The Akamas is known as the Akamas Peninsula but also the Akamas National Park, the Akamas Peninsula National Park, and the Akama National Forest Park! Whilst no one agrees on the name, everyone agrees that it’s 230 square kilometers of gorgeous natural wonders, with coastal terrain, gorges, walking trails, crystal-clear waters, unique and diverse bird, plant, and reptile species.
This part of Cyprus is old and rich in mythological significance. Ptolemy described the Akamas Peninsula as a thickly wooded headland that is cut in two by a mountain range that rises to the north.
Acama was the son of Theseus in Greek mythology, but the island, and especially the Akalamas Peninsula, belongs to the goddess Aphrodite, and her lover, Adonis. You’ll see her name on most landmarks here!
Here’s a guide to what to see, and how to get to and around the Akamas Peninsula and National Park.
Where is the Akamas National Park?
The Akamas National Park is located on the western tip of Cyprus and within the Paphos district.
It stretches from the rugged coastal cliffs of the Akamas Peninsula to the foothills of the Troodos Mountains and borders the towns of Latchi in the north and Peyia in the south.
How to get to Akamas National Park
You can easily reach the Akamas National Park by public transportation by rental car.
If you choose to arrive at the park by public transportation, you’ll need to take the bus route 622 from Polis, a town about 40 km from Paphos. To get to Polis (Polis Chrysachous) you can catch a bus from Paphos or Coral Bay.
The easiest way to reach the park’s entrance is by by car. You can hire a car or take a taxi and reach the park’s tourist information point, the entrance to the Baths of Aphrodite.
There are several paved roads into the main access parts of the Peninsula, like the Baths of Aphrodite, but beyond these points, only 4×4 vehicles (jeeps and quad bikes) can access the peninsula’s dirt roads.
The other way to experience the Akamas is from the sea. You can travel by boat from Paphos or Latchi.
At the small fishing village of Latchi just north of the Akamas, you’ll find boat tours that head south around the Peninsula to the Blue Lagoon, where they anchor to give you enough time to swim and enjoy an onboard meal.
Getting Around the Akamas National Park
Although there aren’t any paved roads within the park, once you arrive at the information point, you’ll find various options to explore Akamas National Park.
The easiest and most convenient way to explore the Akamas park is by taking the public jeep.
It starts from the information point and passes through the Blue Lagoon and Fontana Amoroza before heading back to the starting point.
The public jeep runs from 10:30 in the morning until 5:00 pm.
If you prefer a more organized tour, you can join one of the many jeep safaris.
Once you’ve arrived in the Akamas, one of the best ways to get around is by exploring the park on foot.
Simply ask for a map of the park from the tourist information point, follow the park’s nature trails, and venture towards some of the most beautiful landscapes in Cyprus.
The most popular way to get around the park is by hiring quad bikes that allow you to explore at your own pace.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon in Akamas is just a small bay, but one of the most beautiful spots in Cyprus! The shore is pebbly and the waters are crystal clear. You can look over the edge of a boat and see fish swimming below.
With its combination of the pristine, rugged hills surrounding the beach, the Blue Lagoon is a postcard-like destination and is one of the most popular day trip destinations in Cyprus.
Baths of Aphrodite
The Baths of Aphrodite are one of the most visited spots on the whole island because of their natural beauty and association with Greek mythology.
Legend has it that his natural spring formed the pool where Aphrodite bathed and where she first met her great love, Adonis. That’s why it’s believed that its waters have rejuvenating powers.
Most people visit the small pool and waterfall and then start on the walking trails that leave from here.
Fontana Amoroza
Fontana Amoroza is one of the most popular beaches in the Akamas Peninsula as it is one of the stops by the public jeep.
The beach’s name was given by the Franks in the 16th century and means ‘source of love’ since it is also associated with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
The beach features a rugged and wild shoreline and crystal-clear blue waters that allow you to easily explore underwater life while snorkeling.
Lara Beach
Lara Beach is also known as Turtle Beach, as it is an essential breeding spot for the Green Turtle and the Hawk’s Bill turtle.
The turtle nesting sites which are protected with wire covers. You need ot avoid these as you make your way across the sand.
Avakas Gorge
There are several gorges in the Akamas National Park, including Androlykou Gorge and Petratis Gorge. But the Avakas Gorge is the one people come to see.
It is an impressive natural wonder carved within Akamas rock formations and home to a diverse array of wildlife.
It’s often described as Cyprus’ top destination for nature lovers because you can spot mountain goats, rare reptile species, ferns, wild fig trees, oak trees, and lots of beautiful wildflowers.
The gorge is located within the Peyia Forest and follows the course of the Avgas River. It is about 2.5 kilometers long, its highest point is 300 meters, and its narrowest is 3 meters.
Akamas Nature Trails: Aphrodite, Adonis, Smigies
There are four main nature trails in the Akamas. On these walks, you’ll find viewpoints of Polis Chrysachous Bay, the Tower of Rigena, the remains of an old catholic monastery, disused magnesium mines, secluded beaches, and one of the longest-living oak trees, believed to be the goddess Aphrodite’s resting spot after her bath.
It’s the migratory birds that have become a real drawcard here, as well as rare and protected species like the black snake, the blunt-nosed viper, the Cyprus warbler, the Cyprus wheatear, and this Roller bird.
In fact, more than 200 birds have been recorded here in the Akamas Peninsula.
Aphrodite’s Trail
The Aphrodite Trail stretches for 7.5 kilometers, and follows the mythical goddess of the island, Aphrodite’s footsteps past medieval ruins, pine woods, rugged landscapes, and panoramic viewpoints.
The trail starts at the Baths of Aphrodite, continues towards the Tower of Rigena, the remnants of a catholic monastery, and follows a rising path to the Moutti tis Sotiras hill.
Adonis Trail
The Adonis Trail also begins at the Baths of Aphrodite but ventures towards the western part of the park towards Lara Bay and the Tower of Rigena.
The Adonis nature trail takes about 3 hours, has a difficulty rating of Level, 3, and is not considered suitable for young children.
Smigies Trail
The Smigies trail has two options, the short route, about 2.5 kilometers, and a longer 5-kilometer path.
Both routes start from the Smigies picnic site in Neo Chorio and pass through archaeological and cultural sites such as the disused magnesium mines.
Agiasma Trail
The circular Agiasma Trail starts outside the wonderful village of Kathikas and heads towards Pegia.
It takes 45 minutes to walk the 2 km. The ascent is 800 meters and you wind your way through the vineyards.
