Tucked into the rugged northwest corner of Cyprus, the Akamas Peninsula is a wild, windswept land where cliffs plunge into turquoise coves, ancient paths wind through gorges and olive groves, and sea turtles nest on unspoiled beaches. Unlike the resort-lined shores of other parts of the island, Akamas remains largely untouched—a last bastion of raw Mediterranean nature.
This is where Cyprus breathes at its own pace. No high-rises, no concrete promenades—just dense maquis vegetation, dramatic rock formations, rare wildlife, and timeless villages. Whether you're hiking through the Avakas Gorge, diving in crystal-clear bays, or exploring ancient legends at the Baths of Aphrodite, Akamas is the Cyprus you never knew you needed.
The Akamas Peninsula stretches along the northwestern coast of Cyprus, near the towns of Polis and Latchi, and just beyond the edge of Paphos District. It covers an area of roughly 230 square kilometers and includes:
Access is typically via 4x4 tracks or on foot, though organized boat tours and jeep safaris from Latchi and Paphos are common.
Akamas is not just beautiful—it's ecologically priceless. It’s home to:
Much of Akamas is part of the Natura 2000 network, a European initiative to protect fragile ecosystems. Efforts continue to balance preservation with tourism, ensuring the peninsula stays wild for generations to come.
Akamas is a dream for hikers, offering a network of well-marked trails with panoramic sea and mountain views.
This spectacular limestone canyon is carved by a stream and features towering rock walls, wild fig trees, and lush undergrowth. Walk along the shaded path and listen to the echo of water and birdsong—it's one of the most magical places in Cyprus.
Accessible by boat or 4x4, these azure coves are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking in Cyprus' coastal beauty. The water is shallow, crystal-clear, and postcard-perfect.
Boat tours from Latchi often include stops at the Blue Lagoon, with time for a swim and a Cypriot mezze onboard.
This remote sandy beach is a protected nesting site for endangered sea turtles. From May to August, conservationists monitor the nests, and you might even witness hatchlings making their way to the sea.
It's not a beach with umbrellas or cafés—just pure nature.
Legend says the goddess of love bathed here, in a cool freshwater grotto shaded by fig trees. The site has long been tied to myths of beauty, love, and immortality. It's also the starting point for several major trails.
While the peninsula itself is wild and uninhabited, the surrounding villages offer authentic Cypriot hospitality and traditional life:
These villages make excellent bases for exploring the region without sacrificing comfort.
The Akamas Peninsula has long been at the center of conservation debates in Cyprus. While parts of it remain pristine, pressures from development and tourism continue to challenge its integrity. Local and international groups work to protect its unique ecology while promoting responsible tourism.
Visitors can contribute by choosing eco-friendly tours, respecting trail rules, and supporting local communities.
The Akamas Peninsula is where Cyprus reveals its wild soul—untamed, poetic, and deeply rooted in nature and mythology. From the silence of pine-covered hills to the shimmer of turquoise coves, this is a land that invites exploration, reflection, and awe.
For travelers seeking something beyond the beach bar and resort pool, Akamas is Cyprus in its purest form.