Of the three crusader castles of Buffavento, S. Hilarion and Kantara, the latter is located further East. At 630 m above sea level, it is also the lowest of the three.

Some would say it is the least interesting, as it is easy to reach compared to the other two. However it has by far the best views, with its apex on a pinnacle with all-round views. The name "Kantara" in Arabic means bridge or arch. This is an appropriate name, since the castle is located in a point that connects the mountain range and allows the view of both the North and South coast. On a clear day, you can see through both sides of the Karpaz peninsula and the distant mountains of Turkey. In winter, it is sometimes possible to see the snows of Lebanon, over 160 km away.

Like all respectable castles, even that of Kantara can boast its local legend. It says that since the castle of Kantara was abandoned 500 years ago, a ghostly queen can be seen sitting near the Gothic window at its highest point. Another local legend refers to the castle as the 101-room house. The belief is that if someone were to enter their 101st room, they would enter heaven, unable to return through the castle door.
Very little is known of the early days of the castle. It is thought to have been built by the Byzantines, probably after the last Arab incursion in the late 10th century. However there are no remains or records dating back to that time. His first mention was in 1191, during the Crusade of Richard the Lionheart in the Holy Land. It was in Kantara that the so-called king, Isaac Commenos, took refuge before surrendering to the English king.

We have much more information about the castle from the Lusignano period to the Venetian period, which lasted from 1191 to 1571. In the 13th century, the castle was renovated by the Lusignano, and during the following centuries, the castle often served as a refuge for defeated barons and kings. When the Genoeses conquered Famagusta and Nicosia in 1373, Kantara remained unbeaten in the hands of the king. It was also here that Prince John, brother of the king, fled after the arrival of the Genoeses. The story goes that the prince, having been captured in Famagusta with the rest of the royal family, was imprisoned in chains. With the help of his faithful servant and cook, he managed to escape, dressed as a cook, with an old cooking pot over his head.

After the peace treaty with the Genoeses, Kantara was further fortified. Most of the castle we see today dates back to around this period.

When the Venetians took control of the island in 1489, the castle continued to operate as an important garrison for the defense of the area. However, the art of war was changing, and the Venetians strengthened the fortifications of Kirenia, Famagusta and Nicosia. The castle was abandoned in 1525, although there are documents showing the castle still fortified in 1529. However, documents show the castle in ruins by 1562.