Date on request, best travel time April - May - June and September - October
Hike a selection of the most beautiful stages of the spectacular Besparmak Trail for six days through beautiful nature, with views of the sea, through pine forests and over rocky cliffs of the Besparmak Mountains, where crusaders left behind spectacular castles and the first Christians beautiful churches, whose ruins you can marvel at along the way, each worth a trip in its own right.
The daily stages are easy to moderately difficult and require a certain level of fitness for full-day hikes.
You are interested in the trip, but the dates don't suit you?
- The trip can also be made at any other time - then individually without a hiking guide (or on request) - but you should avoid midsummer and winter. - For individual travellers there is an introductory talk, detailed route description and navigation via app on your mobile phone or GPS device, emergency numbers. All transfers and luggage transport to the next accommodation are included.
Itinerary subject to change!
Airfare is not included in the tour price; depending on the departure airport, offer, and airline, you should expect to pay between 300 and 500 EUR for the flight. We would be happy to advise you and, upon request, can also arrange a flight that fits your itinerary.
Tour price per person in a double room: EUR 990.00
Single room supplement: EUR 150.00
Our latest feedback from travelers on this tour from Fall 2025:
Hello Mr. Popp, we really enjoyed the trip, and in terms of organization, it exceeded our expectations:
- The route selection was wonderful, and it gave us a great overview of the island
- The hotels were always very good—two, right at the beginning and then at the very end, stood out positively thanks to the friendly service from the hosts and the excellent meals. The little cottage right by the sea suited the trekking theme with its simplicity and was enhanced by the beach right outside the door. The hotel in Catalcöy was also above the agreed standard; the breakfast buffet was simply fantastic.
- We were particularly pleased with the support provided by Ms. Raab and her colleague. They were always punctual, friendly, and possessed a vast wealth of knowledge about the island, which they willingly shared with us.
- Overall, excellent value for money with an all-inclusive, worry-free package.
- The app was very useful. We didn’t use it constantly; we primarily followed the very well-marked trail. It was very helpful for checking our progress.
Warm regards, Karin and Bernd Z.
► Click here to view our Northern Cyprus photo gallery
Travelling to the island - we will be happy to advise you on suitable flights and offer these on request - There are two options: To Ercan (airport in the north of the island, served by Turkish Airline, usually a little cheaper, one change) or to Larnaca (Süd Cyprus, there are direct flights with various European airlines with different departure airports)
Private - Transfer from Ercan Airport (Northern Cyprus) or Larnaca Airport (Southern Cyprus) to the accommodation near Girne.
Drive to the western Cape Kormakitis/Koruçam. This is where the hike begins, always heading east to Cape Zafer, 260 kilometres away, the easternmost point and final destination of the entire trail. The varied trail first leads along the coast and then winds its way up to the lower western ridge line of the Besparmak Mountains. To the east you can see the mountain range, to the south the Troodos massif rises and to the north the clear blue of the Mediterranean shimmers. Along fields, pine trees and fragrant maquis, the path ends in the village of Koruçam. The day's destination has been reached! A Greek/Türkish coffee tastes simply marvellous in Maria's village restaurant. Overnight stay at the Hotel Lapida o.s. Easy hike approx. 4 hours.
The Crusader castle of St Hilarion is one of the historical highlights that mark the trail. After the ascent and visit to the castle, the ascending hike begins on the south side of the mountain to an overgrown high plateau with magnificent views of Girne and the sea. After crossing the ridge, the path leads down the wooded north side to the village of Bellapais. The Gothic abbey is situated on the slopes of Bellapais. After a coffee break, visit the former monastery complex. Overnight stay in Bellapais Hotel Ambelia o.s.
Medium-difficulty hike approx. 5.5 hours.
After checking out, drive to the Besparmak Pass. The striking 750 metre high mountain rises like a fist clenched in the air above the sea. Today's hike continues eastwards along this legendary mountain to the Alevkaya picnic area. Green pines, dark cypresses and red-stemmed strawberry bushes grow along the path and form a canopy of shade until you reach the abandoned Armenian monastery of Sourp Magar. Again and again, the view sweeps over the coast and the mountain range. After a short climb, you reach the Alevkaya picnic area. Possibility to visit the herbarium. Overnight stay at the Sinya Guesthouse o.s.
Easy hike approx. 3.5 hours.
Drive along the north coast to Mersinlik. Above the village, the hike begins through young pine forests to the small village of Kantara. After a short rest, the hike continues along the mountain ridge to the mountain fortress Kantara. Marvellous views over the coast and the plain of Mesaria delight the eye until you reach the castle. The mighty castle rises 650 metres above the sea at the beginning of the Karpaz peninsula. If visibility is good, you can almost see the final destination - Cape Zafer. Hike back to the village to the new accommodation. Overnight stay in Büyükkonuk o. s.
Easy hike approx. 4 hours.
The hike starts directly from the accommodation and leads to the village centre with the mosque and the Orthodox church. After leaving the village centre, the path winds steadily downhill to a plateau with olive groves. With the blue sea in front of you, you reach the northern coast. Follow the coastline for a while, then the path leads inland and the crossing of the Karpaz peninsula from the south coast to the north coast begins. After a short climb, you reach a plateau with carob trees. The descent now begins via a path towards the north coast to the abandoned churches of Panagia Aphendrika, Asomatos and Agios Georgios. Overnight stay in one of the agritourism centres in Dipkarpaz Medium-difficulty hike approx. 4.5 hours.
After checking out, we first leave Dipkarpaz in a southerly direction to the starting point of the last hike. Scattered juniper bushes and carob trees grow in the narrow plains along the ridge. Towards Cape Zafer, the path meets the coast again. The gentle green hills, the sandy path and the turquoise blue sea create a harmonious picture of this unspoilt landscape. Lone hikers can be seen among the juniper bushes - the wild donkeys of the Karpaz. The mighty cliffs of Cape Zafer with the offshore Klidhes Islands are close enough to touch. The last stretch is now quickly completed and the southernmost point of Europe, the final high point of the hike, is reached. Overnight stay in one of the agrotourism huts in Dipkarpaz. Easy hike approx. 4 hours
The latter is recommended. On departure, the transfer usually takes place early in the morning from Karpaz (depending on the flight connection).
Return transfer to the airport or to the hotel of the extension
Individual transfers from/to the airport on arrival and departure adapted to your flights
Transfers on all 6 days of the programme to/from the starting points of the hikes including luggage transport to the next accommodation
Tour guide by professional local hiking guide (English-speaking)
Overnight stays
in guesthouses and typical local hotels in a double room
Meals
all overnight stays incl. breakfast and dinner, packed lunch on all hiking days
Other
All transfers in an air-conditioned minibus or off-road vehicle
Sightseeing incl. entrance fees
Insolvency cover including travel insurance
Not included are:
Meals and drinks if not mentioned
Tips (approx. 5 EUR per day) and personal expenses
Your contacts for travelling with Arabia Felix:
Maria Popp and Karin Nowack
Phone: +49 (0)89 / 30 77 92 00
info@oman.de
ARABIA FELIX Synform GmbH
Treffauerstraße 18
81373 München
Germany
Tel: +49 89/30779200
E-Mail: info@oman.de
VAT-ID: DE201885274
