“And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.”Acts 13:5
Cyprus was the first station of the first missionary journey: Barnabas, himself a Levite from the island, and Paul came to Salamis and preached the word of God there in the synagogues. The extensive ruins of this ancient city on the east coast are a highlight of the tour, which leads through the north of Cyprus.
The setting is an island on which antiquity, the Byzantine era, the Crusader period and the Ottoman centuries overlap. In Kyrenia (Girne) the castle watches over the harbour, the Gothic abbey of Bellapais looks out over the coast, and the mountain fortress of St Hilarion towers high in the Kyrenia range. In Nicosia (Lefkoşa) and Famagusta stand former Gothic cathedrals that serve as mosques today – stone witnesses to an eventful history.
On the quiet Karpaz Peninsula you reach the monastery of Apostolos Andreas, long a place of pilgrimage on the island. Short daily distances leave room for Bible reading, conversation and gazing at the sea – and for getting to know Barnabas, the “son of consolation”, on his home island.
Barnabas, the “son of consolation”, came from Cyprus – on his home island you get to know him as a generous pioneer.
Already after the persecution in Jerusalem the Gospel came to the island; men of Cyprus carried it on as far as Antioch.
Sent forth by the Holy Ghost, Barnabas and Paul, with John Mark, preach the word of God in Salamis – the first station of their journey.
After parting from Paul, Barnabas sails to Cyprus again with Mark – the island remains his field of work.
Andrew, to whom the monastery is dedicated, first finds his brother Simon and brings him to Jesus.
Tip: bring your own Bible – at each place we open the relevant passage together.
Bible quotations: King James Version.
Ercan → Kyrenia (Girne)
After landing at Ercan Airport in northern Cyprus, your guide welcomes you and accompanies you to the coastal town of Kyrenia (Girne), some 40 kilometres away. Its harbour, lined with historic buildings, cafés and restaurants, is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. If your arrival time allows, you take a first stroll by the water and let the day draw to a close with a view of the sea.
Kyrenia → Bellapais → Kyrenia
The day begins in Kyrenia itself: the castle above the harbour houses a well-known museum with an ancient shipwreck – a find that brings to mind the many sea voyages in the Book of Acts. Then you head up into the Kyrenia mountains to Bellapais Abbey, one of the most beautiful Gothic monasteries in the eastern Mediterranean. From its walls the view reaches far across the coast and the sea over which the apostles once sailed.
Kyrenia → St Hilarion → Mountain villages → Kyrenia
High above the coast rises the medieval mountain fortress of St Hilarion, whose walls seem to merge with the rocks of the Kyrenia range. From here wide views open over the Mediterranean and the hinterland. On the subsequent drive through the mountain region you stop in small, traditional villages and experience a slice of everyday life in the north of the island. In the evening you return to Kyrenia.
Kyrenia → Nicosia
Nicosia (Lefkoşa), the city in the interior of the island that remains divided to this day, welcomes you with an old town within Venetian walls. The Selimiye Mosque was once a Gothic cathedral; its architecture tells of centuries of changing rule. The historic caravanserai of Büyük Han is also part of the tour – today a lively cultural centre with small shops and cafés, an ideal place for a break.
Nicosia → Famagusta
Famagusta is still surrounded by impressive medieval walls. The heart of the old town is the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, originally a Gothic cathedral from the time of the Crusaders. Strolling through the lanes, you come across historic churches and palaces. Not far from the town lies ancient Salamis – Famagusta is, as it were, the gateway to the coast where Barnabas and Paul began their preaching on Cyprus.
Salamis → Karpaz Peninsula → Apostolos Andreas Monastery
Today you enter Salamis, one of the most important excavation sites in Cyprus: Roman baths, the theatre and impressive colonnaded streets are well preserved. Here we read Acts 13 – the account of the missionaries' first preaching on the island. Then the drive leads out onto the unspoilt Karpaz Peninsula with its long sandy beaches and tranquil landscape. At the end stands the monastery of Apostolos Andreas, an important place of pilgrimage.
Karpaz Peninsula → Coast → Kyrenia
The return journey follows the coast, with stops at viewpoints and in small villages. As you wish, there is time for a walk on one of the beaches or a free stroll through the harbour and old town of Kyrenia. In the evening the group comes together for a farewell dinner with specialities of Cypriot cuisine – an opportunity to give thanks for the days spent together.
Kyrenia → Ercan
A last look at the sea, then the transfer takes you to Ercan Airport, from where you continue your journey independently. Perhaps the image of Barnabas will accompany you for a while on the way home: a man who visited his home island twice with the Gospel and whose surname still stands for encouragement and consolation today.
The tour price depends on dates, group size and room allocation. You will receive your personal offer – free of charge and without obligation.
Enquire →⛔ No shopping stops: carpet, jewellery or leather showrooms are not part of this tour.
The price is on request: we will prepare a personal offer for your date and group size – free and without obligation.
No. You travel to and from Ercan Airport independently; the local transfer is included. On request we will enquire about suitable flight connections for you.
The focus is Salamis, where according to Acts 13 Barnabas and Paul first preached on Cyprus. In addition there is the monastery of Apostolos Andreas, dedicated to the brother of Peter.
April to June and September to November are particularly pleasant, when mild temperatures and sunshine make sightseeing easier.
The daily stages are mostly between 30 and 90 kilometres; only the day with Salamis and the Karpaz Peninsula is longer, at around 140 kilometres.
Northern Cyprus – Salamis and the Footsteps of Barnabas and Paul
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