Duration
8 days
Activities
  • Self Guided Walking
Accommodation
  • Hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1460USD

 

Overview

Trip Code: JCW

Winter Walking in Cyprus Trip highlights


  • Discover Cyprus on a winter sun walking holiday
  • Hike the unspoiled west: Akamas and Laona
  • Visit the mythical Baths of Aphrodite
  • Stay in traditional, stone-built welcoming Cypriot villages
  • Explore a mix of coastal and inland hiking trails
  • Feast on local halloumi and traditional meze

Set in the eastern Mediterranean, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Levant, Cyprus is a land layered with history, mythology and natural beauty. It has seen countless civilisations pass through including ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, all leaving their mark on the culture, cuisine and landscape. Away from the resorts and busy towns, the welcome is warm and genuine.

This walking holiday takes you to the island’s unspoilt west, where trails weave through the Akamas Peninsula National Park and across the tranquil Laona plateau. You’ll walk through forests, citrus groves and terraced hillsides, passing through peaceful villages where traditional Cypriot life continues at a gentle pace. Some walks meander down to the coast, where you can enjoy the expansive sea views. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient Greek myths, most memorably at the Baths of Aphrodite, a shaded pool nestled in a natural grotto. According to legend, this is where the goddess of love came to bathe and first met her mortal lover, Adonis. Local folklore, ancient chapels and archaeological sites enrich the journey, bringing the landscape’s stories to life.

This winter sun walking trip has been created to take full advantage of Cyprus' mild, Mediterranean winters. The western part of the island stays comfortably temperate during these months, making it an ideal season for walking. Autumn offers soft golden light and quieter paths, midwinter brings clear air and crisp mornings, and early spring sees nature begin to stir. It’s a peaceful, refreshing time to explore a landscape steeped in legend and shaped by the rhythms of nature.

Traveller Rating

 

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Carbon Footprint

45kg of CO2-e PP per day

(315kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Arrive at Paphos airport and meet your driver for the included transfer to Drouseia. This is a small Cypriot village on the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, on the Laona plateau. It has many old stone houses bearing traditional architecture such as carved doors and wooden windows and narrow winding streets. There are two coffee shops, as well as two small supermarkets/kiosks and some good tavernas, normally open on weekends in winter. The church of Agios Epifanios is in the centre, where you can also explore the ancient monastery of Agios Georgios Nikoxilitis on the eastern side. In the nearby village of Ineia, only a mile away, there is a Sea Turtle museum, that opened in 2023, well worth a visit. From Drouseia you can see all the way across to the Troodos Mountains and, looking north you can see Chrysochou Bay, the town of Polis and Latchi harbour. Looking west, there are stunning views of the Akamas Peninsula. Transfers are available from Larnaca Airport at reasonable additional cost. Accommodation: You will stay in a very comfortable hotel in Drousheia for 4 nights. It is found on the north edge of the village, offering excellent views towards Chrysochou Bay from its infinity pool and terrace. All rooms are ensuite.

Meals:  Nil

A gentle introduction to the Laona plateau landscape and the tracks which criss-cross the area. After passing through Drouseia village, today's "figure of 8" trail drops down to the village of Kritou Terra, known for its springs and catacombs. Then follows a steep climb back up to Drouseia. There is a longer option to reach the tiny medieval Agia Paraskevi chapel deeper in the valley and a partly restored watermill. The views compensate hikers for the effort of the extra kilometre and 150m elevation gain.

Meals:  B

A public bus from Drouseia takes you to Kathikas village, another one of the many well-preserved stone-built villages of the area. It hosts a good number of restaurants, a couple of wineries and an Information Centre on the Akamas Peninsula. The mostly downhill walk threads its way down to the coast, through the vineyards of a winery where you can normally do a tasting before continuing to the coast through a mixture of gorge and woods. An optional visit may be made to the spectacular Avakas Gorge. Note that this may be closed in winter and entering the gorge requires care due to slippery conditions. Whichever way you go, at the end of the walk you arrive at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias, a collection of buildings and ruins next to a coastal cliff, and with a small fishing harbour and beach area. The sunsets from here are said to be the best in Cyprus. Afternoon transfer back to Drouseia.

Meals:  B

Walk through the scenic sandstone and limestone rock formations near Drouseia, and enjoy the beautiful vistas of Chrysochous Bay. The area is popular with rock climbers and for its stunning panoramic views. Recent archaeological digs have uncovered prehistoric stone tools and artifacts. Take your time and enjoy a picnic en route or return to the village to take refreshments at the cafe or taverna.

Meals:  B

Enjoy superb panoramic coastal views as you traverse a ridge overlooking the unspoilt Akamas Peninsula.The route heads north towards Moutti tis Sotiras peak, where the outlook opens across the north coast and the whole of Chrysochous Bay. Today’s walk incorporates sections of the Smigies, Adonis and Aphrodite Trails, with the western descent along the Aphrodite Trail considered by many to be one of the finest on the island. Along the way, pass the ruins of the medieval monastery known as ‘Pirgos tis Rigenas’ (the Queen’s Castle) and a nearby ancient oak tree. The route finishes near the Baths of Aphrodite, a small cave where, according to mythology, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, once bathed. Accommodation: Overnight Chrysochou Bay, Akamas Peninsula (3 nights). Your modern hotel is set just above a beach, with ensuite rooms. The hotel regularly closes during January and February, when alternative accommodation may be provided at a friendly hotel in the Latchi beach area, close to restaurants and shops.

Meals:  B

Today’s walk explores the remote Evretou Valley, close to the Akamas Peninsula and on the edge of Paphos Forest. A transfer will take you to the start of the route at the picturesque stone-built village of Phiti, renowned for its traditional, vividly coloured woven textiles. Take time to explore the village before setting out on foot. From Phiti, descend into the valley towards the Stavros Tis Psokas river, enjoying far-reaching views. The valley is dotted with impressive old oak trees, remnants of the extensive oak forests that once covered parts of Cyprus. After crossing the river, pass several historic watermills, including one particularly well-preserved example that is worth pausing to explore. Continue towards man-made Evretou Lake, following its shoreline through a landscape rich in flora and birdlife. Falcons, goldfinches and herons may be spotted, while rock roses and phlomis are among the plants found in the area. Across the lake lies the deserted Turkish Cypriot village of Evretou, which can be visited as an optional extension to today’s walk. Upon arrival in Skoulli, enjoy a Cyprus coffee and take the hourly bus back to Polis

Meals:  B

If you would prefer another day on foot, there are several walking options on the Akamas Peninsula, including circular trails starting near the Baths of Aphrodite. Follow peaceful nature trails through the peninsula, with coastal scenery and expansive views over the Mediterranean. Today is free to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to simply relax, spend time exploring the local area, or use the local bus to venture further afield.

Meals:  B

After breakfast, an included transfer will take you from your hotel to Paphos Airport for your onward journey. If you are departing from Larnaca Airport, a transfer can be arranged for an additional supplement. Please contact our team for further details.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 nights accommodation in hotels - twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including navigational travel app
  • Arrival and departure transfers to Paphos airport
  • Private transfer on day 3 & 6
  • Luggage transfers, 1 bag per person up to 20kg
  • Emergency hotline

  • Lunches, Dinners & Beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Arrival and departure transfers to Larnaka airport, ask us for details as this can be arranged
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip & all public transport
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Excess luggage

Accommodation


Grading

moderate  

This is a moderate hike as the daily walking distances are average, but it includes some steep climbs and descents, possibly on dirt roads. There may be points where fallen trees are blocking the way, you may have to climb around these and this is not very difficult. It should therefore present no difficulties to someone accustomed to day long walking. Day stages: Distances walked vary from 11 to 21 km or 3.5 – 6 hours and there are six hiking days.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Jan - 31 May & 1 Sep - 31 Dec

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 10-14 April & 23-31 Dec. A supplement applies for high season departures. There is an obligatory gala dinner of £44 per person when staying in Drousheia on 24 Dec or 31 Dec.
DN2
Supplement applies for transfers from/to Larnaca Airport, please ask.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1460USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement - 2026USD$260
  • Single Supplement - 2027USD$390
  • High Season Single Supplement - 2026USD$620
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - 2026USD$560
  • High Season Single Supplement - 2027USD$700
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - 2027USD$620
  • High Season Solo Traveller Supplement - 2026USD$990
  • High Season Solo Traveller Supplement - 2027USD$1070
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Assuming you are flying in and out of Paphos International Airport, then transfers are included. If you are arriving/departing from Larnaca International Airport, we can arrange transfers to and from there as well. However, as Larnaca airport is a lot further from the start of the trip, there is a supplement involved. Please request this with our friendly team.

You will be staying at two different handpicked family-run hotels - set in quiet villages. One hotel has recently been extended with modern rooms, the other has some older fittings. They have lots of character and good home cooking to enjoy for breakfast or after your walks. Rooms are ensuite and homely.

Very few, there will be more on the coastal sections of the walks, but often the walking in Cyprus is quite lonely.

Depending on the year, February-April can be a fantastic time to see many types of orchids and there are a couple of rare varieties of poppy that we have spotted along the trails in the past.

Waymarking on our Cyprus winter walking holiday is patchy or non-existent. With the support of the maps, GPX files and basic extra maps that we have prepared for you, you should certainly be able to find your way.


Winter Walking in Cyprus Trip reviews


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