Reserve in the western part of cyprus. Cyprus

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 that 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 watch

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.

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Troodos is a nature reserve located in the middle of the island. Its most impressive feature is the mountain group in the center, creating a unique contrast with the Mediterranean Sea. The highest point of these mountains is Mount Khenistra, reaching a height of 1952 meters. From a bird's eye view, a wonderful panorama opens up, and clean and transparent air is saturated with the smell of cedar trees growing nearby. The difference created by nature strikes the human imagination, despite the proximity of the coast.

There are many attractions in the mountains. During your trip, you should definitely visit Nine Byzantine churches. They are distinguished by their exceptional architecture, icons and frescoes.

Mouflons are protected by law, so they live and breed freely in the Cedar Valley. Today, these cautious and rather fast animals can be seen very often. There are many mountain trails for walking, where you can see many different birds belonging to different species, endemic flora, waterfalls and designated picnic areas, as well as villages with a leisurely life. The mountain dwellers of these villages are very friendly and welcoming. Each village has its own special kind of activity. Mountain dwellers are always proud of the rich harvest of fruits.

There are many monasteries of historical value in the Troodos region. One of the most prominent is Kykkos monastery. This monastery owns the Golden Icon of the Virgin Mary, painted, according to legend, by St. Luca. Chrysoroyatis Monastery is distinguished by the most charming panorama, and the monasteries machairas and Trooditissa have a unique architectural view - a high peculiar roof. In the eastern region of Troodos, at an altitude of 0.87 km, there is a monastery machairas. It is surrounded by the picturesque area of ​​Mount Kionia. The monastery resembles an impregnable fortress with very narrow windows. And the covered arcades reach a height of 19 meters.

Slightly below the location of the Troodos, at an altitude of 0.7 km is Solea Valley inhabited by many beautiful and ancient villages, comfortably dozing on the green mountain slopes. In the central part of the valley is the village of Kakopetria, surrounded by rich gardens, poplar groves and pine forests. Residents of the capital Nicosia often visit these places on weekends to wander through the cool winding streets, forgetting about the city heat and bustle. It has a mild climate and beautiful scenery. Two stormy river streams flow through the village, as if cutting it into three parts. The center of this village, called Old Kakopetria, is taken under state protection, and all the houses here are carefully restored. Traces of restoration are visible everywhere: both in small streets and inside cozy courtyards. According to local legends, the village was named precisely because of the huge stone around which, according to legend, young people who married three times had to pass. But one day a couple of newlyweds, after the ritual, fell dead. Since then, the stone is considered "bad". But still, the life of the villagers, contrary to the name, flourishes, preserving the charm, beauty and unique architecture of ancient dwellings and Byzantine churches. As a result, the "bad" stone became gold for the inhabitants of Kakopetria - today this place attracts thousands of tourists and is the center of ecological tourism.

Walking along the winding streets of Old Kakopetria, involuntarily the eye stops at gloomy houses, squeezed by various trading shops, with wooden balconies and narrow stairs decorated with pots of flowers.

In Kakopetria, everything is provided for a good rest: several cozy hotels, restaurants famous for their expertly prepared dishes, and most importantly, magnificent nature, which has a good effect on all guests of this colorful corner. The road leading to Kakopetria originates from Nicosia, later Troodos follows, and finally two villages with sonorous names - Trimiklini and Kato Amiantes.

Akamas is a peninsula and national park, which is a cape with an area of ​​230 square kilometers, located in the northwestern tip of Cyprus (northern Paphos).

At the southern end of the peninsula is the city of Peyia, and to the northeast is the city of Polis. Due to the mountainous nature of the peninsula, Akamas has no roads running through its heart. In addition, some of the roads marked on the Cypriot road maps of the area are not levelled.

In the heart of Akamas there is no housing (hotels, apartments), cafes, restaurants and other infrastructure, as well as no public transport. The nearest places for accommodation are the city of Polis and the village of Latsi.

For the purpose of tourist visits, Akamas can be divided into southwest and northeast coasts. The most popular is the northern part of the coast, it is here that famous landmarks like:

Hiking trails around the reserve, among which are the trails of Aphrodite and Adonis;

As well as other less famous, but no less pretty places, for example, bays and.

In this article we will tell you how to visit the northern coast of Akamas and its main attractions:

1. Bus

The only bus that will take you to the Baths of Aphrodite is route number 622, starting from the bus station in Polis. Drive to the last stop. From the bus stop 5 minutes walk to the baths.

The bus runs from 06:00 to 18:00, approximately every hour, travel time is about 30 minutes. Passes along the E713 road: past the western end of Polis beach, then past Latchi and leaving along the coast of Neo Chorio, Akamas.

Polis bus station can be reached from Paphos (airport and city center) and Coral Bay (Peyia). Read more about how to get from Paphos to Polis.

The fare is 1.50 Euro. Day ticket - 5 Euro. Tickets are available from bus drivers.

Near the baths of Aphrodite, from the sea, there is an observation deck with stunning views of the bay. Near the observation deck there is a panoramic restaurant with a terrace.

You can go down the stairs and visit the beach strip, which is also called the beach of the baths of Aphrodite. For those who wish - sun loungers and parasols.

2. On foot

Or you can go along the coast and, admiring the coast, reach the Blue Lagoon, Manolis Bay and the open bay of Fountain Amorosa. The distance from the bath to the Blue Lagoon is about 5.2 kilometers.

If you want to go hiking in Akamas, we advise you to wear comfortable closed shoes, a hat, closed and preferably loose clothing and (or) generously apply sunscreen to exposed areas of the body (if visiting during the hot summer months), take clean drinking water (more water) and something for a snack (if desired). It is better to apply sunscreen in advance, it is very dusty on Akamas, it is very uncomfortable to apply the product on a body covered with dust.

You can also take sunscreen with you and, if you plan to swim in the lagoons, then the necessary swimwear. It is most convenient to put all things in a backpack.

3. Car, ATV, buggy, motorcycle, bicycle

Car, quad bike and buggy are the most convenient means to visit Akamas. Car rental in Cyprus…

Also, from anywhere in Cyprus to the baths of Aphrodite can be reached by taxi. Taxi in Cyprus...

Below the baths of Aphrodite, near the bus stop, there is a parking lot where you can leave your car. We get to Polis by car, then we go down to the sea along the E713 road, without turning anywhere, we pass the village of Latchi, go up a little (approximate landmark - Caprice Spa Kosher Resort, coordinates 35.037650, 32.374845) and turn right ( also along the E713 road), then all along the same E713 road we leave directly to the parking lot near the baths of Aphrodite. The road is normal, paved.

If you drive along the coast of Akamas, then you should rent a car with a high suspension, such as a jeep (SUV), even if it's old, it's even better. The fact is that there are no roads on Akamas, along the coast there are areas with potholes, pits and potholes. Many who decide to go in an ordinary passenger car turn around without even a third of the way.

ATV and buggy pass through the Akamas with a bang. You can rent it anywhere you find it.

It is also possible to rent these types of transport right next to the parking lot at the Baths of Aphrodite, there is an agency there, but the prices are higher than in other places on the island.

Here you can also buy a place in the general "truck", which will take you to the Blue Lagoon, Fountain of Amorosa and back.

ATV, buggy, motorbike and bicycle can be rented in Polis. For example, on the E713 road, before reaching the western end of Polis Beach, on the right side (by the road), if you go towards the sea, there is a vehicle rental office. Prices here are lower than on Akamas itself, starting from 80 Euros per day.

A bicycle for trips around the akamas is not an ordinary city bike, but a specialized (mountain) one. Bicycles can be rented in the same office. The cost is from 8 - 25 euros per day.

Here you can also leave your car if you arrived on one, rent a buggy or other means of transportation, go to Akamas on it, and when you return, transfer to your car again. Company website.

Buggy and quad bikes can also be rented near the pier in Latchi, prices are more expensive. Website .

4. Excursions by land and sea

You can visit Akamas with one of the excursions.

There are excursions both by land - on SUVs or ATVs (safari tours), and by sea - on boats and yachts.

An abundance of excursions to Akamas is offered in Paphos and Latchi (Latsi) - a tourist village near Polis.

A safari jeep on Akamas from Paphos costs about 55 Euros. From Paphos you can also take a sea excursion, with a visit to the Blue Lagoon and (or) other Akamas lagoons.

From Latsi you can take a group safari in Akamas

If you don’t want to go with a group and on your own, you can book an individual excursion with a visit to Akamas + other places of interest in Cyprus, for example, an excursion “In the footsteps of Aphrodite with a visit to the Akamas reserve and Aphrodite’s rock”

You can rent a boat with a captain or a yacht in Latchi. There are many sea cruises, both individual and group, for example, a mini-cruise along the northern coast of Akamas. You can only visit the Blue Lagoon or other places on the north coast of Akamas, with the opportunity to swim wherever you want, if you rent an individual boat.

The cost of a 2.5-hour group mini-cruise: from 20 Euro - adult (from 15 if booked in advance) and from 10 Euro - children's tickets.

The cost of a 4-4.5-hour group cruise: from 25 Euro - adult, from 20 Euro - children's tickets.

There are cruises both in the afternoon or in the morning, and in the evening (at sunset). Depending on the cruise, drinks and fruits, yoghurts, wine, beer and barbecue, salads, couscous and snacks are offered on board.

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.

Park legend

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.

Park safety

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.

How to get there?

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.

The Akamas Reserve was remembered for its beautiful nature, a pitiful story about the difficult fate of turtles and fragments of the World Rally Championship track. Today I propose to make a trip to this beautiful place.

There are several options for exploring the reserve. Someone rents a mountain bike and learns it on their own. We preferred a more comfortable and faster option.

01. From Paphos on jeeps we went on an excursion organized by TEZ TOUR. We drove all day: many interesting places and stops, during which you could capture the landscapes or just get high from the beauty around. If you are in those parts, I highly recommend this trip:

02. First stop at the banana grove. Tanya tasted local fruits:

03. Picturesque grottoes, bays and bays. I never tire of repeating, the island is very photogenic. Although, when only, everything seemed gray and dull. I was afraid that there would be nothing to shoot. In part, expectations did not match reality:

04. Tanya is true to herself: no instagram, enjoys nature and encourages us to do so. From time to time I capture this process, distracting from landscapes:

05. Akamas is a reserved and very protected region. The place, virtually untouched by civilization, has retained its original appearance. From the crevices beat the purest keys. The local population periodically visits these parts for drinking water. Yes, just love it. It would be more time - with pleasure I wandered here longer. Maybe I'll come back here in the future. Getting here is easy, S7 flies from Moscow to Paphos three times a week.

06. Ira followed the example of Tanya:

07. A strange thing. Having traveled on excursions, you begin to think that there were 200 pieces of Aphrodite. In Cyprus, in Greece and Turkey, her baths, baths, and pools are found every now and then. It looks like they were franchised.

08. Tried to make a panorama. I love this since the days of South Africa:

09. Tanya continues to enjoy the breeze and please the eye:

10. We had a very cool driver. He was born not far from Paphos, on the way he showed the village where he grew up and told so much! As a motorsports person, it was very interesting for me. The man turned out to be competent in these matters and promised to guide him along several sections of the road where the World Rally Championship track was held.

We stopped not far from the ship, forced to sit aground for life. I talked about it in more detail yesterday. I also took a few photos for instagram:

11. Foreigners settled in the cafe opposite. A lot of cats have accumulated next to the lady. Moreover, they ignored the rest of the tourists, paying attention only to this woman. Judging by her face, she was no less surprised by the status of the lady of cats:

12. I like to travel in off-road vehicles. Most of the routes ran past colorful villages. From the open window it was possible to take many pictures of local residents, sitting under the scorching sun in tight clothes, having a drink - another:

13. We caught up with the truck. Hay rolled into rolls attracted attention. I saw a similar picture about 15 years ago during a trip to Europe. It seemed like a real innovation at the time:

14. We arrived at the territory of the reserve, the beach of which is very popular among local turtles. Mediterranean large-headed and green reptiles lay their eggs here from early June to mid-August. The place is very guarded and not built up. Out of a thousand eggs, a very small part, having hatched, will crawl to the sea. And only one in five will grow to the state of an adult turtle. Wildlife, what to do.

In the Paphos area, by the way, there is an incubator where the turtles are artificially helped to restore the population by nursing their eggs. Thanks to this, the number of reptiles is slowly returning to normal.

15. I didn't go to the beach. He raised the quadrocopter to a height of 300 meters and took pictures in different directions. The title photo of this post was taken exactly from this place:

16. Cyprus does not seem at all gray and dull, as it was on the plane:

17. At the bottom of the frame you can see one of our SUVs and a path along which you can go down to the beach. In some places you can see the guys from our group. They tried to find turtles:

18. We set off from the coast deep into the island into the mountains. They climbed for a long time along narrow paths, stepping over stones and numerous ravines. On the sides you can see beautiful landscapes and views that have become unusual due to the hay bales. True, here they are already rectangular. Filmed from a shaking jeep. Of the whole group, I was the only one who was sick of photography, I didn’t want to be a bore and constantly ask for stops. Adjusted to the conditions. The shots are not as sharp as they should be landscape, but they convey the atmosphere and nature around:

19. A lonely tree in the center of the field attracted attention. I remember the movie "The Shawshank Redemption". Under a similar plant, the protagonist left a note to his prison friend:

20. I liked the view with bales so much that I even made a small panorama:

21. Having climbed up, I realized that the place for the photo is not the best. Too far from the sea and high. It is more interesting to look through the eyes, and not through the prism of the lens. But I want to pay attention to a bunch of turns. According to our driver guide, this is part of one of the special stages of the World Rally Championship:

22. So high that the clouds, which are on the same level with us, interfered with photographing. Took just a few shots:

23. This time, Tanya did not have to persuade Irina to be inspired by nature. She herself sat down from us and began to enjoy the landscape, air and silence:

24. I realized that there is nothing more to photograph. And he began to look at the details around him. I remembered how in Montenegro a blogger from the Crimea took a lot of all kinds of vegetation. When I watched his posts, I liked how all sorts of flowers and leaves look. I decided to experiment and took a picture with a cool thorn:

After this mountain walk, we went to one of the pools of Aphrodite and visited the wineries, where we had a tasting. This will be a separate post, stay in touch!

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