Walking and Sightseeing in Western Cyprus

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)

Ascent: 150 feet (60m)  

The short option on our first 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 before following the coastal trail to reach a lush eucalyptus forest.

Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)

Ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)

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, before following the coastal trail to reach a lush eucalyptus forest.

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

Descent: 600 feet (180m)

Both walks join the Adonis Trail uphill, walking along the Akamas Peninsula, into the heart of the Akamas Natural Reserve Park and continuing to the striking ruins of a former Byzantine monastery known as Pyrgos ti Rigenas. From here, our group continues on the shorter route down towards the Baths of Aphrodite and the beautiful bay of Chrysochous. 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.

Distance: 7 miles (11 km)

Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)

Descent: 1,000 feet (300m)

Join our scenic trail into the heart of the Akamas Natural Reserve Park and continuing to the interesting historic site of Pyrgos ti Rigenas. We’ll continue to the high point of Moutti tis Sotaris, enjoy the stunning views before our descent route down towards the coast, then follow the shore to reach the Baths of Aphrodite. Here the hidden grotto, shaded from the Cyprus sunshine, is where legend says Aphrodite would meet Adonis, as he stopped for a drink whilst hunting.

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 Atalanti 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 via the Smigies Nature Trail. 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.