Introduction

 

North​ Cyprus offers many opportunities for hikers to experience a unique natural environment. Known for a wide variety of ecosystems, trails in North Cyprus tread along the seaside cliffs, inland lakes, forested mountain sides and lush ravines. Trails can accomodate very wide variety of walks from easy walks for observing wild flowers and orchids to a demanding scramble through a deep canyon.

 

Certain historic trails provide a glimpse of the cultural heritage of North Cyprus as they traverse past many cultural and archeological sites such as the St Hilarion Castle, ancient city of Karpasia, Bellapais Monastery and the rural villages.

 

 

 

Designated Trails

 

Trails by Department of Tourism

 

DOWNLOAD GPX and KML FILES FOR RING TRAILS

 

These trails are distributed from very east to very west of the island. The maps are available for 19 of them (while supplies last) at the Tourism Information Offices. The maps for the other 6 are in progress. There are wooden structures (trailgates) with the name of the trails at trail-heads, marking the enterance of the trail. They are ring trails usually lasting 4 to 5 hours, graded easy to moderate.

 

 

 

 

Natura 2000 Trail Network

 

DOWNLOAD GPX AND KML FILES FOR N2000 TRAIL NETWORK

 

This is a very extensive network with a total of 600 km of marked trails. The marks are green – white flags and circles. The trails were established in order to complement the visitor facilities and the management infrastructure of the Special Environmental Protection Areas of North Cyprus. Not maintained. Some marks missing. Concrete pyramids are showing directions for trails.

 

 

 

Beşparmak Trail

This is a 255 km long distance trail, deduced from the Natura 2000 Trail Network. There is a website with extensive information about it in German (www.wandermagazin.de). As of May 2016 it has been marked with "B" sign.

 

DOWNLOAD GPX and KML FILES FOR BEŞPARMAK TRAIL

 

 

Hiking Groups

There is a number of independent hiking groups and individuals who mark the trails. There are no maps available. This is also causing a mess of paintmarks on the trails.