3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • Self Guided Walking
Accommodation
  • Hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£970GBP

Overview

Trip Code: JCW

Winter Walking in Cyprus Trip highlights


  • Catch some winter sunshine in Cyprus
  • Wildflowers, vineyards & woodland
  • Good views of terraced hillsides & the coast
  • Fishing harbours, hidden beaches, deserted villages
  • Akamas Peninsula & “Laona” plateau area
  • The famous Baths of Aphrodite
  • Chance to encounter gorgeous mouflon

Winter in Cyprus is generally mild, especially the western part where the walks on this hiking holiday are concentrated. The walks are mostly in the Akamas Peninsula National Park and in the adjacent “Laona” plateau area, at around 600m, with its small traditional villages. some of the walks end at the coast. In late winter and early spring, from February onwards, peaking in March, the Akamas blooms with a profusion of wildflowers. You can find many types of orchids and there are indigenous species of tulip that you may discover near the coast. Bird life can also be interesting as migrants start to return to mainland Europe.

Cyprus is an island of natural beauty in a region with an abundance of ancient and modern civilisations and cultures. Its mineral wealth was well known in ancient times: the island gave its name to the element copper (Cu). Away from the cosmopolitan towns and beach resorts you will walk through large areas of natural, unspoilt countryside. Woodland, orange orchards and vineyards are interspersed with tranquil, timeless villages on this hiking holiday. The Cypriot people extend a warm and friendly welcome and their hospitality will add greatly to the enjoyment of this winter walking tour.

Countries:

Cyprus

Starting Point:

Paphos

Finishing Point:

Paphos


Arrive at Phaphos airport and meet our driver for a transfer to Drouseia (incl.). This is a small typically Cypriot village on the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, on the Laona plateau. It has many old stone houses bearing traditional architecture such as carved doors and wooden windows and narrow winding streets. There are two coffee shops, as well as two small supermarkets/kiosks and some good tavernas, normally open on weekends in winter. The church of Agios Epifanios is in the centre, where you can also explore the ancient monastery of Agios Georgios Nikoxilitis on the eastern side. In the nearby village of Ineia, only a mile away, there is a Sea Turtle museum, that opened in 2023, well worth a visit. From Drouseia you can see all the way across to the Troodos Mountains and, looking north you can see Chrysochou Bay, the town of Polis and Latchi harbour. Looking west, there are stunning views of the Akamas Peninsula. Accommodation: The Droushia Heights Hotel offers accommodation for 4 nights. It is found on the north edge of the village, offering excellent views towards Chrysochou Bay from its infinity pool and terrace. All rooms are ensuite.

Meals:  Nil

A gentle introduction to the Laona landscape and tracks which criss-cross the area. After passing through Drouseia village, the path passes a wayside chapel before dropping down to the village of Kritou Terra, known for its springs and catacombs. Then follows a steep climb back up to Drouseia. There is a longer option to reach the tiny medieval Agia Paraskevi chapel deeper in the valley and a partly restored watermill. The views compensate hikers for the effort of the extra kilometre and 150m elevation gain.

Meals:  B

A public bus from Drouseia takes you to Kathikas village, another one of the many well-preserved stone-built villages of the area. It hosts a good number of restaurants, a couple of wineries and an Information Centre mainly on the flora and fauna of the Akamas Peninsula. The mostly downhill walk threads its way down to the coast, through the vineyards of a winery where you can normally do a tasting before continuing downhill through a mixture of gorge and woods. An optional visit may be made to the spectacular Avakas Gorge. Note that this is normally closed in winter and entering the gorge requires care due to slippery conditions. Whichever way you go, at the end of the walk you arrive at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias, a collection of buildings and ruins next to a coastal cliff, and with a small fishing harbour and beach area. The sunsets from here are said to be the best in Cyprus. Afternoon transfer back to Drouseia.

Meals:  B

Walk in the area to the north of Drouseia village, in the direction of the abandoned Turkish Cypriot village of Androlykou. The route is characterised by big boulders and rock formations scattered all around and by beautiful vistas of Chrysochous Bay. Then there are the ridge and eastern slope of the Akamas Peninsula. Today's walking is mostly on cement rural roads, instead of more natural, considerably muddier after rains, dirt roads.

Meals:  B

Traverse the pristine Akamas Peninsula enjoying glorious views along the ridge, from the west coast, all the way to Pomos village in the northeast. The last stretch of the walk is along the undulating coastal dirt road next to the cliffs of Akamas providing yet more stunning views of the coast and sea. You eventually finish the route near the tiny Baths of Aphrodite cave. Here, according to mythology, the Goddess of Love & Beauty used to take her dip! Today's walk includes stretches of three nature trails (Smiyies, Adonis and Aphrodite). Another sight are the ruins of a medieval monastery known as ‘Pirgos tis Rigenas’ (the Queen's castle) and a nearby ancient oak tree. Accommodation: 3 nights at Chrysochou Bay, Akamas Peninsula. The modern-looking hotel is set in a fine position, just above a pebble beach. All rooms are ensuite.

Meals:  B

Morning transfer to the pretty stone village of Lysos, on the edge of the expansive Paphos Forest (550m). The hike then heads out mainly on dirt roads, taking you up the north coast near Argaka village. In the forest you may meet the endemic Cypriot Mouflon mountain sheep, as well as an ancient chapel and deserted village. Once at the coastal picnic site of Mavralis you will head to the town of Polis, either via the beach or, if it is rough and windy, via the coastal road passing through a Eucalyptus forest. The town of Polis has an old centre with cafes, restaurants and shops and a number of attractions – including medieval churches, very old trees and a small archaeological museum. In the afternoon take a public bus back to Aphrodite Beach Hotel.

Meals:  B

There are a couple of circular walking options emanating from the Baths of Aphrodite and onto the the Akamas Peninsula. The varied scenery includes spectacular views from Mouti tis Sotiras looking down towards the western tip of Cyprus. The hike today involves tranquil views of the sea and walking on nature trails.

Meals:  B

After breakfast, transfer from Baths of Aphrodite to Paphos airport (incl.) to catch your outbound flight. If you are flying from Larnaka, a supplement applies for the transfer. Please contact the office for details.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 nights accommodation in hotels - twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including navigational travel app
  • Arrival and departure transfers to Paphos airport
  • Private transfer on day 3 & 6
  • Luggage transfers, 1 bag per person up to 20kg
  • Emergency hotline

  • Lunches, Dinners & Beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Arrival and departure transfers to Larnaka airport, ask us for details as this can be arranged
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip & all public transport
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Excess luggage

Suitability

moderate

3

This is a moderate hike as the daily walking distances are average, but it includes some steep climbs and descents, possibly on dirt roads. There may be points where fallen trees are blocking the way, you may have to climb around these and this is not very difficult. It should therefore present no difficulties to someone accustomed to day long walking. Day stages: Distances walked vary from 11 to 21 km or 3.5 – 6 hours and there are six hiking days.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Oct to 24 April

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 23-31 Dec . A supplement applies for high season departures. There is an obligatory gala dinner of £39 per person when staying in Drousheia on 24 Dec or 31 Dec.
DN2
Supplement applies for transfers from/to Larnaca Airport, please ask.

Priceper person from

£970GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£190
  • 2024 High Season Single SupplementGBP£280
  • 2025 High Season Single SupplementGBP£370
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£400
  • 2024 High Season Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£480
  • 2025 High Season Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£580
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Assuming you are flying in and out of Paphos International Airport, then transfers are included. If you are arriving/departing from Larnaca International Airport, we can arrange transfers to and from there as well. However, as Larnaca airport is a lot further from the start of the trip, there is a supplement involved. Please request this with our friendly team.

You will be staying at two different handpicked family-run hotels - set in quiet villages. One hotel has recently been extended with modern rooms, the other has some older fittings. They have lots of character and good home cooking to enjoy for breakfast or after your walks. Rooms are ensuite and homely.

Very few, there will be more on the coastal sections of the walks, but often the walking in Cyprus is quite lonely.

Depending on the year, February-April can be a fantastic time to see many types of orchids and there are a couple of rare varieties of poppy that we have spotted along the trails in the past.

Waymarking on our Cyprus winter walking holiday is patchy or non-existent. With the support of the maps, GPX files and basic extra maps that we have prepared for you, you should certainly be able to find your way.


Winter Walking in Cyprus Trip reviews


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