Bellapais Abbey.

Can I customize this tour?
Program adjustments may occur without reducing service quality, but customization options are not specified.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; cancellations due to poor weather will be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by EOS TOURS (Cyprus), known for small-group, guided excursions.

Is this tour worth the price?
Considering the site visits, scenic views, guide expertise, and small group size, many will find it offers good value for a memorable day trip.

This Kyrenia day tour from Paphos provides a well-rounded look at Cyprus’ northern coast, blending history, stunning landscapes, and cultural insights into one engaging package.