Kantara Castle

Kantara guards the point where the Kyrenia range thins down and runs out into the Karpaz peninsula, and at around 630 metres it is the lowest of the three castles but the best preserved in parts. It was Byzantine, taken by Richard the Lionheart in 1191, and used through the Lusignan period before the Venetians abandoned it. Towers, a gatehouse, barrack rooms and cisterns survive. Because the mountains are narrow here, both coasts are visible from the walls without any climbing at all.

What you actually see

• The gatehouse - the twin-towered entrance, the best preserved part of the castle.
• The barrack rooms - vaulted chambers along the walls.
• The double coast view - both shores of the island visible from the ramparts.
• The Karpaz - the peninsula running away northeast from the castle.

When to go

March to May and October to November are the best. Summer is hot and hazy, which cuts the view. Winter is clear but often windy and wet.

Honest expectations

The drive out is long and the last stretch is winding. Parts of the castle are fenced off as unsafe. There is a small kiosk but nothing else nearby, and ID is needed at the crossing points.

Nearby

The Karpaz peninsula runs northeast, and Famagusta is south.