Cycling Trail Highlights in Northern Cyprus

Cycling Trail Highlights in Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus offers an exceptional variety of cycling experiences, ideal for everyone—from casual cyclists to seasoned mountain bikers. Here's a curated guide to saddle up and explore.

1. Kyrenia to Bellapais

• Distance: ~10 km (one way)

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Ride from Kyrenia’s charming harbour up to Bellapais Abbey, perched at 220 m with sweeping views over the coast. A peaceful route with historic charm.

2. Lapta Coastal Ride (Kyrenia–Lapta)

• Distance: ~15 km round trip

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: A relaxed seaside ride with panoramic Mediterranean views, beach stops, and seaside cafes—perfect for families or beginners.

3. St. Hilarion Castle via Kyrenia Mountains

• Distance: ~20 km one way

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Highlights: A demanding yet rewarding climb through breathtaking mountain scenery, leading to the medieval St. Hilarion Castle.

4. Karpas Peninsula Loop

• Distance: ~50–70 km round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

• Highlights: Ride through pristine wilderness with chances to visit Golden Beach and spot the iconic wild donkeys. Remote and naturally beautiful.

5. Famagusta to Salamis Ancient City

• Distance: ~8–10 km one way

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: A flat route that blends cycling and history—arriving at the archaeological remains of Roman Salamis.

6. Kyrenia to Esentepe Coastal Route

• Distance: ~25 km one way

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Coastal ride through tranquil roads ending in the quaint village of Esentepe—ideal for serenity seekers.

7. Kyrenia to Buffavento Castle

• Distance: ~20 km one way

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Highlights: A steep mountain ascent to Buffavento Castle, offering dramatic views of the sea and mountains—packed with history.

8. Nicosia to Kyrenia

• Distance: ~25 km one way

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: A mix of urban and rural landscapes, starting in the capital and ending in coastal Kyrenia.

9. Güzelyurt (Morphou) Countryside Ride

• Distance: ~30 km round trip

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Highlights: Cycle this flat scenic ride through citrus groves and villages, with a chance to sample local produce at Güzelyurt market.

10. Nicosia Green Line Loop

• Distance: ~15 km loop

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: A historically rich urban route circling the Green Line—explore the divided city’s cultural and architectural heritage.

11. Kyrenia Traverse (Bikepacking Adventure)

• Duration: ~4 days

• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

• Highlights: Starting in the remote Karpas Peninsula, this multi-day off-road route follows the Kyrenia Mountains’ ridgeline, passing medieval castles like Kantara, riding mostly on dirt tracks with breathtaking coastal and inland views.

12. Mountain Biking in Kyrenia & Kormakitis

• The Beşparmak (Kyrenia) Mountains offer rugged, adventurous off-road trails—some steep and rocky, ideal for experienced riders.

• Kormakitis trails include:

  • White Trail: ~43 km, coastal views, more elevation.

  • Purple (Beach) Trail: ~16 km, flatter, ends at Western Golden Beach.

13. Nicosia (North) Urban Cycling

• Ledra Street Circuit & City Walls: Glide through historic neighborhoods and along the fortifications.

• Velespeed Bike Share: A public bike-sharing system with 410 bikes across North Nicosia.

14. Trail Network Overview

• Northern Cyprus features over 580 km of interconnected mountain biking trails, many clearly marked with green and white signs.

Seasonal Tips & Practical Advice

• Best Time to Ride: Spring (March–May) and autumn (Sept–Nov) offer the most pleasant temperatures. In summer, plan for early starts to avoid midday heat.

• Hydration & Gear: Carry ample water and basic repair tools—especially for remote areas like Karpas. Sun protection and helmets are essential.

• Bike Rentals & Guides: Available around Kyrenia, Nicosia, and Famagusta—options include mountain and road bikes. Local guides are helpful for complex or remote routes.

• Safety & Navigation: Many trails have waymarkers, but a GPS or map is recommended. Wear visible clothing and stay aware of local traffic conditions.

Quick Reference Table

Route	Difficulty	Highlights
Kyrenia – Bellapais	Moderate	Abbey, mountain views
Lapta Coastal Ride	Easy	Beaches, cafés
St. Hilarion Castle	Challenging	Historic climb, sweeping views
Karpas Peninsula Loop	Moderate–Challenging	Golden Beach, wild nature
Famagusta – Salamis	Easy	Ancient Roman ruins
Kyrenia – Esentepe	Moderate	Coastal scenery, village stop
Kyrenia – Buffavento Castle	Challenging	Steep ascent, panoramic vistas
Nicosia – Kyrenia	Moderate	Mixed landscape ride, cultural experience
Güzelyurt Countryside	Easy–Moderate	Citrus groves, local market
Nicosia Green Line Loop	Easy	Urban history ride
Kyrenia Traverse (Multi-day)	Moderate–Difficult	Ridge ride, castles, remote mountain terrain
Mountain Trails & Kormakitis	Moderate–Expert	Off-road scenic trails, technical segments
Nicosia Urban Trails	Easy	Historic city riding, bike share available

Final Thoughts

Northern Cyprus is a true paradise for cyclists, offering dramatic coastal rides, challenging mountain climbs, and historically rich routes. Whether you’re after a peaceful pedal by the sea or a multi-day mountain adventure, there’s something here for every flavor of cyclist.