Walking and Sightseeing in Western Cyprus

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Ascent: 150 feet (60m)  

The short option on our first full day takes us along the island’s stunning southwest coast. First up is the sea stack known as Petra tou Romiou where legend has it, Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was born. We’ll continue along the rugged coastline to soak up sea views and learn about the rich variety of rare plants and vegetation that thrive in the Mediterranean climate. At the end of the walk, we’ll stop for a delicious picnic complete with Cypriot specialities and wine.

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 650 feet (200m)

Our longer walk starts in Pissouri where on a clear day you can see the Troödos Mountain range and Mount Olympus – the highest peak in Cyprus. We’ll ramble through the island’s rural regions passing fields full of carob trees, gorse, and rockroses as well as old shepherding huts. From the high plateau, we’re rewarded with superb views over the coast and Petra tou Romiou, the sea stack where legend has it, Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was born. At the end of the walk, we’ll stop for a delicious picnic complete with Cypriot specialities and wine.

Distance: 4 miles (7km)

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

Both walks on day four begin at the so-called Baths of Aphrodite located in the heart of the Akamas Natural Reserve Park. Nestled beneath the shade of centuries-old fig trees, this natural lagoon is said to be the spot that the Greek goddess would come to bathe and where she first met her lover, Adonis. The trail follows a steeply rising path over Moutti tis Sotiras hill which leads to the striking ruins of a former Byzantine monastery known as Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Tower of Regina) and continues to Kefalovrisia. This route can be quite tiring during the summer months but there will be stops at two natural springs along the way where drinking water is available.

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)

Ascent: 1000 ft (300m)

This walk follows the same route as option one but lengthens things slightly by continuing from Kefalovrisia to Fontana Amorosa for the excellent views over the eye-pleasing Chrysochou Bay.

Distance: 4 miles (7km)

Ascent: 150 feet (60m)

Reaching an average altitude of 1850m, this route follows a circular trail around Mount Olympus (Chionistra) – the highest peak on the island. We’ll journey through black pine forests that are over 500 years old and discover fascinating facts about the area’s rock formations thanks to the information points along the way.

Distance: 9 miles (14km)

Ascent: 150 feet (60m)

The Atalante Trail begins and ends at Troodos Square. Initially, this walk follows the same route as option one but extends for a further five miles through the rugged landscapes of the island’s former chromium mines before returning to Troodos Square. Along the way, there’s a chance to admire a rare Troodos juniper tree that’s believed to be over 800 years old.

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Ascent: 820 feet (260m)

The Smigies Trail includes two circular routes that begin and end at the popular Smigies picnic site. The short route crosses the beautiful sun-drenched plains of Skoteini to the vineyards of Pampela. We’ll continue along a tree-lined road that opens out onto panoramic views over Chrysochou Bay and the 70,000-hectare protected game preserve that is Paphos Forest. We’ll celebrate the final walk of the holiday with a delicious picnic complete with Cypriot specialities such as grilled Greek cheese and local sausages served with ouzo and wine.

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 820 feet (260m) 

This walk crosses the mountain slopes of Peana and offers far-reaching views of the Akamas Peninsula’s west coast including Lara Bay, Karabópetres, and Geronisos island. The trail follows the mountain ridge road which leads to Cape Arnaoutis before heading east through an old metal quarry and ending up in the location of Pampela where the two Smigies routes meet. Upon completion, we’ll celebrate the final walk of the holiday with a delicious picnic complete with Cypriot specialities such as grilled Greek cheese and local sausages served with ouzo and wine.