Hiking in Cyprus
The mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, is a paradise for hikers. A peaceful place with more than 11,000 years in its natural environs – all yours to explore!
Tourists flock to Cyprus from all over the world to discover landscapes with astonishing sea views, traditional villages, fertile plains and lavish coniferous forests. At the same time, you will get to enjoy opulent sunsets and warm weather.
The island offers a great variety of easily accessible hiking trails that steer visitors to some of the best corners of Cyprus. Natural beauty, remnants of history and rich culture surround you in every direction.
The sign-posted walking trails and ancient footpaths highlight Cyprus’ deep-rooted beauty and its strong Mediterranean character. Hikers love trekking through the island’s placid villages with cobbled streets and stone houses, modest monasteries and fragrant vineyards.
Trails range in difficulty and length, from 3 km to 176 km. Maps, itineraries and guidebooks are available at the tourist information offices in Cyprus’ big cities and online.
So, lace up your hiking boots, grab a walking stick and start exploring Cyprus on foot!
Tips to get prepared for Hiking in Cyprus
Cyprus has hiking trails for outdoor fanatics of all fitness levels. With appropriate planning, the right tools, and an appetite for adventure, you can enjoy a pleasant and safe hike.
Leave behind any stressful thoughts, obligations, work emails, and heavy schedules and enjoy the journey. But before you hit the trail, check out these top hints for casual strolls or hikes on steep slopes.
- Plan the hike ahead. Head to VisitCyprus to choose among over 50 designated thematic routes, including nature trails, wine routes, religious routes, cultural routes and more. You’ll find all the information you need to plan your hiking adventure in detail. Based on your trekking experience and mood, you can pick among easy, moderate or more challenging routes to explore. Alternatively, opt for the guided hiking tours running across the island throughout the year.
- Design your route according to the season. Temperatures in Cyprus can exceed 40°C during summertime. Choose short and easy trails along the coastline and long walks in Troodos’ pathways from June to August. Always remember to have sunscreen, glasses, a sun hat, plenty of water and some Cypriot raisins for an energy boost.
- Research in advance for drinking water sources in remote areas. Plan your stops for lunch and water well in advance, especially when hiking in remote areas like the Troodos Mountains or the Akamas peninsula.
- Take with you the right gear. Pick comfortable and breathable clothing that helps you keep warm in winter or cool off for the hot summer months. Opt for clothes of vivid colors that offer adequate sun protection. If you go for Cyprus’ rocky trails and steep slopes, put on a reliable pair of walking shoes.
Who can go hiking in Cyprus?
Cyprus features hiking and walking trails for all ages to explore. You can go hiking alone, with your partner, friends, family and children, or a group of like-minded hikers. There are easy, moderate and hard trails to follow based on your hiking experience.
Top Hiking Trails in Cyprus
Caledonia (Kalidonia) Waterfall Trail – Limassol District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail
This unique trail passes through the dense forest of Troodos Mountain – an oasis full of dazzling pine trees, wild roses and golden oaks. It runs alongside burbling streams and the “Krios Potamos.” The view of one of Cyprus’ tallest waterfalls in the heart of Troodos is breathtaking. Along the way, hikers may get carried away by the stunning views of the valley below until they reach “Psilo Dentro” in Pano Platres.
- Difficulty: Difficult. Suitable for seasoned hikers and families with older children.
- Length: 3 km (linear)
- Estimated duration: 1.5 hrs
- Highest peak altitude: 1,571 m
- Trailhead: Troodos Platres road
Insider Tip: Best to visit From March to October. While hiking, you can take a closer look at the endemic plants, such as the Purple Rock Cress (Arabis purpurea) and Aphrodite’s spurge (Euphorbia veneris).
Aphrodite & Adonis Nature Trail – Paphos District, Akamas Forest Nature Trail
A fantastic opportunity for hikers to take in the most sensational views of the glittering Mediterranean, Blue Lagoon, Cape Arnaoutis, Polis Chrysochous and Paphos Forest. Revel in nature’s magical beauty while hiking across Cyprus’ western peninsula featuring a chalk-white limestone coast. That’s one of the most popular walks and a great trail to fill your suitcase with beautiful memories!
The nature trail passes through the Baths of Aphrodite (Loutra tis Afroditis), where the Goddess of Love used to take her baths and met her lover, Adonis. In a short distance, hikers can admire the ruins of Queen’s Tower (Pyrgos tis Rigainas) that belong to a medieval monastery. Near the remnants of the tower, there’s a 500-year old oak tree and a faucet with drinking water.
- Difficulty: Difficult.
- Length: 7,5 km (circular)
- Estimated duration: 3 – 4 hrs
- Highest peak altitude: 333 m
- Trailhead: Baths of Aphrodite
Insider Tip: Visit the Botanical Gardens of Akamas close to the trail’s starting point and smell the sweet fragrances of colorful blossoms in the spring. Along the way, you’ll find several benches to get some rest, marvel at incredible views and unwind
Kannoures Nature Trail to Kakopetria – Limassol District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail
A trail located within the virgin Troodos National Forest Park – ideal for more experienced hikers. It starts at Karkotis River, crosses the magnificent Solea valley, and ends in Kakopetria. On the way, you can rest at Agios Nikolaos tis Stegischurch that boasts exquisite frescoes from the 12th century. This sacred site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage monument.
- Difficulty: Difficult. Difficult downhill trail
- Length: 12 km (linear)
- Estimated duration: 4 hrs
- Highest peak altitude: 1,654 m
- Trailhead: The main road of Karvounas
Insider Tip: The trail is suitable for dogs, but you should keep them on a leash.
Germasogeia Dam Nature Trail (Phoinikaria) – Limassol District
A trail around a beautiful valley located just 20 minutes away from the city of Limassol. The circular route passes through the eastern hills of Limassol district, offering lovely views of Foinikaria village, the Germasogeia dam, Limassol and Akrotiri. The terrain is relatively smooth and wide but becomes fairly rocky at points, with several mild uphill and downhill pathways.
The rural scenery features olive trees, wildflowers, pine trees and indigenous wild bushes. Close to the trail, the Foinikaria picnic area provides hikers with a water supply, wooden benches to rest, and a playground for little hikers.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 1,5 km (linear)
- Estimated duration: 0.5 hrs
- Trailhead: The road at Foinikaria village that leads to Prastio village.
Insider Tip: Best time to visit is between February and June when there’s plenty of water in the dam.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media