A Walking Holiday in Cyprus. Cyprus is a haven for the nature lover. Its wide variety of landscapes from the dunes of the sun-baked coastland, to the snowy peaks of the Troodos Mountains is home to an astounding number of flora and fauna species. There are 8 main areas to explore, each with its own trails.

We have designed this trip in order to give you the best insight to the island’s unspoiled parts: from the high forested Troodos Mountains to the Mediterranean Akamas mountains with olive trees. Our hotels are very comfortable and modern with a special focus on character. As we provide you with a rental car with unlimited mileage, feel free to explore the island at your own pace!

Day 2 – Pitsilia area: This is a mountainous region east of Troodos. The area is covered with natural pine forests and golden oaks. The main products of this area are apples, pears, cherries, peaches, grapes and vegetables.
Day 3-4-5 – Troodos National Forest Park: At the centre of the island, the Troodos National Park covers an area of 9337 hectares. Over 700 plant species have been recorded here, making this park an important centre for botanists and their studies. In addition, the area’s geology is of world-wide importance and the rich flora of the area includes rare plants, like the Lefkara Astragalus, which are strictly protected by the Bern Convention.
Day 5 – Stavros tis Psokas: West of Troodos, explore the most beautiful pine forest on the island and the well-known Cedar valley.
Day 6 – Akamas: This is the easternmost point of the three major flora zones of Europe. Here, the number of plant species alone amounts to 600. Akamas is said to have been named after the son of Theseus who came to the island and founded Akamantis. According to mythology, Akamas was also the place where Aphrodite and Adonis had their love trysts. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and is ideal for walking.

Day 1 – To Agros**
After collecting your car at the airport, you will be pre-booked in a traditional 3* hotel in the heart of the town, and the restaurant downstairs is one of the best in the province! We recommend a visit to Agros – check out the sweet factory, the rose factory (for liquors, perfumes, and other products), and the sausage factory too!

Village: ATM, shops. Accommodation: friendly 3* hotel, 300m from the center of the town. Swimming pool, sauna, gym, Jacuzzi, rooms en-suite. This hotel is mindful of its social responsibilities and employs only local people.

Day 2 – Pitsilia Area (6h, 15km, +/-640m).
A very scenic day in the mountainous region east of Troodos. We will begin amongst vineyards and olive groves, before starting a steady climb up to the summit of “Adelfoi” (1640m). Views over the eastern plains and Mt Olympus are stunning! On our descent along the E4 (a long-distance trail crossing the island from east to west), we pass the villages of Saranti and Lagoudera. Here, you will have the chance to visit the 15th-century church “Panagia Tou Araka”, and maybe even the sausage factory too! Then it’s back through the vineyards to our hotel

Village: Same as yesterday Accommodation: Same as yesterday Meal: Breakfast

DAY 3 – Kalidonia Trails (4h45, 16km, +/-511m )
One of the best walks in the Troodos Mountains, through oak and pine forests. From the upper edge of the town, we enter the forest along a small stream. The footpath is narrow and shaded and brings us to the “Kalidonia Waterfalls”, the perfect spot for break. Next we head to the presidential summer house with its great views on Chantara valley. Finally, with some excellent views of the mountains to the north, we follow a balcony trail down to the village.

Village, Platres: Shops, ATM, Internet and PUB! Accommodation: Friendly, family-run 2* hotel in the centre of the village. En-suite. Meal: Breakfast

DAY 4 – Atlanti trail (5h, 17km, +/-300m)
Today our path begins in Troodos town (1750m) – the highest in Cyprus! This circular path takes you around the highest peak, “Mt Olympus” (1950m). It also gives you the chance to discover the unique flat-top pine trees. On a clear day, enjoy 360deg views of the island and maybe spot Turkey in the distance too! Here the air is thin, but the trail is relatively easy.

Village, Platres: Same as yesterday Accommodation: Same as yesterday Meal: Breakfast

DAY 5 – The Cedar valley (4h, 11km, +/-560m)
It’s a short drive to the heart of the Cedar valley with its elegant but strange-looking trees.
From the car park, we follow another part of the famous “E4″ uphill through the thick Cedar forest to the summit of “Tripylos” (1362m), the highest peak in the area. Here you will get unrivalled views into the steep valley, and the coast of Lemesos. Also, you will have the chance to stop for a picnic lunch along the stream. Finally, either choose to follow the narrow asphalt road back to the car park, or simply retrace your steps along the footpath.

Town, Polis: Shops, ATM. Accommodation: 3* hotel on the beach. Sustainability matters! The hotel has 36 hectares for growing its own organic products. It also generates a percentage of its electricity and recycles water. The dog ” Ares” is the hotel’s macot. Meal: Breakfast

DAY 6 – Akamas (4.5h, 9km, +640m)
Depending on the time of year this walk can be a little hot. We start at Aphrodite’s bath, where the Greek goddess supposedly met with Adonis. Then it is an easy climb uphill to the “Pyrgos Tis Rigenas”, and “Mouti tis Sotiras”, a peak overlooking the sea for beautiful views. Akamas’s Natural trails are particularly spectacular with more than 600 species of flowers. After the walk, it’s on to Larnaka for well deserved beer!

Village, Tochni: Shops. Accommodation: Large self-catering apartment in a traditional house. Balcony and swimming pool! Meal: Breakfast

DAY 7 – Tochni, end of the trip**
After breakfast we bid you farewell. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get to the airport.
Alternatively, if you wish to stay a little bit longer on the island, we can arrange this for you. See below.

Meal: Breakfast

OPTIONAL DAYS

– Night in Paphos – (2h, 6km, +/- 150m). Walk in the superb “Avakas Gorges”, (day 6).

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Night in Ayia Napa – (3h30, 10km, +/- 100m). Visit the magnificent “Cape Greco” peninsula with its sea caves and the tiny “Elias” church carved into the cliffs. Later today, walk along the sand bar between the lagoons at Nissi beach (day 6 or 7).

Towns, Paphos and Ayia Napa: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotels: 3* Hotels, en-suite. Meal: Breakfast

The Ayia Napa Sea Monster is a cryptid, claimed to inhabit the coast off Ayia Napa in Cyprus, a popular tourist resort in the Mediterranean. Most sightings occur around Cape Greco. It is known by the local fishermen as “O Filikos Teras”, which translates to “the friendly monster”. There have been no reports of it causing any harm, although it has been reported at times to rip and drag away fishing nets. There is no evidence that the monster actually exists, except in folklore and through various sightings by tourists and locals alike. There exists little photographic evidence, except unverified short-films and pictures. Many believers of the myth of the Ayia Napa Sea Monster like to link it with the mythical sea monster of Greek mythology called Skylla, which is depicted in the mosaics that remain in the House of Dionysus, a Roman villa from the 3rd century AD in Paphos, Cyprus. Regardless of the fact that its existence has not been scientifically proven, the hope of spotting the Ayia Napa Sea Monster remains a highlight for many tourists on boating day-trips.

Our hotels have been carefully selected for their comfort, location, friendliness and character, and are subject to availability. If the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with alternative lodgings of the same standard and price.