Akamas hiking trails: The Aphrodite & Adonis Loop Trail

There are some places in Cyprus that have a special atmosphere. The Akamas Peninsula is one of them. Wild landscapes, beautiful sea views, rocky paths and the feeling of being surrounded by nature make it one of my favourite places to explore on foot.

For this hike, I combined two of the most beautiful trails in Akamas: the Aphrodite Trail and the Adonis Trail. Starting from the Baths of Aphrodite, this route takes you through forests, coastal cliffs, ancient ruins and some of the best viewpoints in western Cyprus.

Practical Information:

• Length: Approximately 11 km circular route (combined Aphrodite & Adonis Trails)

• Duration: 4 to 5 hours depending on pace and stops

• Difficulty: 2 - Moderate

• Starting point: Near the Baths of Aphrodite

• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn when temperatures are cooler and nature is at its best

The Baths of Aphrodite

The hike starts at the Baths of Aphrodite, a small natural spring hidden under trees near the coast. According to mythology, this is where the goddess Aphrodite used to bathe and where she met Adonis.

Although the spring itself is small, the atmosphere around it is magical. Surrounded by greenery and the sounds of nature, it feels like the perfect entrance to the wild landscape of Akamas.

From here, the trail immediately begins climbing, making the first section a good warm up for what is ahead.

The uphill path from the Baths of Aphrodite towards the higher parts of the peninsula takes you to viewpoints with incredible panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea, Polis Chrysochous and the Akamas coastline.

The uphill section is probably the most challenging part of the hike. The path is rocky and exposed in places, but the effort is rewarded with incredible views. At the highest points, the views are simply breathtaking. The deep blue sea, dramatic cliffs and untouched coastline make you stop and appreciate how beautiful Cyprus really is.

Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower)

One of the most fascinating stops along the route is Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower), a place where history and local legends come together.

Despite its name, the ruins are believed to be the remains of a Byzantine monastery rather than an actual tower. The site is thought to date back to around the 11th–12th century and likely included a small church and monastic buildings. Over the centuries, the ruins became known as “Rigena’s Tower” and were connected with local stories and traditions.

According to Cypriot folklore, the area is associated with Rigena, a legendary queen figure who appears in many local stories. Like many places in Akamas, the exact history and the legends have blended together, giving the site a mysterious atmosphere.

Surrounded by forest and away from the coastline, the location itself makes this stop special. It feels like a place where nature has slowly taken over the remains of the past.

Right next to the ruins stands one of the most iconic natural landmarks of the hike: a massive ancient oak tree, estimated to be several hundred years old. With a trunk circumference of over 5 metres, it is one of the oldest and most impressive trees in the area.

Continuing onto the Adonis Trail

One of the best things about hiking in Akamas is that these two trails naturally connect, allowing you to experience both routes in one longer adventure. I chose to start from the Aphrodite Trail, but you can do it the other way around.

At Pyrgos tis Rigainas, the trails separate. Instead of completing only the Aphrodite Loop, we continued onto the Adonis Trail, which takes you deeper into the landscape of Akamas through forest paths and the Kefalovrysia area, before eventually looping back towards the starting point of the Adonis Trail, which is 300–400 metres from the Baths of Aphrodite.

This part of the trail offers views towards Polis Chrysochous, the Paphos Forest and the Akamas Peninsula. It also passes through areas rich in local flora and wildlife.

The name Adonis comes from the legend of the young hunter who was loved by Aphrodite. According to mythology, this was the place where their story unfolded, making the whole area feel even more special.

This combination creates a longer circular route of approximately 11 km, giving you the best of both trails: the open coastal views and dramatic cliffs of the Aphrodite Trail, together with the quieter forest landscapes and historical points of interest found on the Adonis Trail.

What I loved most about this hike was the variety. In one route, you get a little bit of everything: forest paths, rocky climbs, sea cliffs, history and mythology.

The Aphrodite and Adonis loop trail is among the hikes that truly show the wild beauty of Cyprus. You are not just walking from one point to another. You are discovering a landscape that changes constantly. These are the hikes that remind me why exploring Cyprus by foot is so rewarding.

Tips Before You Go

• Wear proper hiking shoes as some parts are rocky

• Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months

• Start early to avoid the midday heat, or hike later in the afternoon, but make sure to check the sunset time first

• Take your time at the viewpoints, they are the best part of the hike

• Keep in mind there is limited shade on exposed sections