Exploring the Akamas National Park

Day 1 - Day of arrival

Arrive at Paphos Airport and transfer to the Tavros Hotel Apartments where you will stay in studio accommodation (self catering) in Neo Chorio for four nights.

Neo Chorio, with a population of approximately 500 persons, is the gateway to the Akamas National Park and is located 8 kilometres west of Polis, the main town on the north-western coast of the island. The village is 157 metres above sea level and has two good tavernas and provision stores. The views from here down to the coast are panoramic.

Tavros Hotel Apartments, Neo Chorio

Day 2 - The Smigies Trail (circular walk)

There are two walks beginning from the Smigies picnic site; an easy 2.5 kilometre walk through the village and out through olive groves, or a longer 5-kilometre route (both graded at 2 for difficulty). Today, why not take the shorter route which takes approximately 1 hour. Throughout your leisurely stroll take heed of the views to the east of Polis Chrysochous Bay, Latchi, Pachyammos and Pafos Forest, and to the west Lara Bay, Tzioni and Karavopetres. After your walk why not visit pretty Kathikas Village, a twenty to twenty-five-minute drive from Neo Chorio. Taxi transfers to and from Kathikas are included in your stay.

Overnight at the Tavros Hotel Apartments, Neo Chorio.

Day 3 - Cheese tasting in Droushia

In the morning, take a taxi to the nearby village of Droushia and to the dairy there (return taxi transfers included as part of your stay). You can witness the overall process and making of the traditional Cyprus cheeses of Halloumi, Halitzi (similar to feta but with holes) and Anari. You can try your hand at making the cheese and of course purchase any product from the dairy. During the afternoon, why not burn off all that cheese and take the longer walking route, starting from Smigies picnic site and lasting approximately 2 hours. This route goes past the disused magnesium mines which include a deserted kiln and then through a dense part of Akamas forest. This walk also links up with the Adonis trail at the location Kefalovrysia (potable water fountain location).

Overnight at the Tavros Hotel Apartments, Neo Chorio.

Droushia

Day 4 - Pissouromoutti Trail (circular walk)

Today take the Pissouromoutti Trail; a 3-kilometre circular walk with views of Polis Bay to the northeast and beaches of Akamas to the west. During this route you will also witness rich growth of Juniper Phoenicia and Pistacia. There are other walks that begin from nearby areas. The Tavros Hotel Apartments can arrange a taxi to take you to the starting points. Although, the most impressive is the walk through the Avagas Gorge. This is a linear walk of 1.2 kilometres, and it takes around 45 minutes to walk through this narrow gorge. It is graded difficulty 2.

Overnight at the Tavros Hotel Apartments, Neo Chorio.

Beaches of Akamas

Day 5 - Walk and transfer to Souli Hotel, Latchi

The walk along the road from the Tavros Hotel Apartments to the Souli Hotel, set on the beach below, will take you half an hour (2.7 km) and, luckily, it is all downhill! Your luggage will be transported to the new hotel. Board basis here is bed and breakfast but the hotel has a very good beach taverna. Rooms are with sea view. The harbour of Latchi, with all its tavernas and restaurants is only 400 metres away.

Overnight at Souli Hotel, Latchi.

Souli Hotel, Latchi

Day 6 - Aphrodite Trail (circular walk)

Length of walk: 7.5 km - Duration: 3 hours – Degree of difficulty: 2.

Start your day off by walking to the Baths of Aphrodite where, according to tradition, the Goddess of Love used to bathe. It takes around an hour to walk to the baths and this particular walk takes 3 hours to complete and the terrain is not flat. If a total of five hours is too much, then the hotel can arrange a taxi from the hotel to the baths and this can be paid locally. From the Baths of Aphrodite follow a rising path to the hill known as Moutti tis Sotiras (370m). This can be quite tiring, especially in summer. However, there are two potable water fountains, one near the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower) and one between the location of the Baths and Kakoskali. Along the trail there are several points which give a view of the bay of Polis Chrysochous and the Paphos Forest. The ruins of the Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower), which are believed to have belonged to a medieval monastery, are a sight to behold. It is also worth mentioning the huge, centuries-old, oak tree which can be seen at the picnic site.

Overnight at Souli Hotel, Latchi.

Aphrodite Trail

Day 7 - Adonis Trail (circular walk)

Length of walk: 7.5 km - Duration: 3 hours - Degree of difficulty: 3.

The Adonis Trail, which also begins from the Baths of Aphrodite, and can be quite tiring as there are many uphill sections and the terrain is rugged. However, it is certainly worth it as there are many beautiful sights and points of interest throughout. For example, from the western part there are views of various beaches of the Akamas, such as Lara Bay, Tzioni and Karavopetres. The path you follow goes past Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queens Tower). At the Kefalovrysia location, it links up with the Smiges trail. In order to complete its circular path, the trail follows the main road connecting the Baths of Aphrodite and Polis, for about 400m.

Overnight at Souli Hotel, Latchi.

Lara Bay

Day 8 - Day at leisure

Why not spend your final day relaxing at the beach, with a drink and a book at hand. The beach all along this coast is made up of a mixture of sand and shingle and the swimming is first rate. If you fancy something a little different, our local representative, Angela can arrange a visit to Latchi’s two wineries: Vasilikon and Sterna.

Overnight at Souli Hotel, Latchi.

Aphrodite Beach

Day 9 - Day of departure

Today you will be transferred from the hotel to Paphos Airport for your return flight home.