The Five Finger Mountains range in Northern Cyprus

The Five Finger Mountains range usually refer to Beşparmak Dağları, in Turkish and the Pentadaktylos range in Greek is located in Kyrenia, in North Cyprus, is famous for its five-pronged peak resembling a hand, surrounded by local legends of a cursed, lovesick giant.  

The range are a 160km long, narrow limestone range running parallel to North Cyprus's northern coast. Famed for a distinctive peak resembling five fingers, they offer dramatic scenery, hiking, and historic castles, serving as a defining, picturesque barrier between the coastline and the plains.

This range is heavily linked to the legend of Digenis Akritas, a Byzantine hero whose handprint allegedly formed the mountain. 

Key Features and Geography

• Location: Runs east-west behind the city of Kyrenia (Girne) in Northern Cyprus.
• Highest Peak: Mount Selvili (1,024 m / 3,360 ft).
• Appearance: Comprised of hard crystalline limestone and marble, featuring steep cliffs and dramatic, jagged ridges.
• The "Five Finger" Peak: The name comes from a specific peak east of Girne that looks like a hand reaching out of the earth.

Legends of Origin

• The Broken-Hearted Lover: Legend tells of a good-hearted man who fell in love with a girl, won a duel, but sank into a swamp with his opponent. His last, petrified hand remained above ground, forming the peak.
• The Byzantine Hero: Another legend claims the hero Dighenis Akritas left his handprint while leaping from Asia Minor.
• Giant's Fury: Another story claims a giant threw a handful of stones at an opponent, missing and forming the range.

Significant Sites and Landmarks

• Castles: The range hosts three historic, scenic Crusader castles: St. Hilarion, Buffavento, and Kantara, offering panoramic views.
• The Flag: A massive flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is painted on the southern slope, illuminated at night.
• Hiking: The area is popular for hiking and features several nature trails, including a loop around the Five Fingers Mountain itself.
• Environment: The mountains are crucial for protecting the island’s northern coast from winds and for storing water in aquifers.