Buffavento Castle: a practical note for Girne

Highest and wildest of the three Pentadaktylos castles. Short but steep hike from the car park. Rare views of both sides of the island.

Buffavento Castle is the highest and most remote of the three mountain castles on the Pentadaktylos ridge; its name means, roughly, defier of the winds in Italian. Standing at around 950 metres, its position made it ideal for both defence and observation. Though largely ruined today, its hard-to-reach setting and extraordinary views draw adventurous visitors.

The path from the car park is short but steep and rocky. Once at the top you stand at one of the rare points from which, on clear days, you can see both the northern and southern coasts of the island at once. The wind can be strong, so sturdy shoes and careful footing are needed.

What to see

• The island's highest castle (~950 m)
• Rare view of both coasts at once
• Short but steep climb from the car park
• Quiet, crowd-free atmosphere

How to get there

In Girne, Buffavento Castle is easiest with car hire or a short taxi. Map and hours: Buffavento Castle.

Small notes

• Last kilometres may be rough dirt road.
• Don't go alone; signal can be weak.
• Winter fog and wind change fast.

Dinner: restaurants. Other stops: Cyprus guide. A place to stay: housing.