Walking in Cyprus

Cyprus offers far more to the walker than most visitors realise. Beyond the beaches and resorts lies a remarkably varied landscape of pine-forested mountain trails, dramatic gorges, ancient Byzantine churches and wild coastal headlands, all enjoying some of the best walking weather in the Mediterranean.

This comprehensive guidebook by Nike Werstroh and Jacint Mig covers 33 graded walks across southern Cyprus, ranging from 3 to 20km (2 to 12 miles) and graded 1 to 3 to suit walkers of all abilities. Clear route descriptions are paired with 1:40,000 mapping and downloadable GPX files, along with practical information on refreshments, access, and parking for every walk.

• 33 graded walks are described across four areas, covering the Akamas Peninsula and the west, the Troodos Mountains and central Cyprus, and the south and east coasts, with walks taking between 1 and 7 hours
• Highlights include the Akamas Peninsula, home to the legendary Aphrodite and Adonis trails, the dramatic Avakas Gorge and the scenic Petra tou Romiou coastal trail near the birthplace of Aphrodite
• UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches and monasteries feature throughout, including the Asinou Trail, the Panagia tou Araka and the Machairas Monastery, combining outstanding walking with some of Cyprus's most significant cultural heritage
• 1:40,000 mapping and downloadable GPX files are included for every walk, alongside detailed notes on history, geology, plants and wildlife to enrich every outing
• Year-round walking destination, with spring and autumn the ideal seasons, cooler Troodos trails offering relief in summer and the Akamas Peninsula accessible throughout winter

From the wild headlands of the Akamas Peninsula to the pine-scented trails of the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus has a walking landscape that surprises almost everyone who discovers it. This guidebook ensures you discover the very best of walking in Cyprus.

Seasons

Cyprus is a year-round walking destination, but spring and autumn are the best seasons. During the hot summer, you might find cooler temperatures in the Troodos, and the Akamas peninsula would be an option in the winter.

Centres

Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Platres, Troodos, Kakopetria, Troodos

Difficulty

Walks range from 3 to 20km, from short easy strolls to longer more challenging routes. The difficulty of each walk is classified by grades 1-3:
Grade 1: Easy, short trail
Grade 2: Moderate, medium length; mostly easy terrain
Grade 3: Longer walk or more challenging terrain

Must See

Akamas Peninsula; Bath of Aphrodite; Avakas Gorge; Paphos forest; Petra tou Romiou; Troodos Mountains; Mt Olympus; Caledonia waterfall; Machairas Mountains; Kionia Peak; Madari peak; Byzantine churches; archaeological sites; Cape Greco; World Heritage Sites.

Map key

Route summary table

INTRODUCTION

Location and geography

Plants and flowers Wildlife

Brief history

Religion

Getting there

Border crossings

Getting around

Accommodation

Tourist information

Language

When to go and what to take

Maps and waymarking

Using this guide

CYPRUS

The west and the Akamas Peninsula

Walk 1 Aphrodite Trail, Akamas Peninsula

Walk 2 Adonis Trail, Akamas Peninsula

Walk 3A Smigies Nature Trail

Walk 3B Pissouromoutti Nature Trail

Walk 4 Avakas Gorge

Walk 5 Petra tou Romiou Nature Trail

Walk 6 Horteri Nature Trail

Walk 7 Vouni path

Walk 8 Zalakas Trail

The Troodos and central Cyprus

Walk 9 Marathasa Trail

Walk 10 Xystarouda – Agiasma – Vasiliki Nature Trail

Walk 11 Prodromos Dam – Stavroulia Trail

Walk 12 Kannoures Trail

Walk 13 Mnimata Piskopon Trail

Walk 14 Atalante Trail

Walk 15 Artemis Trail

Walk 16 Caledonia circular

Walk 17 Pouziaris Trail

Walk 18 Loymata ton Aeton Trail

Walk 19 Madari Trail

Walk 20 Kannavia circular

Walk 21 Asinou Trail

Walk 22 Panagia tou Araka – Stavros tou Agiasmati

Walk 23 Politiko Nature Trail

Walk 24 Machairas Monastery – Fikardou

Walk 25 Kionia Nature Trail

Walk 26 Kakokefalos – Mantra tou Kampiou Trail

Walk 27 Dhyo Mouttes

South and east

Walk 28 Hapotami Trail

Walk 29 Pissouri coast walk

Walk 30 Kyparissia Trail

Walk 31 Stavrovouni Monastery

Walk 32 Kavos Hill and sea caves

Walk 33 Agioi Anargyroi – Cyclops Cave

Appendix A Useful contacts

Appendix B Further reading