Hiking Routes of Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus has short routes of 2–4 hours and the multi-day Besparmak Mountain Trail, which is about 255–260 km long. For navigation in 2026, the most convenient app to use is Wikiloc: it has the most user GPS tracks for Buffavento, Kantara, St. Hilarion, Karpaz, and the Besparmak Trail.

• Hiking apps
• Multi-day routes
• Short day routes
• Route table
• Practical tips
• Frequently asked questions

Hiking apps in Northern Cyprus

For independent walks in the mountains and along the trails of Northern Cyprus, it is worth downloading a GPS track and an offline map in advance. Markings can be found on popular sections, but at junctions and forest roads the app helps you stay on route.

Multi-day routes

Besparmak Mountain Trail

Besparmak Mountain Trail, also known as the Kyrenia Mountain Trail, is the main long route along the Kyrenia mountain range. It runs from the Kormakitis Cape area in the west to Karpas in the east and is divided into about 18 stages.

The total length of the route is given in different sources as about 255–260 km. Completing the full route usually takes about 2 weeks.

There are green-and-white markings along the route, but for navigation it is better to use GPS tracks in Wikiloc or Komoot.

Tour companies in Northern Cyprus offer hikes along individual stages of the Besparmak Trail: with tents, hotel accommodation, or vehicle support.

Bellapais — Boğazköy

The Bellapais — Boğazköy route is suitable for strong walkers for 1 day or for a relaxed hike with an overnight stay.

The route length is more than 25 km, and the total elevation gain is about 1,000 m.

It is convenient to combine the start with a visit to Bellapais Abbey.

Short day routes

Karmi — St. Hilarion Castle

A popular route from the village of Karmi to St. Hilarion Castle.

Approximate time — about 3 hours, elevation gain — around 350 m.

Zeytinlik — St. Hilarion Castle

A longer version of the climb to the castle.

Length — about 14 km, elevation gain — around 650 m.

Bellapais Trail

The circular route around Bellapais starts at the abbey and follows the surrounding trails.

Length — about 11 km, elevation change — up to 750 m.

Bellapais — Buffavento Castle

A route of about 13 km goes from Bellapais toward Buffavento Castle.

Elevation change — a little more than 600 m.

Alevkaya

The route starts at the herbarium in Alevkaya and passes through the Surp Magar Monastery area.

Length — about 8 km, elevation gain — around 450 m.

Esentepe — Antiphonitis

The trail leads from Esentepe to the Antiphonitis Monastery.

Length — about 13 km, total elevation change — around 700 m.

Yenierenköy

The short route near Küçük Erenköy starts close to the Sinya guesthouse.

Length — about 6 km, elevation change — around 350 m.

Karsiyaka

The trail from Karsiyaka passes near the ruins of the Sina Monastery.

Length — about 6 km, elevation change — around 400 m.

Lapta — Başpınar

The route starts in Lapta at the old Başpınar spring.

Length — about 9 km, elevation change — up to 900 m.

Arapköy circular track

The circular route starts in the village of Arapköy.

Length — a little less than 8 km, average time to complete — 2.5–3 hours.

Route table

Practical tips

• Download the route in Wikiloc, Komoot, or AllTrails before setting out on the trail.
• Bring extra water: many routes have no water sources.
• From May to October, it is better to set out in the morning or closer to evening.
• Use trekking shoes: many trails pass over rocks and scree.
• Tell someone your route and approximate return time if you are going on your own.
• For distant starting points, a car is more convenient. Rental options can be compared through Localrent or GetRentacar.
• For communication while traveling, you can activate eSIM in advance through Drimsim.
• If you want to add tours and activities, you can look at options on Tripster or GetYourGuide.

Frequently asked questions

Which app is best to use for hiking in Northern Cyprus?

For Northern Cyprus, Wikiloc is usually the most useful: it has more GPS tracks for Buffavento, Kantara, St. Hilarion, Karpas, and the Besparmak Trail.

Can you hike the routes without a guide?

Yes, most short routes can be done independently if you have an offline map, water, and suitable footwear.

When is the best time to hike in the mountains of Northern Cyprus?

The most comfortable period for hiking is from October to April. In summer, it is better to set out early in the morning.

Are there water and shops on the routes?

On most mountain trails there are no permanent water sources or shops, so it is better to bring enough water in advance.

Can hiking be combined with visiting sights?

Yes. Popular routes pass near St. Hilarion Castle, Buffavento, Bellapais Abbey, and Antiphonitis Monastery.

Is the Besparmak Trail suitable for beginners?

Completing the full Besparmak Mountain Trail requires preparation and experience in long hikes. For a first introduction, it is better to choose individual stages or short routes.