The peninsula and the protected Akamas park. National parks of cyprus Cyprus reserves and national parks

Akamas National Park is a delightful, deserted monument of nature and history. This place is included in the world list of UNESCO. It is located near the city and attracts a lot of attention.

On an area of ​​230 sq. km. reserve, you can get acquainted with the most interesting plant species, wonderful animals, rare species of birds that come here to spend the winter. Nobody will bother you here. People come here to enjoy the beautiful natural harmony and be inspired by the wide amazing panorama. You can take a bike ride in the park or swim in the clearest warm water on the rocky shores.

Many historians cannot give exact answers to the questions: what happened in the park before our time and how did it appear in general? Answers can only be given by mythology, which says that the son of Theseus Akamas was forced to settle in these places after being expelled from Athens. He built a large city here and named it after himself. The city began to quickly populate and grow. Aphrodite herself soon became the patroness of this place.

Akamas National Park today

The government of the peninsula, and the people of Cyprus themselves, treats the Akamas National Park quite carefully. For them, this is a valuable place that no one is allowed to spoil. Even public organizations have been created that monitor the order in the park around the clock. The Akamas National Park is of great interest to botanists and scientists, because it contains about 530 rare plant species, 126 of which grow exclusively in Cyprus. That is why scientists are afraid to somehow disturb the landscape of the park. In spring, beautiful jasmine and orchids bloom throughout the park. The amazing aroma of buds spreads throughout the park.

On Akamas there is a sandy Lara beach. Its main inhabitants are sea turtles that nest on the shore. Sea turtles have become an endangered animal species, so a special authority constantly monitors that nothing could destroy the nests (animals, waves, etc.). If you visit the beach in September, you may see baby turtles being born and running into the sea. This is an amazing sight.

The local fauna is also impressive on the island. Of the "residents", the Vulture griffins stand out the most - the rarest species of predators that have recently nested here. Butterflies are also impressive in the reserve, there are more than three thousand of them (25 species, 16 in the Red Book). Catching them is not allowed, but you can take pictures. In the Akamas National Park, you will also see wild flocks of goats that live in their natural flora. Mostly their flocks graze on the hills. On the wild rocky beaches and gorges of the peninsula, you may encounter amphibians and mammals. Only brave people go to this part of the peninsula, because there are quite a few poisonous snakes here.

Akamas National Park may not be safe. Why? Firstly, many types of plants (especially Cypriot ones) can cause allergies, so take the necessary medicines with you. Secondly, careless tourists visit the park, who may not notice and step on a snake or a spider's house. Take with you the antidote and the necessary medicines for these cases. Thirdly, you can get various injuries (abrasions, scratches, etc.) on rocky coasts, brilliant green for these cases will be enough.

You can get to the peninsula with the Akamas National Park by bus that leaves the city and crosses Polis. Route number 705. You can also use taxi services. The most economical option would be Taxiaeport. It is better to return from the reserve by car or taxi, because the bus runs to this place only four times a day.

Among the most famous and interesting places in Cyprus, the Akamas Peninsula, located 50 kilometers west of Paphos, stands out. This place is a nature reserve and is protected by state organizations that monitor the observance of order on the territory around the clock.

Initially, the peninsula belonged to the British military, who set up a training ground here and regularly conducted practice shooting. However, in 2000, Amakasu was given the status of a nature reserve, and the military had to leave the place.

Traveling around Akamas

Also Akamas in Cyprus is one of the most advertised tourist destinations. Many guides offer their clients excursions to the main places of this reserve. There are usually several options:

1. Journey to the Blue Lagoon, with a visit to the baths of Aphrodite;
2. Tour of Lara Beach;
3. Visit to Avakas canyon.

These are just examples. In fact, in order to see all the sights, even active tourists will have to spend a whole day. Often, guides offer visitors to end their journey in a small fishing village. There you can try the local cuisine and relax, then go back to your resort, or continue visiting interesting places.

A fairly popular choice is sightseeing in Akamas with a rental car. The difference lies in the lack of a guide, so before the trip it is recommended to read detailed information about all the interesting places in order to make an approximate route. It should also be borne in mind that most of the territory is a nature reserve, where it is forbidden to travel by car, which is why many places can only be seen on foot. Many signs along the roads will not allow tourists to get lost. However, many travelers try to take a GPS navigator with them, since most of the back roads of Cyprus are included in their networks.

Often, travel agencies offer jeep safari through the reserve. This is due to the almost complete absence of paved roads. You can feel confident only in a jeep, because of its high cross-country ability. However, no one can forbid you to come to Akamas in an ordinary car. Locals often choose bicycles for transport or even walk, which is quite good for health.

There are a couple more ways to get to Akamas. The cheapest is a bus, but there is no direct way to the reserve, because if you get from Paphos, you will need a transfer in Polis. Also from Polis there is an opportunity to go by boat, and often on such trips there is an opportunity to swim in the warm sea along the way.

The reserve is of great scientific interest. Here you can find more than 500 plant species that can only grow in Akamas! Spring turns these places into a real green garden, the air of which is filled with the scents of flowers. Butterflies often flutter around the plants. In total, 25 species of these insects are found in Akamas, and 16 of them are listed in the Red Book. In addition, some rare species of animals have found refuge here.

When visiting the Akamas nature reserve in Cyprus, it is recommended to be careful not to go far into the grass, as poisonous snakes often hide there, capable of inflicting a deadly bite.

Lara beach

This is a rather picturesque sandy beach where tourists often relax and swim. It is on this shore that sea turtles nest, so visitors can sometimes watch the process of creating masonry, as well as the subsequent hatching of the cubs.

Trail of Aphrodite

According to Greek mythology, the goddess of beauty herself walked along this path, at the moment when Adonis died from the fangs of a boar. The route is laid through relatively light, picturesque places with brighter flora. In addition, this direction is quite popular among tourists. This is mainly due to the legends that are dedicated to the goddess of beauty.

Adonis trail

Adonis was the mortal lover of Aphrodite. The gods of Olympus did not approve of such an alliance, however, their relationship continued, as no one took active steps. One day Adonis died hunting. This sad event is dedicated to this route. It is much gloomier than the Aphrodite trail, in addition, almost all of it runs through pine forests and juniper thickets. Tourists are quite rare here, although the path even slightly surpasses its competitor in scenic beauty.

Reserve "Akamas" (Polis, Cyprus) - the exact location, interesting places, inhabitants, routes.

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The Akamas Reserve is an amazing natural and historical monument of Cyprus, which attracts a lot of attention. It invites its guests to get acquainted with the world of plants, the rarest species of birds and many animals. In addition, the reserve is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which only adds to its significance. Travelers visit these places in search of aesthetic pleasure, natural harmony and amazing panoramas, the virgin beauty of the local nature fully satisfies these requests.

Researchers to this day do not know what happened in the reserve to this day, and how it appeared in general. Many find a clue in mythology - according to one of the legends, after Akamas (the son of Theseus) was driven out of Athens, he settled here and built a beautiful city, naming it after himself. And soon Aphrodite herself became the patroness of this place. History is silent on further events. Today, the authorities and local residents protect the reserve with all their might. There are even special organizations that monitor order around the clock.

What to see

Huge interest park with an area of ​​230 square meters. km represents from a scientific point of view, because over 500 plant species grow in it, more than 100 of which are found only here. In spring, the surrounding lands turn into a real garden with fragrant jasmine flowers and orchids, their fragrance permeates the air for tens of kilometers, and butterflies flutter around, 16 out of 25 species of which are listed in the Red Book.

The local fauna is no less impressive. Vulture griffins deserve special attention - the rarest birds of prey that have moved here relatively recently. In addition to birds, wild goats grazing on the hills live in this part of the island, and mammals and amphibians live closer to the water and in the gorges. By the way, you should be very careful when exploring the park, because poisonous snakes are not uncommon here.

On the picturesque sandy beach "Lara" you can take a break from a long walk and swim. Sea turtles, which are considered an endangered species, nest on the shore. Often, tourists watch how small turtles, just born, run towards the waves.

There are several attractions in the reserve - Adonis trail, Aphrodite trail and baths, Avakas canyon. Their visit is included in excursions, including jeep tours, but independent cycling is also popular. A sports or mountain bike will make an excellent company and will allow you to visit the most secluded corners of Akamas.

Practical information

How to get there: the park is located near the city of Polis, which is most conveniently accessible from Paphos. Buses on routes No. 645 and 705 depart daily from the Karavella bus station at the address: Andrea Geroudi Street. And from Polis, a fixed-route taxi number 622 follows directly to the reserve.

There are many interesting places in the vicinity of Paphos in Cyprus. One of them is the Akamas Peninsula. This place is a nature reserve, the natural world is protected there at the state level. But besides the beautiful landscapes of the peninsula, there are other attractions.

What to see on the Akamas Peninsula?

The history of this peninsula is connected with widely known myths. Who hasn't heard of Aphrodite and her beloved Adonis? According to legend, it was on Akamas that a strong feeling flared up between them. But a handsome and strong young man died hunting from wounds inflicted on him by a huge boar. Then Aphrodite turned to the gods with a plea to return her beloved from the arms of death. And although the gods did not approve of their feelings, because Aphrodite herself was a goddess, and Adonis was a mere mortal, they allowed the young man to live on earth with his beloved for six months, and then return to the kingdom of the dead again. It is believed that this time symbolizes the change of seasons: with the advent of Adonis, spring begins on earth, and with his departure, the autumn withering of nature.

The famous baths of Aphrodite

On the Akamas peninsula in Cyprus, you can find the path of Aphrodite, along which she walked to find her lover killed by a boar. There is also the Adonis trail. These trails are popular hiking trails with hikers. But the baths of Aphrodite are the most popular. According to legend, the goddess of beauty spent time with Adonis there. The bath is a small grotto (about 5 m in diameter), the depth of which does not exceed a meter. Rocks and trees hang over the grotto, covering it from the sun's rays. The water in the bath is always cold due to underground sources, but tourists will not be able to check this: swimming is prohibited here.

It is also interesting to see in the Akamas reserve:

• blue lagoon,
• lara beach,
• Avakas canyon.

The Blue Lagoon is a bay with rocky shores and clear water. The color of the water in the lagoon is turquoise, which is why it is called so. Here you can already swim and feel like the hero of an advertisement for a "paradise" place to relax.

Lara beach, there are not many vacationers here

How to get to Akamas?

Akamas (Cyprus) is a popular tourist destination, and guides offer excursions here. There are several options: for example, you can visit only the Blue Lagoon with the baths of Aphrodina, or you can visit Lara Beach or Avakas Canyon. The most complete excursion, with a visit to all the sights of the island, will take the whole day. Often guides offer to finish it with dinner in a fishing village, which may also be of interest to tourists. An organized tour is the easiest way to visit the Akamas peninsula and learn about its sights.


You can get to Akamas by renting a car. Solo travelers may be more suited to this option. Then you will have to read about all the sights yourself, and signs will help you find the right routes. It should be noted that it will not be possible to drive a car close to all interesting places on the peninsula. Almost the entire territory is considered a protected area, you have to walk.

The cheapest way to get to Akamas is by bus. But this is also the most inconvenient way, since there are no direct routes from Paphos, you will have to change in Polis. You can also get from the port of Polis to the peninsula by boat. Such trips are often offered along with swimming in the sea.

Akamas is a peninsula filled with attractions. It might be worth coming here a few times to see each one. But many come not only because of the sights, but to swim in the purest water and be among nature, untouched by civilization.

Cyprus is rich not only in its historical values, but also in natural monuments: the deserted Akamas National Park, the Avakas Gorge, which is difficult for a simple "bus" tourist, and Lara Beach - one of the few places in the Mediterranean where endangered species of sea turtles Green turtle and Hawk's swim to lay their eggs Bill turtle.


1. The Akamas Peninsula (emphasis on the second "a") is located 50 km. from Paphos and while we are going to it, we do not miss the opportunity to see other sights.
This is Edro. More precisely, the crashed Albanian ship Edro III.

2. This is the second ghost ship I have. Edro III is a large Albanian merchant ship built in the late 60s and sailing under the flag of Sierra Leone.

3. Edro III was on its way from Limassol to Rhodes when, on December 8, 2011, during a storm, the ship's engine failed and it ran aground near the village of Peyia. No one was hurt, the crew of seven (five Albanians, two Egyptians) was evacuated from the ship in a military helicopter.
Due to complexity, repairs could not be made, and now it is rusting on the shallows. In 2014, the ship was cleared of fuel and lubricants that could have polluted the sea. Since then, it has stood in the same place - the owner's insurance does not cover the cost of moving the vessel from the crash site.

4. Nearby is a banana plantation.

5. Sea Caves are also located near the village of Peyia.

6. The caves were formed in a sheer limestone rocky shore as a result of the work of a natural sculptor - sea waves.

8. In the small village of Agios Georgios, on the very edge of the rocky shore, stands the Church of St. George the Victorious (1928).

9. The temple is small and surprisingly harmonious. Its architecture resembles Byzantine churches, only without domes. The interior and interior decoration of the church is very simple.

10. The church is famous for the fact that the ancient icon of the Great Martyr George is kept here, which was miraculously found on the site of a destroyed and abandoned monastery, which was previously on the site of the church. It is believed that St. George patronizes lovers, so you can ask him to help strengthen feelings, marriage and protect your relationship.

11. Agios Georgios - a small village on Cape Drepanum, separating the Paphos region from the protected western part of the island - the Akamas Peninsula.

12. Geronisos Island The excavations carried out here proved that the island belonged to the Ptolemaic dynasty and was inhabited as early as 50 BC, when the Egyptian Empress Cleopatra ruled it. The area of ​​the island is about 12 thousand square meters. meters.

13. Leaving the territory of the village of Agios Georgios, we find ourselves on the territory of the Akamas National Park, which occupies a significant part of the western coast of Cyprus. On an area of ​​230 square kilometers there are picturesque valleys, gorges and wide sandy bays. For the diversity of wildlife, the European Council has included Akamas in its program for the protection of the nature of the Mediterranean.
It is best to move around the reserve in such jeeps: there are no asphalt roads here. But we safely drove a rented compact hatchback. By the way, on the territory of Akamas (outside public roads) insurance from the rental office is not valid.

14. Avakas Gorge is located near the entrance to the national park.

15. Here you can find rare plants, as well as pines, cypresses, junipers, wild fig trees, ferns and oaks.

16. The gorge begins quite harmlessly - wide, with a good path.

17. But, as you go deeper, the rocks are getting closer, more and more hanging over your head.

18. The height of the walls reaches 30 meters.

20. Avakas gorge (length - 3 km), was formed in limestone rocks due to the intense impact of winds and precipitation and the river flowing here. This wonder of nature is over a thousand years old.

22. The walls of the gorge rise higher and narrower towards the top. A path winds along the gorge, sometimes covered with slippery boulders.

23. And here is the main attraction of Avakas - a stone stuck between the walls.

24. The stone got stuck here for a long time, during the next rockfall, which happen here regularly.

25. As a rule, all excursions end here - further the path becomes impassable due to boulders and a stream.

26. Miracles of the survival of the fig tree.

28. The fauna of the gorge is represented by foxes, hares, falcons, crows, night owls, butterflies, reptiles and goats. We met only numerous lizards and pigeons.

29. After driving several kilometers deep into the Akamas National Park along a rocky road, we find ourselves in a unique protected area on Lara Beach. This beach is also called "turtle".

30. The fact is that this is one of the last places in the Mediterranean where turtles go to lay their eggs. Due to the protected status, there are no sunbeds, cafes, shops and other equipment on the beach (there are no toilets either).

31. Lara Beach is located in a small bay formed by a cape-ledge of the coastline. It is quiet and not crowded here, but excellent and clean sand and a smooth sandy entry into the sea.

32. This is the best beach we visited in Cyprus.

33. A scientific station was organized on the coast, whose employees protect egg laying with special nets that allow offspring to safely go to sea without becoming victims of foxes. In Cyprus, turtles and their nests are protected by the state.
On this beach, rare Mediterranean big-headed and green turtles arrange their nests. Turtles lay their eggs from early June to mid-August. They are very cautious and wait for the safest moments to go ashore. This usually happens at night, so seeing them is a very good luck. After laying their eggs, the turtles return to the sea, and after 7 weeks, small turtles, only 5-7 cm long, hatch from the eggs and rush to the sea.

34. To get to another, northwestern, part of the Akamas Peninsula, you need to return to the highway and drive about 35 km. towards the city of Polis. Just on the way to Polis, we passed the so-called "Anti Gravity Road" - an anomalous zone where objects roll uphill and water flows up.
The photo shows a distinct downward slope from the vantage point. But the water spilled on the asphalt does not flow down, but up, to the feet of the pourer.

35. Even if you climb onto the side of the road and look at the road from the angle of this thorn, you can still see the downward slope! What's the matter? Is it an anomaly? In fact, this is an optical illusion: due to the difficult terrain of this area, the horizon line is incorrectly perceived and the slope that feels like a downward slope is actually still an uphill.

36. "Autumn" landscape in the middle of summer - fields stretching into the sky, near the city of Polis.

38. We enter the Akamas Peninsula from the other side. Here the area is mountainous, covered with pine forest. More recently, until 2000, the British military commanded the peninsula.
Under a 1960 treaty, the British Army was allowed to use the Akamas for military exercises and firing up to 70 days a year.

39. Currently, Akamas is an entirely protected area. Some plant species grow only here. You can be convinced of their diversity if you take a walk along the "path of Aphrodite", which starts right from the notorious "Baths of Aphrodite" - one of the sightseeing places in Cyprus. Along the trail, next to the plants, there are often signs with their names.