The best preserved of the three defensive strongholds at the edge of the Kyrenia Mountains, Saint Hilarion comes with the usual array of myths and legends to go with the real historical happenings. It takes its name from a hermit who lived out his days here after growing tired of persecution (which is understandable), but it was developed by the Byzantines to ward against Arab raids. It lies in ruins today, but there is enough left to imagine life here all those centuries ago. The western walls are accentuated by intricately carved windows, the most famous (and photogenic) of which is the so-called Queen’s Window. The climb here is strenuous, to say the least, so bring plenty of water and fuel.
