Cyprus Walks: Aphrodite Trail

Walk Summary:

The Aphrodite Trail is probably the most beautiful walk on the island and, unlike Aphrodite's Baths, which is a disappointment to many visitors, this walk will be a lasting reminder of your holiday in Cyprus. It is one of our favourite walks, due to it's stunning views.

Location: Akamas peninsula

Distance: 8km

Walk Time: 3 hours

High Point: 370m - Moutti tis Sotiras

Map used with kind permission of Rother Walking Guides

This waymarked route is one of 47 nature trails on the island.

Starting from just above the Baths of Aphrodite, it follows the mythical route taken by Aphrodite and her lover Adonis. You will ascend the boulder strewn spine of the Akamas to Aphrodite's sanctuary at Pyrgos tis Regainas (which means Queen's castle), now dominated by a magnificent 860 year old oak tree.

You then climb higher still to the rocky table-top on the Akamas known as Moutti tis Sotiras. Your hard effort is rewarded with what is surely one of the most breathtaking views on the island, across the blue lagoons to Cape Arnaoutis at the end of the peninsula.

Then, surefootedness is required for the steep, switchback descent down the north side of Moutti to the wild shrubland below.

Finally, you join the stony, vehicle width track at the bottom of the path to return to your start point at the Baths.

Terrain: A mixture of loose gravel and some larger rocks which require occasional scrambling.

Navigation Pointers: Take care at waypoint number 10 which requires a sharp right hand turn, uphill to find it. There is a more obvious path directly ahead but this is where many people (including us!) have gone wrong. Further on, at the top of the steep, rocky, initial ascent, you must bear LEFT and slightly downhill to reach the old oak tree. the remainder of the route finding is relatively easy.

Tips: If you are scared of heights, you may want to consider doing the walk in reverse as it is easier to ascend Moutti without really noticing the gradient - you will be too busy breathing hard to worry about how steep the drop is! Alternatively, if you really don't want to do either, then simply retrace your steps back to Pyrgos tis Regainas and follow the Adonis trail back to the Baths.

Where to Eat: The restaurant at Aphrodite's Baths is a little touristy but the food is good. Alternatively, head back to the fishing harbour of Latchi for a wide variety of mouthwatering fish delicacies. Better still, take a picnic to eat on the Aphrodite Trail at the top of Moutti tis Sotiras and admire the views.

Kalo Peripato!

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