St. Hilarion Castle
A majestic medieval fortress perched high on a mountain, offering unparalleled views and a glimpse into Cyprus's rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
St. Hilarion Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic medieval fortress perched high on a mountain, offering unparalleled views and a glimpse into Cyprus's rich history.
"Magnificent views, but you need to be reasonably fit to make the climb. "
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Uneven paths and stairs require good grip. Avoid sandals or heels!
⏰ Check Opening Times
Hours can change without notice due to military base status.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Peak View
Highest point of the castle
Breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding landscape. A true reward for the climb!
Queen's Window
Mid-level of the castle
An iconic arched window offering a framed, picturesque vista of the Mediterranean Sea.
Royal Chambers
Various levels
Explore the historic rooms and imagine life within these ancient castle walls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Conquer the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Uneven paths and stairs require good grip. Avoid sandals or heels! +1
⏰ Check Opening Times
Hours can change without notice due to military base status.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated during the climb, especially in warmer months.
📸 Photo Ops
Capture stunning views, but avoid stopping for photos on the military road up.
North Cyprus. Kyrenia from castle of St. Hilarion
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Uneven paths and stairs require good grip. Avoid sandals or heels! +1
⏰ Check Opening Times
Hours can change without notice due to military base status.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated during the climb, especially in warmer months.
📸 Photo Ops
Capture stunning views, but avoid stopping for photos on the military road up.
☕ Cafe Caution
Be aware of potential 'tourist tax' at the cafe; prices can vary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Hilarion Castle for its magnificent views and well-preserved historical architecture, calling it a must-see. However, some note that the climb can be strenuous, and opening hours can be unpredictable due to its military base location. Be aware of potential price discrepancies at the on-site cafe.
"I've been once before as a teen and brought my partner with me this time. We enjoyed it very much! The walk up is very long and tiring, definitely take a breather now and then when climbing up the stairs to get to the peak. Beautiful views and well preserved.
Only downside is that the Turkish Army closed it down early the day we went for something so we did rush a little."
Fib Hal
"Beautiful place. Shame that people don’t respect the no smoking and no littering signs. Also be wary of cafe .. asked for a Turkish coffee as had just seen them make one .. only to be told no.. only coffee available is from the espresso machine at €3 a cup. On leaving saw more customers having Turkish coffee.. definitely feel like it was a ‘tourist tax’ .. ..so be warned 😡"
Gill Caunt
"We got in just nefore 3pm and we're told to get down to the ticket office by 4pm. Tho on the outside signboard it says last entray 4.30pm That's apparently not the case today. This seems to do with it being part of the military base So changes to opening time can occur at anytime without notice. The view was really pretty we first went to john's church/chapel then we went to the peak 734m above sea level. The walk up there was not hard. I'd rate it medium difficulty tops. The road is a bit uneven and can be slippery after rains So make sure you wear proper shoes for that. We got to the top around 3.35 So 30-35min is enough for a person who is moderately fit to get up and we got down just before 4pm. Made a few other stops to see the beautiful queens' window too. We didn't visit the cistern next to the beautiful Windows unfortunately as we ran out of time. I think 1.5-2hrs is probably good for here. 1hr is a bit short. There doesn't seem to be public transport here whatsoever. We got a taxi up there and when to the monastery then back to town for 70euros..."
Meme Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Public transport to St. Hilarion Castle is very limited. Most visitors opt for a taxi from Kyrenia, which can cost around 70 Euros for a round trip including a stop at a monastery. Renting a car is another option, but be aware the road passes through a military base.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the base of the castle. However, it is described as small, so arriving early is advisable.
Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any public bus service directly to St. Hilarion Castle. Taxis or private transport are the most common ways to reach it.
The road leading up to the castle winds through a military base. Visitors are advised not to stop and take pictures along this stretch. The road itself can be uneven and slippery after rain.
Due to the steep climb, stairs, and uneven terrain, St. Hilarion Castle is not easily accessible for individuals with significant mobility issues. It requires a moderate level of fitness.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening times for St. Hilarion Castle can be inconsistent and may change without notice due to its location on a military base. While the signboard might indicate a later entry time, you could be asked to leave earlier. It's crucial to check current hours before your visit, especially during winter.
Information on ticket prices is not readily available online and can vary. It's best to inquire locally or upon arrival.
The last entry time can be earlier than advertised, often around 3 PM or 4 PM, especially in winter. Always confirm the exact last entry time on the day of your visit.
There is no clear indication of advance ticket purchasing options for St. Hilarion Castle. Tickets are typically purchased at the ticket office upon arrival.
Entry can be restricted or hours changed without notice due to its military base status. Be prepared for potential last-minute alterations to your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A visit to St. Hilarion Castle typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours for a moderately fit person to explore thoroughly, including the climb to the peak and stops at various points of interest. An hour might feel rushed.
The climb is generally considered medium difficulty. It involves numerous stairs and uneven paths. While some find it not hard, good balance and proper footwear are essential. +1
The peak offers stunning panoramic views, and the 'Queen's Window' provides a beautifully framed shot of the sea. The castle's architecture itself also makes for great photographs.
Restroom facilities are not explicitly mentioned within the castle itself, but there are likely facilities available at the cafe near the parking lot.
Some reviews suggest it's not ideal for children under 12 due to the climb and potential safety concerns. Parents should assess their child's ability to navigate the terrain.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe/restaurant located at the parking lot where the hike begins. During the summer, there might also be a cafe operating within the castle itself.
The cafe at the parking lot offers espresso-based coffee, but some visitors have reported being denied Turkish coffee despite seeing it made for others, suggesting potential price discrimination.
Prices at the cafe can be on the higher side, with a cup of espresso coffee costing around €3. Be mindful of potential 'tourist tax'.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's always a good idea to check local regulations. However, given the cafe's presence, bringing outside food might be discouraged.
The cafe at the parking lot offers some seating, and if a cafe is open within the castle during summer, it would likely provide a unique dining experience with historical surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour lighting for photography. Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer crowds.
Yes, you are advised not to stop and take pictures while driving on the road that passes through the military base leading up to the castle.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive views from the peak. A standard zoom lens will cover most interior shots and architectural details.
Given the castle's proximity to a military base, drone usage is likely prohibited. It's best to assume drones are not allowed to avoid any issues.
The 'Queen's Window' offers a classic, framed shot. The highest points provide sweeping vistas, and the ancient stone architecture throughout the castle is very photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of St. Hilarion Castle
During the Lusignan Kingdom of Cyprus, the castle served as a royal residence and a crucial stronghold against potential invaders. Its three distinct levels, built at different altitudes, showcase a remarkable feat of medieval engineering. The lower bailey housed barracks and stables, the middle bailey contained royal apartments and a church, and the upper bailey, the most fortified section, offered commanding views and served as a final refuge. The castle's strategic position made it a vital defense point against naval attacks and land incursions.
While often compared to fairytale castles, St. Hilarion's history is rooted in military significance rather than pure fantasy, though its appearance has undoubtedly inspired legends. The castle's name is sometimes linked to the Disney castle in 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,' though this is largely anecdotal. Today, it stands as a testament to centuries of history, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and some of the most spectacular views in the region.
Navigating the Climb and Castle Layout
The castle is divided into three main sections, each offering a different experience. The lower part, accessible from the parking area, leads to the main entrance and ticket office. From there, you ascend to the middle section, which houses the remnants of royal apartments, a church, and the famous 'Queen's Window.' The final, steepest climb takes you to the upper bailey, the most fortified part of the castle, offering the most dramatic and expansive views.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit