Hiking in Cyprus

Hiking in Cyprus offers everything from demanding uphill climbs to effortless descents, and while there are trails for all abilities, no on has to compromise on views!

The best time to go hiking in Cyprus is in springtime, when flowers are in full bloom and the countryside is colourful and fragrant, with the smell of pine trees in the Troodos stronger than ever! Be sure to look out for the endemic flowers of Cyprus too!

Always take bottled water with you when you go Cyprus hiking, and it is advisable to bring sun cream, wear comfortable shoes, and in the Akamas, to wear a hat.

Hiking in North Cyprus is mostly run by the Mountain Climbing Sport Association, and walks are available for the all levels. Be aware of hunting season in the North between October and December. You can get maps of hunting areas from Post Offices.

Since entering the EU, the Republic of Cyprus have also added their contribution to the European Long Distance Path - the E4. The E4 in Cyprus is 640km long and runs between Paphos and Larnaca airports via some of the best scenery on the island.

Hiking in the Troodos Mountains

The Troodos Mountains are much cooler than other parts of the island so they make for nice conditions for hiking in Cyprus even during the peak of summer. There are four official nature trails marked by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) named Persephone, Atalante, Kaledonia and Artemis, starting from the village of Troodos, as well as several other unmarked trails.

The Kaledonia trail is only 1 mile long so it is great for those who wont to experience hiking in Cyprus without too much exertion. This walk follows the Cold River downhill to the pretty Kaledonia Waterfalls.

If you still have energy, walking south for another 45 minutes will take you to Psilodendro, a popular restaurant with tourists, where you can enjoy some fresh fish (try the trout!) and then call a cab to take you back to Troodos if you don’t fancy walking back.

The Persephone trail is about 2 miles long and runs in a south eastern direction to some lovely viewpoints. It begins at a Café Meli in the main square of Troodos village.

The Atalante trail is 6 miles long and moves northwest before ending near a copper mine which was abandoned in 1974. After 2 miles, you will come to a spring with drinking water.

The Artemis trail is a round trip through the forests which circles Mount Olympus. It is 3 miles in length. Mount Olympus is the highest point in Cyprus at nearly 6,500 feet and is known to Greek Cypriots as Chionistra after the snow that falls here in winter.

Hiking in the Akamas Peninsula

Thankfully the Akamas is still relatively undiscovered by tourists so you will be able to spend some time here and see the real Cyprus in peace.

The trails begin at the Baths of Aphrodite, and are both roughly 5 miles long. Neither is that difficult, but you will have to walk uphill in parts. The walks shouldn’t take more than three hours to complete depending on your walking pace and how hot it is.

Walking through the routes you will have unbelievable views of the rocky coastline, sleepy lagoons and limestone cliffs at Moutti ti Sotiras. On one of the bays you can also spot the washed up remains of a shipwreck. You will also pass the Fontana Amorosa (the fountain of love), which is not worth the walk in itself, but it is a great viewpoint.

There are also several nature trails which are not signposted, which leave from Lara Bay, the Baths of Aphrodite and the village of Neon Chorion. These round trips take you past Cape Arnaoutis and vary from 12-19 miles in length, so they are only recommended for experienced walkers.

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