The Trail of Aphrodite
A captivating journey from high in the Troodos Mountains, to the beautiful and embracing coastline of the Akamas peninsula. In this tranquil heartland of Cyprus we will receive a warm welcome from the local mountain communities, as we descend on our way to the Baths of Aphrodite, hideaway of the Goddess of Love.
Detailed information
| Detailed itinerary |
 |
 |
60 miles, 9-11 miles and up to 1,300ft of ascent per day. |
Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2: Circuclar Walk Round Mount Olympus
Distance: 15km (9½ miles) ascent 200m (660ft)
At the base of Mount Olympus,Troodos village is the highest inhabited location in Cyprus. Our walk starts straight from the door of our hotel. Fairly soon after starting we are treated to a fantastic panorama of the south coast where even Limassol's salt lake may be visible on a clear day. As we make our way along the Olympus massif we can look westwards to the famous Kykko monastery, which we may visit later in the week.
Day 3: Troodos to Pano Platres
Distance: 15km (9½ miles) ascent 200m (660ft)
Today we head southeast, initially via the Persephone Trail between junipers and cedars down to the rocky outcrop of Makrya Kontarka. This is a superb viewpoint stretching south across woods, vineyards and villages to Limasool harbour, and the Mediterranean. We continue following the zig-zag route known as the 'Seven Sisters' bends. The track swings to the west offering excellent views to the south coast and descends steadily. Our final section of the day is along a steadily rising track in the forest up to the top of Pano Platres before a last descent down to the village. The village of Platres has been characterized as the Cypriot Simla, for its role as the premier Cypriot hill station in colonial days when it attracted British from as far afield as Aden. Daphne du Maurier wrote Rebecca here during a 1938 stay.
Day 4: Pano Platres to Pedoulas
Distance: 18km (11 miles), ascent 300m (1,000ft)
A short transfer takes us to the start of the walk. For the first half of the day we follow a fairly level forest trail with good views up to Prodromos reservoir. The second half initially follows an old forest path contouring round the mountain and then descends to Pedoulas village. At an altitude of 1,100m at the top of the Marathasa valley with its cherry trees, Pedoulas has a very different feel from Prodromos which is more compact and amphitheatrically laid in tiers. At the village we have the possibility to visit the UNESCO listed painted church of Archangel Michael, where the core of the church dates from 1474. There is an interesting local Byzantine Museum opposite the church and the village folk art museum.
Day 5: Kykko Monastery to Stavros tis Psokas
Distance: 6km (3½ miles) ascent 75m (250ft)
Today a 2-hour transfer takes us over to the western side of the Troodos range. En route we have the chance to visit the Kykko Monastery, one of the most celebrated in the Orthodox world, inextricably linked with the Cypriot nationalist struggle. Our short walk today starts from the monastery and Stavros very quickly reveals itself to us for the first time with excellent views as we descend to the colonial era forestry station. The name derives from that of a monastery abandoned last century, which once stood here. It is politely translated as 'Cross of Measles'.
Day 6: Drouseia to Baths of Aphrodite
Distance: 18km (11 miles), ascent 300m (1,000ft)
After a short transfer our walk steadily descends to the coast offering good views down to the Bay of Chrysochou. Typical features of this area include, stark gorges, tiny settlements and superb vistas for miles around. We start by following the Akamas ridge and then pass the forested Smigies picnic area, passing around the outskirts of Neo Chorio village. From here we drop down to the bottom of a modest gorge and then climb up the other side. Climbing very gently we have clear views along the coast to Lachi and a little further on we are rewarded with spectacular views of the Baths of Aphrodite.
Day 7: Circular walk on the Akamas Peninusla.
Distance: 15km (9½ miles), ascent 400m (1,300ft)
From our hotel we ascend along the Adonis Trial up to the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas. From here we join the Aphrodite Trail and reach the summit of Moutti tis Sotiras overlooking the sea. There are magnificent views towards Cape Arnauti, the tip of Akamas peninsula and a variety of different landscapes. Descending to the coast we follow a scenic path and then a track to the Baths of Aphrodite. Below the Baths there is a small pebble beach, suitable for a paddle or a swim before we finish our journey at the hotel.
Day 8: Departure day
Fitness: We want you to be confident that you can meet the demands of this walk and get the most out of your holiday. A sustained effort is required to complete this walk and provision cannot be made for anyone who opts out. Please be sure you can manage the daily mileage and ascent/descent as listed below. The walking day is normally 5-7 hours and it is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace.
| Day 1 |
9½ |
660 |
660 |
| Day 2 |
9½ |
660 |
3,000 |
| Day 3 |
11 |
1,000 |
1,200 |
| Day 4 |
3½ |
250 |
800 |
| Day 5 |
11 |
1,000 |
2,500 |
| Day 6 |
9½ |
1,300 |
1,300 |
It makes a lot of sense to spend time getting some additional exercise before your holiday. We suggest that you try to fit in a number of longer walks, including some in hilly terrain. Other exercises such as cycling, jogging and swimming are also excellent for developing increased stamina. Luggage Transport
Transport of your luggage will be arranged by us through local operators and is
of course, included in your holiday price. It would be appreciated if you limited
your luggage to one medium sized bag, rucksack or suitcase.
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| Dates and prices |
|
| Sat 26 April 2008 |
7 |
£795 |
£575 |
| Sat 4 October 2008 |
7 |
£795 |
£575 |
Single Room Supplement: £12 per night
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| Average temperatures |
|
| April |
12°C |
21°C |
| Oct |
16°C |
26°C |
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| Travel
to information |
|
Start: For those who have booked our “with flight” holiday, a coach transfer from Larnaka airport direct to your first accommodation is automatically included.
Finish: The holiday finishes on the Akamas Peninsula and similar arrangements apply. A coach transfer to Larnaka airport will be arranged to connect with the HF Holidays flight.
Please note that these transfers will be timed to connect with the HF Holidays’ flights.
If you are making your own flight arrangements Larnaka receives the largest number of scheduled and charter flights from the UK. A taxi from Larnaka Airport to the first hotel in Troodos costs approximately CY£50 Cypriot Pounds. The return journey from Akamas to Larnaka Airport is approximately CY£70 Cypriot Pounds.
Pafos is the closest airport to our walking area but has a smaller range of flights. A taxi from Pafos Airport to the first hotel in Troodos costs approximately CY£50 Cypriot Pounds. The return journey from Akamas to Pafos airport would be around CY£30 Cypriot Pounds.
Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated
23/08/2007 (provisional)
Cyprus Airways
Heathrow-Larnaka
Out 09:45 - 16:10
Return 17:45 - 20:45
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throught the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
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