Rachel’s sister, Ruth, and her partner, Terry, were staying in Kyrenia for a few days to celebrate her birthday. We had arranged to meet them for lunch and spend the day together. The three of us got into the car and set off northwest. The roads in this part of Cyprus aren’t too complicated—relatively straight, as there aren’t many main roads—and our route took us across the Kyrenian mountains from east to west. Traffic was light for most of the drive, but as we neared Kyrenia, the landscape shifted. The influence of tourism was apparent with glitzy hotels lining the coastline, and the towns bustled with tourists.
We arrived at the restaurant situated right on the water’s edge, where Ruth and Terry were waiting for us. Since we don’t often get the chance to see family and friends while traveling, it was especially nice to catch up with them. Terry, being from northern Cyprus, knew exactly what to order and took great pleasure in introducing Mum to some classic Turkish dishes. It was her first experience with the cuisine, and she loved it.
After lunch, we took a walk around the newer part of Kyrenia, where shops are mostly filled with souvenirs and fake luxury goods. Mum picked up a few gifts for friends before we decided to explore the old port. The vibe there was much more relaxed, and we found a cozy spot to settle in for the evening. It turned into a really enjoyable and fun night of conversation and laughter.
The following day, we set off on another adventure, this time with Mum leading the charge. She’s as curious and adventurous as we are, so we all headed back toward the Kyrenian mountains in search of St. Hilarion Castle. As we drove up, the castle, hidden among the mountains, suddenly came into view—a breathtaking sight. The castle is steeped in myth and legend. It’s said to be named after a hermit monk who lived there, with its origins dating back to the 11th century when the Byzantines fortified it. The Lusignans later developed the site, using it as a summer residence. It’s said that St. Hilarion Castle even inspired Walt Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” castle.
To reach the top of the castle, it’s a climb of about 500 steps. When we arrived, the man at the admission booth suggested that Mum might want to stop halfway, assuming it would be too much for her. Little did he know, though—Mum’s Swiss, and as soon as she sees a mountain, she turns into a mountain goat! She was determined to make it all the way up, and she did, taking on the steep climb with ease.
As we wound our way up, the views became more and more spectacular, with panoramic vistas stretching on both sides. Walking through the ancient ruins, you could really feel how impressive this castle must have been in its heyday. The day turned into a fantastic adventure—full of history, beautiful scenery, and great company.
Dream Chasers 