Discover the Untouched Wilderness of the Akamas Peninsula and Its Magical Surroundings!

The Akamas Peninsula is a unique area of an outstanding natural beauty. It covers 230 square km of beautiful deep valleys, gorges, caves, sea caves, islets and wide sandy bays. With its crystal-clear waters, it attracts many worldwide visitors throughout the year.

Named after an Athenian warrior and son of Theseus who came to the Peninsula after the Trojan war, it is a must-visit site for anyone who spends a holiday in Paphos.

Latchi

Latchi, also known as Latsi, is a lovely fishing harbour that still retains its unique charm. It has got its name from the old Greek word “lakki” meaning water hole or well. There were several “lakkis” where the local farmers would get fresh water for their livestock en route from the hills down to the markets.

The harbour-side restaurants and its pleasant crowd-free beach surrounded by forested hills, make Latchi a perfect getaway. Especially for those who want to have a mix of a seaside experience with mountain backdrop right at the doorstep of the Akamas National Park.

Neo Chorio

Neo Chorio, meaning New Village, is a traditional hillside village, five minute drive from Latchi.

It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a great place to discover the old traditions of Cyprus. You can also admire the architecture of the stone-built houses and churches.

Smigies

The popular Smigies picnic site is located 2.5 km from Neo Chorio near the dirt road to Akamas.

It is the starting point of the magnificent Smigies Nature Trail, which offers amazing views of the peninsula’s west coast. The excursion includes Lara Bay, and later on to the north-east, with views of Chrysochous bay in the direction of Latchi and Polis.

Pitokopos

Pitokopos area offers incredible vistas of the west coast of the peninsula with wonderful sea views towards Lara Bay.

Lara Bay / Turtle Bay

The remote horseshoe-shaped Lara Bay (aka Turtle Bay) on the west coast of the Akamas Peninsula is a famous nesting ground for the protected Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta).

The Lara Bay Conservation Station monitors the turtle population and its nesting activity to protect these endangered animals. They are safeguarding the eggs and young hatchlings from predators and educating the public.

The egg-laying season usually lasts from May to August. This is the time when the chance of seeing newly hatched turtles in the conservatory’s water tanks is the highest.

However, the expansive and virtually deserted beach at Lara Bay alone is well worth a visit. This stunning pristine beach has an abundance of soft golden sand, while the sea is crystal-clear, clean and calm. That’s why this small tranquil paradise is a perfect spot for a swimming break.

Akamas Forest

The Akamas Forest is famous for its pine trees, wild olive trees and wild carbos. It has over 50 well signposted nature trails that cover gentle walks and longer hikes. The landscape is full of carob, olive trees, pine and juniper forests and is truly picturesque.

Agios Kononas

The Agios Kononas church was built on the remains of an older church dedicated to Agio Konona. It has a simple interior and exterior. Also there is a carved cave attached to the church.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular sites in the Akamas Peninsula. The blue waters of this bay are so crystal clear, enabling you to see all the way to the underlying sea bed.

The Blue Lagoon beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus, offering a magical experience. The shielded bay with warm waters is sandy and not very deep. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling or simply gazing at the breathtakingly beautiful scenery.

Baths of Aphrodite

The Baths of Aphrodite are a natural cavern with a shallow pool hidden among ferns, foliage and fig trees. A natural spring supplies the water to the pool.

According to the legend, Aphrodite, the Goddess of beauty and love, used to bathe in this hidden shaded pool after swimming in the clear waters of the bay. It is here that she met her beloved Adonis for the first time. He stopped for a drink whilst hunting and fell in love with her the moment he drank the water.

There are many myths related to this famous site…People also believe that the waters hold special rejuvenating powers.

Pyrgos Tis Rigainas

The ruins of Pyrgos Tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower) are located in a beautiful valley in Akamas, west of the well-known site of the Baths of Aphrodite.

They are related to what used to be the summer house of Rigaina, the medieval queen of Cyprus, and her love with the legendary Byzantine hero Digenis.

Nowadays, they assume that the ruins have actually belonged to a medieval Byzantine monastery from the 11th to the 12th century. A large 500-year-old oak tree is located near the ruins.