Discovering Cyprus's Hidden Gems: Embark on a Picturesque Expedition Along the Island's Premier Hiking Trails
Cyprus, the captivating gem of the Mediterranean, extends beyond its sun-drenched beaches and historic marvels. For ardent adventurers and nature enthusiasts, the island presents a trove of hiking trails that showcase its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural legacy. Lace up your hiking boots and immerse yourself in the beauty of Cyprus's top walking trails!
All nature paths are categorised into three difficulty levels:
Category 1: An easy trail with a gradual incline, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Category 2: Of average difficulty, ideal for adults with fair to good fitness levels. Expect changes in terrain, such as uphill/downhill stretches or narrow/rough pathways.
Category 3: A high degree of difficulty, featuring challenging terrain like abrupt changes in elevation, rough/slippery, narrow, or steep paths. Recommended for adults with very good to excellent fitness levels and unsuitable for young children.
Ensure a pleasant and safe walk with these preparations:
- Assess your abilities and health before selecting a route. It's preferable to walk in a group for assistance in case of emergencies.
- Choose a walking pace suitable for everyone in your group, starting slowly to determine a comfortable speed.
- Stick to the sign-posted route to avoid getting lost or encountering challenging situations.
- Equip yourself with appropriate gear, clothing, and shoes, especially in high-altitude areas where weather conditions can change suddenly.
- Carry plenty of drinking water and, if walking after sunset, bring a torch.
- Pack a First Aid kit and know the location of the nearest forest or police station in case of emergencies.
Respect the environment during your hike:
- Lighting fires is illegal throughout the year.
- Refrain from smoking while walking.
- Avoid littering and picking flowers or plants, as preserving the flora is a shared responsibility.
- Be considerate of animals and insects encountered during your hike.
- Respect the ecosystem, recognizing your role as an integral part of it.
- Carry plastic bags to dispose of and remove your litter responsibly.
Trails
PAPHOS DISTRICT - AKAMAS FOREST
AdonisThis trail offers beautiful views of Polis Chrysochous, the Paphos Forest and the Akamas peninsula. The path runs past Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower) and connects with the Smigies trail at Kefalovrysia, where there’s a fountain of non-potable water, and with the Aphrodite trail at Pyrgos tis Rigainas. Interesting fact: you can see a 500-year-old oak tree, which is located near the ruins of the tower. To return full circle, the trail follows the main road that connects the Baths of Aphrodite with Polis for about 400 metres. At the starting point of the trail you can visit the Botanical Gardens of Akamas. It is part of the E4 European walking route.
STARTING POINT: 400m before the Baths of Aphrodite
LENGTH: 7,5km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 3 - 4 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 3
Aphrodite
Of special interest on this trail are the Baths of Aphrodite, where, according to legend, the goddess used to take her baths, as well as the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower), which are believed to belong to a medieval monastery. Interesting fact: you can see a 500-year-old oak tree, which is located near the ruins of the tower. Along the trail you can find excellent views of Cape Arnaoutis, Polis Chrysochous and the Pafos Forest. There are two non potable water fountains along the trail, one near the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas and another between the Baths of Aphrodite and Kakoskali. The trail connectswith the Adonis trail. The E4 European walking route crosses through the starting point of the trail, which is also the location of the Botanical Gardens of Akamas.
STARTING POINT: The Baths of Aphrodite
LENGTH: 7,5km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 3 - 4 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 3
Smigies
Initially the trail offers beautiful views of the coastline of the Akamas peninsula to the west, including Lara Bay, and later on to the east with view of Chrysochous bay in the direction of Latsi, Polis, Pachyammos and the Paphos forest. The long route runs past the old mines, magnesium facilities, and abandoned kilns, and through a dense section of the Akamas forest. The trail also connects with the Adonis trail at Kefalovrisia, where you will find anon-potable water fountain. At the starting point, the two routes are adjacent to the walking trail of “Pissouromoutti”. Both routes pass by the Piana fire lookout station of the Forestry Department. The trail is part of the E4 European walking route.
STARTING POINT: Smigies picnic site, 2,5km from Neo Chorio, within the Akamas region.
LENGTH: (a) Short route 2,5km (b) Long route 6km
ESTIMATED DURATION: (a) Short route - 1 hour (b) Long route - 2 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 2
TROODOS FOREST - LEMESOS (Limassol) AND LEFKOSIA (Nicosia) DISTRICT
Kato Amiantos - Loumata ton Aeton
The trail runs through a beautiful hillside and along the riverbank with lush vegetation, ending at Amiantos Park. It also goes past the restored hide-out of the EOKA fighters and the stream Loumata ton Aeton. From linear the trail becomes circular by following the roads through the village towards the summer camping site of S.E.K Trade Union Confederation. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park.
STARTING POINT: The main road between Kato Amiantos village and SEK Trade Union camping site.
LENGTH: 2,5km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 1 hour
DIFFICULTY RATE: 2
Artemis
The trail passes through the black pine forest; you will also encounter rare species of flora and rock formations of the area. Interesting fact: you can see two perennial black pine trees (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana) that are around 500 years old; they are accompanied by signs with information. Of historic interest are “The teishia tis palaias choras”, ruins of makeshift fortifications built in the last years of the Venetian occupation of Cyprus (1571 AD) by a group of Venetian generals attempting to defend themselves against the Ottomans. The route circles around the top of Mount Olympus (Chionistra) at an altitude of 1850m, offering an excellent view in all directions. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park and you will find the Environmental Information Centre for the Troodos National Forest Park at a distance of 2,2km from the trail.
STARTING POINT: 300m from where the road starts, towards Chionistra meets the Troodos - Prodromos road.
LENGTH: 7km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 2,5 - 3 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 1
Atalanti
The trail goes around Chionistra mountain at an altitude of 1700-1750 metres, passing through dense areas of black pine trees (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana) and Foetid Juniper (Juniperus foeditissima). One of the largest trees, Foetid Juniper is found on the trail; it is 800 years old. There are wonderful views of all areas of the island. The entrance tunnel of the chrome mine, which has been out of service since 1982 is particularly interesting. The first finishing point of the trail is 9km along the Troodos - Prodromos road. To continue on the trail you must cross the main road and walk on the forest road of Katoikies Chromiou towards Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis church for around 200m, where a wooden sign points your direction; the trail is approximately parallel to the main road and ends at Troodos Square where you will find the Environmental Information Centre of Troodos National Forest Park. A fountain with drinking water is located 3km from the starting point heading towards Troodos Square.
STARTING POINT: Troodos Square
LENGTH: 14km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 4 - 5 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 2
Kannoures - Agios Nikolaos Tis Stegis
Forest scenery. The trail begins at the source of the Karkotis river and crosses through the river’s beautiful valley, passing near the closed chrome mine and ending in Kakopetria. On the way, you can visit the Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis church (12th century) that boasts exquisite frescoes; it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the church, if you follow the Pedoulas - Kakopetria road for about 3km you will end up in Kakopetria. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park.
STARTING POINT: The main road of Karvounas - Troodos Square, 1km before Troodos, 9,5km from Karvounas. The trail can either end at the Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis Church or continue until Kakopetria village.
LENGTH: 9km (12km until Kakopetria)
ESTIMATED DURATION: 3 hours (4 hours until Kakopetria)
DIFFICULTY RATE: 3Quite a difficult downhill route.
Kaledonia
From the starting point (a) the trail passes through a dense forest and then runs alongside the Cold River (Krios Potamos), which has running water all year round. It then passes by the Kaledonia Waterfall and finishes at the Psilodentro in Pano Platres. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park. The E4 length of the route begins at starting point (a) and runs until the Kaledonia Waterfall. In Troodos Square you will find the Environmental Information Centre for the Troodos National Forest Park.
STARTING POINT:(a) 350m from the main road of Troodos Square - Platres, 3km from the square. You can also access the starting point from the old Troodos - Platres road, after the Presidential Summer Residence.(b) At the Psilodentro (Tall Tree) above Pano (Upper) Platres
LENGTH: 3km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 1,5 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 3
Persephone
Lush vegetation. For the first 2km of the route the walker will pass through dense black pine forest. The ending point at Makria Kontarka offers a stunning view. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park and it is part of the European E4 path. The Kampos tou Livadiou picnic area is located 2km from Troodos Square in the direction of Karvounas, and at a distance of 2.5km you will find the Armyrolivado and Livadi tou Pasia picnic sites. The Environmental Information Centre for the Troodos National Forest Park can be found in Troodos Square.
STARTING POINT: 150m south of Troodos Square, in the direction of the police station.
LENGTH: 3km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 1 hour
DIFFICULTY RATE: 1
ADELFOI FOREST - LEFKOSIA (Nicosia) DISTRICT
Xyliatos Dam
Forest Landscape. The trail begins at the overflow of the dam and runs alongside the highest water level point of the dam. It then crosses the artificial bridge over the dam. The uphill trail takes you to the Xyliatos-Lagoudera road, which if you follow through the dam’s embankment will lead you to the starting point. The trail connects with another 200m trail, which starts from the picnic site Fraktis tou Xyliatou (Xyliatos Dam), follows a small section of the Xyliatos-Lagoudera road, joining with the circular path at dam’s embankment. The dam itself is also a point of interest. A section of the path passes through a pine forest where you will encounter varieties of the golden oak tree, strawberry tree, myrtle, oriental alder and rock-rose.
STARTING POINT: (a) The overflow of the dam (b) The dam’s picnic site
LENGTH: 3,8km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 1 -1,5 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 2
Doxa Soi O Theos - yrofylako (Firelook out station) Madaris
There is a panoramic view in all directions when you reach an altitude of around 1400-1600m along the Madari ridge. The path ends close to the top of Adelfoi mountain (1613m). The visitor has the opportunity to climb up the Madari fire lookout tower which overlooks the area. This trail connects with other nature trails in the area such as: the Madari - Selladi tou Karamanli path Teisia tis Madaris and the Doxa soi o Theos - Moutti tis Choras path. At starting point(a) there is a fountain with drinking water. The European trail E4 crosses with starting point (a).
STARTING POINT:(a) At Doxa soi o Theos, 2km from Kyperounta and 5km from Spilia, on the Kyperounta - Spilia road.(b) At the Madari fire lookout tower. You can access the trail by car on the Chandria - Polystypos road, heading towards the Adelfoi mountain which is at a distance of 3km. The road is paved, except for the last 800 metres before the starting point of the trail, where it becomes a narrow, uneven dirt road.
LENGTH: 3,8km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 2 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 3
Teisia Tis Madaris
There are tall, impressive cliffs along the trail, as well as areas of geological interest. You will also encounter a beautiful view of the Mesaoria Plain and Morphou Bay. This trail connects with the Madari - Doxa soi o Theos trail and the Madari - Selladi tou Karamanli trail. The path is at an altitude of 1600m. At the highest point of Adelfoi mountain (1613m) you will find the fire lookout tower Madari.
STARTING POINT: Close to the Madari fire lookout tower, near the ending point of the Doxa soi o Theos - Madari trail. You can access the road by car on the Chandria - Polystypos road, heading towards the tip of Adelfoi mountain which is at a distance of 3km. The road is paved, except for the last 800 metres before the starting point of the trail, where it becomes a narrow, uneven dirt road.
LENGTH: 3km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 1,5 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 3
MACHAIRAS FOREST
Kionia - Profitis Ilias
The trail starts at the Kionia picnic site, where you can find a fountain with drinking water. The trail runs through a forest section and offers a great view of the Mesaoria plain. It belongs to the Machairas National Forest Park, which is a Natura 2000 site and is part of the E4 European walking route. On the trail there is a perennial strawberry tree, while the picnic site boasts perennial pine and arar trees. The trail ends at the Profitis Ilias picnic site.
STARTING POINT: Kionia picnic site. There are two access points to the trail, one from the Machairas monastery road that leads to Kionia, and one from the Vavatsinia to Machairas road. The trail ends at the monastery of Profitis Ilias, approximately 8km from Lythrodontas and 6km from Mandra tou Kambiou, via dirt roads.
LENGTH: 7km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 2,5 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 3 Steep downhill path especially towards the end.
AMMOCHOSTOS DISTRICT - CAPE GRECO
Konnoi - Agioi Anargyroi
There are excellent views throughout the trail. Particularly impressive is the view of the stunning Konnos Bay. For the first two km of the trail, beginning at Konnos Bay, the path continues parallel to the beach and arrives at the Agioi Anargyroi church, which is built above a sea cave where it is said that the Saint Anargyroi lived an ascetic life. Following the trail to the south, through low shrub vegetation, it leads to the natural Kamara (arch) tou Koraka bridge, an impressive geological formation. After the bridge, the trail ascends slightly, passing through the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite, running parallel to the coastline through high shrub vegetation, and towards its end through a small, pine forest.
STARTING POINT: (a) Konnos Beach, between Protaras and Cape Gkreko. (b) Agioi Anargyroi church, accessible from the Protaras-Cape Gkreko main road close to the Cape.
LENGTH: 4,8km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 2 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 1
LEMESOS (Limassol) FOREST
Kyparissia - Ydatofraktis (Dam) Germasogeias
The trail initially passes through areas of forest and then continues for a short distance along the Kyparissia river and then offers a panoramic view of the Germasogeia dam and Lemesos. The trail runs through a forest, with clusters of Cypress trees. Cupressus sempervirens var.horizontalis). It connects to the circular trail of Germasogeia dam. The Kyparissia Forest is a Natura 2000 site.
STARTING POINT: Around 3km from the main Parekklisia - Kellaki road through dirt and forest roads. It ends at the dam of Germasogeia.
LENGTH: Two routes • The first is circular and is 3,7km • The second terminates at the Germasogeia dam and is 11km in length.
ESTIMATED DURATION: First trail: 1.5 hours / Second trail: 3 - 3.5 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: First trail: 2. There is a steep downhill at the start / Second trail: 3. There is a steep downhill at the start
ADELFOI FOREST - LEMESOS (Limassol) DISTRICT
Panagia Tou Araka - Stavros Tou Agiasmati
The churches of Panagia tou Araka (1192 AD) and Stavros tou Agiasmati (1494 AD) which boast outstanding frescoes and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites are of particular interest. The trail passes through a pine forest, vineyards, almond trees and old stone structures. To the east of the trail you will see Kionia, to the north the Morphou plain and Pentadactylos mountain range, to the west, Troodos and to the south, Madari. The trail connects with the Lagoudera or Agros - Madari trail. At the entrance of the Panagia tou Araka church you will find a 700 year old oak tree. The trail is part of the European E4 path.
STARTING POINT:(a) Panagia tou Araka, Lagoudera (b) Stavros tou Agiasmati (8km from Platanistasa)
LENGTH: 7km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 3 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 3
ADELFOI FOREST - LEFKOSIA (Nicosia) DISTRICT
Agia Eirini - Limeria
The trail passes through a pine forest, offering a beautiful view of the Bay of Morphou, ending in Limeria. At Selladi tis Straorouthkias trail joins with the Kourdali-Limeria trail, and they share a common trail for two km. You can visit various hideouts that were used by EOKA guerrillas during the anti-colonial struggle of 1955-59. The Kapoura picnic site is found 6km from the Agia Eirini road towards Vyzakia, next to the Kapoura Forest Station.
STARTING POINT: Agia Eirini village. The starting point is accessible by car on a dirt road from “Selladi tis Straorouthkias”, 2km from Spilia village.
LENGTH: 5km
ESTIMATED DURATION: 2,5 hours
DIFFICULTY RATE: 3 Steep uphill route
Conclusion: Exploring the Essence of Cyprus on Foot
In summary, embarking on a journey through Cyprus by foot offers a captivating blend of historical richness, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. These walking trails not only promote physical activity but also provide a comprehensive experience that stimulates your senses and establishes a profound connection with the essence of Cyprus. Whether traversing the mountainous landscapes of Troodos or exploring the enchanting coastal vistas of Akamas, each trail narrates a distinctive tale of this Mediterranean haven.
So, prepare your backpack, tie your shoelaces, and let Cyprus's walking trails serve as your pathway to a more profound and intimate discovery of this alluring island. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a nature-loving couple, or a family in search of outdoor escapades, Cyprus boasts an array of walking trails awaiting exploration. Rest assured, every step you take will etch an unforgettable memory on your heart and soul.
Happy Walking from The Villa Group!