Rhapsody :: Excursions :: Cyprus

Trekking in Avakas Gorge

Drive towards Pafos to the western point of the island stopping en route at Aphrodite's Rock for photographs. Legend has it that the Goddess of love was born from the waves at this spot.

Arrive at Akamas Nature Reserve where Avakas Gorge is situated. Created thousands of years ago by a turbulent stream flowing over limestone the gorge is rich in flora and fauna, its cliff like walls rising up to 30 meters high, each side narrowing so much at the top they almost touch each other at some places.

Pines, Cypresses, Juniper, wild fig trees, oaks and ferns, wild flowers and the endangered Centauria Akamantis, an endemic plant, are found in the gorge. Over 500 different types of plants are also found in the gorge. Animal life includes fruit bats, owls, foxes, hares, falcons, crows, reptiles, tadpoles, butterflies and fresh water snails as well as wild goats.

In the gorge, the first twenty minutes of the walk on a clearly defined path is relatively easy underfoot keeping to the right hand side of the gorge with no sunshade. Where the two sides almost touch each other at the top the path becomes difficult and you need to exercise your balancing skills climbing over slippery rocks, large boulders and stones. It is also darker and cooler in this section. Once the gorge opens out again an impressive rock formation comes into view. Return the same way. Use the bathroom facilities at the gas station's cafeteria in the park and browse at the small selection of souvenirs on display. The trek lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Special Notes:

Minimum age for participants is 16 yrs. Good physical condition required. Solid and comfortable shoes for trekking recommended. Gravel and rocky surfaces, slippery rocks, boulders and stones on the trek.