Cyprus is often associated with Greece, although it is a country in its own right. Historically, Cyprus was seen as an ideal base for forays into mainland Europe, Asia and Africa. It's therefore unsurprising it's an island with a long story to tell. The Greeks arrived in Cyprus around 1200 BC, though many civilisations have since followed. Each left an imprint, from the sea-faring Phoenician tradespeople to the all-conquering Romans.
The word 'fusion' is perhaps the most useful when describing Cyprus historically, culturally and, of course, gastronomically. Join us on a walking holiday in Cyprus to discover what lies beyond the more popular beach holiday destinations it's known for.
From a natural perspective, as one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, Cyprus offers a wealth of opportunities. The Troodos Mountains offer the chance to enjoy spectacular views, UNESCO heritage sites and some excellent walking trails.
Unsurprisingly, Cyprus also has coastal scenery to rival any of its Mediterranean neighbours. You can explore the for hidden coves, splendid beaches and ancient stone villages. Northern Cyprus, meanwhile, is filled with ancient ruins, beautiful castles, fishing villages and meandering walks along the many beautiful beaches.
Choose one of our guided or self-guided walking holidays in Cyprus today and discover the hidden gems this island nation has to offer.
From the panoramic drama of the Troodos Mountains to watching the sunset over a beach, we know how to help you make some wonderful memories on a walking tour in Cyprus. Here are a few sights you might be able to see, depending on the trip you choose.
The Troodos Mountains are full of peaceful walking trails, waterfalls and frescoed churches. Much of the area is forested, characterised by cedar trees and Aleppo pine. The highest peak is Mount Olympus, standing at 1,952 metres.
If you spend some time in the area's villages and churches on your Cyprus walking holiday, you'll see evidence of this mountain range's role in Byzantine history. Distanced from coastal raids, the area was a safe haven for religious art.
When you see the serenity of this shallow pool near the sea on the Akamas Peninsula, you'll understand why the Greek goddess of love and beauty was said to have chosen this as her bathing spot. Water pours out of a rock into the pool, creating a small natural cave.
In Greek mythology, the surrounding peninsula was her kingdom, and you can enjoy its unspoilt natural beauty when walking in Cyprus. Migratory and nesting birds love the rocky beaches, caves and islets too.
The village of Bellapais in Northern Cyprus is the site of this striking monastery. Built using a mix of Byzantine and Gothic styles, these well-preserved ruins cut an impressive figure against a backdrop of mountains in one direction and a sparkling coastline in the other. It's one of the highlights of our guided walking holiday in Northern Cyprus.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
twin centre
Level: 1 & 2
Headwater
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Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+ to 2+
Headwater
Navigation App
Guided group walking
7 nights,
single centre
Printed route
directions
Operated by
Exodus Travels
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Where appropriate, we grade our holidays based on distance, terrain, elevation gain, remoteness, etc and categorise them into 4 relative groups. This is ultimately subjective and may vary slightly day to day; for more advice, please see the specific trip page or call one of our friendly team.
To get a good taste of Cyprus, you ideally need around a week. Our Cyprus walking tours tend to give you 7 nights to spend on your holiday.
This means you have lots of time to explore the parts of the island that your chosen holiday focuses on, as well as ample opportunity to kick back and relax in the lovely hotels included.
We offer guided and self-guided walking tours in Cyprus across most of the year. The months available vary slightly depending on the tour.
We recommend walking in Cyprus in one of the months where it is pleasantly warm but not an overbearing peak summer temperature. May, June, September and October are usually good months to avoid feeling uncomfortably hot during your hikes. Beaches are also less crowded during these months.
Bring plenty of snacks and water for your excursions. It's a good idea to bring more than one reusable water bottle, as hiking can be thirsty work in the Mediterranean climate. A backpack with a hydration reservoir might even be a smart choice.
Be vigilant against mosquitoes in the summer months by bringing effective insect repellent and checking the mosquito forecast.
While not essential, trekking poles can be a great help when walking – especially if you have any knee or joint concerns.
And, of course, bring sun protection and a wide-brim sun hat for all the time you'll be spending outdoors.
Cyprus' climate is hot and dry in summer and mild the rest of the time, so light clothes should be fine for your trip. In December, the average daily temperatures range from 9-19°C.
As a minimum, bring a light jacket to protect against mountain breezes or cooler evening temperatures.
If you want to venture into any of the old churches in the Troodos Mountains, you'll need to have covered legs. Women should have their shoulders covered too.
For hiking, a pair of broken-in walking boots is essential. We know sandals might be tempting on a hot day, but they're not a safe option for a walking holiday in Cyprus. Reserve them for your evenings in the hotels!
It's hard to pick just one! The Troodos Mountains are incredibly picturesque. Something about the natural beauty that stretches for miles, refreshing breeze, clean air and many waterfalls creates an experience you can't replicate. You may even come across the rare agrino (a type of mountain sheep) and an Eleonora's falcon. Flamingos and swallows also come here on their migratory routes.
We've been expertly crafting itineraries for active holidays for over 40 years. You can rely on us to give you the helping hand you need to experience Cyprus as authentically as possible. Book online today and get ready for your walking holiday in Cyprus.
Here are a few reasons why you can have confidence in us:
