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Cyprus

Contrasts of Cyprus Walking

Trip code: W07YA 4.6 (7 reviews)

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+ to 2+

Flights
available

21.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Enjoy fantastic panoramas of the island from the Troodos Mountain trails, including views of Mount Olympus
  • A mix of walking in the mountains with traditional villages, stunning beaches and coastal walks
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage churches, the Blue Lagoon and the Baths of Aphrodite cave
  • Some of the walks have longer or harder options, giving you the freedom to choose between 10km or 20km each day

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Embark on a captivating journey through Cyprus, where ancient trails weave tales of history amidst natural splendour. Begin your adventure in Kakopetria, a charming stone-built village nestled in the Troodos Mountains. Meander through its cobbled streets, leading to the awe-inspiring 11th-century painted church, Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revel in panoramic vistas, spanning the Solea and Marathasa valleys, with Mount Olympus gracing the horizon.

Your exploration continues towards the Northwest, guiding you across Laona Plateau's picturesque stone villages. Here, savour the essence of Cyprus at local wineries, immersing yourself in the island's winemaking tradition. Traverse the coastal wonders, from the pristine Lara Beach to the enchanting Avakas Gorge Nature Trail, where nature paints a vivid tapestry of cliffs and verdant landscapes. As your journey unfolds, trek from Droushia to the Baths of Aphrodite cave, offering panoramic views of Cyprus's Northwest coast, from Cape Arnaoutis to Pomos village. Walk the Smigies, Adonis, and Aphrodite Trails, relishing vistas from the majestic Moutti tis Sotiras peak. Explore hidden treasures along the North coast, including Fontana Amoroza, the Blue Lagoon, and Manolis Beach.

Indulge in Cyprus's culinary heritage, savouring traditional delights, such as Halloumi, Cyprus's iconic cheese, and of the succulent Kleftiko, a slow-cooked lamb dish infused with aromatic spices. Taste Sheftalia, flavourful sausages wrapped in caul fat, reflecting Cyprus's gastronomic richness. Accompany your meals with Cyprus's renowned wines, each sip echoing the island's winemaking legacy.

Discover comfort in our handpicked accommodations. The first, a modern three-star inland hotel, invites you for a four-night stay. Enjoy its contemporary charm and unwind by the infinity edge pool, a serene escape to nature. Transition to the coast, where a stylish three-star hotel awaits for your final three nights. Revel in its modern allure and sweeping views. Both hotels offer their own delightful dining experiences, but if you crave local flavours, charming restaurants within walking distance beckon, ensuring every evening is a culinary adventure. Experience Cyprus with utmost comfort and convenience.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Kakopetria

Arrive in the stone-built, mountain village of Kakopetria

You stay at The Mill Hotel.

hotel details



The Mill Hotel, Kakopetria

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon


Nestled in the heart of Kakopetria, The Mill Hotel embodies quintessential rustic charm. Each bedroom exudes character, boasting stone walls and teak furnishings, complete with en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, minibar, some with private balcony. Wake up to a delightful continental breakfast served daily in the inviting restaurant, or unwind on the sun terrace with a captivating mountain view. Indulge in ultimate relaxation at the hot tub and sauna facilities. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi spanning the entire property. Explore the culinary delights of Kakopetria with local restaurants and cafes conveniently within walking distance. Experience a perfect blend of comfort and authentic village atmosphere at The Mill Hotel.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 2: The Solea and Marathasa Valleys (11km/6.8mi)

A circular walk to the West of Kakopetria, today's walk is mainly on sparsely forested slopes with fabulous views towards the Solea Valley, as far as Morphou Bay and the sea. The route takes you past a reservoir, the village of Galata and close to a UNESCO World Heritage painted chapel.

elevation

Day 3: Views of Mount Olympus (8km/5.0mi)

This circular walk is mainly on the slopes to the East of Kakopetria, offering great views towards the Solea Valley and the village of Kakopetria as well as towards nearby peaks and the northern slope of Mount Olympus.

elevation

Day 4: From Evretou to Droushia (13km/8.1mi)

After a transfer to the beginning of today's walk, you'll head towards your next stop at Droushia. Along the way, walk past a man-made crescent lake, an abandoned village and a medieval bridge. Stop at the charming, medieval chapel at Agia Paraskevi and the Kremiotis Waterfall.

elevation

You stay at Droushia Heights Hotel.

hotel details



Droushia Heights Hotel, Droushia

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Perched atop the north-western Cypriot highlands, The Droushia Heights Hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the encircling mountains. Experience a touch of boutique elegance in this accommodation, featuring private verandas or balconies, en-suite bathrooms with luxurious baths or showers, hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Unwind in our lounge-bar, savour delectable meals at their on-site restaurant, or bask in the tranquillity of the infinity pool. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation at the hammam and sauna or maintain your routine in the gym.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used. .

Day 5: Lara Beach and Agios Georgios tis Pegeias (22km/13.7mi)

Descend from the Laona plateau to the Lara coast with an optional stretch of the walk along the Avakas Gorge Nature trail. Pass by the beaches of South Lara and Toxeftra, ending in Agios Georgios tis Pegeias with its medieval church. Return transfer included to the hotel. An alternative option today is a circular walk around the Laona Plateau to explore picturesque stone-built villages in this agricultural region and the possibility of visiting a local winery.

elevation

Day 6: Baths of Aphrodite cave (21km/13.0mi)

Enjoy fabulous views of the Lara coast then head north for spectacular views of the north coast and the whole of Chrysochous Bay from Cape Arnaoutis, the northwest tip of the island, up to Pomos in the northeast. Today's longer route includes stretches of the Smigies, Adonis and Aphrodite Trails.

elevation

You stay at Aphrodite Beach Hotel.

hotel details



Aphrodite Beach Hotel, Polis Chrysochous

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Nestled just metres away from Yiannakis Beach, Aphrodite Beach Hotel offers a cosy family-run retreat. Situated a mere 550m from the Akamas Peninsula National Park, these rooms are adorned in pastel colours and feature ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV, some with balconies. Refrigerators are available upon request. Indulge in delightful cuisine at the two restaurants, unwind at the bar, or relax on the sun terrace amidst lush gardens. Experience seaside serenity and genuine hospitality at Aphrodite Beach Hotel.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 7: Free day or Akamas North coast walk (18km/11.2mi)

Today you have the option to just relax on the beach, close to the hotel, or you can enjoy more views of Cyprus's north coast as you walk along the eastern part of the Adonis Trail. The route passes most of the north coast's beaches including highlights of Fontana Amoroza and the Blue Lagoon.

elevation

Day 8: Leave the Akamas Peninsula

After breakfast on your last morning, depart the Akamas Peninsula.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £114.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Paphos airport.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Extra nights at the beginning or end of the trip

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

Enjoyable and very interesting. Walks were quite challenging, given the unseasonably warm temperatures, but rewarding too.

Geraint Thomas, 16 May 2024

 

Great service, great holiday. Great trip, fantastic accommodation and people along the way. The app was particularly helpful and kept us on the right track!

Rhian Rees, 13 Mar 2024

 

We enjoyed the holiday. Weather was lovely. Walks very nearly all on gravelly tracks and roads esp in the mountains rather dull, better near the sea, swimming in the sea great.

Clare Highton, 12 Nov 2023

 

This was the first time my husband and I had been on a walking holiday together - although I have done similar holidays with friends. Based on our experience we would certainly take another trip with Headwater

Pauline Boyne, 30 Sep 2023

 

Overall it was an excellent experience and any apprehensions we may have had about the operational arrangements on self guided trip were dispelled whenever something like a taxi pick was scheduled to happen as it always did. As none of us had travelled with you before then we had no reference for your grading which is probably about right although anyone our ages (66,69 & 74) of a lesser fitness level would find some aspects of day 2,4 and possibly day 6 very challenging. The app is excellent with maybe only a couple of ambiguities (day 2). Second part of Day 5 on reaching the coast at Lara Beach is quite disappointing as pretty much all the rest of the walk is an expansive construction site to one degree or another. There is a lot of site traffic and heavy plant machinery causing disruption, partial road closures/diversions. The dusty conditions created combined with that caused by the beach buggy safaris make this stretch quite uncomfortable at times. The walk on Day 6 was the best for us with a great range of terrain and views, the descent down the mountain side towards the end being the highlight. Would certainly consider Headwater again and recommend you. Would also be happy to discuss/expand on any of the feedback given here if you wanted to contact us.

Paul Lacey, 25 Sep 2023

 

The main remark is really about the grading of the tour. Cyprus is hilly and perhaps a "Moderate" grading in hilly territory is correct, but tough it was.

And then we were indeed surprised not to meet one single trekker during the entire tour - therefore our question: have you really sold this tour before?

Another important information (perhaps) missing is the fact that during the different tracks you cannot buy anything (there simply no shops - no nothing) - hence its important to highlight that plenty of water has to be taken with you from the accommodation. We experienced very hot weather (35-37 degree) and there was no shades to find at all. Hence water is crucial. One final comment: we would have liked to get off earlier in the morning (to avoid the hottest period of the day), but the hotels only serves breakfast from 7:30 or 8:00 and consequently you can only head off by 8:00 or 9:00 leaving you with not option, but to be out in the hottest period of the day.

Peter Bergholdt, 22 Sep 2023

 

Excellent walking holiday although we were unlucky to lose 2 days walking due to thunderstorms. The Mill hotel in Kakopetria was quirky but very comfotable and we enjoyed the spa bath after the walks. If wifi was necessary the speed was very slow. Droushia Heights hotel was modern and comfortable with good speed wifi. However, we were quite early in the season and the outdoor pool had not been filled. That did not bother us. The final walk we decided to start from Neo Chorio and take the Aphrodite trail. Fabulous walk and terrific views. We completed the walk after refreshment by walking to the next hotel, the Aphrodite Beach hotel. This also was clean and comfortable with good wifi but the beach cafe was not yet open. On our final day we walked to the little port of Latchi for a nice lunch. Gps system worked well.

Mr Hardie, 15 Mar 2023

 


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+ to 2+

Flights
available

21.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

7 nights from £699

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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