The northern part of the Cyprus is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, and this is undoubtedly the merit of the majestic Kireniy mountains. They stretched along the northern coast from Lapitos to Kantara, forming an elegant natural barrier between the sea and land. If you look at the ridge from a height, it seems to be a flat line, but from the coast, especially in the area of the new port of Cyrenia, this chain takes a curved shape, similar to the outstretched wings of the giant.
The charm of the Kireniy mountains
The mountains of Cyrian are striking in their beauty and a unique landscape. Their slopes, consisting of limestone and marble, are dotted with dense forests of Aleppe pine, high slender cypresses and rare Mediterranean plants. At their vertices, ancient fortresses proudly rise, many of which were built in the Middle Ages. These structures once served as defensive bastions, and now have become the main historical attractions of the region, fascinating travelers with their views and secrets of the past.
One of the most recognizable symbols of these places is Mount Besparmak, the name of which translates as “five fingers”. Despite its relatively modest height of 740 meters, it has a unique shape resembling a compressed fist with five towering peaks. A colorful Mediterranean city of Kyanistan, known for its narrow streets, a picturesque port and a rich cultural heritage, has been spread out at its foot. The name "Beshparmak" took root so much among local residents that they call them the entire Kireni Range.
Landscape, Flora and Fauna
The total length of the Kiriani ridge reaches about 160 kilometers, and its highest point - Mount Selvili - rises 1024 meters above sea level. The eastern part of the ridge is much wider, reaching 25-30 kilometers, while the western part, including a non-praparm, is a narrow ridge stretched along the coast, forming a unique landscape.
The mountain massif consists mainly of limestone and marble, which gives its slopes a light shade. The northern slopes are covered with lush coniferous forests, where cedars, cypresses and pine trees grow, creating an ideal environment for the local fauna. The southern slopes are less green, they are decorated with stunted shrubs and thermophilic plants characteristic of a dry climate.
The animal world of these places is rich and diverse. Rare species of birds, reptiles and mammals live in the Kireniysk forests. The most famous among them are the wild donkeys of the Carpas peninsula, which have long become a kind of symbol of the region. These friendly animals are approaching tourists without fear, waiting for treats.
Legend about the mountains of Beshparmak
Like any natural attractions, the Beshparmak mountains have its own mysterious story. According to legend, once in the place of these rocks a swamp extended, in which the father drowned his pregnant daughter to avoid shame. After this incident, the village was cursed - local girls could no longer become pregnant from their relatives, and the inhabitants were forced to marry with representatives of other settlements.
In the same area, the blacksmith Dion and the beauty Ain lived, who loved each other. Their feelings were envious of the son of the rich peasant Golbar, who also dreamed of marrying Ain. Having received a refusal, Golbar called Diane to a deadly duel.
During the duel, both enemy fell into a gystoy swamp. Golbar, stuck with the weight of his armor, immediately disappeared under water. Dyon, on the other hand, kept on the surface until the appearance of Ain did not arise in front of him. The girl whispered to him that he could take off the curse if the sword throws into a unsteady swamp. The blacksmith put all his strength into the blow and plunged into a quagmire, leaving only his hand over the water, squeezing the weapon.
Time made it stone, turning it into a Beshparmak massif - a magnificent symbol of self -sacrifice and eternal love, which today rises above the northern carmus, recalling the power of devotion.
Mountains Beshparmak these days
Modern Kirniyan ridge is not only the place of ancient legends, but also one of the most popular tourist destinations. Here you can go on hiking, engage in climbing, visiting old castles and enjoy unforgettable panoramic views.
At the tops of the Kiriyskiy mountains, viewing platforms are equipped, from which an exciting view of the endless Mediterranean Sea opens. One of the most picturesque points is the peak of Beshparmak, from where you can see not only Cyrus, but also surrounding settlements.
Walking along these ancient paths, it is easy to feel a special atmosphere filled with myths and the spirit of centuries -old history. The mountains of five fingers remain one of the most enchanting natural attractions of Cyprus, fascinating travelers from around the world with their unique beauty and rich historical heritage.
📍 Grace of Beshparmak on the map - here.
