Akamas peninsula · Akamas Forest
Aphrodite trail, Akamas
Climb from the Baths of Aphrodite to medieval ruins and a 500-year-old oak, with sweeping views over Chrysochou Bay and the Akamas.
7.5 km
3–4 hours (official estimate)
Circular
Start 35 m · highest 333 m · end 35 m
Loutra tis Afroditis (Baths of Aphrodite).
Back at the Baths of Aphrodite (circular).
Two fountains on the route (near the Queen’s Tower and between the Baths and Kakoskali), but the water is not drinkable. Carry plenty.
Akamas Forest, Paphos district
About the trail
Starting at the Baths of Aphrodite, this loop climbs from near sea level to more than 300 metres, passing Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower), believed to be a medieval monastery, and a 500-year-old oak tree beside the ruins.
The higher sections give views of Cape Arnaoutis, Polis Chrysochous and the Paphos Forest. The steady climb in the heat is the main reason for the difficult grade. At the tower, the trail connects with the Adonis trail.
What you’ll see
Highlights
- Baths of Aphrodite, linked by legend to the goddess
- Ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower)
- 500-year-old oak tree
- Views of Cape Arnaoutis, Polis Chrysochous and the Paphos Forest
- Akamas Botanical Gardens at the start
Plants
- Cyprus golden-drop (endemic)
- 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, when the botanical gardens are in bloom. Avoid midday in summer: the climb is exposed and temperatures can exceed 40°C.
Tips for this trail
- Start early: most of the climbing comes in the first half.
- Carry at least two litres of water per person in warm weather.
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, and route 645 links Paphos (Karavella) with Polis. Rural services can be infrequent, so check both timetables and the last return before starting a 3–4 hour loop.
Check a bus journeyChoose the matching place in the planner; no stop has been pre-selected.Taxi
A taxi from Polis or Latchi is short. Agree a pickup time at the Baths of Aphrodite car park after the loop.
Rental car
Drive to the Baths of Aphrodite, west of Latchi. The directions link uses the official start coordinates; follow local signage for parking.
More trails in Akamas peninsula
Keep exploring
Questions about the Aphrodite trail, Akamas
How long is the Aphrodite trail, Akamas?
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 Aphrodite trail, Akamas?
It is graded 3 of 3 (difficult) on the official Cyprus nature trails map. Altitude ranges from 35 m to 333 m.
What is the difference between the Aphrodite and Adonis trails?
Both are 7.5 km loops from the Baths of Aphrodite that meet at Pyrgos tis Rigainas. Aphrodite heads up to the higher viewpoints; Adonis passes the Kefalovrysia spring and finishes with 400 m along the main road.
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: Aphrodite trail (Akamas) ↗Visit Cyprus: 2026 nature trails map (PDF) ↗Pafos Buses: Polis & Latchi routes (622, 623, 645) ↗Visit Cyprus: hiking in Cyprus ↗