布法文托城堡

This castle literally perched on the top of a mountain ridge is hard to imagine how they built it never mind how they got the blocks up there. Shades of pyramid building springs to mind. The drive up to the castle is a bit scary. Think of Wrynose pass, Lake District and multiply it by 20.

We followed the signs for this Castle, and went higher and higher up really bad roads, at one point the road had collapsed and we were scared. We went up for ages and ages and at no times were there signs advising people not to drive. We came across a Monastery and stopped, took some photographs of the Monastery and decided to abandon the trip. Shame

This is a steep climb but accessible to anyone who is moderately fit as long as you go out of the heat of the day. The reward at the top is atmospheric ruins which are usually failry quiet and excellent views. Take plenty of liquids and be careful about taking photographs as the Turkish soldiers have a complex at the base and can be a bit wary of foreigners with cameras.

There is not much left to see of the castle but it is worth the really steep zig-zag climb. The path is paved most of the way but it is not fenced and not for anyone with vertigo. At the top there are 200 steps to the summit.

Perched on a rocky pinnacle 3000 feet above the Mediterranean on one side and the plains on the other, this castle must have one of the best views in the world. The fact that it is so ruined, with remains of buildings wedged into cracks in the rocks, makes it all the more romantic. Before you visit, however, realise two things: #1. There is a 6 kilometre single track road from Besparmak pass. It's got a good surface and there are passing places, but the drop-offs on the left hand side are precipitous and there are no crash barriers. Don't drive it if you're afraid of heights! #2. There is a steep footpath from the carpark to the castle which will take you 25-30 minutes if you're fairly fit. It's paved and has handrails. The lower part is a comfortable gradient but the last 5-10 minutes are very steep. But it's really worth it!

This castle is a must see if you can manage the quite lengthy walk but not exhausting.The road up to Buffavento is not gravel and is in fact tarmac all the way to the decent size car park, its about 6k, the entrance to the road to Buffavento is sign posted with a cafe on the opposite side of the road just as you reach the apex of the climb on the main road up the mountains. The road to Buffavento is mainly a car and a half wide but there are passing points all along its entirety, there are some spectacular views from this road alone but prolly best for the driver to keep on the road or stop to look, its not a dangerous road it just doesn't have much in safety barriers but if you take your time it is a pleasant drive.From the car park, there is a map showing the few trails for hiking but its the concrete path that navigates up the mountain to the castle.The concrete and stone path is easy under foot, and zig zags up the mountain, it passes briefly on the North side of the range and you get some cracking views of the north coastline, it continues back on the south side up to the start of the Castle entrance. I walked it in flip flops which was fine but I would recommend better footwear as when you reach the castle entrance the concrete path turns into stone steps.From the entrance of the castle it still climbs up the mountain as you pass through sections of the castle, it is quite steep but nothing dangerous, when you reach the top you can walk through the castle in a west to east direction and see some amazing views of the north coastline, it is well worth a visit, in fact if you can get your head round the walk its a must see!!

No health and safety rules here, you could easily have a fall. A bit of a climb up, but great views of the peninsula and countryside and lovely to be able to wander where you want to. Wear sensible shoes.

The climb up to the castle from the little car park at the bottom took us a good 30 minutes, and another 5 or so once inside, but the track all the way up is hard surfaced and makes the climbing very straight forward. The views from the top on a clear day are truly spectacular.

The castle itself has fantastic views and is worth the climb. The problem is the climb itself, and last time I visited the safety barriers as you neared the top were rotting or had disappeared altogether, so if you were of a nervous disposition you would turn back before actually seeing much of the castle. Great if you can get over that, imagine how they built it all those years ago on top of the mountain. Great engineering.

I cycled there from Iskele, the climb is relatively easy for an experienced road cyclist (not for a recreational rider). The ride along from the Restaurant at the top of the main road pass is about 6km to start of the foor climb to the castle. These 6km are on a lesser quality road surface but still rideable with 23x700c tyres with good kevlar belt. Take at least 2 bottles of water after leaving the main road for the climb. Leave your bike 25% of the way up the foot climb (to avoid getting it pinched from the car park) and then proceed to castle on foot. The foot climb is steep with sheer drops in places. It is well paved in places but deteriorates to loose rocks in many other parts. I had cycle road shoes on, its better in hiking boots! The walk up is not suited for people with mobility problems. Sun cream a must. Great views and a great climb.

Get some water with you and comfort shoes because you will walk & climb the narrow road towards the castle for some good 30 to 45 minutes (depends on your fitness level) yet when you are on top it's worth the effort.The view is amazing and the clean air and breeze will make you rest instantly. I strongly recommend this route on either early Autumn or late spring as Cyprus heat will take it's toll on you while climbing up. When I visited the castle there was portable WC where the climbing path started, very clean, toilet papers were stocked and water was running. It was an unexpected treat considering we were on middle of nowhere.

Don't be put off by guide books telling this is difficult. If you can do St Hilarion you can do this. The clouds do settle on it so the view may be v disappointing. Chose your weather.

Buffavento is a bit of a drive from Girne along narrow roads. Park in a small car park and then its a good 30 min walk to the top. Not many people visit but once you get to the top you have great views of the coast and inland....great castle

It's worth a visit just for the views and the peace and quiet and is accessed via qyuite a steep and winding road that zig zags up the mountain. Once home to royalty its easy to understand why they lived there, but you wouldn't have wanted to be the people lugging provisions up the mountain in the cyprus heat. From the entrance to the top the steps are often uneven, polished and very steep, especially the top section so you need to be reasonably fit and used to walking to get the most out of your visit but there are hand rails on the steeper sections to help you. Those who are not so fit can miss out the top sections as there's only 1 way up and down and have a cold lemonade part of the way up and sit and admire the views. Make sure you have some water with you and take a hat, suncream and sunglasses.

yes. One of the highest location on the Kyrenia mountain. But you will need to walk/climb about 2.0 kilometers to reach the castle. Hard job!!