About Saint Hilarion Castle

Straight out of a fairy tale

You will find the ruins of a castle with more than 100 rooms and a beautiful garden that were once home to an elusive Cypriot queen. Its tall towers and turrets stand out distinct from the rugged landscape. Built by the Byzantines and the crusaders to keep out Arab invaders, it is now an important testimony to a bygone era. In another legend, it served as a hermitage for an obsure saint, who fled Cyprus after the Arabs conquered the Holy Land. His relics were said to be reported by an English traveler in the 14th century. Now, this bastion commands an excellent view of the pass road that runs between Kyrenia and Nicosia. Rumour has it that Walt Disney was impressed enough to build his castle for his movie on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs modelled on this marvel of time. There aren't any fairies here but you will hear the wind whispering age-old tales as you walk around the towers and arches and the open courtyard. This is a one of a kind fairy tale that you will love narrating to folks back home. Even Snow White would nod her head smiling in agreement.

Must See

  • 1000 steps up to the castle
  • Views of the Kyrenia mountain range
  • The beautiful blue sea stretching out from the harbor
  • The Royal Quarters
  • The towers, turrets and the arches
  • The Queen's Window
  • The Kitchen with the remnants of an oven
  • The Courtyard
  • The Stables
  • The Church and the Chapel
  • The Vaulted Passage inside the Byzantine Gate House
  • The Cistern to store water
  • The Gate.

How to reach

The distance from Nicosia city center to this destination is 25.1 km. A bus will reach you there in 45 minutes with a one-way ticket priced upwards from 1,60 EUR.

A private car will take you there in 25 minutes. Car rental is priced upwards from 2.41 EUR.

Tips

  • There is an ascent of 1000 steps up to the castle.
  • The views of Kyrenia, the harbor and the mountains are breathtaking.
  • You might encounter a Schreiber's fringe-fingered lizard sunbathing without a care in the world.
  • The upperparts are uneven and rough. Wearing of suitable shoes is advised.
  • The lower parts have easy and wide stairs. 
  • Carry bottled water, suntan lotion, a suncap, and sunglasses.
  • There is a cafe in the car park and another smaller one halfway up the castle.
  • There is Wifi in the cafe.
  • Parking can be full at busy times. 
  • Photography is not permitted on the road leading to the castle, which is controlled by the Turkish Army.

Visit Time

April  to October:

Sunday:        8.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Monday:       8.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Tuesday:      8.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Wednesday: 8.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Thursday:     8.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Friday:          8.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Saturday:     8.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

November to March:

Sunday:       8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Monday:      8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Tuesday:     8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Thursday:    8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Friday:        8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Saturday:    8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

This attraction is open on public holidays too.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

On busy weekends and holidays you might have to wait at the ticket counter for an hour.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 Hours

 

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Weather

Scattered Clouds 13.83°C

 

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