Hiking to the Castle Kantara

This will be an undulating walk with views over the northern coastline and the great plains Mesaoria in the south. In the spring time, wild orchids and hundreds of cyclamen line the path.
The rock on which the Kantara Castle is located gives you a good idea about its commanding position in medieval times.

The word Kantara is of Arabic origin and means bridge or arch. It was built in the 10th century as a look-out post, was fortified during the reign of the Lusignans and was abandoned by the Venetians in the early 16th century.

Travel with the bus along the coastline to the starting point of the walk in the eastern part of the Besparmak Mountains. Before the walk, your guide will take you to a little market where you can buy water and food for your picnic.

You will continue your walk for about four hours. The path is undulating with some steep sections. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery with many flowers like cyclamen and anemones growing along the path.The picnic will be in the forest.

The walk up to the castle will also allow you to enjoy stunning views over the coast and the mountain range. You guide will give you a lot of information about the medieval period, when Kantara Castle was used by the Lusingnan kings. We then travel back with bus to the hotel.