15 Best Hiking Trails in Cyprus

Seeking the best hikes in Cyprus? That’s understandable On an island like Cyprus, with its sun-baked, rocky coastlines, turquoise-blue waters, hidden cave waterfalls, and mountainous valleys, the diverse landscapes mean there will always be adventure options for the traveler who likes to hike.
Some of these are popular purely for their astounding views, while others offer some exceedingly unique features you’re not likely to find anywhere else.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to catch the sunset (or sunrise, if you’re an early bird) or you’re seeking to experience something completely new, this list of the best hikes in Cyprus should be enough to whet your appetite for this beautiful island.
The Best Hikes in Cyprus
Cape Greco Loop
This is a short little trek – only about four kilometers (less than two hours, even if you take your time). Though it’s an easy hike, you’ll be out in the sun, so be sure to bring plenty of water (cold, if possible).
Cape Greco near Ayia Napa is a beautiful spot due to the cliffs that make up its coast, and this is a good starting point for your hike to check them out. Be sure to bring your camera along, because the photos you’ll get of the cliffs will be worth lugging a bit of extra gear.
The loop will take you from the cliffs to a military area, to near the tip of the peninsula. Access to the very tip is restricted due to additional military presence, but you’ll still be able to get some great views of the sea and of this rocky, desert-like landscape.
- Location: Lower southeast peninsula, in Ayia Napa
- Insider Tip: There’s a neat little secret spot: when the sea is at low tide, look for the path down to explore the caves.
- Alltrails Link
Madari Walk
This Cyprus hike is a loop, so you can start anywhere along the route. The full distance is around 13 kilometers, and it is located in the Troodos Mountains. Thanks to its location, you’ll be gifted with some pretty astounding views out over the Mesaoria Plains, making it an easy choice for one of the best hikes in Cyprus.
Things to see along the way include Panagia Tou Araka Church, where you can get a brief lesson on the island’s history, and the Xyliatos Dam. The outside of Panagia tou Araka is, admittedly, a bit boring (if bizarre-looking), but the inside is a colorful medley of Byzantine religious art and icons.
- Location: Nicosia Region, near the base of Mount Olympus
- Insider Tip: Though it is elevated, the ascent isn’t overly steep, making this an intermediate level hike.
- Cyprus Walks
Milia Bridge
This one is a very short walk with a super romantic endpoint. There and back, the full hike is less than two kilometers so it can be done in under an hour. Despite its brevity, bring good shoes! The ground can be dry and loose in areas (prime slipping conditions, especially in dry heat spells), and the start of the path from the Platres Sports Center is quite steep.
When you’ve reached the end of the road, you will see Milia Bridge, an Italian-esque arched stone bridge curving over a small rocky stream and overrun with hanging vines—it’s small but decidedly beautiful.
- Location: Limassol Region, south-central Cyprus
- Insider Tip: Watch for the occasional snake; boots with a higher ankle are a good idea.
Millomeris Waterfall
This hike has two options, depending on your desired difficulty level. If you’re up for the challenge, you can drive to the other side of the valley and walk down along the Kryo Patamo river, through a dark forest, all the way to the waterfall. The path is well-defined, and even this version is only two and a half kilometers there and back.
The easier option is less than 100 meters in the distance and is entirely flat, making it a good option for hesitant or novice hikers, but both options have the same beautiful result when you reach the waterfalls.
- Location: Limassol Region, south-central Cyprus
- Insider Tip: This is a great spot for a dip in the pools in warm weather.
Panagia tis Agapis Loop
This loop centers around an ancient church with an incredibly fascinating history, so if you’re a hiker with an inner history nerd, this route is two-for-the-price-of-one.
The path loops from the Panagia Tis Agapis church (Our Lady of Love) to a valley below and across a stream. Along the way, look for where the path loops onto a ridge for breathtaking views. The trail is around three hours there and back (six kilometers), so it’s short enough to start later in the day.
- Location: Larnaca Region
- Insider Tip: The town nearby, Vavla, will have signage for starting points if you happen to stay the night nearby.
Paphos Castle Trail
This area is rich with things to see and do, and a helpful boardwalk links them all. Most of them are right on the coastal edge. This is more of a leisurely walk than an adventure hike, but it’s worth it nonetheless, even if just for a departure from the other hikes on this list.
Look for the signage indicating Paphos Castle (worth seeing), and follow the boardwalk from there. You can walk to many of the other sights, like the Tombs of the Kings and the Archeological Park. Both will offer real insight into the region’s rich and diverse history. In nice weather, this walk will feel like next to nothing.
- Location: Paphos Region, western coast of Cyprus
- Insider Tip: Faros Beach has some incredible fresh barbequed seafood if you’re in the area and hungry.
- Alltrails
Avakas Gorge
Avakas Gorge is difficult to access, but what you’ll find on the hike is worth the journey to get there. If you’re driving, there’s a little offroading required where the asphalt ends. Take care here as the road becomes arduous and slow.
The hike starts off in an open area, but you’ll soon find yourself walking along a stream that becomes quickly enclosed by the gorge walls. It’s out of direct sunlight, making a nice reprieve from the heat. The cavern is wondrous, full of climbing vines, mosses, and waterfalls along the way; you’ll be glad you made the trip.
- Location: Near Paphos
- Insider Tip: Nearby towns Coral Bay and Pegeia are great places to check out as well.
- Alltrails
Aphrodite’s Rock (Coastal Route)
This is a coastal hike along one of the best beaches in Cyprus, so you’ll have ocean views the whole time. The area is steeped in myth and considered to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, which is why an enormous nearby rock protruding from the sea has been devoted to the goddess of love herself. The hike itself is a six-kilometer return walk, with picnic spots and parks found along the way.
Look out for beach access walkways in case you want to do a little beachcombing. The path itself is definitely classified as easy, so beginner hikers are welcome.
- Location: Paphos
- Insider Tip: This is a great spot to watch the sunset
Aphrodite Trail
As if the whole of Cyprus wasn’t already enough of a paradise, the Aphrodite Trail brings blue lagoons into the equation, making it one of the best hikes in Cyprus. Also known as the Baths of Aphrodite, the area becomes rich with wildflowers in the warmer seasons, leaving a fragrance in the air that has a magic all its own.
The highest point of the walk has some of the best views of any hike in the country, so this will be the crowning jewel on your Cyprus travels. Find the hike starting point from the tourist pavilion near the Baths of Aphrodite. The full hike is a 7.5km roundtrip.
- Location: Paphos
- Insider Tip: The pools are full of non-potable water, so no hopping in for a swim.
- Alltrails
Artemis Loop
This hike takes you around the base of Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the gods. It’s a loop, and the starting (and finishing) point is located at the car park at the base of the mountain. This is a woodsier walk, so tree cover will give you some relief from the baking sun.
This trail has two very different elements to it; one is the wealth of wild vegetation like sage and barberry, while the other is the geological sights you will see (mining pits and interesting rocks formations, among other things.
- Location: Mount Olympus, Nicosia Region
- Insider Tip: Visiting in winter? There’s a ski lift during the cold months for easier access.
- Alltrails
Besparmak Trail
This hike is not for the faint of heart, nor is it limited to a single day. The Besparmak Trail is a six-day (or 255 km) journey and is a mix of coastal and mountainous trekking. You’ll pass through castle and monastery ruins in the small village of Bellapais, commonly used today for weddings.
While this is a long journey, it’s not overly arduous. With the right pair of hiking boots and enough water and camping gear, it shouldn’t pose any hazards.
- Location: Kyrenia, northern Cyprus
- Insider Tip: Because this trail follows the coast, you can end each day with a sea swim.
- Besparmak Mountain Trail
St George’s Trail
This route is reserved for highly experienced hikers, as it is classified as among the riskier trails in the country (and not just because of snakes). The uneven ground, high coastal elevation, and often steep drops classify this as an expert-level hike.
If this makes you nervous, you might want to omit it from your list. Parts of this wind into forested areas, so please heed the no-smoking laws.
- Location: Paphos
- Insider Tip: Hiking poles are recommended for the riskier areas for help with extra traction.
- St George Trail Info
Adonis Loop
The Adonis loop is actually connected to the Aphrodite Trail; they overlap at the top, so these could be partially combined. The main difference is that the Aphrodite Trail focuses on following the coastline, while the Adonis loop winds inland into rockier terrain and valleys. There are gorges, streams, goat-riddled valleys, and tons of wildflowers growing freely.
This is considered a moderately difficult route due to the uneven ground. With a total trip time of three hours, it’s a little lengthier than some of the hikes here, but is still doable later in the day.
- Location: Paphos
- Insider Tip: Hike this loop clockwise and combine it with Aphrodites Loop.
- Alltrails
Smigies Loop
The Smigies Loop is not far from the Adonis Loop, and you have the choice of the shorter loop or the longer one (the latter will bring you close to the south end of the Adonis Trail). The shorter option is 2.5 km or about an hour’s hike, while the longer one is about double.
Regardless of your choice, the views of the rocky west Cyprus coast are awe-inspiring. There’s also a car park not far from a picnic ground, so if you’re thinking about bringing a spread, you’ll have a spot to sit and eat.
- Location: Paphos
- Insider Tip: Follow the trail down to Lara Beach, and you might get to see baby sea turtles crawling out to sea.
- Alltrails
Agioi Saranta
This hike might appear to be uneventful (if beautiful, simply because of the scenery on Cyprus), but there’s a pretty spectacular surprise waiting for you on this one. It’s a five-kilometer hike – roughly a two-hour return trip – and the difficulty level is pretty low, so even novice hikers should be okay on this route.
Take the path from the Church of Panagia car park and just follow the road inland. You’ll come to a limestone ridge here, where you can follow signage to the Church of Agioi Saranta.
Its little blue door looks unassuming, but once you step through, you’ll realize this church was built inside a cave! There’s a skylight so that sunlight can stream in, giving it a magical interior when visited at the optimal time of day.
- Location: Protaras
- Insider Tip: You’ll be in the middle of nowhere for a little while, so bring plenty of water as you may not have the chance to refill.
Plan and Pack for Cyprus
Our Recommendation For Travel Insurance
We don’t travel without travel insurance, and neither should you. You never know what can happen in a foreign country, and it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo offers excellent short and long-term travel insurance policies.
Book a Tour
Sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do the work!
Rent a Car
One of the best ways to get around Cyprus is with a rental car. See our tips for renting a car in Cyprus here.
Hiking Sandals
These were great to have! You’ll do a lot of walking around Cyprus in the extremely hot sun. Hiking sandals allow your feet to breathe and do not collect sand when trudging through the desert. You bet we’ve reviewed the best hiking sandals for travelers!
Travel Towel
Most hotels will provide you with a towel, but they often aren’t suitable or allowed on the beaches. I like to travel with a microfiber towel because they are light, fold up small, and don’t cling to sand or dirt. Here are a few of our favorite travel towels.