Contrasts of Cyprus Walking

Experience Overview

Start off the week in the Troodos Mountains and the stone-built village of Kakopetria, with its narrow, cobbled streets and the nearby 11th century painted church, Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, one of ten that make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Painted Churches in the Troodos Region. Enjoy fabulous views across the Solea and Marathasa valleys to the sea as well as the northern slope of Mount Olympus - the highest point in Cyprus and home to both a long-range British radar installation and a ski resort in winter. The next part of your trip heads towards the Northwest and Droushia with walks across the Laona Plateau with its picturesque stone-built villages. There's also the possibility of visiting a local winery. Enjoy fabulous panoramic views as you head towards the coast at delightful Lara Beach and the dramatic Avakas Gorge Nature trail. As your luggage is transported to your final hotel, you'll walk from Droushia to the Baths of Aphrodite cave, enjoying spectacular views of Cyprus's Northwest coast with the whole of Chrysochous Bay laid out before you, from the northwest tip of the island at Cape Arnaoutis, all the way to Pomos village in the northeast. You'll also walk stretches of the Smigies, Adonis and Aphrodite Trails with stunning views from the Moutti tis Sotiras peak and enjoy a walk along the North coast, visiting some of the best beaches and coves including Fontana Amoroza, the Blue Lagoon, Manolis Beach and more.
Profile
— 7 nights in 3 star hotels, all rooms en suite — 5 or 6 days of walking - longer/shorter options most days — Luggage transfers — Walking transfers on days 4 and 5 — GPS Navigation App
At a Glance
— 7 nights in 3 star hotels, all rooms en suite — 5 or 6 days of walking - longer/shorter options most days — Luggage transfers — Walking transfers on days 4 and 5 — GPS Navigation App
Trip For You
This is a triple-centre independent walking holiday with a choice of walks on most days so the average daily distance is either 10km or 20km, which is why the overall rating is Leisurely/Moderate and Moderate/Challenging. The walking is along varied terrain footpaths, in the Troodos Mountains in open landscape and through forests, in inland areas with views of the coast and also on coastal paths. There are moderate ascents or descents on most days. Walkers should have a good fitness level and be confident on uneven terrain. Some of the walks are not suitable for vertigo sufferers due to the . As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route directions to follow on a smart phone app. Your documentation will contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Due to limited family rooms at the hotels and the terrain on the walks, we advise this holiday is for those over 12 years.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts are included. For dinners you have the choice of either the hotels' restaurants, or there is a good choice of restaurants nearby so you can choose to eat out and enjoy the local Cypriot cuisine.
Transportation
We have included walking transfers on day 4 (from the hotel to the beginning of the day's walk) and day 5 (return to the hotel at the end of the walk).
Joining Instructions
The tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in Kakopetria on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights and arrival and departure transfers from/to Paphos airport can be arranged. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Weather Information
Cyprus has a subtropical climate, one of the warmest climates and warmest winters in the Mediterranean. The climate is of a semi-arid type with very mild winters (on the coast) and warm to hot summers. Snow is possible only in the Troodos mountains in the central part of the island. Rain occurs mainly in winter, with summer being generally dry. The average annual temperature on the coast is around 24°C (75°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night. Generally, the warm season lasts about eight months, from April, with average temperatures of 21-23°C (70-73°F) during the day and 11-13°C (52-55°F) at night, to November, with average temperatures of 22-23°C (72-73°F) during the day and 12-14°C (54-57°F) at night. In the remaining four months of the year, the temperatures tend to remain mild, while sometimes exceeding 20°C (68°F) during the day. The middle of summer (July and August) is usually hot, with an average maximum coastal temperature of around 35°C (95°F) during the day and around 25°C (77°F) at night. In the centre of the island (the highlands/Troodos mountains) the average temperature exceeds 35°C (95°F)). In June and September on the coast the average maximum temperature is usually around 28-30°C (82-86°F) during the day and around 18-20°C (64-68°F) at night. While large temperature fluctuations are rare on the coast, the centre of Cyprus has more variations – typically colder winters and hotter summers.
Spending Money
Lunches and dinners are not included in the itinerary as there are good restaurant choices. Please allow some spending money for this – we recommend approximately €5-15 (US$4.50-13) for lunch and €20-30 (US$18-27) for dinner per day.

Highlights