Kantara Castle
Kantara Kalesi / Κάστρο της Καντάρας
A Crusader castle at the eastern end of the Kyrenia Range, at about 630 meters, offering views over both the northern and southern coasts.
Kantara Castle, together with St. Hilarion and Buffavento, forms the three Crusader castles of the Kyrenia Range. Kantara is the easternmost of the three. Built on a hilltop about 630 meters high, it was already a fortress in the Byzantine period and was expanded in the 13th century under the Lusignan dynasty. Its surviving features include gates, towers, cisterns, and barracks ruins. From the top, you can see the Mediterranean to the north and the Mesaoria plain of Famagusta to the south, and the view is excellent on clear days. The mountain road has many curves. The drive from Iskele or Boğaz takes about 30 minutes, and a small admission fee applies.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–17:00 (extended hours in summer)
Nearby sights
- Boğaz Fishing Harbour
- Panagia Theotokos Icon Museum (Iskele)
- Bafra Beach
- Long Beach (Iskele)
- Salamis
- Panagia Kanakaria Church
- Yialousa & Agios Thyrsos
- Ayia Trias Basilica