Akamas - a Nature Lovers Paradise

The park is one of the jewels of Cyprus nature. A nature lovers paradise. More than 200 square kilometers for hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, nature study, photography, swimming, sea kayaking and snorkeling. There are 4 official nature trails (Aphrodite, Adonis, Smigies, Pissouromoutti) offering breathtaking views of the coast, as well as the extraordinary trail in the Avacas gorge and the long trail along the Lara coast. In Lara there are breeding beaches for sea turtles and it is not very rare to spot one while snorkeling in June. Baths of Aphrodite is an interesting spot to visit. It is a caved pool where the goddess regularly took her bath according to legend, while Blue Lagoon offers fantastic blue waters for swimming. The Lara coast in the west offers a big collection of coves over 20 kms where one can have the sea all to herself. Caution is needed as usually there are big waves off the west coast. Parts of the park can be accessed on easy dirt roads, but others give a hard time even to off road vehicles. Smiyies is a lovely picnic area in the woods near Neo Chorio village and it is adjacent to a small church, (Ayios Minas). One could spend many days exploring the park, and a visit of at least 3-4 days is perfect.