Akamas peninsula · Akamas Forest
Adonis trail
A demanding Akamas loop past the Queen’s Tower ruins and the Kefalovrysia spring, with views over Polis, the Paphos Forest and the peninsula.
7.5 km
3–4 hours (official estimate)
Circular
Start 35 m · highest 319 m · end 35 m
400 m before the Baths of Aphrodite.
Back near the Baths of Aphrodite; the final 400 m follows the main road.
The Kefalovrysia fountain is not drinking water. Carry everything you need.
Akamas Forest, Paphos district
About the trail
The Adonis trail is the companion loop to Aphrodite. It climbs from beside the Baths of Aphrodite with views of Polis Chrysochous, the Paphos Forest and the Akamas peninsula, passing Pyrgos tis Rigainas and its 500-year-old oak.
At Kefalovrysia it meets the Smigies trail beside a fountain (not drinking water). To close the loop, the last 400 m follow the main road between the Baths of Aphrodite and Polis, so take care with traffic.
Note on the figures: An older Visit Cyprus trail guide listed Adonis as grade 2 and 3 hours; the current trail page lists grade 3 and 3–4 hours.
What you’ll see
Highlights
- Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower) and its 500-year-old oak
- Kefalovrysia spring and fountain
- Views of Polis Chrysochous, the Paphos Forest and the Akamas peninsula
- Akamas Botanical Gardens at the start
Plants
- Cyprus bosea
- Shrubby knapweed
- Entire-leaved horehound
- Sweet marjoram
- Cyprus golden-drop
- Cyprus sage
Wildlife
- Fox, hare and hedgehog
- Wood pigeon, partridge and migratory birds resting in the forest
- Endemic Cyprus warbler and Cyprus wheatear
- Cyprus viper, Cyprus lizard and black whip snake
Plan and pack
When to go
Spring is the official recommendation. In summer, start at first light; the climb has little shade.
Tips for this trail
- Wear bright clothing for the final 400 m on the road.
- Experienced hikers can link Adonis with the Aphrodite or Smigies trails.
Pick the right grade
Grades come from the official trail map: 1 star is easy, 2 is moderate, 3 is difficult (steep, rocky or long). Choose a route that matches the least experienced person in your group.
Carry water and sun protection
Most fountains on the trails are not drinking water. Take plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen; summer temperatures can exceed 40°C on the coast.
Wear proper shoes
Trails are rocky, with steep slopes and stream crossings in places. Walking shoes or boots with good grip make a big difference.
Plan the return first
Rural buses can be infrequent and phone signal patchy. Know your last departure or fix a pickup time before you start, especially on linear trails.
Connects with
Getting to the trailhead
Bus
Pafos Buses route 622 runs between Polis Chrysochous and the Baths of Aphrodite; route 645 links Paphos (Karavella) and Polis. Check the timetables and your return before you start.
Check a bus journeyChoose the matching place in the planner; no stop has been pre-selected.Taxi
Ask for the Baths of Aphrodite and agree a pickup time and place for after the loop.
Rental car
Park at the Baths of Aphrodite; the trail starts 400 m before it on the approach road.
More trails in Akamas peninsula
Keep exploring
Questions about the Adonis trail
How long is the Adonis trail?
7.5 km, circular. The official walking estimate is 3–4 hours. Add time for breaks, photos and getting to and from the trailhead.
How difficult is the Adonis trail?
It is graded 3 of 3 (difficult) on the official Cyprus nature trails map. Altitude ranges from 35 m to 319 m.
How hard is the Adonis trail?
The current trail page grades it 3 of 3 (difficult): a 7.5 km loop with almost 300 m of climbing in exposed terrain. One older official guide listed it as grade 2.
Sources and checked date
Trail facts checked 2026-10-09 against the sources below. Trails can close temporarily for maintenance or fire risk; check current notices and the weather for your date.
Visit Cyprus: Adonis trail ↗Visit Cyprus: 2026 nature trails map (PDF) ↗Pafos Buses: Polis & Latchi routes (622, 623, 645) ↗