How to Plan Your From Nicosia: Half-Day St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Tour

If you’re traveling to Nicosia and want to experience the natural beauty of Northern Cyprus, the Half-Day St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Tour is a great choice. This tour includes visiting St. Hillarion Castle and Bellapais Abbey, both of which offer stunning views of the Five Finger Mountains and Kyrenia’s epic seascape. Here’s how to plan your trip step by step.

Step 1: Booking Your Tour

To book the tour, visit this link and follow the instructions provided. The tour includes transportation, an experienced licensed tour guide, entrance fees, and lunch and drinks. It lasts approximately 5 hours, with pickup and drop-off in Nicosia.

Step 2: Getting Ready for the Tour

Before you set out on your tour, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the most of your time. First, bring comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain at the castle and abbey. Second, bring a hat and sunscreen as there is little shade at the sites. Third, bring a camera or phone to capture the beautiful views.

Step 3: Visiting St. Hillarion Castle

The tour starts with a visit to St. Hillarion Castle, a beautiful castle reminiscent of Walt Disney’s fairytale film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which was inspired by this castle. You’ll have around 1.5 hours to climb all the way to the top of the castle and explore its many rooms and passages. With stunning views of the Five Finger Mountains, this is an opportunity not to miss.

Step 4: Exploring Bellapais Abbey

After St. Hillarion Castle, the tour continues through the craggy Five Fingers (Pentadaktylos) Mountains to Bellapais Abbey, a French Gothic styled monastery spectacularly set on a mountain terrace for incredible views. Here, you’ll discover the ruins of this 13th-century Augustinian Abbey with a licensed guide and a great view of Kyrenia’s epic seascape far below. Another 30 minutes will be given to relax with a coffee break in a peaceful atmosphere.

Step 5: Returning to Nicosia

After exploring Bellapais Abbey, the tour ends with a drive back to Nicosia. You’ll be dropped off at the same location where you were picked up.

Conclusion

The Half-Day St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais Tour is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Northern Cyprus. With stunning views of the Five Finger Mountains and Kyrenia’s epic seascape, you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities to remember the trip by. Booking the tour is easy, and with an experienced licensed tour guide, you’ll get the most out of your time at the castle and abbey. So why not book your tour today and see the natural beauty of Northern Cyprus for yourself?

The Insider’s Guide to Nicosia, Cyprus

Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus and is situated in the central part of the island. The city is a vibrant mix of new and old with a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. With its bustling streets, historical landmarks, rich culture, and delectable cuisine, Nicosia offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

Local Attractions

Nicosia is a city that offers something for everyone. There are many local attractions that visitors should not miss, including the following:

St. Hilarion Castle

St. Hilarion Castle is a must-visit attraction for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. Located just outside of Nicosia, this castle dates back to the 10th century and provided the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Visitors can explore the castle’s three levels, which offer breathtaking views over the island.

Bellapais Monastery

Bellapais Monastery is an architectural masterpiece that dates back to the 13th century. This Gothic structure is situated on the mountainside and provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the monastery’s cloisters, chapter house, and refectory.

Nicosia Old Town

Nicosia Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great place to soak in the culture and history of Cyprus. The old town is surrounded by Venetian walls, and visitors can explore the narrow streets and alleyways, visit museums, and enjoy local cuisine.

Dining Spots

Cypriot cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Greek cuisine and offers visitors a diverse range of culinary experiences. Some of the must-try local eateries include:

To Katoi

To Katoi is a restaurant that serves traditional Cypriot food. The restaurant’s menu is extensive and includes dishes such as grilled halloumi cheese, lamb kleftiko, and moussaka. Visitors can enjoy their meals in the restaurant’s cozy, rustic-style interior.

Avli Tou Vasilea

Avli Tou Vasilea is a restaurant that serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant’s menu is updated daily and includes an array of dishes made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Visitors can enjoy their meals in the restaurant’s beautiful courtyard.

Cultural Experiences

Nicosia offers visitors a range of cultural experiences that are unique to the city. Some of the cultural experiences to try out include:

The Cyprus Museum

The Cyprus Museum is the oldest and largest archaeological museum in Cyprus and offers visitors an insight into the island’s history and culture. The museum’s exhibits include sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and items from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period.

Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia

The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia is a museum that showcases the island’s history and culture from the prehistoric period to the present day. The museum’s exhibits include art, artifacts, and photographs.

Local History

Nicosia’s rich history dates back to the Bronze Age and has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and British empires. Some of the significant historical landmarks to visit include:

The Buyuk Han

The Buyuk Han is a historic inn that dates back to the Ottoman period. The inn was built in the 16th century and served as a marketplace, trading post, and accommodation for merchants. Today, the building has been restored and is used as an arts center.

The Venetian Walls of Nicosia

The Venetian Walls of Nicosia surround the old town and date back to the 16th century. The walls were built to protect the city against invaders and offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For visitors who want to explore Nicosia off the beaten path, there are many unique experiences to try out, including:

The Green Line

The Green Line is a buffer zone that separates the Greek and Turkish sides of Nicosia. Visitors can explore the buffer zone and discover abandoned buildings and monuments that hold historical significance.

The Cyprus Wine Trail

For wine connoisseurs, the Cyprus Wine Trail is a must-visit attraction. The trail features several wineries where visitors can sample locally produced wines and learn about the wine-making process.

Conclusion

Nicosia is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine. With its range of local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, Nicosia provides visitors an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or adventure seeker, Nicosia has something for everyone.