The fairytale castle St.Hilarion is perched high up on the five finger Mountain range and watches over northern Cyprus down to the coast and beyond. It is felt by many that St. Hilarion with its glowing lights after dark which swirl around the mountain peaks is there to guard and protect the town of Kyrenia and surrounding area.
Travel brochures proudly boast that the castle inspired Walt Disney when he created the castle in the classic film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. For those who choose to visit St. Hilarion there is no doubt that it will be an unforgettable and worthwhile journey. At 732 meters above sea level extends the well-preserved ruins of what once was a fort built to defend Cyprus’s coasts against pirates.
St. Hilarion Castle is a perfect destination for those who enjoy walking in beautiful countryside. Uneven steps and steep paths can be quite challenging so one tip is to take comfortable shoes and bring plenty of drinking water. Once you arrive high up the Mountain you will realise that it was well worth the trek, with the fresh clear air filling your lungs and with light veils of cloud surrounding you like etheric winged angles and below the amazing view of the landscape. An experience you will treasure for the rest of your life.
In the hot summer months it is advised to visit St. Hilarion Castle in the late afternoon when the worst of the heat has subsided. We were there the sun was low and the gold sparkly light gave a special atmosphere to the millennial scene.
St. Hilarion Castle is open until 18:00 and it only costs a few Turkish lira to enter. There is also a car park and a cafe on site. 
