Self-guided hiking on the Akamas Peninsula in Cyprus
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Cyprus
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions37.58 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a 3-night self-guided hiking trip to discover the Akamas Peninsula, one of Cyprus 's most beautiful protected areas. This program features a route ranked among the Top 5 hikes in Cyprus , complemented by superb nature trails offering remarkable panoramic views of the wild coastal landscapes.
Each day offers approximately 10.5 km of walking , with longer options for walkers wishing to extend the experience. Along the way, the journey is enhanced by cultural immersion with a visit to the medieval church of Agios Minas and the exploration of the traditional stone village of Neo Chorio , a testament to local architecture.
Accessible year-round (except July and August) , this trip is particularly enjoyable in spring, autumn, and even winter, when temperatures are ideal for exploring the region. During warmer periods, hikes are recommended early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
An active and balanced trip, between unspoiled nature , coastal panoramas and authentic heritage.
The highlights
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Stunning coastal views from altitudes of several hundred meters
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A nature rich in biodiversity, largely preserved
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A unique combination of walking and swimming in the sea
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Due to the nature of this adventure, it is suitable for various skill levels, from beginners to intermediate hikers. We do not offer guided tours for off-the-beaten-path routes.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 425 m
- Average daily descent: 475 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
We provide travelers with GPX files for the various hiking routes, which generally combine footpaths and dirt tracks. We also provide a small roadbook in PDF format containing information in the form of digital copies of satellite photos of the hiking routes and useful information such as nearby attractions and public buses.
Program
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Arrival
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on the time of arrival, travelers can enjoy walks, moments of relaxation, swimming, snorkeling or exploring the area.
Day 1 -
Pissouromoutti Trail and Smiyies Trail leading to the village of Neo Chorio
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 12km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This is a hike along the ridge of the Akamas Peninsula, which also allows travelers to explore a section of the west coast (Lara Coast). We recommend following a figure-eight route that begins and ends at the Smiyies picnic area, the legendary meeting place of Adonis and Aphrodite (travelers then proceed to the village of Neo Chorio). The standard route is approximately 9.5 km long and follows the shorter Smiyies Trail and the Pissouromoutti Trail. It can easily be extended by a few kilometers by taking the longer Smiyies Trail instead of the shorter one. The route offers hikers magnificent views of the west coast and Chrysochous Bay. A cultural highlight of the trip is a visit to the Church of Agios Minas, the remains of a medieval monastery located on the site. The final part of the walking route crosses cultivated land (which also houses carob trees, one of the four main plants traditionally grown in Cyprus), before ending in the center of the stone-built village of Neo Chorio, which adds a touch of traditional village life to the experience.
Day 2 -
Combination of the Adonis and Aphrodite coastal trails
- Transportation Bus - 00h10 - 3kmper day
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h per day
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This is a combination of the Adonis Circular Trail and the Aphrodite Circular Trail. The route is excellent throughout the year (more challenging in summer), including in winter when the area is largely green and covered in wildflowers.
According to legend, Aphrodite and Adonis met regularly in Akamas. After climbing the eastern section of the Adonis Trail, hikers pass the ruins of a medieval monastery and a massive, centuries-old oak tree. The route ascends to the imposing summit of Moutti Tis Sotiras. Hikers enjoy magnificent views of the northwest and northern coasts, stretching as far as the village of Pomos in the northeast.
The descent from the summit is probably one of the most beautiful hiking routes on the island.
The final section of the route follows a coastal dirt path along the cliffs. The hike ends at the small and legendary Baths of Aphrodite.
Hikers must either take the relatively frequent public bus 622 to and from the hiking trail, or walk for nearly 2 km (1.5 km maximum on the paved road).
Days 3 to 4
Note
This is an adventure in Akamas , one of the jewels of Cyprus nature. It's been called the playground of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty. Akamas is a beautiful protected and biodiverse part of Cyprus with a combination of high hills close to the coast, cliffs and rugged coastline and secure beaches, some of which rank among the very best on the island. The Cyprus tulip grows here as does the cyclamen, the national flower of Cyprus, many orchids and a multitude of wild flowers. Akamas provides good opportunities for bird watching, especially during spring and autumn, when bird migration between Europe and Africa passes through Cyprus. The sea is frequented by loggerhead and green sea turtles during the warm season, which come here to feed and to reproduce. The occasional Mediterranean Seal may also be spotted here.
This Akamas adventure is a 3 nights self-guided walking trip that mainly focuses on beautiful nature. The program includes a Cyprus Top5 walking route and other nature trails that offer great vistas. There is also a cultural component in the form of the medieval church of Agios Minas and the stone-built village of Neo Chorio. The average walking distance per day is about 10.5 kilometers. In the same package, for every day there are longer walk alternatives. We offer this program all year round except for July and August. During the hot season we suggest to complete the walks in the morning, when it is cooler.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation (breakfast included)
- Transport (in the program for day 2, from the hotel to the Smigies picnic site, then from the village of Neo Chorio back to the hotel)
- Information in the form of GPX files and a digital roadbook (mainly with satellite photos of the hiking routes)
- On-site assistance if needed
The price does not include
- Flights
- Meals other than those mentioned in the program
- Guided hikes
- Use of all equipment
- Any other means of transport than that mentioned in Price includes
- Personal expenses
Options
- Taxi to and from Paphos airport (for up to 4 passengers, normal luggage, maximum total weight of 40 kg) : CHF150.94 / reservation
- Taxi to and from Larnaca airport (for a maximum of 4 passengers, normal luggage, with a maximum total weight of 40 kg) : CHF365.92 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Hikers should carry drinking water with them, between 0.5 and 1 liter per person (the exact amount depends on each person's profile and preferences, the type of hike, and the time of day and year).
- For snorkeling, it is recommended to bring a mask and snorkel.
Clothing to bring
Non-slip shoes or boots are essential. Sun protection is strongly recommended. Bring a swimsuit if you plan to swim or snorkel. It's worth noting that from May to December, the sea temperature in Cyprus is at least 20°C, with the lowest recorded temperature in February at below 17°C.
