The Akamas peninsular, north east of Paphos, is a large wilderness region criss-crossed by tracks and trails, suitable for hiking, trail biking or driving in an all-terrain vehicle. There are also tour boats from Latsi and Polis that visit the rugged coastline. The two main entry points at at Agios Georgios in the south and Polis in the north. For hikers there are four waymarked trails:
The Aphrodite Trail (7.5km, 3hrs) is a circular loop past the Rigena Castle and up to the summit of Mouti tis Sotiras and back along the coast; the Adonis Trail (7.5km, 3hrs) follows Aphrodite but turns south at the castle; two other trails run from Smigies, the Smigies Trail (5km, 2hrs) and Pissouromouttis Trail (3km, 90mins). Tourist offices in Paphos and Polis have detailed leaflets on the trails.
The rugged coastline west of the Baths of Aphrodite has a well travelled and waymarked path, part of the Aphrodite Trail, that offers breathtaking views at almost every turn
The Akamas is noted for it abundant flora and fauna. It is at the most eastern point for three major floral zones of Europe with not only 600 plant species, but 20 types of mammal, 68 of bird, 20 of reptile and many butterflies, the most noted of which is Glaucopsyche Pafos which is a symbol of the region.
Though the mountain Mavri Schinia is the highest on the peninsular, the lower and more accessible Moutis ti Sotiras is worth the climb. Here it overlooks the beautiful area on the north east coast known as Fontana Amorosa with Cape Arnaoutis in the distance.
Not noted for its beaches, the Akamas coastline is very beautiful in places and offers some good swimming especially in the Fontana Amorosa area where the Aphrodite walking trail turns inland.
Elsewhere along the indented coastline are spectacular small bays but they are usually difficult to get to and offer no facilities. The eroded chalk cliffs can hide many caves.
The Baths of Aphrodite title sounds very grand but the reality is a murky pond fed by a few trickles of water. The patron goddess of Cyprus apparently arrived ashore here, launching a cult that still has its adherents. The pool looks inviting enough but bathing and/or drinking are banned. These days it plays host to bus loads of slightly bemused and bored tourists.
Aphrodite is the patron goddess of Cyprus and is reputed to have landed on the island naked at this relatively spot in a shower of foam, bathing here after entertaining her lovers.
One of the most popular ways to get a taste of Akamas is on one of the well-marked walking trails which are strung out on the hillside along the north facing coastline.
The Avgas Gorge, also called the Avakas Gorge, is a popular jaunt for hikers, though care must be taken after rains as the narrow gorge can get heavily swollen with water. Access is along a dirt track from Agios Georgios and you can almost drive up to the gorge entrance, where there is an excellent taverna. The hike up the gorge take 30-40mins when most turn back although the more adventurous press on up to the village of Ano Arodes
The 2km Avgas Gorge has vertical cliffs of 100m in the limestone rock. Large rocks litter the route and rains make the gorge impassable in the winter. Vultures once nested here but have not been seen for many years.