3A Smigies Nature Trail
Walk 3B Pissouromoutti Nature Trail
Walk 4 Avakas Gorge
Walk 5 Argaka Nature Trail
Walk 6 Horteri Nature Trail
Walk 7 Vouni path
Walk 8 Sinti Monastery – Roudia Bridge
Walk 9 Venetian bridges
The Troodos and central Cyprus
Walk 10 Xystarouda – Agiasma – Vasiliki Nature Trail
Walk 11 Prodromos Dam – Stavroulia Trail
Walk 12 Kannoures Trail
Walk 13 Mnimata Piskopon Trail
Walk 14 Atalante Trail
Walk 15 Artemis Trail
Walk 16 Caledonia circular
Walk 17 Pouziaris Trail
Walk 18 Loymata ton Aeton Trail
Walk 19 Madari Trail
Walk 20 Kannavia circular
Walk 21 Asinou Trail
Walk 22 Panagia tou Araka – Stavros tou Agiasmati
Walk 23 Politiko Nature Trail
Walk 24 Machairas Monastery – Fikardou
Walk 25 Kionia loop
Walk 26 Kakokefalos – Mantra tou Kampiou Trail
South and east
Walk 27 Hapotami Trail
Walk 28 Pissouri coast walk
Walk 29 Kyparissia Trail
Walk 30 Sea caves – Kavos Hill
Walk 31 Agioi Anargyroi – Cyclops Cave
Walk 32 Monumental olive trees of Kalkanli
Walk 33 Sina Monastery circular
Walk 34 Lapta Baspinar Trail
Walk 35 The Fourth Castle
Walk 36 St Hilarion Castle
Walk 37 Buffavento Castle
Walk 38 Armenian monastery
Walk 39 Alevkaya circular
Walk 40 Esentepe – Antiphonitis Monastery
Walk 41 Kucuk Erenkoy circular
Walk 42 Tatlisu circular
Walk 43 Kantara Castle
Walk 44 Kumyali circular
Appendix A Route summary table
The narrowest section of the Avakas gorge (Walk 4)
INTRODUCTION
Aphrodite’s birthplace, Petra tou Romiou
According to legend, the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, was born in Cyprus. Her birthplace, Petra tou Romiou – the famous rock formation near Paphos/Baf – rising from the turquoise sea, attracts many tourists every day. Admiring the striking sea stack from the pebbly beach in the early hours before the coachloads of noisy tourists arrive, you can see why a goddess of beauty would rise from the sea on that very spot. Cyprus has a strong connection with Greek mythology, and today places of interest and even walking trails bear the names of mythological figures.
The scenery changes from the rugged coastline of the Akamas Peninsula, washed with turquoise water, to the wildflower-carpeted meadows and pine-covered slopes of Troodos; across the cultivated Mesaoria Plains to the narrow, serene Kyrenia/Beşparmak mountains. The Kyrenia range leads to the Karpaz/Karpass Peninsula, which is like an outstretched arm pointing towards Turkey.
Sunshine, a Mediterranean climate and golden beaches with crystal-clear waters have attracted tourists for many years. But walkers – who prefer to leave the hustle of seaside towns, noisy taverns and the busy archaeological sites behind – have only just started to discover Cyprus’ outstanding walking trails. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks and the smell of seawater accompany the walker on sunny coastal trails, while birdsong entertains them as they walk through the dramatic Avakas Gorge on the Akamas Peninsula. Hikers might spot shy mouflon (a type of wild sheep) hopping skilfully on the steep slopes in Paphos Forest and the wild donkeys staring curiously at people on the Karpaz/Karpass Peninsula.
In the centre of the island, in the Troodos mountains, zigzagging footpaths lead to small, hidden churches and Byzantine monasteries – many of which are on the UNESCO Word Heritage List for their unique architecture and colourful frescos. Winding nature trails on pine-covered slopes with stunning views give walkers the opportunity to admire the beauty of these mountains.
Meanwhile, with castles proudly perched on rocks and mysterious monasteries in the shade of mighty trees, the thin, dramatic Kyrenia mountain range stretches across almost the entire length of Northern Cyprus.
In every season the island has its own magic to share with visitors. In some winters, snow covers the mountain peaks of Troodos, and Cyprus has Europe’s most southerly ski resort. In spring, streams grow wider and colourful wildflowers carpet the meadows, while in the peak
