Seemingly isolated in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus has been at the cockpit of western history for thousands of years, notably during the medieval crusades, when it acted as a launch pad for the crusaders. These days crusades are led by the waves of tourists who arrive to enjoy the popular seaside resorts, but inland a few kilometres, an older World prevails. Sleepy villages, farms and forests with fabled mountain views. You will find in this a natural, unhurried people who are proud of their ancient associations.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival
Tour start in Kakopetria village where you spend the first three nights. Free time to explore the old part of the village and visit the two UNESO World Heritage Troodos painted churches.
Day 2. Artemis Trail and Caledonia Falls Trail
Walking on Artemis offers superb panoramic views of different parts of Cyprus. The trail combines barren rocky land with forested stretches of black pine (and of the endemic Troodos juniper). Walkers pass by some very old and huge trees. The walk has a very high value also for those interested in geology. It should be noted that when there is snow, (usually a few months each year) we advise against doing this walk. There is a lower elevation alternative around Unesco World Heritage painted Asinou chapel that we suggest (included in the package). Walking day continues with a part of the Atalanti trail, a short stretch on paved road and the Persophone trail. We highly recommend the Caledonia Waterfalls trail as it is quite dramatic and steep and has a running stream all year round, which is atypical of Cyprus. It provides an excellent contrast to Artemis trail. Instead of doing the 19 km long Long Option, travellers may choose to do a shorter stretch (eg 9 km long, or even shorter).
Walking: 19km; Uphill walk: 600 m; downhill walk: 1200m.
Day 3. Madari Circular Walks
The walk is on a circular nature trail that offers a combination of habitats (including a Cyprus Cedar forest), excellent panoramic views, and the very extraordinary rock formations in the area (appropriately named ‘Teishia tis Madaris’ meaning ‘Madari’s walls’).
Walking: 13km; Uphill walk: 800 m; downhill walk: 800m.
Day 4. Droushia village to Kathikas village – one way
You are transported to the small stone-built village of Kato Akourdaleia, from where you follow a scenic route that takes you past the tiny medieval stone-built chapel of Agia Paraskevi, the Waterfall of Kremmiotis, as well as the stone-built village of Kritou Terra. The walk ends at the top of the Laona Plateau, at the village of Droushia, where you spend the night.
Walking: 10km; Uphill walk: 600 m; downhill walk: 300m.
Day 5. Akamas Coast and Avakas Gorge
This day lets you discover mainly the Laona Plateau, passing through picturesque, stone-built villages. It is a relatively short walking route, ideal for those who wish to explore on foot many of the attractions of the Laona Plateau — a beautiful part of Cyprus.
The plateau sits at an elevation of around 600 meters, offering stunning views of the west coast of Akamas and the Bay of Chrysochou. This route connects four well-preserved stone-built villages on the Laona Plateau, providing opportunities to admire traditional Cypriot architecture, enjoy a Cyprus coffee in one of the villages, and visit several museums — including the Sea Turtle Museum in Inia, the Knights Museum and Geological Museum in Pano Arodes, and the Akamas Information Center in Kathikas. The route also passes by a winery near Kathikas.
The walk finishes in Kathikas, home to several of the island’s best restaurants, offering the perfect opportunity for a well-deserved Cyprus village lunch after the day’s walk. To get back to your accommodation, you get to challenge yourselves and use the public transport on the island. This walk can be enjoyed year-round, showcasing the changing seasons — from lush green fields and wildflowers in winter and spring, to golden tones and blooming vineyards in summer, and rich earthy colors in autumn.
9km; 3-4h elevation:600m
For more information about the public transport on the island feel free to contact us.
Day 6: Akamas Panorama Walk
Traverse the pristine Akamas peninsula enjoying glorious views initially of the west coast and subsequently, on the imposing Moutti Tis Sotiras peak, of the north west, and of the north coast, all the way to Pomos in the north east . The walk is a bit over twenty 20 km long and starts at Drousheia village, from where it goes north. There is a shorter option that is thirteen (13) km long, starting from the village of Neo Chorio and goes initially west.
Walking: Long option: 20 km, Uphill walk :500 m ; downhill walk 1000m
Shorter option: 13 km, Uphill walk: 550 m; downhill walk: 750m.
Day 7. Adonis Trail or Free Day
Today is a free day, and you can choose to spend it on the clear pebble beach or make some easy optional walks. You can also visit Paphos ancient city – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the walks you can do is the Adonis trail on the Akamas north coast.
Walking: 7km; Uphill walk: 350 m; downhill walk: 350m.
Day 8. Departure
After breakfast you can use public bus to the airport or you book a private transfer.
760 €, 8 Days
Verified