Advice please on which North Cyprus Castle to see please

skeeds2000


Joined: 18/10/2008
Posts: 112

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 10:21

Hi we currently have family staying with us and would like to know which castle is the most accessible for a less abled body due to a knee replacement earlier this year. I believe the choices of castle's to see are St.Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara so any info would be very much appreciated. Also how much time would be required to see these sites.

Many thanks

skeeds2000

shrimp


Joined: 01/09/2010
Posts: 939

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 10:38

I would say no to either St Hilarian or Bufavento, you need to be very fit and capable to visit either of these, I cannot say about Kantara as havent visited..... you would need to allow half a day easily to see the above and more if youare less abled....I gather there are plans to build chair lifts up to St Hilarian sometime in the future so maybe leave it for a few years before going!!

Karanfil


Joined: 28/03/2009
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 10:55

I'd go to Girne castle. It's really interesting and accessible too.

sloan



Joined: 24/02/2009
Posts: 808

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 10:58

Of that list, I have only visited St Hilarion and would not recommend it for anyone who was not moderately fit . Although the views from the top are spectacular and the history fascinating, it is quite steep. Possibly less fit people would be able to reach the first or second level. Have you considered visiting the castle near the harbour in Kyrenia which is much more accessible and has an interesting museum?

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 11:11

I climbed to the top of St Hilarion 6months after a knee replacement now had two replacements and don't find it a problem if you take your time, it is good excercise for the knees, as you say it is worth it when you reach the top been up there 6 times now and will be going again in Dec. never get fed up of the views.

Aysesdaddy



Joined: 21/03/2009
Posts: 392

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 11:37

We have visited all 3 of those castles and they all involve climbing and some very uneven paths. Girne castle is the safest bet and most of it is quite accessible. Although as you say Woodspeckie, Hilarion views are amazing and if taken slowly I am sure would be the easiest of the 3.

skeeds2000


Joined: 18/10/2008
Posts: 112

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 11:59

Thanks for all your info

Barbarians


Joined: 22/10/2009
Posts: 71

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 13:04

St Hilarion is a must even if you cannot climb the steps, you can park very close to the entrance and still appreciate some of the views although a trip to the top for able is not one to miss.

ruggy


Joined: 02/05/2009
Posts: 757

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 13:07

Have done all 3. Buffavento by far the hardest to climb, about 40 mins to the top. St Hill' next, about 25 to the top, and Kantara i would say quite easy about 15 but not a harsh 15 mins. Best view, yes the hardest climb, Bufavento. Kantara tho is a fantastic view as you look across to the Famugusta sea and the North side sea, great, cost 5 lire to get in and has toilets there just before you start your climb, and they give you a little map to get your self about.

LordJim


Joined: 12/10/2010
Posts: 221

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 13:21

Kyrenia Castle is the one for any one infirm





St Hilarian is very limited for those who are incapacitated in anyway.

Sandcastle


Joined: 16/03/2009
Posts: 215

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 13:32

Kantara has a place to sit before the climb to the top. You can get a great view from there too. Also half way up you can stop again. Like all it is steep but there are plenty of places to stop and turn back if too much. And for 5 ytl its not money wasted. Especially when you can get such fab views without the climb.



Great little place to eat at the main junction in Kantara village, or take a BBQ and there is a great BBQ area on the way up to the top.



Take plenty of water as no where to buy any up there.