Discover Cyprus' Akamas Peninsula, a rugged landscape of adventure and natural beauty. Characterized by its dry scrublands and rocky, hilly cliffside terrain, exploring the peninsula is challenging yet rewarding for those willing to navigate its potholed, boulder-strewn dirt roads. Akamas is as much about the journey as the destination, with stunning blue lagoons and warm, shallow waters where you may be lucky to see young loggerhead turtles hatching. Ideal for a fulfilling day trip, the Akamas can be enjoyed by everyone, from solo adventurers to families.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: The shortest route to Akamas is to fly into Pafos airport and take a car or bus to Coral Bay or Latchi - the gateways to the peninsula. Alternatively, Larnaca can be reached by plane or ferry from Athens, about a two-hour drive from Akamas.
• Getting Around: Rent a buggy or quad in Latchi or Coral Bay for an exhilarating way to explore. Guided tours are also available for a safer but more structured adventure. Another option is to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle and take the highway between Coral Bay and Latchi rather than go off-road all the way. If you'd rather skip the rough roads, a boat ride from Latchi or Pafos is also a great option.
• Where to Stay: Stay in Paphos' city center, which is ideal for nightlife and can be a base for many excursions around Cyprus. If you want to stay outside the city, choose Latchi or Coral Bay.
• How Long to Visit: The Akamas Peninsula is small and can be fully explored in a day trip or two.
• When to Visit: Summer brings heat, perfect for swimming, but expect crowds. For hiking, visit during the cooler shoulder seasons or winter.
• Similar Destinations: If you want experiences similar to the Akamas, you may be interested in Corsica, France, or the Costa Brava in Spain.

Things to Consider During Your Visit:

Bring plenty of water and sunscreen; the sun is intense here, and you will quickly get burned and thirsty. Please respect the environment: no fires, stay away from turtle nests and leave no trace. Note the absence of lifeguards and umbrellas on the beaches, and be wary of the riptides. Drive carefully on the challenging roads of the peninsula and pay special attention to the roadside, which is often right on the edge of a cliff. The Akamas can be explored by quad bike in one day, but consider splitting the exploration of the north and west coasts into two, as the connecting road goes through the mountains and is the most dangerous part of the tour. Instead, you can drive north along the coast from Coral Bay, visit Avakas Gorge and Lara Beach, and then turn back and take the highway to Latchi, from where you can safely drive to Fontana Amorosa.

Highlights:

Boat Trip to the Blue Lagoon:

Set off on an unforgettable journey from Latchi to the enchanting Blue Lagoon. There are boat trips to suit all tastes, from lively all-day excursions to romantic sunset cruises. Once there, you'll be engulfed in an underwater world teeming with fish against white sand and clear water, making it an absolute must-see destination. When you return to Latchi, eat dinner at Y&P's Tavern, a family-run restaurant serving some of the region's best fish!

Avakas Gorge:

Experience the raw beauty of nature at Avakas Gorge, a deep gorge carved into the Akamas landscape. Hiking through this gorge is an adventure, with narrow and slippery passages. Although challenging, the hike is very doable, especially with proper footwear. At the end of the gorge, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of a valley with goats hopping around the rocky terrain. Consider combining this adventure with a visit to Lara Beach, which is just north of Coral Bay.

Lara Beach:

Lara Beach is a sanctuary for sea turtles returning to their birthplace each year to lay their eggs. From May to September, you may be lucky to see the baby turtles hatch and head out to sea! Lara Beach is divided into north and south sections and offers warm, shallow waters ideal for families. The small, informative turtle station provides valuable insight into the turtle life cycle, adding to the experience.

Baths of Aphrodite and Aphrodite Nature Trail:

Experience the mythical Baths of Aphrodite near Latchi - the grotto Aphrodite herself came to bathe. Adjacent to the Baths, the Aphrodite Nature Trail winds through the scenic landscape, offering a peaceful hike with stunning views. There is also a beautiful beach just across the street. Visit the baths together with the secluded beach of Fontana Amorosa, which is also a short drive west of Latchi.