Guided Day Rides 

We ride with you

 

Bike Trip Cyprus has the best Road Cycling Routes in Northern Cyprus, all regularly ridden many times! There are shorter flatter rides , long mountain routes, scenic bike rides, road cycling climbs, right up to a road cycling tour around the entire island of Cyprus. Each Route has been checked for interest, road surface quality, access to water, the best views, best climbs & descents! We have the route .gpx files; we've done all the hard work so you don't have to! The following Guided bike rides in Northern Cyprus are waiting for you and your Cycle group or Bike Club. Rides are designed for experienced Road Bike Cyclists (beginners please see note below). Your guide will pace the ride depending on Group ability, weather conditions and sunset timings on the day.

 

 

Salamis Ruins - Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              25         15         10  Per Rider

22km 32m Climb. 

This is the most direct route to the Ancient City of Salamis. The ruins of the ancient city of Salamis are one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the island, despite the fact that they have only been partially excavated. Located just 5 miles from the city of Famagusta, they give the visitor a real sense of the scale of an ancient Roman city. Unlike many similar sites elsewhere in the Mediterranean, here you can escape from the crowds and feel that you are discovering history for yourself. There is a nice beach bar for lunch and a lovely beach for those who like to swim.

 

Hillside village of Ardahan -Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              30         20         15    Per Rider

27km 260m Climb

Lovely ride up to the Hillside village of Ardahan. This ride will suit riders looking for an early morning or late afternoon spin perhaps to fit around family holiday 'duties'!

 

Bulusa Monastery - Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              30        20         15      Per Rider

42km 452m Climb

Lovely ride up to the Old Monastery on the Mountainside. The route gradually climbs from Sinarustu up to the sleepy Hillside villages of Altinova & Agillar. Here the gradients in the villages become short and steep, before you pick up the winding single lane road through the olive groves to the Monastery. The way back is all downhill with the bay of Famagusta in front of you.

 

Kantara Castle - Day ride with Shuttle Bus to the Top

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              55         40        35    Per Rider

26km 184m climb

Jump in Our shuttle Bus & we'll take right up to the Ancient Castle at Kantara. Here you have time to explore the Castle on foot (small entry fee not included) before cycling down what is perhaps the best descent in Cyprus all the way back to a cool swim at Caesar Resort! The Castle is amazing and the views really are sensational. The descent is fast, all on superb road surfaces and virtually traffic free. Maximum Group size on this ride is 4 given the shuttle bus capacity. (Larger Groups can be accommodated when our second vehicle is available. Price on request).

 

Local Villages and beaches - Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              35         25          15    Per Rider

45km 166m climb (or choose option 1 if you prefer a shorter ride)

(option 1) This ride takes in some lovely rolling countryside, a couple of sleepy villages, a beautiful sandy beach, a quaint little fishing port, with the option to check out a more secluded sand dunes and long empty beach. There is also a nice fish restaurant ideal for a 'proper' lunch! Often ridden as a local 'loop' by those not looking to win Le Tour De France this year, and as an introduction to the local area without too much climbing. After a pleasant ride through rolling countryside the ride stops off at a local fishing port, Caesar Beach with its excellent sandy bay & passes by the sand dunes leading to a more secluded sandy beach, before returning to Caesar Resort via the excellent cycle lanes along the sea front. 

 

Historical interest- Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              45         35         25     Per Rider

53km 166m climb

Nice flat ride around the Mesaroria plain taking in the historical interest sites of this part of Northern Cyprus. Allow time to visit the sites as well as complete the loop. It’s about 90-120 minutes without visiting the sites so to get the most out of this ride we suggest you allow around 4 hours. You will ride past the Monuments and mass graves from the 1975 war here, as well as the Martyr museum. Please be respectful at these monuments. If you do not wish to visit them just ride on past. The ride then moves on to the delightful Old Monastery of St. Barnabos. There are often big tour coaches here so be aware, as their drivers often are not! Having taken a stroll around the Monastery, you will ride on to the Tombs of the Kings, before riding on to the Ancient city of Salamis with its amazing Roman baths, colonnades, and amphitheatre. At Salamis there is a beach bar and a nice beach for a cool swim. At Salamis stop at the ticket barrier, dismount and walk around the ancient City. Then the ride continues back to the main road through the ancient city. There is a locked gate to negotiate here. There is a facility to allow pedestrians through and it's possible to get a road bike through as well, large groups will need to dismount and wait as each rider crosses. Alternatively, you can simply ride back to the main road the same way you came in, past the ticket office and the beach bar. All roads on this route are suited for road bikes with 'skinny' tyres. There is a small entry fee payable at St. Barnabos, the tomb of kings & salamis, in Turkish Lira Cash only (not included). This is a superb day ride for both experienced sports 'roadies' and leisure cyclists.

 

Paralimni -Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              50        40        30   Per Rider

80km 152m climb

This ride takes you through Famagusta and across the green line border into Southern Cyprus. The tourist town of Paralimni has it all, great beaches, excellent shopping, a small fishing harbor, etc. This ride is flat and will suit those looking for a great day out on both sides of the Islands divide. You MUST carry a full valid passport on this ride, as well as Euros and Turkish Lira

 

Kantara Castle- Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              40        35         20   Per Rider

48km 836m climb

This is a Stunning Ride! We ride out along the coast past the fishing port, turn inland and head across the rolling foothills, past olive groves, through small almost deserted villages to the foot of the Old road to the Ancient Castle itself. Here the climb proper starts. The road surface is fine for ascending as the switchbacks kick in and the views back to the coast get progressively more amazing! The climb is challenging and every meter is rewarded with wonderful scenery. At the top we can take a breather in the Kantara Village Square Cafe before riding on to the Castle. Here we dismount, walking the final steps to the Castle (here recessed cleat shoes come into their own). Don't forget your camera, the views from here stretch as far as the eye can see across both sides of the Island! Back on two wheels, we ride along the very Crest of the Mountain Range looking down on the Coastal villages. On a clear day you can see the Southern Coast of the Turkish mainland! The road surface here is excellent, with as good as zero traffic! Then it’s time to release the brakes and enjoy the exciting descent (see the video above) back down to Caesar Resort.

 

 

Twin Castles - Day Ride with Shuttle bus

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              80        65         55      Per Rider

Minimum Group size on this Ride 4 . Larger Groups can book this ride as we have a second vehicle available 

 

Stage 1 - Buffavento to Esentepe 30km 391m Climb. Stage 2 - Kantara Castle to Caesar Resort 26km 184m Climb.

This is an amazing day out on the bike for leisure cyclists looking for all the thrills of Mountain riding without the main climbs. Our Shuttle bus will drive your group & your bikes from Caesar Resort to the ancient Crusader Castle at Buffavento high up on the Mountain ridge behind Girne/Kyrenia. Here you can take time to climb on foot right up to the very top of the North Cypriot World! The views for here are truly stunning. Then it's time to jump on your bikes and ride along the very crest of the Mountain ridge soaking up the wonderful scenery. The ride winds gently through a Mountain Forest eventually arriving down on the Northern Shoreline at the Village of Esentepe. This section is perhaps the most beautiful on the entire Island. At Esentepe the bikes are re loaded onto the Shuttle bus and we continue our journey all the way along the Coastline & up the 6km climb at Kaplica to the second  Castle of the Day at Kantara (small entry fee not included). Here we have time to explore the Castle on foot before riding along the Mountain crest here to the Cafe at kantara square where we can sit outside in the Sunshine for a drink & something to eat (not included) and a pre descent briefing. We continue riding along the top of the Mountain before turning south and flying down one of the very best descents on the Island right back to Caesar Resort and a refreshing swim! This ride gives you maximum gain with minimum pain!

 

 

Larnaca to Caesar Resort - Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              55         50        40     Per Rider

58km 248m climb from Larnaca (Self Guided)

The Guided ride is a return trip from Caesar resort 116km 496m

For those wishing to Cycle from Larnaca to Caesar resort. The route gets you here whilst taking in some of what Southern Cyprus has to offer. You will need to carry a FULL Passport on this ride and present it at the Green line border checkpoint between South & North Cyprus. If arriving after dark please remember to bring lights! This ride is available as a day guided day ride for those wishing to visit Larnaca. 

 

Lieblings Weg- Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              45        40         30   Per Rider

66km 1329m climb

This ride is truly beautiful. It will appeal to those looking to combine the delights of Kantara Castle with a longer ride, more climbing, fast descents as well as riding along the Northern shoreline. We climb up from the the southern shoreline through the sleepy Villages and commence the switchback climb to Kantara. Here we turn right and head along the crest of the Mountain ridge to the Crusader Castle at Kantara, one of three Castles built along the Kyrenia Mountain range to protect the Island several thousand years ago. We will take a rest at the Castle and/or the small cafe on top of the Mountain, before riding down what we have termed 'The Kantara Snake'. The 'Kantara Snake' is a steep descent down the other side of the Mountain. Here the road surface is excellent; the switchbacks are sharp in places, so we will be careful not to overshoot any corners! The views are of course spectacular as we ride all the way down to the small village on the coast. We make a left turn and ride along the almost zero traffic coastal road before commencing the climb back over the Mountains we have just crossed. The climb here takes us up through small farming villages nestling among olive groves. As soon as we ride out of the village we are once again riding on almost traffic-free excellent surfaces; we may see a tractor or two however! As we reach the summit of this pass we see the huge painted heart on the road. This is why we have come to refer to this route as our 'Lieblings Weg'! From here it's all downhill on superb surfaces. The descent here has a few switchbacks but they still allow us to let go of our brakes and have some high speed fun! If this ride is ridden on a Friday we will have time to visit the village market before riding back to Caesar resort for a swim, sauna and a well-earned dinner and rest!

 

 

 

Behind the Mountains- Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              50        40         35  Per Rider

80km 763m Climb

This is a lovely ride for those riders wishing to cross the Mountains via the two easier passes, and take in the lovely views as well as the Northern Shoreline. Suited for bike fit riders this loop will appeal to those simply looking to ride, without stopping to visit local attractions! However there is an option to stop off at the local caves. Often ridden by riders as a warm up ride prior to the ultimate Ride in Northern Cyprus, or as a simple training loop, it features several fun descents without too many bends.

 

The Kantara Killer! - Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              90        45         35  Per Rider

88km 1771m Climb

The Kantara Killer is the the Ultimate Climbing Challenge in North Cyprus. Designed to test Your Climbing skills in the best scenery on Cyprus! This Tour visits the Castle at Kantara, the Northern Coastline, the Mersinlik heart, the Kaplica snake, The Kantara 'Goat road', & several small North Cypriot Villages. All descending Road surfaces on this Tour are excellent, and the views on each climb are simply Stunning! This Tour is suitable for Road Bike Fit riders only. We suggest your Bike be fitted with Gearing suited to such climbs, such as a 50/34T Compact with rear Cassette 12-28 >11-32 (or a Triple up front). This is a wonderfully tough Day in the Saddle often followed by a cool Swim, a recovery meal and a Hammock session!

 

Balalan -Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              80        45         35  Per Rider

89km - 657m Climb

Excellent ride taking you along the coast then inland across beautiful rolling countryside, farms, and olive groves. The ride reaches Balalan where there are a couple of steep short gradients in the village itself, before turning sharp left and climbing the real climb out if the village and down 1500m of 10% gradient down to the northern shoreline. Follow the shoreline west; stop off at several secluded coves, the hillside caves on your left, before taking the left turn up the return pass at Buyukkonuk. This climb is the easiest of all the mountain passes here, smooth surface, with the steepest section near the top. The downhill re crosses our outbound path and takes us down and along the southern coastline to Bogaz fishing village, and back to Caesar resort. Take two water bottles; refill them in Balalan before crossing to the northern coastline. Road bike skinny tire friendly surfaces all the way around, with walk able rough paths down to the secluded coves for those in need of a swim.

 

 

Balalan Gecitkale - Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              90        50         40  Per Rider

113km 919m Climb. 

 

Top ride for fit road riders. This ride is an extension of our shorter Balalan route. The ride features superb empty road with excellent surfaces, some nice climbs and several very fast descents. The ride would be best ridden anti clockwise , when the wind comes from the south, clockwise if coming from the north. Take two water bottles and fill up half way around just before Tatlitsu. Suitable for Road bike fit riders on Good road bikes.

 

 

Mehmetcik & up the Kaplica Snake- Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros         55        45       35   Per Rider

98km 1293m Climb

This ride starts off relatively easy as we ride through rolling countryside, on excellent roads, past olive groves, small villages, always being mindful of occasional sheep and goat herds. Our route takes us in a figure of eight through the 'lower' end of the Karpaz peninsula, or 'panhandle', past the small town of Mehmetchik. Our chosen Mountain pass is a long steady climb which although not over steep seems to drain ones legs very effectively! Once on the far side, we head west until we reach the left turn up through Kaplica village. Here we often see young children cheering us on as we climb up the straight and unforgiving stretch past the lace maker’s house, out of the village to the start of the Kaplica Snake. This is a steep climb on an excellent road surface, with stunning views across the shoreline to distract us as we 'suffer'! Here the switchbacks come thick and fast all the way up to the friendly cafe at the top. On warm days we can expect ice cold drinks and shade, in the winter we get a hot coffee next to an open log fire! Depending on how the group feels after this climb there is the option to visit the Castle here, and/or continue along the top of the ridge before enjoying a superb unrelenting downhill run back into the small town of Iskele just behind Caesar resort.

 

The Esentepe Ouch! - Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros         55       40        35   Per Rider

107km 1577m climb. This is a shorter version of our between twin  castles ride. It follows a similar route however it misses out the second castle, descending to the northern shoreline at the village of Esentepe instead. The ride has an option to visit the Monastery at Antiphonitus depending on time, and group preference on the day.

 

Central Karpaz Peninsula- Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              55        40         35   Per Rider

102km 839 climb

This is an excellent day ride for those keen to put in some miles and see the central Karpaz area with all its charms. The ride goes out past Bafra to Yediikonuk. Enjoy the views to the Mountains without the challenge of climbing them! The ride is almost exclusively on good surfaces but there are a few short stretches of rougher surfaces, although totally safe and ride able on a road bike. Suited for fit riders on Road bikes. The ride also visits the Byzantine Panagia Kanakaria Church & Monastery. This is a great ride for experienced 'roadies' after a good introduction ride to the Karpaz before hitting the real climbs on the Mountain rides!

 

DipKarpaz- Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros         60        45        35   Per Rider

132km 975m climb

We ride east along the Coast past the Olive Oil Factory and Mehmetchek. Here the terrain changes from flat to rolling hills. The small villages come and go, and you are likely to hear the 'haunting' call to prayer broadcast from local mosques. The road surface closer to Dipkarpaz here becomes rough, but not loose, tarmac for a stretch. It is still ride able, but this is where good puncture proof road tyres such as Schwalbe Durano plus or Ultremo, will really help! Back onto excellent surfaces again we ride into the small town of DipKarpaz, past the memorial and take a break before riding back. The ride passes over rolling countryside for the most part with a few reasonably challenging gradients. It is suitable for riders used to spending all day in the saddle; we do not recommend this for unfit riders. We have seen lots of Geckos on this ride before!

 

Buffavento Castle

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              60        45         35    Per Rider

120km 1008m

This ride takes you directly to the Ancient Crusader Castle at Buffavento. Buffavento Castle is one of three magnificent castles, built high in the Kyrenia Mountains of North Cyprus. Like the castles of St Hilarion and Kantara, Buffavento Castle is quite an imposing sight, perched on a rocky hilltop 950 meters above sea level. No wonder its name, Buffavento, means “Gusty Winds”, although some prefer the more romantic translation of “Defiant of Winds”! Buffavento Castle had various uses over the years. It probably originated as a Byzantine watch-tower, guarding against Arab raiders, and it is said that the Byzantine king Isaac Comnenus fled here when Richard the Lion heart invaded in 1191. The castle surrendered, and during the Lusignan period, Buffavento Castle was used as a prison, known as the ‘Chateau du Lion’. Be ready for some truly amazing views and a steep climb on two feet for those wishing to explore inside the Castle itself.

 

Between Twin Castles -The Ultimate Ride In Northern Cyprus - Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              90        45         35      Per Rider

162km 2283m Climb

Between Twin Castles - at Kantara and Buffavento: This ride is a true challenge and best suited for road riders used to long climbs and tough days in the saddle. The route focuses on riding between two of the three Crusader Castles along the Kyrenia Mountain range. Kantara & Buffavento Castles are without doubt the two most stunning Castles on the island. Each has truly spectacular views, both on the ascents and at the summits. After all that is why they were built there in the first place! We start our day very early, and will be back as the sun sets. We will ride up to Kantara Castle first via the old 'Goat' road or the newer smoother surface road depending on weather conditions on the day. At the Castle the ride proper to Buffavento can begin. Here we ride along the crest of the Mountain and descend to the Northern Shoreline via a smooth surface, traffic-free, switch backed road ideal for us road cyclists! Climb one, of four, completed we ride along the Northern shoreline road with its secluded coves, looking up at the Mountains we have just crossed to our left. The surface here is again excellent. We take the 'medium pain' pass back over the Mountains then descend to the foothills where we make a right and follow the rolling farmland with its olive groves, and sheep and goat herds. Before long it is time to commence climbing again as we re-cross the Mountains and descend once again. Here the real climb will commence, along the most beautiful Mountain road on the entire island. The spectacular views just keep coming and it's hard to avoid stopping at every photo opportunity! As we reach the Kyrenia Mountain Centre we will take a break at the cafe there; we also have the option to 'cafe' a few miles further on at Buffavento. The final ascent takes us from the cafe stop up to Buffavento Castle itself which is perched HIGH above Kyrenia with views all the way across Nicosia and beyond to the South. This road is 6km of rough but not loose asphalt, (easily ride able on a road bike), and takes us to the Car park at Buffavento Castle. 'Buffavento' means 'in defiance of the wind' and the wind up here can be strong. He we dismount and those who wish can walk up the cliff face path to the actual Castle itself. This path is narrow and has sheer drops in most places! It is not for the faint hearted, or those with a real fear of heights! We advise this walk not be attempted in non-recessed cleated road shoes! Having had time to explore and rest, it will be time to descend at a rate of knots back down to the vast Messaoria plain below and ride back along the central island road back to Caesar resort for what will be a very well earned rest! Due to the nature of this ride it is sometimes necessary to change timings and routes depending on the weather and group ability. To join this ride you MUST be  Road Bike fit & used to regular road bike climbing and keeping a steady pace.

 

Kyrenia/Girne- Day Ride

Group size     1-4       4-8       8-12

Euros              85         45        35       Per Rider

173km 1632m climb

Kyrenia (also Known as Girne locally) is a large town on the Northern Coast. This ride is suited to those who want to visit the Castle and the Old fishing Port with all its restaurants and local charms. The ride itself heads along the vast Messaoria plain in front of the Kyrenia Mountain range, on flat excellent road surfaces with limited traffic, however this road is the central highway here and as such some traffic is to be expected. However most riders from Europe will experience much lower traffic levels than back home! We turn right and head towards the mountains near Commando Hill, riding right under the prominent Republic of Northern Cyprus flag on the hill here, easily visible from the air, Google maps and even your bike! We cross over the Mountains and descend at speed, overtaking the slow moving Lorries taking care not to become runaways on the way down into Kyrenia/Girne. Having negotiated the small back roads of Kyrenia we find ourselves visiting the beautiful old port with its restaurants and Ancient Castle. Here we rest before hitting the road again along the coast to our mountain pass back to the Southern side of the mountains and a fast descent back to our home in North Cyprus, Caesar resort!