4VIP Tour

The Akamas Peninsula is an area of soothing natural beauty in the North West of Cyprus. The 230 sq km patch of wilderness is the most exotic area in the whole of Cyprus and is unaffected by the ravages of development. The area gets its name from Akamas, the son of Theseus, who landed there after the Trojan War. It is said that Akamas also founded a city called Akamantis in the area, but it has never been found. 4VIP Tour will be more than glad to organise an excursion to this surreal site for you. Akamas also lays claim to place of birth of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, sensuality, sexual rapture and eternal youth, considering that her baths are in the vicinity.

Getting there

4VIP Tour will provide a limo or sedan from your hotel to Paphos and change to a four-wheel drive vehicle there. We will drive north from Paphos to Pegia and then onto Agios Georgios, where you can have a bite at one of the many restaurants. Boat trips also operate from Paphos and 4VIP Tour will arrange one for you if you so desire in this tour in Cyprus.

Akamas is a mini-Cyprus, as almost all the geological features found across Cyprus can also be found there. The varied topography and micro-climates contribute to the large biodiversity and sheer natural beauty of the area. Boat trips sail from Latchi around the peninsula, offering picturesque views and the opportunity to see shipwrecks just off the coast of Akamas. You will see these in most tours in Cyprus. The Cyprus Government has yet to fully declare it as a National Park for tourist and local landowners reasons, although Friends of the Earth and Green Peace are lobbying hard for it.

Akamas is blessed with interesting flora and fauna and over 600 species of flora can be found on Akamas alone; 128 of these are found only in Cyprus. 168 different kinds of birds live there, as do 20 kinds of serpents, 12 different mammals and 16 kinds of butterflies, making the area a must see for naturalists. The beach at Lara Bay is known as Lara Beach and is a near-deserted sandy strip. Lara bay is an important sanctuary and breeding ground for a vulnerable species of loggerhead turtle and the rarer endangered Green Turtle, and is a popular tourist location. Lara Beach sees big waves breaking loudly on the wild white sandy beaches and is one of the places to see in Cyprus. Monk seals also dwell in the sea caves around the peninsula.

The best time to see Akamas is Spring, between early March and end April when many of the exotic flowers are in bloom and when tourists will find beautiful tulips and rare species of orchids. There are forty-five orchid species on the island including the rare Ophrys Kotschi. The autumn flowering cyclamen is also found in the area. Visitors are requested to protect and respect the environment; picking flowers is prohibited. As regards fauna, the Glaucopsyche Pafos butterfly is considered the emblem of the area. If visiting in the summer, do remember to take plenty of water along and try to catch the spectacular Mediterranean sunset.

Akamas is one of only 22 areas in Europe where much of the habitat is indigenous to the area. It has remained untouched despite previous attempts to develop it and is now part of the European Commission's Mediterranean protection program. Pine and juniper forests, maquis forests, gorges, cliffs, and sand dunes can all be found on Akamas. Nature trails criss-cross the area and are open to walkers and cyclists to explore. In fact, the area is ideal for cycling due to its numerous forest roads. Only 4-wheel drive vehicles can tackle the paths in Akamas.

Surrounded by mountains, the Avgas ridge is a popular area of the park. Here, climbers can find marked trails to explore. In the North of the park lie the Androlikou Gorge and Petratis Gorge which can be seen from the village of Androlikou. In the South, the Avakas Gorge has high sheer cliffs on both sides reaching up to 260 feet in height, the narrowest point being 10 feet wide. They then come together, leaving a tunnel through which a stream runs. The gorge, with its limestone walls, is a haven for wildlife, especially in spring, with over 160 different species of birds, animals and plants. The trail leading through the gorge is roughly 2½ kilometers long. Deep inside the gorge you will encounter rare plants and flowers, reptiles, immense cliffs and even wild mountain goats.

Akamas Trails

1. Adonis Trail (circular). Starting point: Baths of Aphrodite. Like Aphrodite Trail, the walk can be quite tiring. Two springs of drinking water can be found at Pyrgos tis Rigainas and Kefalovrysia. Length: 7.5 km - Duration: 3 hours. Points of interest: From the western part there is a view of various beaches of Akamas, such as Lara Bay, Tzioni, Karavopetres, etc. The path goes past Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queens Tower). At Kefalovrysia location it links up with Smiges trail. In order to complete its circular path the trail follows the main road connecting the Baths of Aphrodite and Polis, for about 400m.
2. Giasma Trail (circular) Starting point: 1 km from Kathikas to Pegeia Village. Length: 2 km - Duration: 45 Minutes. Points of interest: The path goes through tall and impressive rocks in a territory with an interesting geology. Part of the route passes through vine-guards. About 800 meters from the starting point there is a stone-built faucet with drinking water. Aphrodite Trail (circular) Starting point: Baths of Aphrodite. The section between the Baths and Pyrgos tis Rigainas (the Castle of Regina – Queen’s Tower) is shared with the Adonis trail. The trail follows a rising path to the hill known as Moutti tis Sotiras (370m) and this can be quite tiring, especially in summer. There are springs with drinking water at two points, one at Pyrgos tis Rigainas (the Castle of Regina) and the other at Kefalovrisia. Length: 7.5 km - Duration: 3 hours. Points of interest: The baths of Aphrodite where, according to tradition, the Goddess of Love used to bathe. Ruins of the Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower), which are believed to have belonged to a medieval monastery. It is worth mentioning the huge centuries-old oak tree which can be seen at the picnic site, where drinking water is also available. Along the trail there are several points which give a view of Polis Chrysochous and the Pafos Forest. Along the route, there are two potable water fountains, one near the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower) and one between location of the Loutra and Kakoskali. The trail links with Adonis trail.
3. Pissouromoutti Trail (circular) Starting point: Smigies picnic site Length: 3 km - Duration: 1 1/2 hours. Points of interest: Rich growth of Juniper Phoenicia, pistacia, etc. Views of Polis Bay to the northeast and beaches of Akamas to the west.
4. Smigies Trail (circular) Starting point:

   Smigies picnic site, 2.5 km from Neo Chorio Length: (a) short route 2.5 km Time: (a) short route 1 hour Length: (b) long route 5 km Time: (b) long route 2 hours.

   Points of interest: View to the east of Polis Chrysochous Bay, Latsi, Pachyammos and Pafos Forest, and to the west Lara Bay, Tzioni, Karavopetres, etc. The long route goes past the disused magnesium mines which include a deserted kiln and then through a dense part of Akamas forest. The long rout links up with Adonis trail at the location Kefalovrysia (potable water fountain location). At their starting point both trails pass by Piana fire lookout station.

   This will be unforgettable tour for anyone who loves wild nature an 4VIP Tour will do everything to help you to enjoy this trip in Cyprus!