Walking the best trails in Southern Cyprus

 

Hiking the mountains and coastline of Southern Cyprus

Southern Cyprus, with its diverse landscapes, ancient history, and stunning coastline, offers a wealth of opportunities for walkers.

Our guidebook to walking in Southern Cyprus showcases the whole area, from rugged mountain trails to scenic coastal paths – there’s really something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights, along with tips for planning your trip.

Stunning mountain walks

Rounding Mount Olympus (Walk 1): Four kilometres from Troodos by road is the highest point on the island – the summit of Mount Olympos (1952m/6400ft).

Though romantically named, it is the site of a TV transmitter and radar base (the latter featuring an enormous landmark ‘golf ball’) and is closed to visitors. Still, this circuit remains one of my favourites in the Troodos.

Madhari Ridge (Walk 7): Mount Adelphi is the second highest point on Cyprus (1613m/5290ft), and this walk to it along an exposed ridge is even more spectacular than the approach to Mount Olympos.

It can be strenuous for short stretches, and the track stony, but the views are stunning – from the northern, Turkish side of the island, to the south, where Kyperounda clings to the opposite hillside like magic.

Cedar Valley to Mount Tripylos (Walk 10): Whether you make this walk your prime target for the day, or choose the shorter version while on a trip to Kykko, you are sure to enjoy it!

The views are splendid, and the surroundings beautiful. The main (longer) walk will be a disappointment to many, as the loop road into Cedar Valley has been asphalted.

But if you’d walked it in the past, swallowing the dust thrown up by 4WD safaris, you’d find it a great improvement, especially out of season or early in the day, when there’s little traffic.

Beautiful coastal trails

Fontana Amorosa coastal path (Walk 19): This wonderful walk takes you through unspoiled Cyprus, and long may it remain so. In reality the ‘fountain of love’ is a 5-metre deep well (which you may not even find), but it doesn’t matter!

You have only come for the pleasure of walking back to the Baths of Aphrodite. For a longer ramble, it is interesting to walk to the very western tip of the island, Cape Arnauti (an extra 3km/2mi return), passing the wrecked freighter Agnello.

Around Cape Kiti (Walk 28): Panagia Angeloktistos (‘built by angels’) is a must for visitors to the Larnaka area. So before setting off, be sure to admire the beautiful mosaic of the Virgin Mary in the apse.

This walk is for those who enjoy taking in the ambience of Cyprus through a gentle stroll. Features are a Venetian watchtower, a lighthouse and a charismatic church with an interesting cemetery.

In addition you will see many tourists, expatriates and Cypriots, at leisure, and you may surprise some of them on the beach in less-than-formal attire!

Agia Napa – Cape Greco – Protaras (Walk 29): The far reaches of any island always hold fascination for the traveller, and this southeastern corner of Cyprus is no exception.

It is easily accessible too as Agia Napa is one of the island’s most popular tourist centres. This walk takes in sandy beaches, quiet coves, a radar-topped headland and an attractively-sited church.

The best time for walkers to visit Southern Cyprus

The best time to visit Cyprus for hiking is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

Summer can be hot and dry, while winter can be cold and wet.

Getting around Southern Cyprus

Public transportation in Cyprus is relatively limited, but there are buses that connect the main cities and towns.

Hiring a car is the most convenient way to get around, especially if you want to explore the more remote areas.

Southern Cyprus offers a diverse range of hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. Whether you’re looking for a challenging mountain hike or a leisurely coastal walk, there’s something for everyone.

With its stunning scenery, rich history, and friendly locals, Cyprus is a perfect destination for a hiking holiday. Buy our guidebook to walking in Southern Cyprus.