Cyprus Hiking Trails and Trekking, Scenic Routes, Distances, Conditions

Cyprus Hiking and Trekking is the most popular way to experience, feel and sense the terrain, rich vegetation, magnificent landscapes and geological grounds. There are over 250km of hiking trails located across the island. Most of the pathways are sign-posted and labelled with helpful landmarks with convenient rest and picnic areas.

The popular hiking and trekking areas are Troodos, Akamas Peninusula Paphos, Cape Grecco and Protaras area. The well-marked trails offer sign-posts with information on the various horticulture and surrounding plant species. The prime season for hiking in Cyprus is in Springtime when the aroma of fresh blooms fuse the natural habitat.

The Troodos Mountains, whose highest peak almost reaches 2000 metres and is covered in snow in the winter, is a cooler alternative in the summer to the heat of the coast. Here some fine walking is to be had along trails that go through scented forests of pine, past waterfalls and take in magnificent panoramic views across the island.

The mountains are unique geologically and one of the few places in the world where geologists can study what was once the oceanic crust without getting wet. Pillow lava, resulting from the underwater volcanic eruption 90 million years ago that gave rise to the island, can easily be seen along roads and hillsides all over the Troodos area.

It is one of the five most rich in copper areas in the world and the island, whose name in Greek is 'Kypros', may have given the metal its Latin name, cuprum.

Four main Cyprus hiking trails cover the area – Atalante goes round Mount Olympus; Persephone leads to a spectacular viewpoint; Kalidonia leads to the Caledonian waterfalls; Artemis encircles the Chionistra summit. Other trails go across the Madhari ridge.

Many important features or plants are signposted along the way pointing to the numerous endemic plant species of the area.

Birdwatchers may also spot the rare and protected eagle, the griffon vulture, or the colourful hoopoe, and of course the nightingale, which did not let the Nobel winner poet, George Sepheris, sleep in Platres.

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Occasionally if you are lucky you may see a Cyprus mouflon, a kind of wild sheep peculiar to the island, which roams free in the extensive forests of western Troodos and is the symbol for the island’s national carrier.

Some of these paths lead to splendid monasteries or tiny painted Byzantine churches. Ten of these churches have been put on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their colourful frescoes on walls and apses and their unique architecture of pitched timber roofs.

The Akamas Peninsula, the northwestern tip of the island, is an area of natural wilderness where pine-clad cliffs plunge down into turquoise waters.

With its rugged coastline, alternating between rocky shores, promontories and sandy bays, it is an area of breathtaking beauty exuding an aura of ancient peacefulness.

Here a network of trails, such as those of Aphrodite or Adonis, provides spectacular views across the Mediterranean.

Nature trails go from near sea level past carob, mastic and eucalyptus climbing up to juniper and pine. Along the way you can see rare endemic plants, like the Cyprus orchid, tulip and crocus.

In the spring or autumn hundreds of migrating birds pass by overhead, as the island is on the migration path between Europe, Asia and Africa. Interesting geological formations are present here, from narrow deep valleys, caves and islets to gorges, such as that of Avakas.

The area boasts the largest concentration of rare endemic plants on the island, including the Cyprus tulip, while the sandy beaches on the western coast of the Akamas are important breeding grounds for the green and loggerhead turtles.

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This Cyprus hiking trail runs mostly along the coast, ending at the Sea Caves. The sea area is popular for scuba diving. The trail goes over the natural bridge “Kamara tou Koraka” and below the cape, offering excellent views and rich vegetation.

Sea fossils are discernible in places. The trail links up with the Konnos-Agioi Anargyroi, Sea Caves and Kavos trails.

Start Point: Agioi Anargyroi chapel. Access from main Agia Napa – Cape Gkreko road, near the cape.

End Point: Location Sea Caves (Access from Agia Napa – Cape Gkreko main road, near the cape).

Estimated Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Difficulty Rate: Category 1: Easy trail, with gentle gradient. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Trip Length: 4 kilometres

The Cyprus Tourism Organization offer excellent trail brochures, maps and guide assistance. They can be contacted at 19, Leaf Lemesos, Nicosia or by telephone at 357 22 691 100.

It is imperative for ones safety to take precautions while hiking or trekking in Cyprus:-

1. Avoid hiking or trekking during the peak Summer months as sweltering temperatures during the middle of the day can make outdoor activity very dangerous.

2. Dress appropriately, good walking boots or shoes, hats, sunglasses, loose cotton clothing, proper backbacks with emergency supplies, sunscreen, torches, first-aid kits, insect repellant, insect bite creams, water, snacks for long hikes.

3. Follow all trail rules, no lighting fires, littering, interfering with the vegetation, damaging buildings or structures.

4. Avoid off limit areas such as gorges, peninsula coastlines, caves and deep valleys.

Sce: CTO, CangF