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Pentadaktylos Peak

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

peak

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Pentadaktylos Peak is one of the most distinctive landmarks within the Kyrenia Range, standing at an elevation of 740 meters. Its name translates to 'Five Fingers,' referring to the unique jagged rock formation at the summit that bears a striking resemblance to a human hand. Geologically, the peak consists of resistant limestone that has survived erosion while the surrounding softer materials were worn away over millennia. Numerous folk legends explain its shape, including one about a Byzantine hero who left his handprint in the rock during a heroic feat. The peak features commanding views of the Mesaoria Plain to the south and the northern coastline of Cyprus to the north. The surrounding flora is typical Mediterranean scrubland, featuring resilient herbs and small pine clusters. Despite not being the range's highest point, its iconic silhouette has made it a symbol of the island's northern geography. It is a favored destination for hikers exploring the ridgelines of the Pentadaktylos range.

Location: Cyprus
Nearby: Kaimakli (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	14	14	16	19	22	26	30	30	28	25	20	16
Rain mm	75	49	29	17	14	4	1	1	10	24	42	83

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The exceptionally steep, profoundly rough approach is usually via the heavily winding mountain roads forcefully crossing the high Kyrenia range, with most of the real climbing trails starting extremely directly right from the very high vehicle passes.

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Best season

Fresh spring and cool autumn very reliably offer incredibly clear, sweeping views and highly comfortable hiking weather; conversely, peak summer afternoons can rapidly become excessively, dangerously hot and totally unbearable right out on the heavily exposed bare rock.

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Terrain & paths

The highly challenging mountain trails here are very often wildly rocky, intensely steep, and highly exposed to wind, with the ultimate final summit sections absolutely requiring exceedingly careful, slow navigation directly over highly jagged, very sharp limestone terrain.

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What to bring

High-quality, highly rigid-soled hiking footwear with totally excellent rock grip, immensely strong sun protection, and a highly durable, tear-resistant windbreaker are absolutely entirely essential for safely attempting to physically tackle this prominent, highly exposed steep peak.

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Parking

Typically, prospective adventurous visitors casually leave their sturdy vehicles securely parked at totally makeshift roadside dirt pull-outs or precisely near firmly established high mountain passes just quickly before starting the highly challenging, very steep final physical foot ascent.

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Safety

Extreme, totally unyielding caution is constantly, relentlessly needed directly on the extremely steep, highly jagged limestone edges; sensible hikers should stick extremely strictly right to established secure paths to entirely prevent potentially fatal, disastrous falls in rugged, unprotected drop areas.

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Time needed

The physically totally demanding, deeply draining hike right up to the spectacular, sweeping viewpoints precisely near the summit area generally forcefully takes about three to five hard hours for a complete round trip, totally depending on the specific chosen steep rocky route.

Geography

Coordinates

35.27500, 33.45830

Facts

The peak stands at an elevation of 740 meters above sea level.
Both the Greek and Turkish names for the peak mean 'five fingers.'
The rock formation is primarily composed of Mesozoic limestone.
One legend attributes the shape to the hand of the hero Digenis Akritas.
The silhouette of the peak is a dominant feature of the Nicosia skyline.
On very clear days, the Taurus Mountains in Turkey are visible from near the summit.