Kantara Village Square to Kantara Castle

A lovely day in the beginning of December we took the car and drove from Esentepe Area to Kantara village. The drive from Sea Magic Park along the beautiful coastline is 37 km. At Kaplica Beach there is a road heading up in the mountains towards Kantara Castle. It is aprox. 10 km. Follow the signs and rive through Kaplica village. The road to the castle from the north coast heading for the castle is very new with two lanes, broad and nice.

Be aware, this might not be the fact for the road from the Famagustaby side. In 2015 we passed through Kantara village coming from Famagusta area. It was a terrifying ride on a narrow bumpy gravelroad, with only room for one car at the time. Hopefully this has changed, but I advise visitors coming from Famagusta bay to stick to the main roads and use uptodate maps.

We used the book "Eat and walk North Cyprus" by Eileen A. from Sunflower publishers as a rough guide and inspiration. During wintertime the restaurants at the village square might have open if you call in advance. Or you can bring sandwiches etc.
we Did park at the village square. It is a good area for parking, but driving closer to the castle is possible. There is also a huge picninc and barbeque area with a playground right before you reach the castle parking. The parking is free, toilets are free and there is a ticket office. From this point you start at the last climb up to Kantara Castle.

Opening hours Aprox. : Summer 10.00 - 17.00, winter 9.00- 14.45

Admission: 7 TL adults, discounted fares for students, army and children.

The Entrance fee includes leaflet. It is a map and has information about the castle in English.

There are a narrow path up the Castle. The path later turns into uneven stair, but the accessibility still okey. Keep a close eye of children, due to less railings and safety measures than norther Europe requires.

The view at the top of the remains of the castle is spectacular. On a clear day there are excellent views all the way down to the Karpaz 'panhandle' peninsula and the Mediterranean Sea. I have even read there is possible to see snowy mountaintops in Lebanon.

There are always a possibility to make the trail much longer by extending the trail in the area behind the castle.