Kyrenia Half-Day Tour: St Hillarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey
Climb a mountain castle that inspired Disney, then walk a 13th-century abbey
A four-hour tour from Nicosia visits two landmarks in the Kyrenia foothills: St Hillarion castle, built in the Byzantine period atop Five Finger Mountain, and Bellapais Abbey, a 13th-century structure on the same range. A private vehicle and English-speaking guide are included, with hotel pickup and drop-off at selected hotels. Wear comfortable shoes for the castle steps.
4h
Step-by-step itinerary
Visit castles and abbey in Kyrenia
- Visit Bellapais Abbey
- Explore St Hilarion Castle
The Experience
Four hours is enough to cross the mountains and plains of North Cyprus and stand inside two sites that shaped the island's history. St Hillarion castle sits on the peak of Five Finger Mountain, built during the Byzantine period as a fortress against Arab pirates. The castle's silhouette later inspired the design of the castle in Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Bellapais Abbey occupies the hillside below, a 13th-century structure that still carries the weight of centuries. The route moves between them by private vehicle, so the climbing is reserved for the sites themselves.
A driver and guide in English handle the navigation and the history. Hotel pickup and drop-off at selected properties in Nicosia mean the morning starts without arranging transport. The castle requires comfortable shoes and a moderate level of fitness to climb its steps. Children travel with an adult, and the vehicle accommodates wheelchairs, though the castle itself has steep terrain.
What’s included
- Private vehicle transport from Nicosia to both sites.
- English-speaking driver and guide.
- hotel pickup and drop-off at selected properties.
Operated by North Cyprus Tours
Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want a private vehicle to set your own pace between Bellapais Abbey and St. Hilarion Castle, with time to explore both sites without rushing between them.
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Top questions
How long does the tour take from start to finish?
The tour runs four hours total, including travel time between Nicosia and the two sites in the Kyrenia foothills.
What is St Hillarion castle and why should I visit it?
St Hillarion castle was built on Five Finger Mountain during the Byzantine period to defend the island against Arab pirates. Its distinctive silhouette inspired the castle design in Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and climbing to the top offers views across the mountain range and the coast.
What is Bellapais Abbey?
Bellapais Abbey is a 13th-century structure built on the hillside of Five Finger Mountain. It stands as one of the island's significant historical sites and is included as the second stop on the tour.
Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but only at selected hotels in Nicosia. Confirm your accommodation is on the list when you book.
What should I wear and bring for this tour?
Wear comfortable shoes because the castle involves climbing steps. A moderate level of physical fitness helps with the terrain at both sites.
Kyrenia Half-Day Tour: St Hillarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey
4h · EN
from € 120 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.506 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider