Akamas National Park

Akamas National Park is located in the south west part of the beautiful Cyprus island.

A large spur of coastal rocks that extends towards the sea, magically shaped by the wind and the waves that have given rise to sandy coves with a clear, transparent sea and many shades from turquoise to intense blue. The Peninsula has an extension of two hundred thirty square kilometers between valleys, gorges and beaches, unique both from a geographical and geological point of view and with an ecological system rich in fauna and flora. In the protected National Park there are about 128 different species of endemic plants such as the Cyprus tulip, orchids, roses and different species of mammals, birds and reptiles and endangered animals such as monk seals and sea turtles.

Barren and wild it is still completely uninhabited today due to the topography of the territory thus preserving nature and not facilitating mass tourism. The Akamas Peninsula is much loved by hiking enthusiasts and by those who like to be in close contact with Nature with the possibility of camping also to enjoy this passion.

The name Akamas derives from an Athenian warrior who after the Trojan war, decided to move to Cyprus to take refuge. In Greek mythology the goddess of beauty and love Aphrodite was born and lived in the Akamas Peninsula.

Starting from Paphos, a seaside resort now known all over the world, there are many things to visit in the Peninsula. You can start with a visit to the Agios Nefyotos Monastery near the Tala village dating back to 1159 when the monk settled in solitude, then completed over time giving life to a beautiful church dedicated to the Virgin Mary with frescoes, Byzantine icons and to the present day a museum. Do not miss the cell cave of the Saint which reminds a little of the Sacred Cave of St. John the Evangelistin Patmos.

Another stop is the Aphrodite Bath,a place where mythology says that the Goddess loved in particular to meet her lovers. To get there you have to reach the picturesque fishing village of Latch and continue towards the bay which has calm and transparent waters where you can take a bath. The path of Aphrodite to reach the beach is unpaved so choose or do it on foot or if you have a 4x4 you can get there by car.

Lara beach is another place to be included in the itinerary during your holidays in Greece in the Akamas Peninsula, a real open-air incubator, famous and protected place for the spawning of caretta-caretta and sea turtles and the green turtle Chelonia mydas.

The path leading to the Avakas gorges also starts from Lara beach. An experience to do absolutely. A path that starts with a wide road and under the beating sun that gradually becomes narrower until it reaches just over two meters wide (and here you will be much fresher because they are sheltered from the sun), through an environment truly wild, natural and of extraordinary beauty among high limestone walls that form a sort of tunnel under which a small stream flows. The walk lasts about an hour nothing challenging but that will allow you to admire unique places.

Last but not least, are the intimate and hidden beaches and coves of the Peninsula which are part of the last large coastal area still uncontaminated by progress where many animal and plant species still manage to survive. The coasts are of soft golden sand or small pebbles, bathed by clean waters and changing colors where you can see many fish swimming happily and abandoning yourself to the harmony of what surrounds you.

The Akamas Peninsula is a unique landscape that conveys serenity and will make you feel at peace with the world, where Mother Nature still reigns supreme and makes everything a small corner of Paradise.