Castles
Kantara Castle: a practical note for İskele
Eastern Pentadaktylos lookout
Eastern tip of the three mountain castles. Views toward Karpaz and the Famagusta plain. Quieter than St. Hilarion; longer drive.
Kantara Castle is the easternmost of the three mountain castles on the Pentadaktylos ridge and stands as the gateway to the Karpaz Peninsula. At around 630 metres, the castle was a strategic lookout commanding both Karpaz and the Famagusta plain and the sea.
It offers a quieter, less crowded visit than St. Hilarion, though the drive is a little longer and the final stretch is winding. The wide panorama from its bastions is the greatest reward of the climb. It is the eastern stop that completes the Hilarion, Buffavento, Kantara trio.
What to see
- Easternmost of the three mountain castles
- Gateway to Karpaz
- Wide land and sea views from the bastions
- Quiet, crowd-free visit
How to get there
In İskele, Kantara Castle is easiest with car hire or a short taxi. Map and hours: Kantara Castle.
Small notes
- Final road is winding: take it slow.
- Middle stop on the Hilarion-Buffavento-Kantara trail.
- Wind can be strong.
Dinner: restaurants. Other stops: Cyprus guide. A place to stay: housing.
Where is Kantara Castle?
İskele, Kantara. Map: guide page.
Do I need a car?
Town-centre stops work with a taxi. Hills and Karpaz are easier with hire. Both are on Gurgura: taxi, rental.