Explore the Best Hiking Trails in Cyprus
While the Mediterranean island of Cyprus is best known for its beautiful beaches and magnificent monasteries, the interior of the island calls out to hikers. Rocky tracks climb to mountain villages, forest trails lead to hidden waterfalls, and rugged nature trails wind along wonderful stretches of coastline.
Cyprus is divided into two enclaves – one Greek Cypriot, and one Turkish – but both sides of the island feature castle-crowned mountains and substantial areas of wilderness. Here are some of the best hikes on the island.
Aphrodite and Adonis Loop Trail
Great for history buffs
7.5km (4.7 miles) round-trip, 3–4 hours, moderate
If you’re seeking a moderately challenging hike with historical significance, the Aphrodite and Adonis Loop Trail will provide a rewarding half-day experience. The trail begins at Loutra tis Afroditis (Baths of Aphrodite), a tiny grotto east of Poli Crysochous where, according to legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to secretly bathe.
Other points of interest include the ruins of an old medieval monastery known as Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower), near where the Aphrodite trail connects with the Adonis Trail, named for Aphrodite’s mortal lover, who has his sacred pool in the hills above Pafos. Along the way, hikers will be treated to stunning coastal views.
Artemis Trail
Great for birdwatching
7km (4.3 miles) round-trip, 2.5–3 hours, easy
This popular 7km trail offers visitors an excellent introduction to the flora and fauna characteristic of the dry forests crowning the Troödos massif in the island’s interior. It forms a loop around the summit of 1,952m (6,404ft) Mount Olympus (aka Chionistra), the highest point on the island, passing through black pine forest and ancient rock formations.
The trail is also favored by birdwatchers; keep an eye out for jays, Bonelli’s eagle, Scops owls, and endemic species such as the Cyprus warbler and the Cyprus wheatear. Additionally, the trail passes a ruined fortification dating back to the 16th-century Venetian occupation of the island.
Information for this and other hikes in the Troödos National Forest Park can be found at the visitor center just west of the main square in Troödos village.
Kalidonia Waterfalls Trail
Great for chasing waterfalls
1.9 miles (3km) round-trip, 1.5 hours, moderate
For a short hike with great rewards, consider hiking the trail leading to the Kaledonia waterfall in Troödos National Forest Park. This pleasant walk starts in thick woodland, weaving up to the Krios Potamos (Cold River) and following it to the picturesque waterfalls.
Upon reaching the falls, you may choose to return the same way or continue to the Psilo Dendro trailhead above the village of Platres, where the 8km Pouziaris Loop commences, winding through more captivating mountain scenery.
Kampos tou Livadiou
Great for good views in a hurry
1.9 miles (3km) round-trip, 1.5 hours, easy
If you’re short on time but eager for great views, this trail in Troödos National Forest Park offers an easy yet rewarding option. The path meanders through black pines and juniper trees, providing sweeping views of the Solea Valley and Mount Olympus.
On clear days, vistas extend to Morphou Bay, gracefully curving in front of the small town of Güzelyurt (formerly Morphou) located on the Turkish side of the island. There are plenty of resting spots along the way to enjoy the scenery or bask in the warmth of the sun.
Avakas (Avgas) Gorge Trail
Great for rocky exploration
0.75 miles (1.2km) round-trip, 45 minutes, challenging
If you appreciate sculpted rock formations, a hike through the Avakas (Avgas) Gorge near Pafos will surely impress. This trail traverses the gorge of the same name, cutting through Pegeia State Forest. While you can venture quite far into this water-carved gully, the main segment of the trail is under a mile long.
Water typically flows in the gorge year-round, so wearing water-resistant shoes with good grip is advisable. Along with fascinating rock formations, hikers may encounter ferns, juniper trees, frogs, and occasional sightings of wild mountain goats in the area.
Konnoi–Agioi Anargyroi Nature Trail
Great for epic ocean views
3 miles (4.8km) round-trip, 2 hours, easy
To explore both coastal headlands and the weathered interior of Cape Greco National Park, the Konnoi–Agioi Anargyroi Nature Trail is an excellent choice. The trail skirts the coast south of Protaras, passing by the iconic Kamara tou Koraka, a well-known natural rock formation often photographed from above.
Other highlights along the trail include remnants of an ancient Aphrodite Temple and viewpoints that offer spectacular coastal views. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting various species, as over 100 have been documented in the area. There are three possible starting points for this trail: Konnos Beach at its northern tip, the Agioi Anargyroi Church by the sea, or the Cape Greco Visitor Centre.
Persephone Trail
Great for easy forest walking
1.9 miles (3km) round-trip, 1.5 hours, easy
This convenient short trail in Troödos National Forest Park, the Persephone Trail is ideal for hikers of all levels who simply wish to enjoy the forest without exerting excessive effort.
The trail begins just southeast of the square in Troödos village and ascends to the ridge at Makria Kontarka, where hikers are rewarded with fantastic views over the surrounding valleys and ridges.
Smigies Nature Trail
Great for panoramic photos
1.5 miles to 3.7 miles (2.5km to 6km) round-trip, 1–2 hours, moderate
If you enjoy landscape photography, the Smigies Nature Trail is a splendid location to capture stunning images of Cyprus’s ochre-hued hills against the contrasting blue waters of the Mediterranean. The trail winds through the hills above Androlikou, just south of the relaxed coastal town of Poli Crysochous.
Starting from the Smigies Picnic Ground, hikers can opt for the full trail, which passes by old magnesium mines and kilns, or choose a shorter loop that cuts the experience in half.
