“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees”. The words of philosopher and naturalist, Henry David Thoreau, describe in short the numerous benefits of nature. To appreciate truly the smells, sounds, sights and tranquility that make our island incredibly diverse and unique, you only need to put on your hiking shoes and walk along our nature trails.
This year the Deputy Ministry of Tourism offers a Hiking and Nature Activities Program, which includes hiking tours, led by experienced tourist guides. The selected trails wend their way through sprawling forests and plains, breathtaking hills, astounding terrain, captivating shorelines and lush meadows. This program is suitable for experienced hikers and enthusiasts.
Most of the trails have been marked as being of “high difficulty” and have great elevation changes. You will need a good bit of endurance and proper gear (durable boots, trekking poles, hat, sunscreen, snacks and plenty of water) to participate and explore these amazing treks to the fullest.
No transportation will be provided therefore, all participants are required to be at the designated meeting point on time.
Please reserve a place at the hiking tour of your choice electronically by clicking on the following link and (re) discover the charming nature of our island.
LIST OF HIKING AND NATURE ACTIVITIES
1. 13/03/2022
Spring Sea Breeze: Environmental Hike in Cape Greco
Tour of the eco-friendly building of the Environmental Information Centre and hike in the blooming landscape of Cape Greco National Park
2. 16/03/2022
A guided hike connecting the two listed UNESCO World Heritage sites, Panagia tou Araka (1192 AD) and Stavros tou Agiasmati (1494 AD) through the almond blossoms
3.20/3/2022
Body and spirit connection with nature through stretching, breathing and relaxation techniques. – Xyliatos Dam picnic site (spaces limited)
4. 20/3/2022
Short circular hike with views of the Xyliatos Dam
5. 26/3/202
Tour of the brand new Center of Geology and Paleontology in the beautiful village of Pano Arodes in Akamas followed by a long linear hike down to the beach of Aspros Potamos through beautiful flowery landscapes and dramatic geology.
6. 2/4/2022
Tour of the new Thematic Center of Akamas’ Rural Life in Droushia village followed by a circular hike around the Ineia “Aetopetres” rock formations with amazing views of fields full of wildflowers, flocks of sheep and the Mediterranean sea from high ground.
7. 2/4/2022
Alternative educational activity for families with children 6-11 years old, provided by “Terra Cypria” Educational Environmental Foundation in Kritou Terra Kremiotis river.
8. 10/4/2022
Get to know the village of Amargeti and hike on the “Houliatis” trail – Circular
9. 16/4/2022
Visit the Episkopi Paphos Environmental Center and hike in the Ezousa Valley – Circular
10. 1/5/2022
Visit St John Lampadistis Unesco Cultural Heritage site and hike on the “River Trail” in Kalopanagiotis.
11. 8/5/2022
Environmental hike on “Persephone” trail following a visit to the Troodos Square Environmental Center
12. 15/5/2022
Visit the Unesco Cultural Heritage Site of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis and hike the “Kannoures – Agios Nikolaos” trail.
ACTIVITIES ON 16/3/2022 & 20/3/2022
16/3/2022 – BELOVED UNESCO CULTURAL HERITAGE MONUMENTS AND HIKE THROUGH ALMOND BLOSSOMS (ACTIVITY 1)
A guided hike which connects two listed UNESCO World Heritage sites, the important monuments of Panagia tou Araka (1192 AD) and Stavros tou Agiasmati (1494 AD) which boast outstanding frescoes. It is the season of the almond blossoms and the 7km linear* hiking trail goes through almond trees, pine forest, vineyards and old dry stone walls.
* BUS TRANSPORTATION FROM THE MEETING POINT TO THE STARTING POINT
Trail Difficulty Rating: 3 – Very demanding, slippery terrain with steep uphill and downhill. It is necessary to use a mountaineering shoe and a walking stick.
Length: 7km
Meeting time: 08.45
Completion time: 13.00
Meeting point: Stavros tou Agiasmati car park
*Mask, Safepass necessary for entering the monuments and the bus transportation.
20/3/2022 – CONNECT WITH NATURE – XYLIATOS DAM PICNIC SITE (spaces limited)* (ACTIVITY 2)
Connect with nature through stretching, breathing and relaxation techniques. Own exercise mat (e.g. yoga mat) necessary. Optionally bring an old, dark coloured towel to protect your mat.
Starting time: 08.45
Duration: 50 minutes
Meeting point: Xyliatos Dam picnic site
* Safepass, exercise mat necessary
20/3/2022 – HIKING ON THE XYLIATOS DAM TRAIL (ACTIVITY 3)
The circular trail which goes around the Xyliatos Dam connects to the Picnic site through a small path of 200m which goes upwards towards the embankment. After that it follows a path through pine forest and lush vegetation and gives excellent views of the overflowed dam. In the last part, the trail reaches the main road and follows it back to the starting point.
Trail Difficulty Rating: 2 – Moderate difficulty, in parts there is slippery terrain with steep uphill and downhill. It is necessary to use a mountaineering shoe and a walking stick.
Length: 4 kilometers
Meeting time: 10.00
Completion time: 11.45
Meeting point: Xyliatos Dam picnic site car park
Participation Form
Leave no trace behind – Respect wildlife and wild flowers – Take your rubbish with you
Remember your Mask, Safepass, hiking equipment, water, snack, hat, rain-jacket.
