Walking in Cyprus: Troodos Mountains and Akamas
Walking in Cyprus: Troodos Mountains and Akamas
Walking in Cyprus: Troodos Mountains and Akamas
8 Days Starting in 34.987590,32.901490 and ending in 35.032170,32.418410
Visiting: Cyprus
Tour operator:
Tour code:
539
Recommended For:
Group size:
1 - 20
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
This self-guided adventure, walking in Cyprus, follows a carefully-crafted itinerary over eight days, shared between the inland Troodos Mountains and Akamas Peninsula National Park on the island’s west coast. For your mountain time, stay in one hotel in Kakopetria, in the Troodos foothills, with daily transfers to magnificent mountain trailheads. The second half of the tour is at the coast, staying in two different hotels. From each, you can follow trails to beauty spots like Avakas Gorge, the Baths of Aphrodite natural pool, and other coastal gems along the wild, western Akamas Peninsula
Itinerary
Arrive in the village of Kakopetria, in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, at an altitude of 667m. Kakopetria has narrow alleys and traditional houses built with a combination of local stone and adobe. If time allows, spend the afternoon exploring the village, home to two Troodos painted churches, both UNESCO sites. The 11th-century Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis is located about 2km from the historic centre known as Old Kakopetria, and is the most striking of the two (closed on Mondays).
Accommodation: The Mill Hotel or similar in Kakopetria
Day 2: Artemis Trail and Caledonia Waterfall 10-20km
The day starts with a transfer to the starting point of the walk, which consists of four different nature trails, but it can be shortened if you prefer. Start off on the Artemis Trail, a 7km circular walk, also the trail with the highest elevation in Cyprus (1,800m). Landscapes vary from cliffside paths to woodlands of black pine trees, and brushland that is peppered with the endemic Troodos juniper. If there is snowfall, alternative routes at a lower elevation are provided. You then join the Atalante Trail, which ends at Plateia Troodous (Troodos Square). Follow a short stretch along a paved road, leading to the Persephone Trail, before joining the 3km Caledonia Waterfall Trail. After taking in the glorious falls, head to the mountain village of Platres, from where a transfer takes you back to Kakopetria.
Walking for the day: 20km, 5-6h, ?600m ?1,200m (shorter options: 10km or 15km)
Accommodation: The Mill Hotel or similar in Kakopetria
Day 3: Madari circular walk 13km
After a transfer to the starting point, today’s route follows a circular trail close to Madari (1,613m) in the area of Pitsilia, within the Troodos mountain range. The walk is quite demanding, with some strenuous ascents and descents. The trail offers panoramic views, extending over the village of Spilia to the west, Morphou Bay to the south and the village of Kyperounta and Mount Troodos (1,952m), also referred to as Mount Olympus, to the north. Look out for the dramatic rock formations along the way, as well as a wide variety of local flora including golden oak and cedar, wild roses and strawberries. A transfer takes you back to your accommodation in Kakopetria at the end of today’s walk.
Walking for the day: 13km, 4-5h, ?800m ?800m
Accommodation: The Mill Hotel or similar in Kakopetria
Day 4: Platy Valley and Kelephos Bridge 16km
A transfer takes you to the starting point of today’s walk, close to Kaminaria. The route traverses Platy Valley, where the array of pine, plane and fig trees are rich in local fauna. ?The route then joins an old camel trail, formerly used to transport material from the copper mines on the north side of Troodos, by camel, to Paphos’ port. Arrive at Kelephos Venetian Bridge, a single arch medieval Venetian bridge, which is located in Paphos Forest and dates back to the 15th century. At the end of the walk, a transfer takes you to your accommodation in the village of Droushia (1.5h).
Walking for the day: 16km, 4-5h, ?400m ?800m
Accommodation: Droushia Heights Hotel or similar in Droushia
Day 5: Lara Beach and Avakas Gorge 12-22km
Today’s route starts from your accommodation, beginning with a long descent towards Lara Beach, located within Akamas Peninsula National Park. From here, follow the route inland, heading towards Avakas Gorge. During the rainy season, it may not be safe to walk within the gorge, due to high water levels, and there is always a chance that the paths could be slippery, even outside of rainy season. Today’s route ends in Agios Georgios Pegeias, from where a transfer takes you back to your accommodation in Droushia.
Walking for the day: 22km, ?400m ?1,000m (shorter option, without Avakas Gorge: 12km, ?100m ?700m)
Accommodation: Droushia Heights Hotel or similar in Droushia
Day 6: Akamas Peninsula 13-20km
You are transferred along with your luggage to your next accommodation, where today’s route begins. Alternatively, there is the option to shorten the route by taking a taxi transfer to start the walk in the village of Neo Chorio (not included, to be booked in advance). The standard route explores Akamas Peninsula on the Akamas Panorama Walk, followed by an ascent up Moutti tis Sotiras (370m), with great views from the top. Follow the Aphrodite Trail back down towards the coast as far as the Baths of Aphrodite, a grotto with a natural pool. According to legend, the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool, and this is where she met Adonis. The grotto is close to a beach, where there is a café and a restaurant. From here, either take the local bus (payable locally) or walk for 2km back at your accommodation.
Walking for the day (long option): 20km, 4h, ?500m ?1,000m (shorter option, with a taxi transfer to Neo Chorio: 13km, 3h, ?550m ?750m)
Accommodation: Aphrodite Beach Hotel or similar in Polis Chryosochous
Day 7: Blue Lagoon and Fontana Amoroza (optional) 13km
Today is a free day, to spend either exploring, or relaxing on the pebble beach. There is an optional walking route, leading from your accommodation towards the Baths of Aphrodite on to the stunning Blue Lagoon. Continue on towards Fontana Amoroza, a remote beach which is also linked to the mythology of Greek goddess Aphrodite, the legend being that those who drink the water will fall in love again.
Walking for the day: 13km, 2h, ?120m ?165m
Accommodation: Aphrodite Beach Hotel or similar in Polis Chryosochous
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast, or extend your stay with an extra night.
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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