Akamas Peninsula. 90 million years ago, this island was part of the deep-sea floor of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Massive shifts in the Earth’s crust caused the African and Eurasian plates to collide, pushing against each other and forcing one beneath the other. As a result of this pressure, Cyprus emerged about 20 million years ago.
20 years ago, Bratislava Airport was renovated and got cozy with Ryanair. As a result of this pressure, Slovaks suddenly needed to fly to Paphos.
If you don’t want to die of boredom in “all-inclusive” resorts, rent a car and explore the island’s beauty from within. In previous parts, we covered mountain trails in the Troodos, Kykkos, and Cedar Valley ranges. In this section, we’ll check out the trails around the Akamas Peninsula, home to Cyprus’ most breathtaking and hardest-to-reach Akamas beaches.
Akamas Peninsula National Park
The European Council included Akamas in the Mediterranean conservation program. The Avakas Gorge, Blue Lagoon, and Lara Beach are just a few highlights of this area. The Blue Lagoon is the most popular spot in Akamas, with thousands visiting by boat. Its crystal-clear waters are so transparent you can see all the way to the seabed.
If you’re heading up the western side, drive to the end of Agios Georgios Pegeias. You’ll easily recognize where to park—if you have a rental car, you won’t dare to go any further. The European long-distance hiking route E4 technically starts in the town of Peya, but with at least 25 km of trails ahead, it’s best to save your legs. Do not skip the Avakas Gorge—it’s worth every step.
Avakas Gorge
This trail runs about 2.5 km through a gorge, with sheer rock walls reaching up to 90 meters on both sides. At its narrowest, it’s only 3 meters wide. Be ready to climb over rocks and wade through a stream. Expect your hiking shoes to stay wet for quite a while afterward. The plus side? You’ll almost always be in the shade, which is a lifesaver in the Cypriot heat.
Akamas Lara Road
If you want the real wild experience, take the coastal trail along the beaches. You’ll swim often, see unbelievable sights, and avoid clouds of dust kicked up by the ATVs—one of the main tourist attractions here.
The first thing you’ll encounter? Freshly squeezed orange juice for just one euro. Don’t hesitate. The juice is great, and so is the friendly vendor trying to chat in broken English. Juicy is also something special that Akamas Peninsula offers.
At first, I kept trying to change between running and swimming gear. Then I realized it was better to do the entire trail in swimwear—but definitely not barefoot.
Akamas Beaches
- Lara Beach
- Fontana Amarosa
- Paradise Beach
- Latsi Beach
- South Akamas Beach
- Mavralis & Argaka Sandy Beach
Taking a swim at all these beaches isn’t free—it’ll cost you an entire day, 25 km of hiking, and about 500 meters of elevation gain. You might curse me for suggesting it, but it’s absolutely worth it. You won’t forget this adventure. Of course, the ever-enterprising Cypriots offer ATV and off-road rides, but honestly? I hated them. They kicked up dust, made noise, left trash, and ruined the whole point of discovering these places.
Cyprus hiking
The E4 trail continues over the ridge to the Adonis and Smiegies trails on the northern side, then to Paphos forrest and Troodos mountains. Completing this in the heat and sun requires serious endurance. The trails aren’t technically difficult, but they’re long, exhausting, and offer no shelter. The sun will destroy you in those arid landscapes. Don’t forget to carry plenty of water—there are no snack bars in the wild parts of Akamas Park.
