The Avakas Gorge provides a challenging and varied walking trail on the South part of the Akamas peninsula
Access to the Avakas Gorge Trail on the Akamas Peninsula
To mouth of the Avakas gorge is reached most easily in a car. From Paphos follow the coast road north past Coral Bay and continue along the road signed for Agios Georgios. Before Agios Georgios turn right along a road signposted Akamas Peninsula. This road is tarmaced as far as the White River Restaurant.
After the restaurant the road is not tarmaced but is passable with a two wheel drive.
The parking area for the gorge will be found on the right hand side of the track after a short downhill section. For those doing the whole circular walk it is best to leave the car here. If planning to just take a short walk into the gorge and return by the same way it is possible to drive a little further.
Follow the track uphill alongside the fencing to the left of the plantation. Shortly before reaching the Vilkari Taverna turn right and follow the track downhill. On reaching the river valley the car can be left here, or to drive further turn left here, a parking area and information board is reached and there is a barrier to prevent vehicles from penetrating further into the gorge.
The Trail Through the Narrows of the Avakas Gorge to the Secluded Beach at Lara Bay
If parking in the first area follow the road as described above to the second parking area. From here the route up through the gorge is obvious. After approximately thirty minutes the walls of the gorge become gradually narrower until at one point the limestone nearly touches forming an archway above the walker. A pleasantly cool spot on a hot day.
Many will turn back and retrace their steps from here, but for those continuing the gorge becomes although perhaps less spectacular certainly more beautiful.
The route finding is easy as there is after all only one direction that can be taken. Only the frequently seen mountain goats can deviate from the trail.
The way is frequently blocked by boulders that must be clambered over, and whilst this provides for physical walking there is nothing of technical difficulty and the average fit walker will have no difficulty in picking their way up the gorge.
As the walker progresses further through the gorge the walls becomes wider spaced allowing sunlight to filter down, rewarding the walker with frequent sightings of lizards. In the Autumn time especially the butterflies in the upper gorge are numerous. Pass the wreck of a truck and wonder at how that ended up here and progress into the area of bamboo trees, perhaps even collecting a bamboo walking stick to help any tired legs.
At the head of the gorge trend right to follow the edge of the gorge to the sheep and goat farm. Gradually work northwards passing through the farm to pick up the dirt road that runs from Kato Dores to Lara Bay. Turn left onto this road and follow it as it cuts around the north side of the Avakas gorge then descends to the coast, eventually coming out on the Akamas Road about three kilometers north from where the car is parked.
From here it is only a few hundred meters to the beach at Lara Bay where the weary walker may be grateful for cooling swim.
Lara Bay, a Stunning Beach on the Akamas Peninsula
Cape Lara, approximately 30 km north west of Paphos, has large sandy beaches on both sides of the cape. During the summer months Green and Leatherback turtles come ashore here to lay their eggs, and for this reason the Lara Bay beaches remain beautifully unspoilt. The kilometer long sweeping bays rarely have more than a few people around and most of them will be clustered near the fantastically situated restaurant on the southern beach.
In order to protect the turtles, access to the beaches is restricted during summer evenings, and during this time lights cannot be shown nearby, but during the daytime this beach is a perfect place to recover and swim after the physical walk up the gorge and the dusty descent down the track to the bay
Returning to the Day's Starting Point at the Mouth of the Akamas Gorge
Once enough swimming and exploration of the beach at Lara Bay has been enjoyed it is simply a case of following the Akamas Peninsula coast road south for three kilometers to return to the parking place and the day's starting point.
When to Walk on Cyprus for the Best Conditions
The area is best explored in Spring, Autumn or Winter. The gorge should be avoided if heavy rainfall is predicted or in the immediate period after heavy rainfall.
As with all walks on Cyprus, it is imperative that whatever time of year the gorge is explored adequate water must be carried.
Further Information on the Best Walking Trails in Cyprus
Other walks on Cyprus include: The Persephone Trail in the Troodos Mountains and The Smigies Nature Trail in the Akamas Peninsula
The Rother Walking Guide to Cyrus, Rolf Goetz Rother 2002 has detailed descriptions of 42 walks on Cyprus
HOL 101
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
