A Guide to Visiting Five Historic Castles in Cyprus

If you are thinking of visiting Cyprus, then why not visit some the country's historic castles. Here are five unique historic castles to visit.

Limassol Castle

This castle is in the center of the town by the Old Port of Limassol. It is well worth a visit. Inside there is so much to see. There are artifacts like pots, jewelery, weapons and suits of Armour to see. There are cells and cannons too. It will take about an hour or two to walk around the whole of Limassol castle. It costs 1.75 euro per person to get inside. A very interesting castle to see, if you are thinking of going to Limassol.

Kolossi Castle

This castle is based near Limassol city. It is a very huge castle to walk around, so a few hours is needed if you really want to explore this historic place. The castle originally belonged to the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem according to Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia website. Entrance fees are 1.70 euro per person. There is magnificent views from the top of the castle once inside and it is one of the best castles to visit on the southern side of Cyprus.

Paphos Castle

This castle is based in Paphos harbor. The Paphos castle was originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbor in the 13^th century according to Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia website. Visiting this castle costs only one euro for tourists per person. In front of the castle, is the square of the Paphos harbor where many cultural events take place, such as, the Paphos Aphrodite Festival that takes place in the month of September every year. The best time to visit the castle is in the morning when the sun is not too hot in high season.

Saint Hilarion Castle

This castle is in the northern part of Cyprus. It was originally a monastery and was named after a monk who used the site as his hermitage according to Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia website. It is a huge castle and today tourists can visit St Hilarion castle. Getting to it is a great adventure, as the road is very narrow to the castle, passing an army camp. Photos are not allowed to be taken of the castle, as it is forbidden being so close to the army camp. Visiting this castle is an experience though, as it's a good climb up through to it. You need to be fit to get to where it is and to explore the whole of the castle. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is cooler, especially if you are thinking of taking a trip to St Hilarion castle during summer time. It is one of the best castles to explore. A whole day should be spent here and bringing along a picnic is a good idea!

Kyrenia Castle

This castle is based in the northern part of Cyprus at the east end of the old harbor in Kyrenia. King Richard the Lion-heart of England captured the castle in 1191 when he was on his way to the Third Crusade according to Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia website. It is visited today by many tourists who are on holiday in Northern Cyprus. The view from the castle of the surrounding area of Kyrenia harbor is amazing to see. Entrance for adults is 12 Turkish Lira per person.

So, make sure you visit all of these castles when in Cyprus!

Kolossi Castle
Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia

Paphos Castle
Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia

Saint Hilarion Castle
Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia

Kyrenia Castle
Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia