Cyprus Winter Walking

Arrive at Paphos airport and meet your driver for the included transfer to Drouseia. This is a small Cypriot village on the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, on the Laona plateau. It has many old stone houses bearing traditional architecture such as carved doors and wooden windows and narrow winding streets. There are two coffee shops, as well as two small supermarkets/kiosks and some good tavernas, normally open on weekends in winter. The church of Agios Epifanios is in the centre, where you can also explore the ancient monastery of Agios Georgios Nikoxilitis on the eastern side. In the nearby village of Ineia, only a mile away, there is a Sea Turtle museum, that opened in 2023, well worth a visit. From Drouseia you can see all the way across to the Troodos Mountains and, looking north you can see Chrysochou Bay, the town of Polis and Latchi harbour. Looking west, there are stunning views of the Akamas Peninsula. Accommodation: You will stay in a very comfortable hotel in Drousheia for 4 nights. It is found on the north edge of the village, offering excellent views towards Chrysochou Bay from its infinity pool and terrace. All rooms are ensuite.

A gentle introduction to the Laona landscape and tracks which criss-cross the area. After passing through Drouseia village, the path passes a wayside chapel before dropping down to the village of Kritou Terra, known for its springs and catacombs. Then follows a steep climb back up to Drouseia. There is a longer option to reach the tiny medieval Agia Paraskevi chapel deeper in the valley and a partly restored watermill. The views compensate hikers for the effort of the extra kilometre and 150m elevation gain.

A public bus from Drouseia takes you to Kathikas village, another one of the many well-preserved stone-built villages of the area. It hosts a good number of restaurants, a couple of wineries and an Information Centre mainly on the flora and fauna of the Akamas Peninsula. The mostly downhill walk threads its way down to the coast, through the vineyards of a winery where you can normally do a tasting before continuing downhill through a mixture of gorge and woods. An optional visit may be made to the spectacular Avakas Gorge. Note that this is normally closed in winter and entering the gorge requires care due to slippery conditions. Whichever way you go, at the end of the walk you arrive at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias, a collection of buildings and ruins next to a coastal cliff, and with a small fishing harbour and beach area. The sunsets from here are said to be the best in Cyprus. Afternoon transfer back to Drouseia.

Walk in the area to the north of Drouseia village, in the direction of the abandoned Turkish Cypriot village of Androlykou. The route is characterised by big boulders and rock formations scattered all around and by beautiful vistas of Chrysochous Bay. Then there are the ridge and eastern slope of the Akamas Peninsula. Today's walking is mostly on cement rural roads, instead of more natural, considerably muddier after rains, dirt roads.

Traverse the pristine Akamas Peninsula enjoying glorious views along the ridge, from the west coast, all the way to Pomos village in the northeast. The last stretch of the walk is along the undulating coastal dirt road next to the cliffs of Akamas providing yet more stunning views of the coast and sea. You eventually finish the route near the tiny Baths of Aphrodite cave. Here, according to mythology, the Goddess of Love & Beauty used to take her dip! Today's walk includes stretches of three nature trails (Smiyies, Adonis and Aphrodite). Another sight are the ruins of a medieval monastery known as ‘Pirgos tis Rigenas’ (the Queen's castle) and a nearby ancient oak tree. Accommodation: 3 nights at Chrysochou Bay, Akamas Peninsula. The modern-looking hotel is set in a fine position, just above a pebble beach. All rooms are ensuite. Note that this hotel regularly closes in January and February. Alternatively, you may stay at a friendly hotel in the Latchi beach area with lots of restaurants and shops nearby.

Morning transfer to the pretty stone village of Lysos, on the edge of the expansive Paphos Forest (550m). The hike then heads out mainly on dirt roads, taking you up the north coast near Argaka village. In the forest you may meet the endemic Cypriot Mouflon mountain sheep, as well as an ancient chapel and deserted village. Once at the coastal picnic site of Mavralis you will head to the town of Polis, either via the beach or, if it is rough and windy, via the coastal road passing through a Eucalyptus forest. The town of Polis has an old centre with cafes, restaurants and shops and a number of attractions – including medieval churches, very old trees and a small archaeological museum. In the afternoon take a public bus back to Aphrodite Beach Hotel.

There are a couple of circular walking options emanating from the Baths of Aphrodite and onto the the Akamas Peninsula. The varied scenery includes spectacular views from Mouti tis Sotiras looking down towards the western tip of Cyprus. The hike today involves tranquil views of the sea and walking on nature trails.

After breakfast, transfer from Baths of Aphrodite to Paphos airport (incl.) to catch your outbound flight. If you are flying from Larnaka, a supplement applies for the transfer. Please contact the office for details.