Buffavento Castle in Northern Cyprus — 954 m elevation, trail, and tips for climbing

Buffavento Castle — one of the three main castles of Northern Cyprus and the highest among them. The fortress rises at an altitude of 954 m above sea level, so it is almost always windy here. This is reflected in its name: Buffavento translates from Italian as "protection from the wind."

Today Buffavento is picturesque ruins with fantastic views, attracting panoramic enthusiasts, hikers, and lovers of atmospheric places. The climb requires effort, but the experience usually justifies the journey.

• What you should know about Buffavento Castle
• A bit of history
• How the visit goes
• How to get there and trail starting point
• Climbing tips

What you should know about Buffavento Castle

Buffavento is located on the peak of the Kyrenia Mountains and is considered the most "extreme" of the three castles in terms of experience: strong wind, height, and a climbing trail make the visit a small adventure.

The castle is not being restored and is in a ruined state, but this gives it a special atmosphere — it is easy to imagine how the island’s defensive line looked in the Middle Ages.

A bit of history

The lower part of the fortification was founded by the Byzantines, and later the castle changed hands along with the island’s rulers. The Italian name is linked to the Venetian period, but different powers controlling Cyprus owned the castle at different times.

Buffavento served not only as a lookout and fortress but also as a prison. Over time, the defensive importance of the castle decreased, and it gradually fell into ruin.

How the visit goes

Entry to the site is free: since the castle is not maintained and there is no ticket office, access is free.

If you arrive early in the morning, you can walk in complete solitude and catch especially beautiful light for photos. In the evening, the place also looks impressive, and you can see a preserved fireplace and feel the atmosphere of an old fortress.

How to get there and trail starting point

The starting point of the hiking trail can only be reached by car. From the paved road, a yellow signpost is usually visible, after which the gravel road and switchbacks begin.

• If you don’t have a car, you can rent one through the online aggregator GetRentacar or directly from one of the car rental companies of Northern Cyprus.

Climbing tips

The hike to the castle takes at least 1 hour, so it’s not recommended to plan the visit during intense heat. It’s better to go in the morning or closer to sunset.

Be sure to bring water: there is nowhere to buy it on the way. Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate closed clothing, and sun protection are also necessary.

Consider the wind at an altitude of 954 m: even on a warm day, it can be cool at the top, so a light windbreaker is often very useful.