The Salonica View team is organizing a one-day hike to the magnificent Kantara Castle, giving you the opportunity to walk around the castle and enjoy the unique view and historical heritage of the area.
A few words about our route:
Our route will start from Nicosia (Cyprus Handicraft Center) towards the Saint Dometios roadblock. After passing through our occupied area, we will continue towards Pentadaktylos with the final destination being Kantara Castle. Our hike will take place on a circular path around Kantara Castle and is a unique opportunity to explore the heart of Pentadaktylos. The path we will follow is almost 10km long and has a relatively gentle slope. The route circles the top of the castle, offering panoramic views of both the north and south sides of the mountain range. One of the unique features of the route is the alternating views from both the northern and southern slopes of Pentadaktylos, making our route one of the most diverse in the region. The imposing Kantara Castle, one of the three historic medieval military buildings of the mountain range, is our main stop. At the end of our hike, there will be free time to rest in the village of Davlos.
Points of interest:
The trail offers unobstructed views of the northern coastline of Karpasia and the surrounding peaks, while from the southern side it opens up panoramically to Cape Greco and the eastern plain of Mesaoria. The nature of the area offers a lush green setting, with dominant vegetation of pine and cypress trees, while we encounter wild olive trees, strawberries and mastic bushes that enrich our route.
The imposing Kantara Castle is one of the three important medieval castles of the Pentadaktylos mountain range in Cyprus, built in a strategic point on the top of the mountain. Although the exact date of its construction is not known, it is believed that the castle was built in the 10th century by the Byzantines as a defensive position against Arab attacks. The castle was ideally located to control the northern coast and the plain of Mesaoria, while its location offers magnificent views of the Karpasia and Cape Greco. Although smaller than other castles in the area, such as the Castle of Saint Hilarion and the Castle of Buffavento, Kantara was a powerful strategic fortress and remained in use until the Venetian era.
Bonus: If there is time during our hike, an optional visit to the (ruined) monasteries and chapels scattered around the area can be made.
Hiking characteristics:
Length: 10km
Time: 2.5 -3 hours
Difficulty level: 2 (Moderate / several kilometers)
*** Good physical condition required
Participation cost (per person):
25 euros/ person
** Payment will be made on the bus (Ignore the automatic payment message you will receive).
The price includes:
- Escort and organization
- Transportation by bus
- Hiking
You must bring with you:
- Good sports or mountaineering shoes
- Comfortable clothes/sportswear
- Fleece or jacket, gloves, scarf, hat (depending on weather conditions)
- Snacks
- Water
- Backpack
- Waterproof jacket (essential)
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (depending on weather conditions)
- Tissues, antiseptic
- Trekking pole (optional)
- Camera (optional)
- Identity
Note 1. When you click to make a reservation, state in the message where you will pick up the bus.
Note 2. For the best 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 bad weather conditions, the excursion will be transferred to another date. Participants who cannot participate on the specific date will be refunded. However, if the weather conditions still do not allow the event to take place, the event will be permanently canceled and everyone will be refunded. In case of cancellation by the participants, 7 days or less before the event date, the money will not be refunded.
Note 4. Photographic material is shared on our page and on social media after each event. By participating in a Salonica View event, you agree to the sharing of photos. Otherwise, please let us know.
