Coast and Mountain Trails of Cyprus

Arrive into either Paphos or Larnaca Airport. A private transfer takes you into the Troodos Mountains (approx 1H35 journey from either airport) and to the mountain village of Kalopanayiotis which lies on the northern slopes. Traditional stone houses and narrow cobbled streets give it its ancient character. With its historical heritage and unique natural environment you are sure to fall in love with it immediately. 

Today after breakfast, embark on your first walk in this area which is so magical and appealing. The Vineyard Trail is a loop walk that takes you to over the river to the eastern side of the village. Follow a forest road at first and through an area that was once entirely covered by orchards but today just has almond and a few other fruit trees. On the next section you will be gradually ascending through pine forest and then into the newly restored vineyards of Kalopanayiotis. There is also a new and impressive winery you can visit (from June, 2023 only as this is when it opens) on the hill top overlooking the village. 

After a delicious breakfast at your traditional village hotel of freshly-baked bread, halloumi, tomato, cucumber and local honey, embark on today's walking choices. 

There are 3 walks on offer, 2 of which you can combine if you wish. The River Trail is an easy circular route and as it suggests the trail follows the river past the old abandoned Kykkos watermill, then crosses the River Setrachos and takes you along a shady trail to a natural sulphur spring and an Old Venetian Bridge (this requires a short diversion). Then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Byzantine St. John Lampadistis Monastery and its stunning and well-preserved frescoes. It is something special to see and one of the most interesting Byzantine sites in Cyprus. You can combine this walk with the Viewpoint Trail which takes you past the Theoskepasti Chapel with its 700-yr old scrub-oak and then to stunning views overlooking the Marathasa Valley. 

There is also the option of walking The Mountain Trail, which although only around 8km takes you to the west of Kalopanayiotis, but is a lot more challenging with steep ascents and descents. You take the trail up to the Katsimboubourou mountainside reaching the peak at Kavalos. In the spring wild flowers blossom and the landscapes are beautiful as far as the eye can see. 

In the mid-afternoon your private transfer (approx 2H10) will take you to Droushia. Descend from the Troodos Mountains through spectacular terrain towards the coast and the Akamas Peninsula. Either eat dinner at your hotel tonight or find a little taverna in the village just a few minutes walk away. 

Today offers the chance to explore the Laona Valley whose proximity to the sea and the Troodos Mountains in the distance make for views which are second-to-none. This area is also known for its lush vines and they produce some of the best wines in Cyprus. Today take a local bus to the village of Kathikas with its folkloric architecture. Near to the centre of this stone village is the Vasilikon Winery which is possible to visit as it is close to the trail. There is a wine-tasting area and a wine museum. 

Then afterwards walk through this lovely countryside with vineyards all around and passe through the villages of Pano Arodes, Kato Arodes and Ineia, before finishing at Droushia village, the last one before entering the ridge of Akamas peninsula from its south end. 

Today you can either take an optional loop walk further exploring the Laona Valley and the surrounding countryside around Droushia, or you can take a local bus to Paphos for the day if you wish. Paphos is a nice town on the south coast with a port. But the most amazing aspect is going to visit the Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between the 2nd century BC and 4th century AD, Pafos was the capital city of Cyprus. Most items here date from Roman times and you can see the intricate mosaic floors of four Roman villas (the houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus) which depict various scenes from Greek Mythology. The complex also includes other important monuments, such as the Asklepieion, the Odeon, the Agora, the Saranta Kolones (Forty Columns) Castle, the Limeniotissa ruins of an Early Christian Basilica, and the Tombs of the Kings. A site definitely worthy of a few hours.

Afterwards perhaps have lunch in the port area or the old town then have a relax and a swim at one of the nearby beaches. Or if you prefer you could stay in Droushia and just wander the cobbled streets and read by the hotel pool. 

This morning a short transfer (20mins) brings you to the coast of the Akamas Peninsula and to your beach hotel. Make your way from your hotel to the beginning of the walk located just along the coast. Make your way up to the crest of the hill up the Adonis Trail which eventually hooks up with the Aphrodite Trail. While hiking you can view endemic plants such as Cyprus sage and potentially a Cyprus warbler or two. Then make your way down the trail and then along the beautiful coastline passing the Baths of Aphrodite, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may choose to visit now or at another time whilst you stay in this area. According to Greek Mythology Aphrodite would come to this pool to bathe and it's where she met her lover, Adonis. 

Tonight you can eat dinner at your hotel or at another location. 

Today offers a further walk to explore the Akamas Peninsula. Initially this mostly forest trail offers views of the beautiful coastline to the west of Akamas, including Lara Bay and later in the direction of Polis, Latsi and the Pafos Forest. You will also walk past old mines and abandoned kilns where they used to mine magnesium. Pass by the Piana fire lookout station and take in the aroma of sweet Majoram as you walk, perhaps spotting a local hare, partridge or a Cyprus Wheatear bird which is an endemic species. 

Also pass by the ruins of an 11-12th century Byzantine monastery and ancient oak tree, where according to Greek Mythology Aphrodite sat under. 

After a glorious week in Cyprus it's time to say goodbye to this stunning coastline and the Troodos Mountain Range. A transfer brings you back to Paphos (1H) or Larnaca Airport (2H) for your onward travel.