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1 - AKAMAS
Akamas is the easternmost point of the three major
flora zones of Europe.
Akamas is situated at the westernmost point of Cyprus.
One belief is that the area took its name from the Greek mythological hero Akamas, son of Theseus who came to Cyprus after the Trojan war and founded Akamantis.
Akamas was also the place where Aphrodite and Adonis
had their love trysts.
It is an area of incomparable natural beauty.
Almost all the geological formations found on the island are present in the
area.
About 600 plant species can be found there of which 35
are endemic. There is also a large amount of fauna here. (More information on
the flora and fauna of Cyprus can be found at http://www.natureof cyprus.org also on birds, mammals butterflies and lots
more)
There are also 168 bird species, 12 mammals, 20
reptiles and butterfly species of which the endemic Glaucopsyche pafos butterfly
is said to be the symbol of the area.
Akamas is ideal for walking, cycling, swimming, diving,
fishing, exploring, cruising on small craft and bird watching.
1. Aphrodite Trail (circular) Length : 7.5
km Time: 3 hours
Starting point: Baths of Aphrodite. The section between
the Baths and Pyrgos tis Rigainas (the Castle of Regina) is shares with the
Adonis trail. The trail follows a rising path to the hill known as Moutti tis
Soriras (370m) and this can be quite tiring, especially in summer. There
are springs with drinking water at two points, one at Pyrgos tis Rigainas (the
Castle of Regina) and the other at Kefalovrisia.
Points of Interest: The baths of Aphrodite where,
according to tradition, the Goddess of Love bathed. Ruins of the Castle of
Regina, which are believed to have belonged to a medieval monastery. There
is a huge centuries oak-tree which can be seen at the picnic site, where
drinking water is also available. Along the trail there are several points
which give a view of Polis Chrsochou and the Paphos forest.
2. Adonis Trail (circular)
Length : 7.5 km Time: 3 hours
Starting point: Baths of Aphrodite. Like the Aphrodite
trail, the walk can be quite tiring. Two springs of drinking water can be
found one at Pyrgos tis Rigainas and the other at Kefalovrisia.
Points of Interest: From the
western part there is a view of various beaches of Akama such as Lara Bar,
Tzioni, Karavopetres etc.
3. Smiglies Trail (circular)
Length (a) short route: 2.5 km Time (a) short route:
1 hour
Length (b) long route: 5 km Time (b) long route: 2
hours
Starting point: Smigies picnic site
2.5 km from Neo Chorio
Points of Interest: View of the
east of Polis Chrysochous Bay, Latsi, Pachyammos and Pafos Forest and to the
west Lara bay, Tzioni, Karavopetres etc.
4. Pissouromouttis Trail (circular)
Length : 3 km Time : 1 hour and 30 minutes
Starting point: Smigies picnic site
Points of Interest: Rich growth of
Juniper Phoenicia, pistacia, etc. Views of Polis Bay to the northeast and
beaches of Akamas to the west
5. Kathikas Trail (circular)
Length : 2 km Time : 1 hour
Starting point: 1 km from Kathikas
towards Pegia, near "Kyparissos" restaurant
Points of Interest: 800 meters from
the starting point there is a stone-built water fountain. Agia Marian
Chapel is also in the area.
This information was taken from the CTO
publication Nature Trails of Cyprus. You can get a copy from any Cyprus
Tourism Organization office in Cyprus. |
