A 4-days walk around Akamas and Laona Plateau - average 13 km per day
This is a four- days five accommodations walking route around beautiful Akamas, the legendary playground of Aphrodite. The route goes also through many of the picturesque stone-built villages on the Laona plateau, presenting the traveller with elements of the island's cultural heritage (not least of which is its cuisine).
The route is offered all year round (also as a guided walking trip - during summer there would be a surcharge).
Climate - sea water temperature
Please check the relevant climate and sea water temperature information. During the hot season, many people would find walking on the island uncomfortable. However the fact that the route is largely on a ridge, means that it is cooler. Also because the daily length is not very long means that it could be managed in summer to avoid much of the hottest time of the day. While in winter and spring the scenery maybe greener, summer has also significant green tones in the form of vineyards, olive, carob orchards and juniper bushes near the coast. In summer and autumn the sea water temperatures are higher and those explorers into snorkelling may be blessed with spotting some of the thousands of sea turtles that visit Cyprus during the warm season to feed and reproduce.
The route is offered all year round (also as a guided walking trip - during summer there would be a surcharge).
Climate - sea water temperature
Please check the relevant climate and sea water temperature information. During the hot season, many people would find walking on the island uncomfortable. However the fact that the route is largely on a ridge, means that it is cooler. Also because the daily length is not very long means that it could be managed in summer to avoid much of the hottest time of the day. While in winter and spring the scenery maybe greener, summer has also significant green tones in the form of vineyards, olive, carob orchards and juniper bushes near the coast. In summer and autumn the sea water temperatures are higher and those explorers into snorkelling may be blessed with spotting some of the thousands of sea turtles that visit Cyprus during the warm season to feed and reproduce.
Below one can see info about the walks.
Day of Trip |
Distance in km |
Total ascent (m) |
Total descent (m) |
Average elevation (m) |
Description |
Day 2 |
14 |
800 |
200 |
300 |
Agios Georgios tis Pegeias, into Lara coast and ascent to Kathikas village |
Day 3 |
10 |
300 |
350 |
600 |
From Kathikas village, through other Laona villages, ending at Droushia village |
Day 4 |
14 |
150 |
600 |
400 |
From Droushia village go north, along the Akamas ridge and then east to Neo Chorio village |
Day 5 |
13.5 |
550 |
700 |
250 |
From Neo Chorio village go west to the Akamas ridge and then north, and east, ending at Aphrodite's Baths. |
Average |
13 |
450 |
450 |
400 |
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The itinerary (summary)
Day 1 - Arrival to Start location of the Walk
Day 2 - Agios Georgios tis Pegeias - Kathikas
Day 3 - Kathikas - Arodes - Droushia
Day 4 - Droushia - Akamas ridge - Neo Chorio
Day 5 - Neo Chorio to Baths of Aphrodite via Akamas ridge and Moutti tis Sotiras peak
Day 6 - Finish
Day 1 - Arrival to Start location of the Walk
Day 2 - Agios Georgios tis Pegeias - Kathikas
Day 3 - Kathikas - Arodes - Droushia
Day 4 - Droushia - Akamas ridge - Neo Chorio
Day 5 - Neo Chorio to Baths of Aphrodite via Akamas ridge and Moutti tis Sotiras peak
Day 6 - Finish
Detailed Itinerary
On Day 1, those travellers who book the transfer, from the airport are transported to their hotel at Agios tis Pegeias. Time to relax at the hotel and the beach.
On Day 1, those travellers who book the transfer, from the airport are transported to their hotel at Agios tis Pegeias. Time to relax at the hotel and the beach.
On Day 2 walkers briefly enter the south edge of the Akamas peninsula west coast (Lara coast) before ascending to the Laona plateau, which borders the Akamas ridge. The standard route, which is primarily an ascent, is 14 km long. If travellers so wish they could easily add another beach in the route and possibly walk in largely unique Avakas Gorge. The addition will add a few km to the trip. On Day 4 walkers traverse the south part of pristine Akamas peninsula ridge enjoying glorious views of the west coast as well as of the east part of Chrysochou Bay. About a kilometer before reaching the twin peaks of Pissouromoutti and Smiyies, walkers turn initially south east, and then north east to yet another stone-built village, Neo Chorio (elevation 150 - 200 m), where they spend the night. |
The Day 3 route is the shortest in the trip, providing travellers with the opportunity of exploring many of the lovely villages on the Laona plateau, and possibly mixing with the locals at village coffee shops.
The route stays on the western edge of the plateau. It starts at Kathikas village and passes through Pano Arodes, Kato Arodes and Ineia villages, before finishing at Drousheia village, the last one before entering the ridge of Akamas peninsula from its south end. On Day 5 walkers from Neo Chorio village go initially west past medieval Agios Minas chapel and Smiyies locality. From there they head north at some point ascending on the imposing Moutti Tis Sotiras peak, from where they enjoy glorious views of the north west, and of the north coast, all the way to Pomos village in the north east. The descent from the peak is for many walkers a huge highlight of the whole trip. Walkers leave Akamas from small yet mythical Baths of Aphrodite cave.
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On Day 6 morning, the package finishes. If travellers want, we can arrange a taxi for them, book additional nights, etc.
We highly recommend that travellers spend at least one more night on this trip. Akamas north coast would be great for relaxation and/or further exploration on foot, by boat, or otherwise.
Enjoy our Akamas!
We highly recommend that travellers spend at least one more night on this trip. Akamas north coast would be great for relaxation and/or further exploration on foot, by boat, or otherwise.
Enjoy our Akamas!