Rich Cultural heritage
Laona (plateau) is home to a collection of well preserved stone-built villages (nine of them are presently inhabited), at the edge of Akamas peninsula. The area's remoteness contributed to the preservation of its architectural heritage. Despite its proximity to the coast, the area escaped mass tourism development that characterises many of Cyprus coastal villages. The villages are perfect for relaxation and ecotourism, as well as for trying typical Cyprus dishes in the many restaurants and tasting local wine (there are a few local wineries). The wider area boasts yet more picturesque villages, medieval chapels, watermills and a medieval bridge.
Cultural attractions on (or near) the itinerary include :
1) Many picturesque stone-built villages (Droushia, Inia, Neo Chorio, Pano Arodes, Kato Arodes, Kritou Terra, Peristerona and more)
2) Medieval chapels (including Agios Minas close to Smigies picnic site, Agia Paraskevi, Agia Ekaterini)
3) Skarfou medieval bridge
4) Watermills (including one near Agia Paraskevi chapel and one near Skarfos medieval bridge)
5) Wineries
6) Medieval/ancient ruins inside Akamas and at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias
7) Deserted villages (eg Evretou)
Laona (plateau) is home to a collection of well preserved stone-built villages (nine of them are presently inhabited), at the edge of Akamas peninsula. The area's remoteness contributed to the preservation of its architectural heritage. Despite its proximity to the coast, the area escaped mass tourism development that characterises many of Cyprus coastal villages. The villages are perfect for relaxation and ecotourism, as well as for trying typical Cyprus dishes in the many restaurants and tasting local wine (there are a few local wineries). The wider area boasts yet more picturesque villages, medieval chapels, watermills and a medieval bridge.
Cultural attractions on (or near) the itinerary include :
1) Many picturesque stone-built villages (Droushia, Inia, Neo Chorio, Pano Arodes, Kato Arodes, Kritou Terra, Peristerona and more)
2) Medieval chapels (including Agios Minas close to Smigies picnic site, Agia Paraskevi, Agia Ekaterini)
3) Skarfou medieval bridge
4) Watermills (including one near Agia Paraskevi chapel and one near Skarfos medieval bridge)
5) Wineries
6) Medieval/ancient ruins inside Akamas and at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias
7) Deserted villages (eg Evretou)
Three days of escooter exploration on Laona Plateau, on paved roads inside Akamas and through stone-built villages (with optional walks)
The trip constitutes a three-day exploration on escooter on Laona plateau, inside Akamas, along Chrysochou bay and around Evretou manmade lake. Travellers have at least four different routes to choose from. At the same time, the route to the Chrysochou coast can really be done over a number of days, breaking it up in various experiences: different walks, possibility for cruises and coastal sea exploration, beach going, snorkeling and sea turtle spotting during the hot season. A day inland, around the crescent-like Evretou lake and passing by medieval chapels, watermills, a medieval bridge and more adds even more diversity to the trip.
Natural Beauty, cultural heritage, gastronomy and wine
The trip takes participants through some excellent combinations of nature and cultural heritage on the island. A coastal plateau dotted by picturesque stone built villages, descents to the coast, and a route around a crescent like manmade lake. Participants will get opportunities for wine tasting as well as for dining in good village restaurants in Cyprus. Interested participants may combine the trip with some walking, swimming, snorkelling (possible sea turtle spotting during the hot season) and sea exploration.
Droushia
Travellers will be staying in the village of Droushia, a stone built village at the boundary between the Laona plateau and the ridge of the Akamas peninsula, with developed tourism infrastructure in the form of a number of village restaurants and accommodation.
The trip constitutes a three-day exploration on escooter on Laona plateau, inside Akamas, along Chrysochou bay and around Evretou manmade lake. Travellers have at least four different routes to choose from. At the same time, the route to the Chrysochou coast can really be done over a number of days, breaking it up in various experiences: different walks, possibility for cruises and coastal sea exploration, beach going, snorkeling and sea turtle spotting during the hot season. A day inland, around the crescent-like Evretou lake and passing by medieval chapels, watermills, a medieval bridge and more adds even more diversity to the trip.
Natural Beauty, cultural heritage, gastronomy and wine
The trip takes participants through some excellent combinations of nature and cultural heritage on the island. A coastal plateau dotted by picturesque stone built villages, descents to the coast, and a route around a crescent like manmade lake. Participants will get opportunities for wine tasting as well as for dining in good village restaurants in Cyprus. Interested participants may combine the trip with some walking, swimming, snorkelling (possible sea turtle spotting during the hot season) and sea exploration.
Droushia
Travellers will be staying in the village of Droushia, a stone built village at the boundary between the Laona plateau and the ridge of the Akamas peninsula, with developed tourism infrastructure in the form of a number of village restaurants and accommodation.
Day of Trip |
Distance in km |
Total ascent (m) |
Total descent (m) |
Average elevation (m) |
Escooter trip - Description |
Day 2 |
47 |
1,050 |
1,050 |
200 |
This is a trip that could really make two-three experiences, each of which could potentially take a full day: 1) a walk around Smiyies picnic site and Pissouromoutti peak, 2) a walk from Baths of Aphrodite cave and 3) a boat ride from Latchi port. All three could be excellent year round, with shorter walk options available during the hot season. Other attractions in the route include the ride via Akamas ridge and Androlykou village, as well as the stone built village of Neo Chorio. |
Day 3 |
20 |
750 |
750 |
400 |
The route largely comprises of a descent to and an ascent from the South Lara beach. (with the possibility of a swim closer to summer). It can easily be combined with exploration of the stone-built Laona villages (at least Inia, Pano Arodes, Kato Arodes). |
Day 4 |
50 |
1,500 |
1,500 |
350 |
This is a route around Evretou crescent like manmade lake, which can be viewed from different view points. Other attractions along the route include medieval chapels (Agia Aikaterini, Agia Paraskevi), Skarfos medieval bridge as well as a number of picturesque stone-built villages (Kritou Terra, Peristerona, Filousa, Simou, Kato Akordaleia, Pano Akourdaleia) |
Another Day Option |
43 |
950 |
950 |
450 |
Yet another great route! Especially recommended for those who want to explore also Avakas Gorge (on foot, they could use their escooter helmet in there). The route takes travellers through the Laona villages, including Kathikas. There is possibility for visiting a good local winery. The descent offers marvellous coastal vistas and ends at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias, a place of long history on the island (and various ruins, including a medieval chapel). |
The itinerary (summary)
Day 1 - Arrive at Droushia village - walk in the alleys, discover the village and relax, receive the escooter
Day 2 - The route takes participants towards Chrysochou bay and Akamas north coast, initially via the ridge of south Akamas and the village of Androlykou. The specific route takes travellers all the way to Smiyies picnic area (via stone-built Neo Chorio village), where they have a choice of at least three circular walks, that can be combined from a length of between 2.5 km to upto 8 km. The vistas are great year round. In summer walkers may opt for one of the shorter walks.
On the same trip (or on a different day if prefered) travellers can visit mythical small Baths of Aphrodite Cave, or walk on the coastal dirt road inside Akamas, or even do one of two circular walks in the area (Aphrodite or Adonis trails) or even a combination of the two.
The route also passes by Latchi port, where there are a number of coffee places, restaurants and shops. There are boats for rent and many cruises from Latchi towards Blue Lagoon and Fontanta Amorosa, some of which are half day while others are full day.
Day 3 - The suggested route takes travellers via Ineia village to south Lara beach. The descent to the coast is recommended, with the return on the same road. Travellers could spend time at the beach and/or explore other stone-built villages near Droushia, including Pano Arodes, Kato Arodes and even Kathikas (it has many restaurants and a winery with excellent views).
Day 4 - Explore Evretou manmade lake or descend to Avakas Gorge
The first option for the day takes travellers inland and around crescent-like Evretou manmade lake, on the way visiting a number of picturesque villages including Kritou Terra, Peristerona, Filousa, Simou, Kato Akourdaleia, Pano Akourdaleia. The trip gives the opportunity for coffees and refreshments at village coffee shops and hopefully chatting with locals. Other attractions on the way include Skarfou medieval bridge, medieval Agia Ekaterini and Agia Paraskevi chapels, the deseerted Evretou village (a couple km away from the paved road) and an ancient plane tree in Simou village. There are good opportunities for walks near the lake and to and from Agia Paraskevi chapel.
The second option takes travellers further south, closer to a more developed part of western Paphos. Those travellers who like to could explore Avakas Gorge and or pause at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias for a break and a visit to local historical sites. If travellers did not do it already, they could explore the villages near Droushia on this day.
Day 5 - morning - end of the trip
Day 1 - Arrive at Droushia village - walk in the alleys, discover the village and relax, receive the escooter
Day 2 - The route takes participants towards Chrysochou bay and Akamas north coast, initially via the ridge of south Akamas and the village of Androlykou. The specific route takes travellers all the way to Smiyies picnic area (via stone-built Neo Chorio village), where they have a choice of at least three circular walks, that can be combined from a length of between 2.5 km to upto 8 km. The vistas are great year round. In summer walkers may opt for one of the shorter walks.
On the same trip (or on a different day if prefered) travellers can visit mythical small Baths of Aphrodite Cave, or walk on the coastal dirt road inside Akamas, or even do one of two circular walks in the area (Aphrodite or Adonis trails) or even a combination of the two.
The route also passes by Latchi port, where there are a number of coffee places, restaurants and shops. There are boats for rent and many cruises from Latchi towards Blue Lagoon and Fontanta Amorosa, some of which are half day while others are full day.
Day 3 - The suggested route takes travellers via Ineia village to south Lara beach. The descent to the coast is recommended, with the return on the same road. Travellers could spend time at the beach and/or explore other stone-built villages near Droushia, including Pano Arodes, Kato Arodes and even Kathikas (it has many restaurants and a winery with excellent views).
Day 4 - Explore Evretou manmade lake or descend to Avakas Gorge
The first option for the day takes travellers inland and around crescent-like Evretou manmade lake, on the way visiting a number of picturesque villages including Kritou Terra, Peristerona, Filousa, Simou, Kato Akourdaleia, Pano Akourdaleia. The trip gives the opportunity for coffees and refreshments at village coffee shops and hopefully chatting with locals. Other attractions on the way include Skarfou medieval bridge, medieval Agia Ekaterini and Agia Paraskevi chapels, the deseerted Evretou village (a couple km away from the paved road) and an ancient plane tree in Simou village. There are good opportunities for walks near the lake and to and from Agia Paraskevi chapel.
The second option takes travellers further south, closer to a more developed part of western Paphos. Those travellers who like to could explore Avakas Gorge and or pause at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias for a break and a visit to local historical sites. If travellers did not do it already, they could explore the villages near Droushia on this day.
Day 5 - morning - end of the trip
Detailed Itinerary (description for 3 nights trip)
On Day 1 travelers arrive in Droushia (and their rented Escooter equipment is delivered to them). Depending on the time of arrival they could relax at the hotel and possibly explore the village.
On Day 1 travelers arrive in Droushia (and their rented Escooter equipment is delivered to them). Depending on the time of arrival they could relax at the hotel and possibly explore the village.
On Day 2 the escooter route takes participants towards Chrysochou bay and Akamas north coast, initially via the ridge of south Akamas and the village of Androlykou. The specific route takes travellers all the way to Smiyies picnic area (via stone-built Neo Chorio village), where they have a choice of at least three circular walks, that can be combined from a length of between 2.5 km to upto 8 km. The vistas are great year round. In summer walkers may opt for one of the shorter walks (or none at all). On the same trip (or on a different day if they prefer) travellers can visit mythical small Baths of Aphrodite Cave, or walk on the coastal dirt road inside Akamas, or even do 1 of 2 circular walks in the area (Aphrodite or Adonis trails) or a combination of the two. The route also passes by Latchi port, where there are a number of coffee places, restaurants and shops. There are boats for rent and many cruises from Latchi towards Blue Lagoon and Fontanta Amorosa, some of which are half day while others are full day. The waters on the north Akamas coast are relatively calm and swimming here during the hot season (roughly April to November) is highly recommended. If travellers are lucky, while snorkeling during the hot season they may spot some of the few thousands of sea turtles that visit Cyprus annually. One of the suggested routes for Day 4 takes escooter explorers inland, around crescent-like Evretou manmade lake, on the way visiting a number of picturesque villages including Kritou Terra, Peristerona, Filousa, Simou, Kato Akourdaleia, Pano Akourdaleia. There are opportunities for coffees at village coffee shops and hopefully chatting with locals. Other attractions on the way include Skarfou medieval bridge (and a nearby watermill, there are more in the vicinity), medieval Agia Ekaterini (near Kritou Terra) and Agia Paraskevi (with a nearby waterfall, near Kato Akourdaleia) chapels, the deserted Evretou Turkish Cypriot village (found a couple of km away from the paved road) and an ancient plane tree in Simou village (a good place to recharge and have a break). There are walking routes near the lake and around Agia Paraskevi chapel. Near Kritou Terra village there is also a small waterfall.
Another suggested route takes travellers further south, to a more developed part of western Paphos. Travellers could explore the villages near Droushia on this day (+ have lunch at one of the village restaurants or visit a winery close to Kathikas village). The road becomes wider as it goes south; the view towards the coast is quite lovely. The route descends to the sea near Agios Georgios tis Pegeias locality, home to ancient and medieval ruins and constructions. Those who prefer to, could walk inside the south part of Lara coastline. Avakas Gorge is very close. Helmets are recommended (remember you have one for riding your scooter). |
The Day 3 route comprises of a descent from the Laona plataeu to the east coast of Akamas (known as Lara coast) and specifically to the south Lara beach, a suggested stop there (for coffee/food/ beach going/swimming/snorkeling) and an ascent back to Laona along the same route. The route is along a cement road and offers excellent vistas. Depending on travellers preferences, they want also to spend time at the village of Inia or explore other villages on the Laona plateau and/or visit a local winery. |
Equipment
Our E-scooters
Electric specifications
Motor : 52V 600W rear hub brushless motor Battery : Lithium Polymer Batteries/LI-PO 26AH Charger : 2 AMP (takes more than 8 hours, huge battery) Controller : Smart stable Display : LCD display Mechanical specifications Frame : Magnesium aluminum alloy, foldable Tires : 10*2.5 CST Rims : Aluminum alloy 6061-12 Fork : Suspension Fork and rear suspension Handlebar : Aluminum alloy, adjustable, foldable, 109 - 118 cm Brakes : Zoom, Disc Brakes Weight : About 24 kg Passenger's max weight : 120 kg |
Included accessories (besides a helmet and a lock, a charger, minitool, minipump and a carrying bag)