The Best Walking Trails on Cyprus
Follow the Smigies Nature Trails to Explore the Akamas Peninsula
Oct 30, 2009
The Smigies picnic area on the Akamas Peninsula of Cyprus is the starting point for the Smigies Nature Trails. At either 2.5 km or 5 km in length the Smigies Nature Trails provide an excellent introduction to the stunning scenery of the Akamas Peninsula.
Access to the Smigies Nature Trails
The Smigies picnic area is situated on the Akamas Peninsula in the North West part of Cyprus. The main access is reached by heading from Polis through Lakki (sometimes spelt Latsi) to the village of Neo Chorio. From Neo Chorio the road to the Smigies picnic area is signed and is now metalled to within a few hundred meters of the picnic area.
To reach the area by public transport a bus should be taken to Polis and a taxi will be needed to complete the journey from there.
The Smigies picnic area may also be reached by following the dirt road north from Lara Bay, keeping to the west coast of the Akamas Penisula for approximately 10km, before taking a turning inland. A four wheel drive vehicle is necessary to make this approach.
The Smigies Picnic Area
The picnic area itself has plenty of shaded tables; toilet facilities and a children's play area.
The Smigies Nature Trails
Two routes are available; the long route is 5 km and the short 2.5 km. Both trails have around 200 m of height gain and information boards are found at regular intervals along both trails identifying the flora and other natural features.
Both routes start at the Smigies picnic area and follow the stony path zig zagging up the hillside. After this short stiff climb with little shade the walker is rewarded by extensive views up the Akamas Peninsula to the north and down to Lara Bay to the west.
After approximately 1 km a junction with the forest road is reached. It is worth the short detour to the right to climb up to he forest look out station to enjoy panoramic views.
Once the trail has been retraced from the look out to the forest junction the track is then followed north. The walking is now easy along the broad dirt track, leaving the walker free to enjoy the scenery.
After approximately 700 m a choice must be made. The long route continues straight on eventually reaching a disused magnesium mine. The shorter route turns right here and descends a definite, but fairly steep trail.
The two trails rejoin again for the final half a kilometer to return to the picnic area.
When to Walk on Cyprus for the Best Conditions
The area is best explored in Spring, Autumn or Winter. For most exploring the Akamas Peninsula by foot in the Summer months will be too hot an experience to be enjoyable.
As with all walks on Cyprus it is imperative that whatever time of year the trails are explored adequate water must be carried.
Further Information on the Best Walking Trails in Cyprus
The Rother Walking Guide to Cyrus, Rolf Goetz Rother 2002 has detailed descriptions of 42 walks on Cyprus
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