dossier

Following Aphrodites Trail

FOLLOWING APHRODITE’S TRAIL  |  WHERE YOU STAY

Aphrodite Beach Hotel  **
Latchi, Days 1+2

The Aphrodite Beach Hotel is a simple, family run establishment located right by the beach, there are sweeping sea views across the turquoise Mediterranean. Here you will also receive one of the warmest welcomes you’ll find in Cyprus, from the affable Tassos and his wife Gregoria. The hotel itself is split into three buildings; there are two accommodation blocks, with twenty rooms in each, and the third building is the restaurant, bar and lounge area. The 40 twin-bedded rooms are simple but comfortable, furnished with tiled floors, en suite facilities (all are equipped with bath tub), satellite television, air conditioning/heating, direct dial telephone, colourful fabrics and wooden furniture. All rooms have a balcony and the views are mostly over the surrounding fields and orchards.

Day 1   Arrive in Latchi

We meet you at Paphos airport and take you (1 hour) to your hotel near Latchi in time for dinner on the panoramic terrace overlooking the beautiful sandy beach. You spend two nights here.

Day 2   Baths of Aphrodite Circular Walk  16km/9mi/4.5hr

Today’s circular walk takes you first along the beautifully unspoiled Adonis Nature Trail, through carob groves, juniper , pine and rock rose. Stop off at the ruins of the mediaeval Queen’s Tower , then a gradual ascent to the peak of Moutti tis Sotiras - spectacular views even across to Turkey on a clear day. It’s then down through bright pink oleander until you reach the sea, then your final stretch takes you back along the coast via the secret pool where Aphrodite bathed with her lover, Adonis, and back to your hotel.

Day 3  Latchi to Lysos  21km/13mi/6hr or 24km/15mi/6hr

The beautiful horse-shoe Bay of Chrysochou is at your heels this morning as you descend through citrus groves and along the wooded Makounta Valley. Lunch at Agios Merkounios (where the trickling stream is perfect for feet cooling!) then on through forest - look out for brightly colored rock rose, strawberry trees and the endemic Golden Oak. Sweeping views towards the western Troodos Mountains as you approach Lysos - a traditional stone built village with C15 Byzantine church. Your hotel here has a welcoming swimming pool and lovely open dining terrace for al-fresco meals.

Paradisos Hills Hotel AAA, Lysos  Day 3+4

The Paradisos Hills Hotel is owned and run by 2 sisters, Soula and Niki Demetriou. Soula tends to look after the front of house, and Niki the kitchen. The traditional stone building is within walking distance of the picturesque village of Lysos with 15 spacious rooms all of which have ensuite facilities, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite televison, fridge, direct dial telephone and balcony with views to the sea or the Troodos mountains in the distance.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 4   At Lysos  21km/13mi/6hr or 25km/16mi/6.5hr

Today’s walk takes you through the Pafos pine forest and along one of the most beautiful wooded valleys on the island. Good chance of spotting the reknowned Cyprus moufflon, and birds of prey are frequent here too. After lunch, you wind through orchids, oleander and olives as you head back up, via the Turkish-Cypriot village of Melandra - stunning views west back towards the Akamas Peninsula and north over Chrysochou Bay.

Day 5   Lysos to Miliou 21km/13mi/6hr

Sweeping views as you descend in to the Evretou Valley where you’ll have a good chance of spotting Cyprus warblers and black francolins. On to Simou village - home to a 1000 year-old trimithia tree - and on via the Venetian built medieval Skarfos Bridge to Miliou where a former C17 monastery has been transformed into a charming boutique spa hotel.

Ayii Anargyri  ****
Miliou,  Days 5+6

Renovated from an old monastery Ayii Anargyri Spa Resort is located just outside the village of Miliou.
The hotel, which opened in May 2009 after a number of years planning is set amongst citrus groves and is a place of real calm. Much use is made of wood and stone throughout the hotel and rooms are equipped with satellite tv, air conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, safe and hairdryer. All rooms have balcony or terrace.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 6  Miliou Circular Walk  17km/10mi/5hr

From the oasis-style, white-washed village of Miliou, unchanged over the years, it’s on through an open valley cloaked in vines and citrus groves to the abandoned village of Theletra. It’s quite eerie to see  100-year old rusty pitchforks still resting against stone farmhouse walls. Your final stretch takes you through orchards perfumed with almond blossom as you return to Miliou in time for pre-dinner drinks on the sunny terrace.

Day 7  Miliou/Kathikas to Agios Georgios tis Pegeias  17km/11mi/5.5hr

A ride to Kathikas - a traditional village where locals are likely to come out to greet you and offer oranges as you walk through! From here a ridge path (stunning views of Lara Bay) leads you to the Avagas Gorge. Then down through tropical banana trees to the tiny fishing port of Agios Georgios tis Pegeias. Our friendly family-run hotel is just a stone’s throw from the sea if you fancy a final dip.

West End Hotel  AA
Agios Georgios tis Pegeias, Day 7

So-named due to its far westerly location on the Akamas peninsula, the West End Hotel started life as a fish restaurant with just six rooms. Following a recent renovation, the hotel now boasts 26 tasteful rooms, most of which overlook the large swimming pool. The bedrooms are mostly twin-bedded and are simply decorated with white tiled floors and colourful furnishings. All have ensuite facilities, satellite television, heating/air conditioning and balcony.

Day 8   Leave Cyprus

Note: During the winter months the walk on day 4 may not be possible, however, alternative walking notes will be provided.

WALKING DETAILS

This holiday explores the untouched western end of Cyprus. You follow unspoiled nature trails and country pathways over rolling hills, verdant vineyards, forests and through off beaten track villages.

For extra nights we recommend Agios Georgios tis Pegeias.