What to see in Cyprus if you are relaxing in Paphos or its surroundings. There is a wonderful natural place - the Akamas Peninsula National Park, almost the only wilderness area in Cyprus and the greenest place in Cyprus with wild beaches.
Where is the Akamas Peninsula National Park
This amazing place is located in the extreme south-west of Cyprus, 65 km. from the resort town of Paphos. Naturally, it is most convenient to visit the peninsula if you have chosen Paphos as your base of rest. It is worth planning a whole day on the peninsula, there is much to see and many hiking trails.
Why go to Akamas
Always before going to a particular place, I answer a number of questions - when, what I want to see, what to do and why go there. It is worth going to Akamas to take a break from the hustle and bustle of large resort places such as Paphos or Limassol, for wild nature and unique beaches, picturesque gorges. It is the greenest place in Cyprus and the most beautiful natural place in Cyprus... It will appeal to hikers, who are best planned either in late spring or early autumn. Summer in Cyprus- this is from 32 to 40 in the shade, there will be no time for walks.
How to get to the Akamas Peninsula from Paphos and other places in Cyprus
There are no good roads on the peninsula itself. From Paphos can be reached by rented car through the resort town of Latchi, a former fishing village, where you can make a short stop. From Latchi you can drive to a place called Baths of Aphrodite... There we leave the car in the parking lot and rent an ATV to explore the surroundings and remote places of the peninsula. Buggy or ATV can also be rented in Latchi or Paphos.
You do not need to rent a jeep to travel to Akamas. Although the sellers of excursions and some sites convince the opposite. Do not believe it, take an ordinary car and go.
There are no gas stations on the peninsula, make sure that the car is refueled.
V Latchi you can rent a boat and explore the peninsula from the sea with a visit to the sea caves.
Ideal plan for visiting Akamas Peninsula, itinerary, overnight stay
The ideal plan for exploring the Akamas Peninsula is to drive to the town of Latchi, leave the rental car, and divide the remaining time into two parts - sea and land. For the offshore part, rent a boat with a local carrier and see the national park from the sea, then return and take an ATV and see the peninsula from land. Also be sure to walk along the Aphrodite trail to view the Blue Lagoon from above.
On a quad bike from the baths of Aphrodite or from the town of Latchi, it is worth driving to the opposite side of the peninsula, there are many unique bays and lagoons, and in the end, Lara beach, which is called the turtle beach. This is where the Caretta turtles and the Green turtles lay their eggs.
You can go through Latchi to the baths of Aphrodite, walk along the route, then cross the peninsula by ATV in the direction of the Neo Chorio pass and also go to the turtle beach Lara Beach. Then return to the place where they left the car and return to the hotel. In any case, it will take a whole day to explore the peninsula, and nature lovers will be happy to spend two and three days here.
On Lara beach you can also get there by a regular car, you don't need a jeep, there is a parking near the beach. Alternatively, you can first drive to Latchi and the baths of Aphrodite, explore that part of the peninsula, then get in the car and move to Lara beach on the opposite side.
Overnight stays are in Latchi, you can find hotels or apartments on Booking.com or on HotelCombined.com
What to see - attractions of the Akamas Peninsula
Latchi village- I consider it a landmark of the region. From here, excursions and independent trips around the peninsula by boat, on foot or by ATV / buggy start. Boats, a bay, taverns, a Mediterranean atmosphere - that's all for which you can fall in love with this place.
Baths of Aphrodite- the observation deck at the top and a beautiful natural lagoon with turquoise water, you should not linger - the place is very tourist
Blue Lagoon- a beautiful place, which was nicknamed the Blue Lagoon for the color of the water, is located near the baths of Aphrodite, there is a walking route at the highest point of which there is an observation deck overlooking the lagoon.
Cape Arnauti- the westernmost point of the peninsula and all of Cyprus, you can get here by four-wheel drive jeep or ATV or from the sea. You can pitch a tent.
Lara Beach- the famous turtle beach in Cyprus, where two rare species of turtles lay their eggs - the green turtle and the Caretta sea turtle; sellers of excursions often speculate this place, promising emotions from visiting the beach. But you will not see turtles, eggs too - the clutches are fenced with wire. But getting to this place is worth it, if only to touch the real nature, not spoiled by sun loungers and the bodies of tourists.
Hiking trails on Akamas
The main walking route is trail of aphrodite, length is about 7 km. through mountains and valleys. The route is not difficult, the highest point is about 400 meters, it offers a stunning view of the blue lagoon from above.
There are several longer and more difficult routes, on the peninsula there are signs near the car parks (baths of Aphrodite and Latchi). When planning long hikes, have a supply of time and fresh water of at least two liters per person per day. Comfortable shoes are also needed. Short distances, up to 5-10 km. can be trampled in slippers, checked.
Excursion to the Akamas Peninsula - is it worth buying
In short, no - not worth it. Let me explain why.
If you vacation in Paphos, then you can rent an ATV on your own and drive to the peninsula - it's just over an hour's drive.
If you are vacationing in Ayia Napa, then there is a high probability that the excursion will be crumpled due to the distances - in a jeep full of people you will have to shake for more than 3 hours there and the same amount back. Even taking into account the departure at 8 o'clock in the morning, you will not have time to see much. Due to the low comfort, the impression of this beautiful place can be ruined. In this case, car rental will help, you can team up with friends. It is much cheaper and more comfortable than giving 65 Euro off the nose for dubious sightseeing adventures.
Where to dine on the Akamas Peninsula
In all popular tourist centers - the villages of Latchi and Polis, as well as in a place called Baths of Aphrodite - there are taverns and restaurants.
If you want to eat inexpensively, tasty and with a Cypriot flavor, then choose taverns in the cities of Latchi and Polis, these villages are located in the neighborhood. Below is a list of recommended taverns in these locations.
Taverns in Latchi
- Yiangos and Peter Fish Tavern- located near the pier of Latchi, classic Cypriot and Greek dishes, inexpensive and tasty
- Molos Restaurant Is a very cool place near the pier in Latchi, loved by the locals, serving Greek and Italian cuisine. The restaurant is open all year round, it is very cozy here in winter.
Taverns and restaurants in Polis
- The Old Town Restaurant- a family restaurant, located in the old town, Mediterranean cuisine, portions are small, but deliciously delicious. The restaurant is open only during the season, in the evenings.
- Arsinoe fish tavern- a classic Greek fish tavern, prices are tolerable, a dinner with wine and fish dishes for two will cost about 45 Euros. The tavern is open only in the evenings; this place is also loved by the locals. Sunday is a day off.
- Costa's Corner- a Greek diner in the central square of Polis, the menu also has wood-fired pizza, delicious breakfasts are served in the morning. The institution can be safely called budget.
- Halfway house tavern is another family tavern in Polis that offers Cypriot cuisine in large portions. Tavern address: Kranidiotis Street 172, Argaka, Polis
- Archontariki- a Greek family tavern in the center of Polis, a cozy spacious veranda, live music on Fridays, a very atmospheric place, although more touristy than the above restaurants.
Where to rent a car in Cyprus
We rent a car on the Myrentacar site, which brings together most of the local car rental companies. The prices are good, round-the-clock Russian-language support, I have already used them 6 times in three years. There are no complaints, the conditions are spelled out transparently, so you can always find an acceptable option.
Cyprus (Greek Κύπρος, tour. Kıbrıs, English Cyprus) is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea. Geographically belongs to Asia. Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean at a distance of 380 km from Egypt, 105 km from Syria and 75 km from Turkey. Most of the island is occupied by mountains. The Kyrenia mountain range stretches along the northern coast in a latitudinal direction. Its width in the western part is 15 km, to the east it expands to 25-30 km. The western part of the Kyrenia ridge is higher; some peaks exceed 1 thousand m. The highest point of the ridge is Mount Akromanda (1023 m). The southwestern half of the island is occupied by the wide Troodos mountain range, indented by longitudinal river valleys. The highest is its northern part, here is also the highest point of Cyprus - Mount Olympos (1952 m).
Cape Greco, sometimes Capo Greco (from Italian Capo Greco - Greek cape), also known as "Kavo Greco" (Greek Κάβο Γκρέκο) - a cape in the southeastern part of the island of Cyprus, is the southern end of Famagusta Bay and the eastern end of Ayia Bay -Naps. Cape Greco is the easternmost point of the island of Cyprus,
Akamas National Park is a delightful, uninhabited monument of nature and history. This place is included in the world list of UNESCO. It is located not far from the city and attracts a lot of attention.
On an area of 230 sq. km. of the reserve, you can get acquainted with the most interesting plant species, wonderful animals, rare species of birds that come here to spend the winter. Nobody will bother you here. People come here to enjoy the wonderful natural harmony and be inspired by the wide amazing panorama. You can take a bike ride in the park or swim in the purest warm water on the rocky shores.
Park legendMany historians cannot give exact answers to the questions: what happened in the park until our time and how did it appear in general? Answers can only be given by mythology, which says that the son of Theseus Akamas was forced to settle in these places after his expulsion from Athens. He built a large city here and named it after himself. The city began to populate and grow rapidly. Aphrodite herself soon became the patroness of this place.
Akamas National Park today
The government of the peninsula, and the people of Cyprus themselves, are quite careful about the Akamas National Park. For them, this is a valuable place that no one is allowed to spoil. Even public organizations have been created that monitor order in the park around the clock. Akamas National Park is of great interest to botanists and scientists, because there are about 530 rare plant species, 126 of them grow exclusively in Cyprus. That is why scientists are afraid to somehow disrupt the landscape of the park. In spring, beautiful jasmine and orchids bloom throughout the park. The amazing scent of the buds spreads throughout the park.
There is a sandy Lara beach on Akamas. Its main inhabitants are sea turtles that nest on the shore. Sea turtles have become an endangered species of animals, so a special authority constantly monitors that the nests can not destroy anything (animals, waves, etc.). If you visit the beach in September, you might see little turtles being born and running into the sea. This is an amazing sight.
The local fauna is also impressive on the island. Of the "inhabitants", the most prominent are the Vultura griffins - the rarest species of predators that have been nesting here recently. Butterflies are also impressive in the reserve, there are more than three thousand of them (25 species, 16 in the red book). They are not allowed to catch them, but you can take pictures. In the Akamas National Park, you will also see wild goats that live in their natural flora. Mostly their flocks graze on the hills. On the wild rocky beaches and gorges of the peninsula, you may encounter amphibians and mammals. Only brave people go to this part of the peninsula, because there are a lot of poisonous snakes here.
Park safetyAkamas National Park can be unsafe. Why? First, many types of plants (especially Cypriot ones) can cause allergies, so bring the right medicines with you. Secondly, careless tourists visit the park, who may not notice and step on a snake or a spider's house. Take with you the antidote and necessary medicines for these cases. Thirdly, you can get various injuries (abrasions, scratches, etc.) on rocky coasts, brilliant green for these cases will be enough.
How to get there?You can reach the peninsula with the Akamas National Park by bus that departs from the city and crosses Polis. Route 705. You can also use taxi services. The most economical option would be Taxiaeport. It is better to return from the reserve by your own car or taxi, because the bus to this place is in charge only four times a day.
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There are many interesting places in the vicinity of Paphos in Cyprus. One of them is the Akamas Peninsula. This place is a reserve, the natural world there is protected at the state level. But besides the beautiful landscapes of the peninsula, there are other attractions.
What to see on the Akamas Peninsula?
The history of this peninsula is associated with well-known myths. Who has not heard of Aphrodite and her beloved Adonis? According to legend, it was on Akamas that a strong feeling flared up between them. But a handsome and strong young man died on the hunt from wounds inflicted on him by a huge boar. Then Aphrodite turned to the gods with a plea to return her beloved from the embrace of death. And although the gods did not approve of their feelings, because Aphrodite herself was a goddess, and Adonis was mere mortals, they allowed the young man to live on earth with his beloved for six months, and then return again to the kingdom of the dead. It is believed that this time symbolizes the change of seasons: with the arrival of Adonis on earth, spring begins, and with his departure, the autumn wilting of nature.
The famous baths of Aphrodite
On the Akamas Peninsula in Cyprus, you can find the path of Aphrodite, along which she walked to find her lover, killed by a boar. And also there is the Adonis trail. These trails are popular hiking trails for tourists. But the most popular is the Bath of Aphrodite. According to legend, there the goddess of beauty spent time with Adonis. The bath is a small grotto (about 5 m in diameter), the depth of which does not exceed a meter. Rocks and trees hang over the grotto, blocking it from the sun's rays. The water in the bath is always cold due to underground springs, but tourists will not be able to check this: swimming is prohibited here.
Also in the Akamas nature reserve it is interesting to see:
- Blue Lagoon
- Lara beach,
- canyon Avakas.
The Blue Lagoon is a bay with rocky shores and clear waters. The color of the water in the lagoon is turquoise, which is why it is called that. Here you can already swim and feel like a hero of an advertisement for a "heavenly" vacation spot.
Lara beach, there are not many tourists here
Lara Beach (Lara Beach) is famous for the fact that large sea turtles lay eggs in this area. The species of turtles inhabiting the Lara region is endangered, therefore government services strictly protect this territory. Clutches of eggs are protected from tourists (and, probably, from local poachers) with special nets. So tourists will only be lucky to see big turtles from afar.
Avakas Canyon is a narrow gorge with walls about 30 m high. However, tourists can walk there, just need to wear comfortable shoes. The canyon is also associated with ancient legends: it is considered the habitat of the mythical monster Minotaur. Whether this is so is unknown, but one thing is certain: Avakas impresses with its appearance.
How to get to Akamas?
Akamas (Cyprus) is a popular tourist destination and guides offer excursions here. There are several options: for example, you can visit only the Blue Lagoon with the Bath of Aphrodine, or you can visit Lara Beach or Avakas Canyon. The most complete excursion, with a visit to all the sights of the island, will take a whole day. Often the guides offer to end it with dinner in a fishing village, which may also interest tourists. An organized excursion is the easiest way to visit the Akamas Peninsula and learn about its attractions. 
You can get to Akamas by renting a car. Independent travelers may be more suited to this option. Then you will have to read about all the sights yourself, and signs will help you find the necessary routes. It should be noted that close to all interesting places on the peninsula it will not be possible to drive up by car. Almost the entire territory is considered a reserve, you have to walk.
The cheapest way to get to Akamas is by bus. But this is also the most inconvenient way, since there are no direct routes from Paphos, you will have to change trains in Polis. You can also get from the port of Polis to the peninsula by boat. Such trips are often offered along with swimming in the sea.
Akamas is a peninsula filled with attractions. Perhaps it is worth coming here several times to inspect each one. But many people come not only because of the sights, but to swim in the purest water and be among the nature, untouched by civilization.
Among the most famous and interesting places in Cyprus, the Akamas Peninsula, located 50 kilometers west of Paphos, stands out. This place is a nature reserve and is protected by state organizations that monitor the observance of order in the territory around the clock.
Initially, the peninsula belonged to the British military, who set up a training ground here and regularly conducted shooting exercises. However, in 2000, Amakasu was given the status of a nature reserve, and the military had to leave this place.
Akamas travel
Also Akamas in Cyprus is one of the most advertised tourist destinations. Many guides offer their clients excursions to the main places of this reserve. As a rule, there can be several options:
- Travel to the Blue Lagoon, with a visit to the Baths of Aphrodite;
- Excursion along the Lara beach;
- Visit to Avakas canyon.
These are just examples. In fact, in order to see all the sights, even active tourists will have to spend the whole day. Often, guides invite visitors to end their journey in a small fishing village. There you can try the local cuisine and relax, then head back to your resort, or continue visiting interesting places.
A fairly popular choice is Akamas sightseeing with a rental car. The difference lies in the lack of a guide, so before the trip it is recommended to read the detailed information about all interesting places in order to draw up an approximate route. It should also be borne in mind that most of the territory is a nature reserve, through which it is forbidden to travel by car, which is why many places can be seen only by walking. Tourists will not get lost because of the many signs along the roads. However, many travelers try to take a GPS navigator with them, since most of the country roads of Cyprus are included in their network.
Travel agencies often offer jeep safaris around the reserve. This is due to the almost complete absence of paved roads. You can feel confident only in a jeep, because of its increased cross-country ability. However, no one can forbid to come to Akamas by an ordinary passenger car. Locals often choose bicycles as transport or walk at all, which is good enough for health.
There are a couple more ways to get to Akamas. The cheapest is a bus, but there is no direct way to the reserve, because if you get from Paphos, you will need to change in Polis. Also from Polis there is an opportunity to go by boat, and often on such trips there is an opportunity to swim in the warm sea on the way.
The reserve is of great scientific interest. Here you can find over 500 plant species that can only grow in Akamas! Spring transforms these places into a real green garden, the air of which is filled with the aromas of flowers. Butterflies often flutter near plants. A total of 25 species of these insects are found in Akamas, and 16 of them are listed in the Red Book. In addition, some rare species of animals have found refuge here.
When visiting the Akamas Nature Reserve in Cyprus, it is advisable to be careful not to go far into the grass, as there are often venomous snakes hiding there that can inflict a fatal bite.
Lara beach
This is a fairly picturesque sandy beach where tourists often relax and swim. It is on this coast that sea turtles nest, so visitors can sometimes watch the process of creating a clutch, as well as the subsequent hatching of young.
Trail of Aphrodite
According to Greek mythology, the goddess of beauty herself walked along this path, at the moment when Adonis died from the fangs of a boar. The route is laid along relatively bright, picturesque places with brighter flora. In addition, this destination is quite popular among tourists. This is mainly due to the legends that are dedicated to the goddess of beauty.
Adonis trail
Adonis was the mortal lover of Aphrodite. The gods of Olympus did not approve of such an alliance, but their relationship continued, since no one took active action. One day Adonis died while hunting. This sad event is dedicated to this route. It is much darker than the Aphrodite trail, in addition, almost all of it runs through pine forests and juniper thickets. Tourists are quite rare here, although the scenic trail is even slightly superior to its competitor.