Nature Trails
Pafos / Akamas
Akamas
Akamas
is the easternmost point of the three major flora zones of Europe,
therefore the number of plant species found here runs up to 600, of
which 35 are endemic. The variety of fauna is also impressive: 168
bird species, 12 mammals, 20 reptiles and butterfly species of which
the endemic Glaucopsyche pafos butterfly is said to be the symbol of
the area.
Akamas is situated at the westernmost point of Cyprus. According to
one version, the area took its name from the Greek mythological hero
Akamas, son of Theseus who came to Cyprus after the Trojan War and
founded Akamantis. Akamas was also the place where Aphrodite and
Adonis had their love trysts. It is an area of incomparable natural
beauty. Almost all the geological formations found on the island are
present in the area. Akamas is ideal for walking, cycling, swimming,
diving, fishing, exploring, cruising on small craft, and bird
watching.
Aphrodite Trail (circular)
Starting point: Baths of Aphrodite. The section between the Baths
and Pyrgos tis Rigainas (the Castle of Regina) is shared with the
Adonis trail. The trail follows a rising path to the hill known as
Moutti tis Sotiras (370m) and this can be quite tiring, especially
in summer. There are springs with drinking water at two points,one
at Pyrgos tis Rigainas (the Castle of Regina) and the other at
Kefalovrisia.
Length: 7.5 kms Time: 3 hours
Points of interest: The baths of Aphrodite where, according to
tradition, the Goddess of Love used to bathe. Ruins of the Castle of
Regina, which are believed to have belonged to a medieval monastery.
It is worth mentioning the huge centuries-old oak tree which can be
seen at the picnic site, where drinking water is also available.
Along the trail there are several points which give a view of Polis
Chrysochous and the Pafos Forest.
Adonis Trail (circular)
Starting point: Baths of Aphrodite. Like Aphrodite Trail, the walk
can be quite tiring. Two springs of drinking water can be found at
Pyrgos tis Rigainas and Kefalovrisia.
Length: 7.5 kms Time: 3 hours
Points of interest: From the western part there is a view of various
beaches of Akamas, such as Lara Bay, Tzioni, Karavopetres, etc.
Smigies Trail (circular)
Starting point: Smigies picnic site, 2.5 kms from Neo Chorio
Length: (a) short route 2.5 kms Time: (a) short route 1 hour
Length: (b) long route 5 kms Time: (b) long route 2 hours
Points of interest: View to the east of Polis Chrysochous Bay, Latsi,
Pachyammos and Pafos Forest, and to the west Lara Bay, Tzioni,
Karavopetres, etc.
Pissouromouttis Trail (circular)
Starting point: Smigies picnic site
Length: 3 kms Time: 1 1/2 hours
Points of interest: Rich growth of Juniper Phoenicia, pistacia, etc.
Views of Polis Bay to the northeast and beaches of Akamas to the
west.
Kathikas Trail (circular)
Starting point: 1 km from Kathikas towards Pegeia, near "Kyparissos"
restaurant.
Length: 2 kms Time: 1 hour
Points of interest: 800 metres from the starting point there is a
stone-built water fountain. Agia Marina chapel in the area.
 |
|
|
cyprus hotels