This national park at the very northwestern tip of the island is one of the most magical places in Cyprus. You will be amazed by the wild nature, the rocky rugged coastline with its numerous overhangs and sea pools, the bare rocks of Cape Arnaoutis, which turn inland into deep densely wooded canyons and ravines with streams or small waterfalls. The whole area is a national park and its name refers to the son of Theseus, hero of the Trojan War.
Accommodation in the Akamas region
All the sites of the national park are accessible free of charge.
Baths of Aphrodite and the Blue Lagoon
One of the most famous attractions of the national park is a small natural pool in a deep forest just a few dozen metres from the coast. It was here, in the Baths of Aphrodite, that the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite was said to have met Adonis. From the Baths of Aphrodite, you can follow marked hiking trails further afield:
- Along the coast for about 3.5 km to the Blue Lagoon, a beautiful small bay with crystal clear water where you can also swim.
- Climb the very steep paths to the plateau (approx. 1.5 km), from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the tip of the Akamas peninsula
- Map of hiking trails at Aphrodite's Baths - en.mapy.cz
Avakas Canyon
On the west coast and in the southern part of the national park, don't miss a visit to three deep gorges with almost perpendicular walls. However, there are hiking trails that run along the bottom of the canyons that even less trained travelers can manage.
The most famous canyon is the Avakas gorge, which leads about 2 km (one way), during which, in addition to the steep rocks, you will admire the rich flora with several endemic species of plants that do not grow anywhere else in the world.
Lara Beach
In the most remote part of the national park on the west coast, visit the almost deserted beautiful 200-meter long Lara Beach in a gentle cove. The wonderfully clear sea, fine yellow sand and minimal visitors combine to create the perfect conditions for a quiet day of swimming and sunbathing.
Accommodation
As the national park has an area of around 250 km2 and many interesting places, it is worth staying near it for at least 1 or 2 nights. The nearest towns with accommodation are Polis Chrysochous, Neo Chorio or Peyia. Paphos, 25 km away, is not far away either.
Transportation
If you want to visit all the interesting places of Akamas NP, a car is definitely the best solution. All parking at the major attractions is free.
However, most of the interesting places can be reached by bus, although you will be dependent on the timetables. All tickets always cost 1,50 eur / one ride.
- Line 645: Paphos - Polis Chrysochous (once per hour)
- Line 622: Polis Chysochous - Baths of Aphrodite (once per hour)
- Line 616: Coral Bay - Agios Georgios Pegeias, about 2 km from the Avakas Gorge
Map of places of interest in Akamas NP
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Cyprus.
