Walking the Akamas Peninsula

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Walking the Akamas Peninsula Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Destination: The Republic of Cyprus
Programmes: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
8 Days: Flight Inclusive
8 Days: Land Only
Ages: 12+
Trip Code: W07CA

Trip Overview

This twin centre, self-guided walking trip takes in both inland and coastal walks in Cyprus’s Akamas Peninsula and the Akamas National Park.

The week starts inland in Droushia with walks to the Kremiotis Waterfall and the medieval Agia Paraskevi chapel as well as across the Laona Plateau with its picturesque stone-built villages. There’s also the possibility of visiting a local winery. Enjoy fabulous panoramic views as you head towards the coast at delightful Lara Beach.

As your luggage is transported to the second hotel, you’ll walk from Droushia to the Baths of Aphrodite cave, enjoying spectacular views of Cyprus’s Northwest coast with the whole of Chrysochous Bay laid out before you, from the northwest tip of the island at Cape Arnaoutis, all the way to Pomos village in the northeast. Walk stretches of the Smigies, Adonis and Aphrodite Trails with stunning views from the Moutti tis Sotiras peak and enjoy a walk along the North coast, visiting some of the best beaches and coves including Fontana Amoroza, the Blue Lagoon, Manolis Beach and more.

At a Glance

7 nights in 3 star hotels, all rooms en suite
6 days of walking – longer/shorter options most days
Luggage transfer
Walking transfers on days 4 and 5 (optional)
Route notes and GPX tracks

Highlights

Stunning beaches and coastal walks - visit the Blue Lagoon and the Baths of Aphrodite cave where, according to the legend, the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite was bathed
Walks taking in inland and coastal areas of Northwest Cyprus's Akamas Peninsula and the Akamas National Park
Most walks have shorter options, giving walkers a choice to do an average of 10km or 20km each day

Is This Trip for You?

This is a twin centre independent walking holiday with a choice of walks on most days so the average daily distance is either 10km or 20km, which is why the overall rating is Leisurely/Moderate. The walking is along varied terrain footpaths, both in inland areas and on coastal paths. There are moderate ascents or descents on most days. Walkers should have a good fitness level and be confident on uneven terrain. Some of the walks are not suitable for vertigo sufferers.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day along with GPX files to follow on a smart phone app. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotelier is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Due to limited family rooms at the hotels and the terrain on the walks, we advise this holiday is for those over 12 years.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent/representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred from point to point and route notes and GPX files are provided. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Please note: the walking and luggage transfers that are included in this tour are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person is travelling on any departure date.

Adult min age: 12

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Droushia
End City: Polis Chrysochous

Flight Inclusive

Start City: London
End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Arrive in the delightful Cypriot village of Droushia and settle in. You’ll be staying here for the next 4 nights.
Stay at the Droushia Heights Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis for 4 nights.

Today’s circular walk from Droushia passes through the delightful stone-built villages of Kritou Terra and Kato Arodes. Walk past orchards and vineyards and enjoy great views of the local area. Head to the Kremitois Waterfall and the charming, medieval Agia Paraskevi chapel before returning to Droushia.

Distance covered: 12mi (19km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Another circular walk from Droushia heads to the Laona plateau to explore more picturesque stone-built villages and the possibility of visiting a local winery. Today enjoy the views and the combination of beautiful natural and cultural heritage of the area.

Distance covered: 13mi (21km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Begin today with a descent from the Laona plateau to the Lara coast with a stretch of the walk along the Avakas Gorge. Pass by the beaches of South Lara and Toxeftra. The walk ends at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias with its medieval church, ruins of an earlier church, a small fishing shelter and a restaurant. There is a return transfer to the hotel at the end of the walk.

Distance covered: 13mi (21km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy fabulous panoramic coastal views today. Start off with views of the Lara coast then head north for spectacular views of the north coast, the whole of Chrysochous Bay from Cape Arnaoutis, the northwest tip of the island, up to Pomos in the northeast. Today’s route includes stretches of the Smigies, Adonis and Aphrodite Trails with stunning views from Moutti tis Sotiras peak. The western descent along the Aphrodite Trail is considered by many as one of the best on the island. For those doing the shorter walks, there is a transfer to Neo Chorio this morning.
Stay at the Aphrodite Beach Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis for 3 nights.

Distance covered: 13mi (21km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s circular walk gives you more views of Cyprus’s north coast as you walk along the eastern part of the Adonis Trail. The route passes most of the north coast’s beaches including Fontana Amoroza, the Blue Lagoon, the Amphitheatre, Manolis Beach and Koufotrypis Beach. Also walk the rugged coastline near the Baths of Aphrodite cave.

Distance covered: 11mi (18km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a day of rest at the hotel, along the nearby beach or head back to one of the beaches you walked to yesterday (like the Blue Lagoon).

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart the Akamas Peninsula.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Hotels

The hotels you’ll be staying in are three star properties with four nights in the first, inland hotel and three nights in the second hotel on the coast. They both have a modern feel with contemporary styling and good facilities, including an infinity edge swimming pool at the first hotel. Both the hotels have their own restaurant but are also within walking distance of a choice of restaurants so you can enjoy the local cuisine each evening.

Single supplement from £ 204

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included.

For dinners you have the choice of either the hotels’ restaurants, or there is a good choice of restaurants nearby so you can choose to eat out and enjoy the local Cypriot cuisine.

Transport

We have included walking transfers on day 4 (return to the hotel at the end of the walk) and day 5 (at the beginning of the day for those doing the shorter version of the walk).

Weather & Seasonality

Cyprus has a subtropical climate, one of the warmest climates and warmest winters in the Mediterranean. The climate is of a semi-arid type with very mild winters (on the coast) and warm to hot summers. Snow is possible only in the Troodos mountains in the central part of the island. Rain occurs mainly in winter, with summer being generally dry. The average annual temperature on the coast is around 24°C (75°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night. Generally, the warm season lasts about eight months, from April, with average temperatures of 21-23°C (70-73°F) during the day and 11-13°C (52-55°F) at night, to November, with average temperatures of 22-23°C (72-73°F) during the day and 12-14°C (54-57°F) at night. In the remaining four months of the year, the temperatures tend to remain mild, while sometimes exceeding 20°C (68°F) during the day.

The middle of summer (July and August) is usually hot, with an average maximum coastal temperature of around 35°C (95°F) during the day and around 25°C (77°F) at night. In the centre of the island (the highlands/Troodos mountains) the average temperature exceeds 35°C (95°F)). In June and September on the coast the average maximum temperature is usually around 28-30°C (82-86°F) during the day and around 18-20°C (64-68°F) at night. While large temperature fluctuations are rare on the coast, the centre of Cyprus has more variations – typically colder winters and hotter summers.

Weather Charts

Kyrenia, North Cyprus

Joining Instructions

The tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in Droushia on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights and arrival and departure transfers from/to Paphos airport can be arranged.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Droushia
Location end: Polis Chrysochous

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Sturdy walking boots (although good walking trainers will suffice)
Small daypack for camera, guidebook etc.
Water bottle to use when walking and sightseeing (2 litre)
Sun cream
Hat
Sunglasses

Optional Equipment

Walking poles
Swimwear

GPS Route Navigation

We’ve teamed up with RideWithGPS to provide our carefully researched and checked itineraries in a convenient format, similar to a car satnav, with turn-by-turn instructions all along your route.

Before you travel we’ll send you everything you need to download your route notes and the free RideWithGPS app. It’s available for iPhone and Android and the routes can also be used on any regular GPS device such as the Garmin Edge bike computers or Forerunner fitness devices.

For more details and to watch the demonstration video, please visit our GPS Route Navigation page.

Practical Information

Visa

The Republic of Cyprus

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Cyprus. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccinations and Health

The Republic of Cyprus

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies (bat lyssavirus). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

The Republic of Cyprus's time zone: Asia/Nicosia (UTC +03:00)

Electricity

The Republic of Cyprus's electricity: Plug type G (three rectangular pins) – 220/240V, 50Hz

Money

The Republic of Cyprus's currency: Euro (EUR)

ATM Availability

ATMs are available and usually the most convenient way of obtaining Euros.As some of the smaller villages in the Troodos Mountains may not have an ATM it’s worth taking some Euros with you or getting some from the airport ATM.

Travellers cheques are accepted in banks. Credit cards are widely used.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Lunches and dinners are not included in the itinerary as there are good restaurant choices. Please allow some spending money for this – we recommend approximately €5-15 (US$4.50-13) for lunch and €20-30 (US$18-27) for dinner per day.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels, restaurants, transfer companies and places of local interest, as well as the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
This trip helps bring income and opportunity to destination communities particularly during low and shoulder seasons, when traditionally tourism income would decrease.
The Laona Plateau (next to Akamas peninsula) experienced extensive emigration from the 1950’s, when many of the inhabitants migrated abroad for economic reasons. The villages managed to keep their architectural heritage and consist largely of traditional stone-built houses. There is a growing pressure in recent decades towards developing the coast of the Akamas peninsula (significant areas of coastal land belong to people coming from the Laona Plateau villages). Exploration on foot highlights the combination of culture and natural heritage in the Akamas region of Cyprus. The local communities and villagers in these regions can play a role as the guardians of nature and the cultural heritage of Cyprus, which necessitates that they earn enough income to sustain their presence in this area.Some of the routes pass very near family-owned wineries (close to Kathikas village). The route also passes through many stone-built villages, including Kretou Terra and Kathikas which has a good selection of Cyprus food tavernas.
The provision of local information in customer documentation means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
By travelling independently or in a small group, you ‘tread lightly’ minimising your trip’s impact on local resources and the environment.
This trip visits the Akamas Peninsula National Parkwhich helps incentivise and fund continued conservation efforts. Some routes are on popular trails but most routes are on dirt tracks that don’t see many visitors.
Stretches of the route pass through vineyards and orchards that have been cultivated in Cyprus for thousands of years. The Akamas peninsula is rich in biodiversity. Out of the 150 or so endemic plant species found in Cyprus, most are only found in the Akamas Peninsula (or in the Troodos mountains). The trip itinerary stays off the beaten track in the Akamas peninsula area with its small villages thus helping to minimise degradation caused by over-tourism. The Akamas coast is free from development and the stretch east of the Akamas north coast has, so far, escaped the construction of a big number of hotels or of many villas, that is typical of the tourist centres of the island.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
We seek to minimise the carbon footprint in the following ways:
- Favouring smaller, locally-run accommodation and eco-hotels, versus big hotel chains which have a bigger impact on the surrounding environments.
- The majority of accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally-sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Vegetarian options are available at the majority of accommodation and restaurants.
The local operator has been involved in designing and implementing a reforestation effort (on a 7.2 hectare family-owned plot, with mostly wild olives and hawthorn). They are planning to develop this into an agrotouristic/ecotouristic project where visitors would be able to cultivate a number of indigenous trees and explore the cultural and natural attractions in the area (in the Xeros Potamos Valley). The goal is for this venture to be a good example of the use of private rural land in Cyprus and abroad.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip rather than buying single-use plastic bottles.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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