Alicia Sheber visits the Paphos region of Cyprus and connects with nature, wildlife and heritage on the Akamas Peninsula.
Renowned as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty and pleasure, Cyprus lives up to its legendary lore. Celebrating the good life comes naturally on this subtropical island in the Mediterranean Sea.
The island’s pristine beaches and indulgent resorts, including my base, the Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel, are a priority for many visitors. Yet there’s much more to discover in Cyprus. From wild, mountainous terrain to gentle, easily navigated paths and accessible museums, the Mediterranean’s third-largest island offers a multitude of options to connect with nature.
Exploring the Akamas Peninsula
Cyprus has committed to protecting its ecological heritage and biodiversity in the Akamas National Forest Park and the Lara Peninsula along the northwestern part of the island. The Lara-Toxeftra Marine Protected Area and Akamas Peninsula Special Protection Area are part of Natura 2000, the EU’s ecological network for the long-term safeguarding of endangered species and natural habitats.
These regions have abundant endemic flora and fauna, and they hold special geological interest, with 75% of the rock types found in Cyprus. The beaches at Lara Bay are especially notable for sea turtle conservation, so if the potential for seeing teensy tiny hatchlings wriggle towards the shoreline makes your heart flutter, visit from mid-to-late summer through to early autumn.
Ecotourism in Cyprus
Be aware that designated special protection zones have restrictions for managing tourism, coastal development and human disruption. No people are allowed by nesting areas after sunset, to avoid disturbing female turtles coming ashore to lay eggs. Metal cages are placed over turtle nests with clear signs and identification numbers to protect eggs and hatchlings from predators such as crabs, frogs, lizards, snakes and foxes.
Turtles in Cyprus
For a deep dive (pun intended) into the impressive conservation work happening in Cyprus, a trip to the Innia-Lara Turtle Museum and Educational Centre is a must. Offering insights into the beauty of the sea turtles and their fragile habitat, the venue is accessible via a ramp. The ground floor features fascinating exhibits, photos and interactive displays as well as informative videos for children and adults that have been translated into 39 languages.
Cyprus, in cooperation with other countries, has been able to move the loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) off the endangered species list – a particularly tricky challenge since only one in a thousand of the hatchlings survives.
However, the vegetarian green turtles (Chelonia mydas), one of the world’s rarest species, are still critically endangered with only 25,000 remaining. The availability of their primary food source, seaweed, is declining due to pollution, coastal development, warming seas and more. Fortunately, conservation projects include replanting seaweed, with initial results expected in 10 years.
The centre is located in the charming village of Innia, which also features a basket weaving museum, a 12th-century chapel and an open-air amphitheatre. Across the road, a traditional café serves strong black Cypriot coffee that’ll put hair on your chest, and upstairs, the Lina Levin Art Gallery hosts mosaic workshops.
Smigies nature trail
For those wanting to get in their 10,000 steps, a hike along Smigies Trail offers panoramic views of the Akamas Peninsula’s stunning coastline as well as its rugged cliffs and fertile forest. There are two designated loops: a 2.5 km (1.55-mile) walk taking around one hour, and a 5.0 km (3.1-mile) version lasting about two hours. If you’re a non-conformist, forge your own path through the shrubbery to create a ‘forest bathing’ immersion.
Look out for many different bird species flying along this migratory path, as well as carob trees whose pods are used to make one of Cyprus’s prized culinary treats, carob syrup. Shaped like flat, burnt bananas, the ripe pods are crushed and their vitamin-rich juice extracted to make a caramel-flavoured alternative to sugar. This versatile plant is not just a sweetheart in the kitchen.
Fun facts: during the Second World War, the sticky stuff was used as glue for parachutes; many years later, the pods were exported so their skins could be transformed into camera film and video and cassette tape ribbons.
Smigies also has a large picnic area with a flowing stream, numerous tables under a canopy of ancient trees, and well-maintained washrooms, providing a central meeting place for a traditional Cypriot lunch after working up an appetite.
Baths of Aphrodite
Those desiring a splash of romance with their stroll will surely fall in love with the Baths of Aphrodite. Amidst the aromatic pines and lush flowers of the Akamas Forest, the tranquil grotto bubbles with clear water trickling in from a natural spring and is nestled under the arch of an ancient fig tree.
According to mythology, Adonis, a mere mortal and considered the ideal of male beauty, was in search of a drink after hunting. When he happened upon Aphrodite bathing in the grotto, she instantly fell in love with him.
Legend says the pond’s waters imbue swimmers with rejuvenating powers that grant youth, beauty and fertility. However, taking a dip is now prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Hiking in Cyprus
One option for accessing the site is to make a stop when hiking the 7.5 km (4.66-mile) loop of the adjacent Aphrodite Trail. However, a gentler alternative is to make the most of the main entry and car park, all free. From there, an easy-to-navigate series of stepped platforms leads down to the grotto. The way out is the same as the way in.
Perhaps, invigorated with the youthful vigour of Adonis and Aphrodite, you will be enticed to continue on a lengthy hike on the Akamas Peninsula? The nightlife in Paphos may also prove tempting.
Travel to Cyprus
Flights to Paphos are available from airports across the United Kingdom.
Jet2.com has a new flight from Gatwick and operates flights from many regional airports, including Newcastle and Leeds-Bradford. Book Jet2Holidays online or by calling 01924 380 160.
Map of Cyprus
Zoom into the map below to find the places of interest mentioned above:
Hotels in Paphos
The newly renovated Asimina Suites Hotel in Paphos is part of the Constantinou Bros Hotels collection, which includes Athena Royal Beach Hotel, Pioneer Beach Hotel and the family-friendly Athena Beach Hotel, all located along the Paphos shoreline.
A seven-night stay in 2026 costs from £1,319 per person, for two people sharing a Junior Suite with a land view on a bed-and-breakfast basis at the Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel. Upgrades are available, with half-board from £1,439, full-board from £1,529 and all-inclusive from £1,639 per person.
Search for and book accommodation in Paphos using the map below:
Books about Cyprus
Interested in visiting Cyprus? You can buy the following books from Amazon:
Culture Smart! Cyprus: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture.
Cypria: A Journey to the Heart of Cyprus by Alex Christophi.
Bitter Lemons of Cyprus by Lawrence Durrell.
Further information
Visit the Paphos Region website to discover more about things to do in and around the city.
The Visit Cyprus website is also a useful source of information about things to do in Paphos and the surrounding region.
Alicia Sheber, the author of this post, specialises in the cultural, artistic, culinary and ESG aspects that give every place a distinct personality. Previously an interior designer of international hospitality venues as well as a wine seller, she has lived in Florida, Denver, Chicago, Paris and London. Alicia co-authored Explorer Publishing’s The Complete Residents’ Guide to Paris. She has transcreated 10 books about modern interpretations of traditional Ukrainian arts, is a ghostwriter for creative entrepreneurs and is a freelance writer and editor for design, travel and business publications. Alicia loves the theatre, live music, markets and mysticism, as well as swimming, canoeing and dancing.
Thank you for visiting Go Eat Do and reading this post about nature on Cyprus’s Akamas Peninsula. You may also appreciate this look at hiking in the Troodos Mountains and Christmas celebrations in Cyprus.
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