Cyprus

WALKING THE AKAMAS PENINSULA

Trip code: W07CA 4.5 (11 reviews)

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
twin centre

Level: 1 & 2

14.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Stunning beaches and coastal walks - visit the Blue Lagoon and the Baths of Aphrodite where according to the legend, the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite was bathed
  • Walks encompass inland and coastal areas of Northwest Cyprus's Akamas Peninsula and the Akamas National Park
  • Most walks have shorter options, giving you the freedom to choose between an average of 10km or 20km each day

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfers on days 4 and 5

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Embark on an enchanting self-guided journey through Cyprus's Akamas Peninsula and the Akamas National Park, where the captivating blend of inland wonders and coastal marvels await. Your adventure begins in the rustic charm of Droushia, where ancient trails lead you to the ethereal Kremiotis Waterfall and the medieval Agia Paraskevi chapel, nestled amidst the Laona Plateau. Immerse yourself in the allure of stone-built villages and indulge in panoramic vistas before the whispering winds guide you towards the coast, revealing the splendid Lara Beach.

As you tread this path, your luggage will transported to the second hotel, enabling you to walk from Droushia to the legendary Baths of Aphrodite cave. Marvel at the grandeur of Cyprus's Northwest coast, where Chrysochous Bay stretches beneath your gaze, unveiling its beauty from Cape Arnaoutis in the northwest to the quaint Pomos village in the northeast. Walk the scenic trails of Smigies, Adonis, and Aphrodite, savouring the breathtaking views from the majestic Moutti tis Sotiras peak. Wander along the North coast, caressed by the gentle waves, and discover pristine beaches and secluded coves like Fontana Amoroza, the Blue Lagoon, and the inviting Manolis Beach.

Indulge in the comforts of three-star havens, spending your first four nights in the inland retreat of Droushia followed by three nights in a coastal sanctuary. These modern accommodations boast contemporary allure, with the first hotel offering an infinity-edge swimming pool at the first hotel. Delight your palate in their restaurants, or venture to nearby dining gems, savouring local cuisine each evening. Don't miss the chance to taste the iconic flavours of Cyprus, halloumi, a delectable cheese, and Kleftiko, the succulent, slow-roasted lamb or goat, add a touch of culinary magic to your unforgettable journey. Additionally, explore Cyprus's rich wine culture by trying its indigenous grape varieties, predominantly Xinisteri for white wines, and Mavro and Maratheftiko for red wines, enhancing your gastronomic adventure with the island's authentic flavours.

Terrain

The walking on this trip is mostly on paths and tracks with the majority being in open landscape and through olive groves, orchards and vineyards. Some of the walking is on roads with no pavements and through delightful, stone-built traditional villages - be mindful of local traffic and keep well in to the side of the road.
There are longer and shorter routes for each day and depending on the temperature on any given day you may want to start your walk earlier (or later) in the day to avoid the hottest part of the day. This will also give you more time to explore the local area or spend time at the pool or beach. Average maximum temperatures in the Akamas region range from 16 degrees in January, 19 degrees in April up to 31 degrees in July & August. Temperatures on the coast can be a couple of degrees higher than these.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Droushia

Arrive in the delightful Cypriot village of Droushia and settle in. You'll be staying here for the next 4 nights.

You stay at Droushia Heights Hotel.

hotel details



Droushia Heights Hotel, Droushia

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Perched atop the north-western Cypriot highlands, The Droushia Heights Hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the encircling mountains. Experience a touch of boutique elegance in this accommodation, featuring private verandas or balconies, en-suite bathrooms with luxurious baths or showers, hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Unwind in our lounge-bar, savour delectable meals at their on-site restaurant, or bask in the tranquillity of the infinity pool. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation at the hammam and sauna or maintain your routine in the gym.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used. .

Day 2: Kremiotis Waterfall and Agia Paraskevi chapel (19km/11.8mi)

Today's circular walk from Droushia passes through the delightful stone-built villages of Kritou Terra and Kato Arodes. Walk past orchards and vineyards and enjoy great views of the local area. Head to the Kremiotis Waterfall and the charming, medieval Agia Paraskevi chapel before returning to Droushia.

elevation

You stay at Droushia Heights Hotel.

hotel details



Droushia Heights Hotel, Droushia

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Perched atop the north-western Cypriot highlands, The Droushia Heights Hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the encircling mountains. Experience a touch of boutique elegance in this accommodation, featuring private verandas or balconies, en-suite bathrooms with luxurious baths or showers, hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Unwind in our lounge-bar, savour delectable meals at their on-site restaurant, or bask in the tranquillity of the infinity pool. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation at the hammam and sauna or maintain your routine in the gym.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used. .

Day 3: The Laona Plateau (21km/13.0mi)

Another circular walk from Droushia heads to the Laona plateau to explore more picturesque stone-built villages and the possibility of visiting a local winery. Today enjoy the views and the combination of beautiful natural and cultural heritage of the area.

elevation

You stay at Droushia Heights Hotel.

hotel details



Droushia Heights Hotel, Droushia

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Perched atop the north-western Cypriot highlands, The Droushia Heights Hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the encircling mountains. Experience a touch of boutique elegance in this accommodation, featuring private verandas or balconies, en-suite bathrooms with luxurious baths or showers, hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Unwind in our lounge-bar, savour delectable meals at their on-site restaurant, or bask in the tranquillity of the infinity pool. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation at the hammam and sauna or maintain your routine in the gym.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used. .

Day 4: Droushia to Lara Beach and Agios Georgios tis Pegeias (22km/13.7mi)

Begin today with a descent from the Laona plateau to the Lara coast with an optional stretch of the walk along the Avakas Gorge Nature trail (3km). Pass by the beaches of South Lara and Toxeftra with the option to stop for a swim. The walk ends at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias with its medieval church, ruins of an earlier church, a small fishing shelter and a restaurant. There is a return transfer to the hotel at the end of the walk.

elevation

You stay at Droushia Heights Hotel.

hotel details



Droushia Heights Hotel, Droushia

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Perched atop the north-western Cypriot highlands, The Droushia Heights Hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the encircling mountains. Experience a touch of boutique elegance in this accommodation, featuring private verandas or balconies, en-suite bathrooms with luxurious baths or showers, hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Unwind in our lounge-bar, savour delectable meals at their on-site restaurant, or bask in the tranquillity of the infinity pool. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation at the hammam and sauna or maintain your routine in the gym.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used. .

Day 5: Droushia to Baths of Aphrodite cave (21km/13.0mi)

Enjoy fabulous panoramic coastal views today. Start off with views of the Lara coast then head north for spectacular views of the north coast and the whole of Chrysochous Bay from Cape Arnaoutis, the northwest tip of the island, up to Pomos in the northeast. Today's route includes stretches of the Smigies, Adonis and Aphrodite Trails with stunning views from Moutti tis Sotiras peak. The western descent along the Aphrodite Trail is considered by many as one of the best on the island. For those doing the shorter walks, there is either a transfer to Neo Chorio this morning or a transfer from Neo Chorio at the end of the day to the Aphrodite Beach Hotel.

elevation

You stay at Aphrodite Beach Hotel.

hotel details



Aphrodite Beach Hotel, Polis Chrysochous

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Nestled just metres away from Yiannakis Beach, Aphrodite Beach Hotel offers a cosy family-run retreat. Situated a mere 550m from the Akamas Peninsula National Park, these rooms are adorned in pastel colours and feature ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV, some with balconies. Refrigerators are available upon request. Indulge in delightful cuisine at the two restaurants, unwind at the bar, or relax on the sun terrace amidst lush gardens. Experience seaside serenity and genuine hospitality at Aphrodite Beach Hotel.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 6: Akamas North Coast walk (18km/11.2mi)

Today’s circular walk gives you more views of Cyprus’s north coast as you walk along the eastern part of the Adonis Trail. The route passes most of the north coast’s beaches including Fontana Amoroza, the Blue Lagoon, the Amphitheatre, Manolis Beach and Koufotrypis Beach. Also walk the rugged coastline near the Baths of Aphrodite cave.

elevation

You stay at Aphrodite Beach Hotel.

hotel details



Aphrodite Beach Hotel, Polis Chrysochous

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Nestled just metres away from Yiannakis Beach, Aphrodite Beach Hotel offers a cosy family-run retreat. Situated a mere 550m from the Akamas Peninsula National Park, these rooms are adorned in pastel colours and feature ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV, some with balconies. Refrigerators are available upon request. Indulge in delightful cuisine at the two restaurants, unwind at the bar, or relax on the sun terrace amidst lush gardens. Experience seaside serenity and genuine hospitality at Aphrodite Beach Hotel.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 7: Free Day or Blue Lagoon Walk

Embrace the freedom to choose your own adventure. Opt for a leisurely day exploring at your own pace or embark on an exciting Blue Lagoon Walk. Cruise options abound, with boat tours offering a delightful journey around the mesmerising Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, if you prefer a more intimate experience, consider hiring a boat to marvel at the picturesque coastline.

You stay at Aphrodite Beach Hotel.

hotel details



Aphrodite Beach Hotel, Polis Chrysochous

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Nestled just metres away from Yiannakis Beach, Aphrodite Beach Hotel offers a cosy family-run retreat. Situated a mere 550m from the Akamas Peninsula National Park, these rooms are adorned in pastel colours and feature ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV, some with balconies. Refrigerators are available upon request. Indulge in delightful cuisine at the two restaurants, unwind at the bar, or relax on the sun terrace amidst lush gardens. Experience seaside serenity and genuine hospitality at Aphrodite Beach Hotel.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 8: Leave the Akamas Peninsula

After breakfast, depart the Akamas Peninsula.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $225.

TRAVEL DETAILS

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

REVIEWS

Thoroughly enjoyed this trip. A couple of the days walks were challenging, but that was fine with us. The app is brilliant, especially the alert when we have gone the wrong way!!!



The taxi drivers (Savvos and Odysseus) were helpful, informative and friendly and on time!

Janice Hyde, 13 Mar 2024

 

This is our 12th holiday with Headwater mostly cycling holidays. For a second year, we loved walking the routes of the Akamas Peninsula, Cyprus customizing our time over two weeks - one week at Droushia Heights Hotel followed by one week at Aphrodites Beach Hotel - so enjoying a balance of walking the longer routes every second day. We enjoy both hotels very much indeed. We are keen to return to Cyprus to experience both previous walks and new walks.



With experience we have learnt to tailor-make our holidays by researching what additionally paid-for room upgrades are available, and depending on locations, deciding whether it is more advantageous and relaxing to pay for half-board.





Douglas Lawson, 21 Oct 2023

 

The Headwater name was clearly useful at both hotels - I felt we were looked after better because of it. The local transport provision with Savvas was brilliant, he is a key part of teh holiday, and definitely earnt his tip! The agent was irrelevant to our booking, but maybe with bigger parties there would be some benefit. We had a wonderful experience during (to us) a very hot week. (Savvas and the locals thought it was mild). the walks were progressively more amazing; the inland walks to start with are a great introduction and aclimatiser, with the peninsula walks being stunning with the forests and coastal views. A head for heights is useful on the way down from Moutti tis Sortiras! Amazing views!

Yvonne Barker, 12 Jun 2023

 

The itinerary worked smoothly & efficiently. Both hotels were welcoming, comfortable, and responsive to our special dietary requirements. The walks were most enjoyable, especially the (rather earlier than usual) Spring flowers, panoramic views, and beaches. We found a secluded little bay with a rocky, wave-fed, & rocky “spa” pool that was ideal for a bracing quick dip at the end of our day’s walk. The navigation app was quick to master and worked well. (No smartphone battery problems occurred with an iPhone 11 switched to low power mode.j

Mr Banyard, 22 Feb 2023

 

The Akamas Peninsula is a good destination and we were fortunate with the weather for late February. We liked the choice of short or longer walks which suited us. But the walking notes were not always accurate and were clearly designed for those using GPS. Facilities in the locality were limited, e.g bars and restaurants not yet open for the season. This was despite having checked with the agent that they would, mostly, be available. Food in the second hotel was very poor, although the staff were friendly and tried their best to please. Rooms were adequate but a few additions such as slippers (the tiled floor was very cold at this time of the year) and decent towels would have made the stay more comfortable.

Ms Gravelle, 22 Feb 2023

 

Well organised. App was excellent. Walks were harder than anticipated from grading. Island is beautiful and feb weather is good for walking. Hotels were okay but we would have liked the option to upgrade to a sea view. Second hotel restaurant was overrun with cats. Not very hygienic.

Mr Pomfrett, 16 Feb 2023

 

We were very impressed by the customer service provided in setting up the holiday arrangements: Headwater also helped us to arrange an extension of our stay in Cyprus with a rented car, all of which worked very well. Both hotels were excellent, with a special commendation for the home cooking at Aphrodite Beach. The walks were very well explained and the app-based route guidance was easily accessible and reliable. It is a very good idea to offer long and short versions of the walks each day, together with plenty of advance information about ascents and descents. The routes were generally well-chosen, with very little use of roads and we enjoyed some marvellous scenery.

Mr Christy, 14 Feb 2023

 

Beautiful location, excellent walking.

Travelling in late January meant that it was very peaceful and we passed very few people on our walks, however there were also very limited options to eat and drink. Fortunately, the hotel breakfasts were excellent and set us up well for the day, but we would recommend that you come prepared with cereal bars and snacks.

Mrs Bibko, 28 Jan 2023

 

Great walking holiday, efficiently organised and accurately described accommodation. Walks were through some beautiful remote countryside and the app was brilliant at ensuring we never got lost. Would definitely book through Headwater again, as soon as possible!

Mr Courtenay, 29 Oct 2022

 

We thoroughly enjoyed walking the Akamas Peninsula in late October / early November 2022. We really benefitted from being able to stay at the Droushia Heights Hotel for 7 nights followed by 7 nights at the Aphrodite Beach Hotel. The staff at each hotel were most helpful and welcoming. We received room upgrades at both hotels. Two weeks provided us with plenty of scope for walking the routes and exploring and relaxing locally. We walked all five 20 km routes, all of which we loved. We cherished people's friendliness; experiencing the detail of the Akamas landscape of foot; the quiet and peaceful villages and environments; the wonderful scenery; pristine beaches for swimming and sunbathing; the delicious food and the warm sunshine. Thank you to Joanne Chaplin and the staff of Headwater, Cyprus Walks, Droushia Heights Hotel and the Aphrodite Beach Hotel for a wonderful holiday.

Mr Lawson, 25 Oct 2022

 

On previous Headwater holidays the local rep has met us on arrival at the hotel to go through the itinerary but this didn’t happen here. We rang Cyprus Walks on the first evening and we spoke again a day or so later to arrange pick up times when we had more idea of what we wanted to do and how far we wanted to walk. It was good to have a choice of short and long routes each day. In Droushia we ate out each night. There was a choice of tavernas within walking distance but we went to Finikas Tavern every night which had a lovely courtyard at the back with a grape vine for a roof and did a fabulous Greek salad amongst other things. On our first walk we went to Mylari Bistro in Kritou Terra at lunch time for some welcome refreshment. Lovely walk to Lara beach. The Aphrodite Beach Hotel had a nice beach below it and a good fish restaurant not connected to the hotel which was only open in the daytime. Stoney beach so would recommend wet shoes/pumps in the sea. Overall, good holiday.

Mrs White, 19 Sep 2022

 


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
twin centre

Level: 1 & 2

14.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

7 nights from $1130

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

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