Walking In Cyprus | Walking Holiday In Cyprus

Arrive Larnaka and check-in to hotel. Larnaka (originally known as Kition) is a busy sea front town with palm-fringed beaches, lots of cafes, tavernas, shops and a relaxed, leisurely atmosphere.

Overnight Standard Hotel

This morning we drive to nearby Lefkosia. This dynamic city has been the capital of Cyprus for more than 1000 years and is situated right in the centre of the island in the Mesaoria plain. The old city is enclosed by 16th century Venetian walls where winding alleys are filled with old and some medieval buildings and ancient churches. The Laiki Yitonia area is particularly interesting, alive with restaurants, shops and galleries and many traditional crafts for sale. The Ayios Ioannis Cathedral (dedicated to Saint John) once housed a preserved finger of St John the Baptist until it was stolen after the Battle of Choirokoitia in 1426 AD when the Mamelukes defeated the local forces and went on to over run Lefkosia. Outside the city walls lies modern Lefkosia, with public gardens and colonial buildings and open air cafés that grace the elegant streets such as Makarios Avenue. We include an orientation walk of the old town before heading for the fresh air of the Troodos mountains and the UNESCO World Heritage Byzantine churches of the Solea Valley. We'll make a stop at the 12th century church of the Virgin Mary in Asinou which has some of the finest examples of Byzantine mural paintings to be found in Cyprus with inscriptions dating the earliest frescoes to 1106AD. These vibrantly coloured frescoes relate Christian stories – one depicts the harrowing scene of the Forty Martyrs of Saint Sebasto, blood oozing from their spear wounds about to be thrown into a frozen lake. Later, we’ll take our first walk (3.5 miles) through a forest to the small hamlet of Agios Theodoros. Finally, reaching our mountain hotel in Troodos, there may be time for a short walk on one of the many trails on the slopes of Mount Olympus.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Troodos is 1750m above sea level and the cool air is fragrant from the pine forests that swathe the rolling mountains. Today we descend along winding tracks to Pedoulas village (1100m) at the head of the Marathasa Valley. The walk is easy paced (about 6 hours, 12 miles) and rewarded with great views of mountain villages where wild flowers mostly in spring provide colourful splashes on the mountain sides. The abundant sunshine is ideal for the cherry orchards around Pedoulas village, the main producer of cherries in the region. Try some of the splendid preserves and liqueurs!

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

After a short bus transfer we continue walking west through the mountains enjoying the lovely views (about 4 hours, 7 miles). In the spring rare species of orchid, crocus and poppy can be found in the Troodos region. Another attraction of walking the mountain routes is the peacefulness of the countryside and friendliness of the local people who live in the simple stone built houses. They are resilient by nature having withstood and accommodated the succession of invaders throughout their long history and are renowned for their hospitality. Upon arrival in Milikouri we then transfer to the nearby richest monastery in Cyprus, Kykkos, which enjoys prestige throughout the whole Greek Orthodox church. It possesses a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary reputedly painted by St Luke which has survived the four fires that destroyed the monastery itself. Next, we'll drive to Stavros tis Psokas Forest Station. This region of Cyprus is famous for mouflon (fawny brown mountain sheep with huge curled horns) which can be found roaming wild. We’ll visit a mouflon breeding enclosure on our final descent through the forest to the Akamas Peninsula and our accommodation near the Baths of Aphrodite.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The Akamas Peninsula is a protected wilderness area where nature has taken over. Walking in this unspoilt region affords wide sweeping views down to the craggy coast. Today we’ll visit the Baths of Aphrodite, where the goddess Aphrodite bathed after her liaisons with Adonis. We’ll also follow a circular nature trail around the Baths (about 4 hours). The region is host to a number of the 365 species of birds to be found on the island, many of which are migratory stopping on their route between Eurasia and Africa. There is the option to extend the walk to a full day trip or simply relax and enjoy the perfect surroundings.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

There are densely forested gorges and high trails on the peninsula, most notably the Avagas Gorge, where the steep canyon walls allow little natural light into the dark valley. Today we follow the beautiful walk from Kathikas to the small fishing hamlet of Agios Georgios tis Pegeias (6 hours walk, 11 miles). The trails in this area are rich in carob and juniper trees and you may spot tiny chukar hiding in the scrub. The higher ground affords wonderful views of the rugged coastline and out towards the inviting waters of the Mediterranean.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today we leave traditional rural Cyprus and head first to the coastal port of Pafos. It is now a busy town but reminders of its ancient history are still in evidence. Aphrodite, the Goddess of Spiritual Love and Sensual Lust, was born 16 miles off the coast, out of the foaming waves of the sea to the sound of thunder claps. She would meet the youthful Adonis in the hills round Pafos and when he was killed by a wild boar while hunting, her tears of sorrow turned into abundant springs and waterfalls, whilst his blood became the red anemones that colour the hills. We’ll visit the Tombs of the Kings, the ancient necropolis of Nea Pafos. Belonging to the wealthier people of Pafos and hewn from the sandstone, the tombs date from the (3BC- 3AD) 4th century BC, when Cyprus was governed from Alexandria and held by the Ptolemies. Next we’ll visit the Roman remains at the House of Dionysos where the best mosaics on the island are to be found. Leaving Pafos we head for Larnaka but first make a stop at Kourion, the most spectacular archaeological site on the island, where excavations are still bringing new treasures to light. A magnificent Greco- Roman theatre built in the 2nd century BC commands a wonderful view out to sea. We arrive back in Larnaka in the late afternoon.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Our tour ends today in Larnaka.

Included meals: Breakfast