Hike to Kantara Castle – 15 February

The Salonica View team organizes a day hike to the enchanting Kantara Castle, offering you the opportunity to walk around the castle and enjoy the unique views and historical heritage of the area.

A few words about the route:

Our journey begins from Nicosia (Cyprus Handicraft Centre), with a boarding stop at Pascal, Larnaca, and then continues towards the Pergamos checkpoint, passing through Pyla. After crossing into the occupied area, we proceed to the village of Davlos, where we will make a short stop for rest. We then continue towards our final destination, Kantara Castle. The hike follows a circular trail around Kantara Castle, offering a unique opportunity to explore the heart of the Pentadaktylos mountain range. The trail is almost 10 km long, with a relatively gentle gradient. It circles the summit of the castle, offering panoramic views of both the northern and southern sides of the mountain range. One of the unique features of this route is the alternating views from both the northern and southern slopes of Pentadaktylos, making this hike one of the most diverse in the region.The imposing Kantara Castle, one of the three historic medieval military fortresses of the mountain range, is the main highlight of our hike. At the end of the hike, there will be free time for rest in Bogazi.

Points of Interest:

The trail offers unobstructed views of the northern coastline of Karpasia and the surrounding peaks, while from the southern side the view opens panoramically towards Cape Greco and the eastern Mesaoria plain.

The natural landscape is lush and green, dominated by pine and cypress trees, with wild olive trees, strawberry plants, and mastic shrubs enriching the route.

The impressive Kantara Castle is one of the three important medieval castles of the Pentadaktylos mountain range in Cyprus, built at a strategic point on the mountain summit. Although its exact construction date is unknown, it is believed to have been built in the 10th century by the Byzantines as a defensive stronghold against Arab raids.
The castle was ideally positioned to control both the northern coast and the Mesaoria plain, while its location offers stunning views towards Karpasia and Cape Greco.
Although smaller than other castles in the area, such as Saint Hilarion Castle and Buffavento Castle, Kantara remained a strong strategic fortress and continued to be used until the Venetian period.

Bonus:
If time allows during our hike, there may be an optional visit to the ruined monasteries and chapels scattered throughout the area.

Hiking Characteristics:

Distance: 10 km

Duration: 2.5–3 hours

Difficulty: Level 2 (moderate / long distance)

*** Good physical condition is required

Participation Cost (per person):

€25 per person

** Payment will be made on the bus

The price includes:

1. Escort and organization
2. Transportation by bus
3. Hiking activity

You should bring with you:

1. Good athletic or hiking shoes
2. Comfortable sportswear
3. Fleece or jacket, gloves, scarf, hat (depending on weather conditions)
4. Snacks
5. Water
6. Backpack
7. Waterproof jacket (mandatory)
8. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (depending on weather conditions)
9. Tissues, hand sanitizer
10. Hiking poles (optional)
11. Camera (optional)
12. ID card or passport

*** Required for crossing the checkpoint
*** The ID must not expire within the next 2 months

Note 1:When making your booking, please state in the message where you will board the bus.

Note 2:For the smooth operation of the event and for safety reasons, participants must comply with the instructions of the escorts.

Note 3:In case of cancellation of the event due to adverse weather conditions, the excursion will be transferred to another date. Participants who cannot attend on the new date will receive a refund. If weather conditions still do not allow the event to take place, the event will be permanently cancelled and all participants will receive a full refund.

Note 4:Photographic material is shared on our page and on social media after each event. By participating in a Salonica View event, you accept the sharing of photos. Otherwise, please inform us accordingly.

Note 5 – Cancellation Policy:In case of cancellation less than 48 hours before the event or non-attendance at the activity/excursion, participants will be required to cover the full participation cost. This policy applies to cover operational expenses and reservations already made.

Note 6:The escorts reserve the right to adjust the stops of the excursion and the program according to the available time, without omitting important points of interest.

BOOKING:

ΕΔΩ/HERE

After completing your booking, 6–7 days before the excursion, we will contact you to confirm your details and participation.

INFORMATION REGARDING ALL OUR EXCURSIONS:

Four days before the excursion, usually on Wednesday, an official update will be sent to all participants regarding whether the excursion will take place.

Confirmation depends on:

1. completion of the required minimum number of participants,
2. weather conditions,
3. and other organizational factors.