Classic walks— Aphrodite & Adonis Trails

The Aphrodite Trail is probably the most beautiful walk on the island. Starting from just above the Baths of Aphrodite, it follows the mythical route taken by Aphrodite and her lover Adonis. Follow the signs froom the Baths and ascend the boulder strewn spine of the Akamas to Aphrodite's sanctuary at Pyrgos tis Regainas (which means Queen's castle), now dominated by a magnificent 860 year old oak tree. Rest awhile at the oak and maybe even climb the tree before ascending even higher to the rocky table-top on the Akamas known as Moutti tis Sotiras.

Your hard effort is rewarded with what is surely one of the most breathtaking views on the island, across the blue lagoons to Cape Arnaoutis at the end of the peninsula.

Remember to take a stick or walking pole for the steep, switchback descent down the north side of Moutti to the wild shrubland below. Follow the stony, vehicle width track at the bottom of the path to return to your start point at the Baths. NB: I like to do this walk in reverse as the zig zag climb up the side of Moutti tis Sotiras is a sure way to forget about the steep drop below when you are breathing hard (If you suffer from vertigo take heed!)

The Adonis trail covers the same path up the famous oak tree. From there, look for the Adonis trail signpost which takes you past the new eco toilet and through a narrow rocky path uphill to a highpoint with views of Mouitti tis Sotiras opposite. From here follow the path through the valley until you reach a cross-section with several signposts.

Take a rest at the water butt where you will often see goats having some refreshments before heading left down a steep rocky narrow track with an exposed water pipe on one side. Take care if it has been raining as this section gets VERY muddy! At the bottom simply follow the trail down through the valley until the trail pops out onto the main road leading back to the Baths. Terrain: A mixture of loose gravel and some larger rocks which require occasional scrambling.

Navigation Pointers: Take care at waypoint number 10 (both trails) which requires a sharp right hand turn uphill to find it. There is a more obvious path directly ahead but this is where many people have gone wrong. Further on, at the top of the steep rocky initial ascent, you must bear LEFT and slightly downhill to reach the old oak tree. The remainder of the route finding on both trails is relatively easy.

Tip: Either trail takes about 2.5 hours to complete at an average speed but a longer walk can be made by starting at the Adonis trail from the main road, ascending to the oak tree then onwards to Moutti tis Sotiras. You miss out the steep rocky spine as described at the beginning but you still get the spectacular views from Moutti. This longer walk will take about 4 hours. Article courtesy of Helen Smeaton, Wheelie Cyprus Mountain Bike & Walking Tours Tel: 99350898