The island of Cyprus is a walker’s paradise, from the hillside paths that wind around the Troodos Mountains to coastal paths and marked nature trails. Hiking and trekking in Cyprus can be enjoyed all year round, although the winter rains in the Troodos Mountains can make hiking in this area a little more difficult at times.
The area around Platres in the Troodos Mountains offers a unique sight of the beautiful countryside. Dirt tracks weave in and out of the cool shade provided by the pine forests. There are villages, waterfalls, reservoirs, old mines and a feast of spectacular viewpoints to enjoy up here.
The Akamas Peninsula to the southwest of the island is another breathtaking destination in which to enjoy a hiking vacation. The hills here are not as high as in the Troodos Mountains, but they make for good hiking terrain.. Routes that take in the rocky shoreline near Paphos, as well as capes, hidden coves, forests and the Baths of Aphrodite attract thousands of hikers each year to this part of Cyprus.
Some of Cyprus Nature Trails.
TROODOS MOUNTAINS
Stavros Agiasmati – Panagia tou Araka Length: 7,5 km Time: 2 – 4 hours The route is a nature trail in its entirety. On leaving the church of Stavros Agiasmati, it ascends for a while through forested area. It goes then past deserted vineyards and reenters the forest reaching the village of Lagoudhera. It then descends through the village of Lagoudhera from where it follows exiting roads to reach the church of Panagia tou Arakou.
Artemis Trail (Circular) Length: 7 km, Time: 2,5 – 3 hours The starting point is 300 m from the junction between the road to Olympos mountain peak and Troodos – Prodromos main road. Points of interest: Black pine forest, rare endemic and other species of flora, geological formations of the region. Access to two 500 year old black pines.
Kaledonia Trail Length: 3 km, Time: 1,5 hours. The starting point is about 350 m off the Troodos – Platres main road. The trail goes downstream through dense forest vegetation, along river Kyros Potamos, which flows all the year round. Past the scenic Kaledonia Waterfalls the trail ends at location Psilo Dendro over Pano Platres village.
AKAMAS
Adonis Trail Length: 7,5 km Time: 3 – 4 hours. The starting point is 400 m before Baths of Aphrodite. Points of interests are views to Polis, Pafos forest and Akamas peninsula. The path goes past Pyrgos tis Rigainis (Queens Tower). At location Kefalovrysia, where a potable water fountain is found it links up with the Smigies Trail.
Aphrodite Trail Length: 7,5 km Time: 3 – 4 hours. The starting point is the Bath of Aphrodite, where according to legend the goddess bathed. Excellent view points towards Cape Arnaoutis (Akamas). ,Polis and Pafos forest. Near the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas a huge 100 year old oak tree is located. The trail links with Adonis trail.
LIMASSOL / LARNAKA AREA
Germasogeia dam Trail Length: 1,3 km Time: 30 minutes. The starting point is Foinikaria to Prastio road by the eastern side of the dam. It goes around a small land peninsula extending into the dam. The dam has been enriched with various kinds of fish.
Pano Lefkara – Kato Drys Length: 2,5 km Time: 1,5 hours . The starting point is Pano Lefkara. It starts and finishes on two points, 600 m apart, along the main road to Vavatsinia villages. It connects with Pano Lefkara – Metaforfosis tou Sotiros church trail. Excellent views all around.
Choirokoitia trail Length: 2 km, Time: 45 minutes Road to Choirokoitia, just after the archaeological site parking area, opposite Tochni village turnoff and Agios Fanourios and Agios Nektarios churches.
