Often known as Petra tou Romiou, I discovered it nestled on the southern coast alongside the principle street between Paphos and Limassol. Spanning roughly 1 sq. kilometre, it’s traditionally revered because the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of affection and wonder!
I took the 25-minute drive from Paphos and located the positioning to be well-signposted, with a chosen parking space (there was additionally the choice of a direct bus service). When right here I swam within the sea, relaxed on the scenic Petra tou Romiou seashore, explored the close by climbing trails alongside the dramatic shoreline, after which dined on the laid-back seashore café which ignored the beautiful rock.
- Location: Southwestern a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for average temperatures and quieter environment to benefit from the scenic views).
- Actions on provide: Swimming, pictures, and climbing alongside the scenic shoreline.
- Map Location and Instructions
My favourite highlights…
- Studying about in regards to the legend from the locals – they informed me when you swim round rock thrice it may possibly bestow blessings resembling everlasting magnificence, real love, fertility, and luck! Though in actuality, I discovered that doing this was discouraged because of the sturdy currents!
- Additionally visiting the close by attention-grabbing village of Kouklia the place I discovered the ruins of the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, a novel open-air temple that was as soon as central to historical Cypriot faith.
12. Caledonia Falls
I used to be an enormous fan of this hidden gem! Right here I found cascading waters that tumbled via a lush, forested panorama. I believed it had a soothing rejuvenating vibe and I actually loved simply listening to the zen-like sounds of the water.
I discovered it tucked away within the Troodos Mountains close to the village of Platres, within the coronary heart of the Limassol district. Standing at 12 meters in peak, it is among the tallest waterfalls on the island, making it a preferred vacation spot, particularly through the wetter months from late autumn via spring when the water movement is at its peak!
I drove to the village of Platres within the Troodos Mountains and made my approach to the Psilo Dendro Trout Farm, the place I parked and started the reasonably difficult 3-kilometer hike alongside the well-marked Caledonia Path, taking about an hour to succeed in the beautiful waterfall.
There have been some steep and uneven sections alongside the path, however it was completely value it; as soon as I arrived, I loved the refreshing mist and plush greenery, listened to the fowl’s singing, and even waded into the cool, inviting waterfall pool!
- Location: Central a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Spring (for ultimate climbing situations and to see the waterfall at its most vibrant).
- Actions on provide: Climbing, wildlife recognizing, and pictures within the Troodos Mountains.
- Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
- Seeing smooth-barked strawberry bushes, rock roses, and black poplars alongside the hike!
13. Cape Greco
I believed this was a really enchanting headland! I additionally found it was a a lot cherished spot stuffed with pure, placing magnificence – I discovered luminous, turquoise waters, rugged imposing cliffs, surrounding greenery and a tranquil and adventurous vibe which I couldn’t get sufficient of!
Located on the southeastern tip of the island between Ayia Napa and Protaras, it lies throughout the Famagusta District and spans round 385 hectares. As soon as a hideout for pirates alongside the Mediterranean coast, it’s now a protected nationwide forest park stuffed with a wealthy biodiversity, fascinating sea caves, and breathtaking sea views.
I took the well-marked 10-minute drive from Ayia Napa, explored the beautiful sea caves by kayak, hiked the Aphrodite and Adonis trails for panoramic views, snorkelled within the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, visited the charming Chapel of Agioi Anargyroi which had steps main all the way down to the ocean, and ended the day by stress-free on the cliff tops, watching an Insta-worthy sundown.
- Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (for scenic hikes, cliff diving, and having fun with the pure great thing about the world).
- Actions on provide: Cliff diving, climbing, biking, and exploring sea caves.
- Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
- Testing the “Arch of Korakas” after which strolling up the path which lead me to the close by Agioi Anargyroi Chapel, an enthralling whitewashed church perched above the ocean – the views had been unbelievable!
14. Akamas Peninsula Nationwide Park
I actually favored this rugged and unspoilt protected nature reserve! I discovered it completely beautiful, with its pristine golden sandy seashores the place sea turtles nest, hidden pebble coves, shimmering blue-green waters, dramatic limestone gorges, rolling inexperienced hills, and engaging historic websites, together with charming previous stone villages. I believed the uncooked, untamed vibe of the world, enhanced by its secluded location, made it really feel really particular!
I found it tucked away within the northwest of the island, close to the city of Polis and the village of Latchi. Spanning roughly 230 sq. kilometers, it stretches to the westernmost tip of the island alongside the rugged Mediterranean shoreline. As soon as residence to historical Greek settlements and Byzantine chapels, it’s now largely uninhabited and serves as a protected wildlife sanctuary, boasting an interesting vary of natural world.
I took a forty five minute drive from Paphos and I discovered there was an entry level close to Latchi (there was additionally one in Neo Chorio) and I hiked via the dramatic Avakas Gorge, took a ship journey to the beautiful Blue Lagoon and visited the Baths of Aphrodite (the place legend says the goddess bathed!).
I additionally managed to discover the rugged coastal path which lead me to Cape Arnaoutis, relaxed on the turtle nesting grounds of Lara Seaside.
- Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Spring and Fall (for wildlife viewing, climbing, and exploring the rugged landscapes with out the summer time warmth).
- Actions on provide: Climbing, snorkelling, exploring nature trails, and turtle watching.
- Map Location and Instructions
My favorite highlights…
- Climbing alongside the reasonably difficult 7.5 kilometers round Aphrodite Path which took me 3.5 hours to finish – I noticed panoramic views of the Bay of Polis and the Paphos Forest, the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower) and a placing 500-year-old oak tree.
15. Kalopanayiotis
This was such a novel little gem! I believed this beautiful mountain village, which had solely round 200 residents, was simply beautiful with conventional stone-built homes full with picket balconies, slender cobbled streets, Byzantine chapels and monasteries.
It additionally had a really picturesque setting within the Troodos Mountains with surrounding lush valleys and thermal springs. I additionally couldn’t get sufficient of the tranquil vibe and the normal Cypriot appeal!
Nestled within the Troodos Mountains throughout the Nicosia District, it overlooks the scenic Setrachos River Valley and is famend for its wealthy Byzantine heritage, pure sulfur springs, and charming conventional structure.
I drove 1.5 hours from Nicosia through well-maintained mountain roads after which spent a novel weekend right here. I explored the UNESCO-listed Agios Ioannis Lampadistis Monastery which had beautiful frescoes, relaxed within the therapeutic sulfur springs, hiked scenic trails alongside the Setrachos River Valley, crossed the medieval Venetian bridge, and even loved a rejuvenating spa expertise at Casale Panayiotis whereas soaking in breathtaking mountain views (pictured above).
- Location: Central a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Spring (to benefit from the lush greenery and discover the normal village in nice climate).
- Actions on provide: Spa visits, climbing, visiting monasteries, and exploring conventional Cypriot villages.
- Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
- Staying at Casale Panayiotis – I adored the characterful historic former monastery it was housed and the distinctive onsite spa which got here with a hydrotherapy pool, a mud cabin, and an superior thermal suite which housed a natural steam room, a unusual snow cabin, and a chromotherapy suite!
- Attempting the Mosaic Rasul Mud Chamber and making use of the mineral wealthy Kalopanayiotis Mud expertise on the Myrianthousa Mountain Spa Retreat.
