Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos
Paphos, Cyprus

Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos

Outty Ranking 55 3.8 · 6 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $90
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Outty Ranking

55/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.8/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos worth booking?

Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos is a 9-hour experience in Paphos, Cyprus, from $90 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
55 / 100
Rating
3.8/5 (6)
Duration
9 hours
From
$90 per person

Cross into Northern Cyprus and discover one of the Mediterranean's most enchanting destinations on this full-day Kyrenia day trip from Paphos. Nestled between the dramatic Kyrenia Mountains and the sparkling sea, Kyrenia is a city where centuries of history and timeless charm come together in perfect harmony. Your first stop is the dramatic St. Hilarion Castle — a medieval fortress with breathtaking panoramic views, said to have inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Next, explore the magnificent Kyrenia Castle — built by the Byzantines in the 7th century, later shaped by Venetians and Ottomans, now housing a fascinating cultural museum. Stroll the charming Kyrenia harbour and sip a coffee overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. The day ends at the serene Bellapais Abbey — a breathtaking 13th-century Gothic masterpiece whose ancient walls carry stories of Genoese, Turkish, and British rule.

What you get

    About this experience

    Cross into Northern Cyprus and discover one of the Mediterranean's most enchanting destinations on this full-day Kyrenia day trip from Paphos. Nestled between the dramatic Kyrenia Mountains and the sparkling sea, Kyrenia is a city where centuries of history and timeless charm come together in perfect harmony. Your first stop is the dramatic St. Hilarion Castle — a medieval fortress with breathtaking panoramic views, said to have inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Next, explore the magnificent Kyrenia Castle — built by the Byzantines in the 7th century, later shaped by Venetians and Ottomans, now housing a fascinating cultural museum. Stroll the charming Kyrenia harbour and sip a coffee overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. The day ends at the serene Bellapais Abbey — a breathtaking 13th-century Gothic masterpiece whose ancient walls carry stories of Genoese, Turkish, and British rule.

    What's included

    Included

    • Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off
    • Time for leisurely lunch break and rest
    • Experienced local guide
    • Fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver

    Not included

    • Entrance fees
    • Entrance fees
    • Lunch and additional beverages (available to purchase locally)
    • Any personal or private expenses

    What you'll see and do

    1. Saint Hilarion Castle

      Climbing to St. Hilarion Castle is like stepping straight into a fairy tale. Named after the hermit Hilarion who sought solitude here in the 6th century, this extraordinary medieval fortress clings dramatically to the clifftops of the Kyrenia Mountains — each ancient gate, crumbling watchtower, and stone staircase revealing more breathtaking views than the last. Legend says fairies once roamed these heights — and standing at the top, gazing across the shimmering Mediterranean, it's not hard to believe. Said to have inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, this is one of the most magical spots in all of Cyprus.

      40 minutes here

    2. Kyrenia Castle

      Step into the irresistible charm of Kyrenia — where ancient stone arches frame colourful souvenir shops, sleek yachts bob alongside traditional fishing boats, and the laughter from waterfront cafés mingles with centuries of history. At the heart of it all stands the magnificent Kyrenia Castle — a fortress that has survived Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman rule, reinventing itself through every era while losing none of its grandeur. A place of legends, secrets, and stories that refuse to be forgotten.

      40 minutes here

    3. Kyrenia Harbour

      Take your time and soak up the magic of Kyrenia Harbor — stroll along the waterfront, savour fresh seafood at a harborside taverna, or simply sit back with a coffee and watch the boats drift by. One of the most picturesque harbors in the entire Mediterranean — and a perfect moment to breathe it all in.

      60 minutes here

    4. Bellapais Monastery

      Perched high in the Kyrenia Mountains with sweeping views of the sparkling Mediterranean, Bellapais Abbey is one of the most hauntingly beautiful spots in all of Northern Cyprus. This stunning 13th-century Gothic masterpiece — built by Crusaders and shaped by centuries of Genoese, Turkish, and British rule — wraps you in a profound sense of timeless peace. Wander through sun-dappled arches and serene courtyards and understand why writers, musicians, and dreamers have been drawn here for generations.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Sat
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    EOS TOURS (Cyprus)

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Our vehicle seats up to 6 passengers. As the car is cosy rather than spacious, please consider your comfort needs before booking.
    • All visitors must pass through borderline security.
    • Please don't forget your Passport or ID (visitors with Armenian, Syrian, Nigerian, Turkmen, Nepalese, or Bangladeshi passports need a special visa to enter Northern Cyprus). If only one parent is traveling with children, please bring written consent (a notarized authorization letter) from the other parent. You must cross into Northern Cyprus using the same document you used to enter the Republic of Cyprus.
    • Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended
    • The tour operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary while maintaining the full quality and scope of your experience.

    Photos

    St. Hilarion, Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from PaphosHarbor, Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from PaphosRuin, Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from PaphosView from Bellapais Abbey, Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from PaphosCozy Street in Kyrenia, Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from PaphosBellapais Abbey, Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    6 verified traveler reviews for Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
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    O8196MEomarm · March 2026

    The best trip to the northern Cyprus

    Very enjoyable trip to Kyrenia, well spend day, everything went smoothly. It was a pleasant experience overall and I would definitely recommend it. A big credit goes to Vlad, who went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great time. His effort and attention really made the trip even better, very lovely person.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re truly happy to hear that you had such a positive experience on the trip. Our goal is always to make every excursion comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable, so it’s especially nice to know that you had a great time. A special thank you for your kind words about Vlad. We will definitely pass your message on to him — it means a lot to us that our guests feel cared for and well looked after during the trip. We would be delighted to welcome you on another trip with us in the future! 😊

    via Tripadvisor

    raymond_s · June 2025

    Great day tour & guide

    Perfect d add y tour, guide picked us up right on time, he was very informative about the sites. It was a long drive each way but worth it.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your review! 😊 We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that our guide made a good impression. Yes, the drive is indeed quite long — after all, you traveled to the other side of the island, a real little journey! But we're glad it was worth it. We hope to see you again on our tours! 🌴🚐

    via Viator

    jennybH8256DS · April 2025

    Snapshot of Northern Cyprus

    A long but very scenic day. We had a competent driver who navigated the sharp bends skilfully but we did have a few concerns. The driver used a handheld microphone which meant that they were driving and steering one handed. It was often difficult to hear the commentary above the road noise. Also on the way back, the driver exceeded the speed limit (100) by 20-40kph for most of the way which we found unnerving and uncomfortable. We didn’t get much information about the history of Northern Cyprus, especially events from 1960 onwards, which we had expected to hear. We did get a brief explanation of Kyrenia castle, St Hilarion and Bellapais. Although entrance fees aren’t included, they are very cheap. St Hilarion is definitely unsuitable for anyone with poor mobility: even the toilet is up uneven steps and part without a handrail! It was hard to understand why the entrance fee to St Hilarion was only payable in Turkish Lira yet the toilets charged 1 Euro per person! The views at each site are amazing and we felt we had adequate time in each place given that the journey time to and from Paphos accounted for 5.5 hours. It’s true that there isn’t long in Kyrenia but we managed to walk around the harbour, have lunch, walk the outside of the castle in the available time. Having just 6 in the group meant that we had enough room in the minibus. Overall, this tour gives a snapshot of Northern Cyprus.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. Your opinion about the tour is very important to us. We will take all your comments into account in our work.

    via Tripadvisor

    Happiness596746 · March 2025

    An interesting trip which could benefit from some adjustments

    A packed schedule with a very competent driver, who expertly navigated the numerous hairpin bends to St Hilarion - wonderful views from the castle. As we travelled, we were given an extensive history of Cyprus but not so much about what we were seeing (or the day's plan) and felt that the time we were allowed in Kyrenia (1 hour and 40 minutes) was too brief to allow for lunch and exploration. We wondered why our fellow travellers (3) were all collected from their hotels, whereas we were allocated a pick-up point at least 10 minutes walk away.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your impressions of the tour. It is very important for us to know the opinions of tourists. We understand your concerns. But we draw your attention to the fact that the excursion takes place on regulated timeng. We are obliged to follow the taimeng. And also the collection of tourists from the hotels is on a certain route. Thank you for your attention.

    via Tripadvisor

    Traveler693161 · March 2025

    6 person excursion

    Transfer to Van, 6 guests. The driver is also a driver and uses a headset and the vehicle's radio system to make sure you understand him despite driving noise. Very punctual, easy border crossing, good organization. Entrance fees are not included in the price. Driver was trying and explained a lot on the way out. No tours on site, just a few tips. The time on site was always quite short, but still sufficient. On the way out breakfast break in good bakery, back through. In each case problem-free border crossing.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experiences! We are happy to hear that you had a great time on our tour. We appreciate your kind words!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Sat
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by EOS TOURS (Cyprus), who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.8.

    See everything EOS TOURS (Cyprus) runs

    Why this scores 55

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)58
    Review evidence (18% weight)28
    Booking momentum (14% weight)19
    Value for money (12% weight)94
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)27
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paphos.

    How much does Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos cost?

    +

    Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Paphos usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos take?

    +

    Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Paphos is not rushed.

    Is Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Paphos, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Paphos can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Paphos and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Paphos within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Paphos?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Paphos experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour, Troodos Mountains Villages: All Inclusive Food & Wine Day Tour, Wave Dancer Half Day BBQ Cruise - All Inclusive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Paphos?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Paphos?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos?

    +

    Included: Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off; Time for leisurely lunch break and rest; Experienced local guide; and Fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver. Not included: Entrance fees; Entrance fees; Lunch and additional beverages (available to purchase locally); and Any personal or private expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 90 listed pickup locations in and around Paphos. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Kyrenia, St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Abbey Tour from Paphos?

    +

    Across 6 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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