Best Hiking Trails Near Paphos — 8 Routes

The landscape around Paphos is made for walking. Within an hour's drive, you can hike through dramatic gorges, along coastal cliffs, past ancient ruins, through pine forests, and up mountain peaks with views that stretch to the horizon. The trails are well-marked, the scenery is spectacular, and outside of July and August, the weather is perfect for hiking. Here are the best trails we've tested and loved.

Avakas Gorge — The Most Dramatic Walk Near Paphos

Distance: 5km round trip · Duration: 2-3 hours · Difficulty: Moderate · Drive from apartment: 30 minutes

If you do one hike near Paphos, make it Avakas Gorge. This narrow limestone canyon cuts through the Akamas landscape, with walls rising 30 metres on either side and narrowing to just 3-4 metres at the tightest point. It feels like walking into another world — cool, shadowy, and profoundly quiet.

The trail starts from a small car park near Toxeftra Beach. The first section follows a dry riverbed through scrubland, which isn't particularly inspiring — keep going. After about 20 minutes, the canyon walls begin to rise around you, and the landscape transforms. The deeper you go, the narrower and more dramatic it becomes. The trail ends where the gorge becomes too narrow to continue (about 2.5km in), and you return the same way.

• What to wear: Sturdy shoes with grip. The riverbed has loose rocks and can be slippery if there's been recent rain. Not suitable for flip-flops.
• When to go: Morning is best — the gorge gets hot in the afternoon. Avoid after heavy rain when the riverbed can flood.
• Bring: Water (at least 1 litre per person), sunscreen, and a hat for the exposed first section.
• Swimming: After the hike, drive 5 minutes to Toxeftra Beach or Lara Bay for a swim. You'll have earned it.

Aphrodite Trail — Coastal Beauty at Akamas

Distance: 7.5km loop · Duration: 3-4 hours · Difficulty: Moderate · Drive from apartment: 45 minutes

Starting from the Baths of Aphrodite car park on the northern tip of the Akamas Peninsula, this circular trail winds through dense maquis scrub, past panoramic sea viewpoints, and through fragrant pine groves. The views from the high points — across to the Turkish coast on clear days — are outstanding.

• Highlights: Pyrgos tis Rigainas viewpoint (360-degree panorama), dense Mediterranean vegetation, wild orchids in spring
• Best season: March-May (wildflowers) and October-November (cooler, still warm for swimming after)
• Combine with: A swim at the Baths of Aphrodite or lunch in Latchi/Polis afterwards

Adonis Trail — The Wilder Alternative

Distance: 7.5km loop · Duration: 3-4 hours · Difficulty: Moderate-Hard · Drive from apartment: 45 minutes

Starting from the same car park as the Aphrodite Trail, the Adonis route heads in the opposite direction and is notably wilder and less maintained. The terrain is rougher, the vegetation denser, and you're less likely to encounter other hikers. The views from Moutti tis Sotiras (370m) — the highest point of Akamas — are the reward.

• Best for: Experienced hikers who want solitude and a challenge
• Watch for: Loose stones and exposed roots. Proper hiking boots recommended.
• Note: Less shade than the Aphrodite Trail — start early in warmer months

Kato Paphos Coastal Walk — No Car Needed

Distance: 4-8km (variable) · Duration: 1-3 hours · Difficulty: Easy · Start from: The apartment (0 minutes)

You don't need a car or hiking boots for this one. The Kato Paphos coastal path runs along the seafront from the harbour south past the archaeological park and lighthouse, and north toward Tombs of the Kings and beyond. It's flat, paved, and beautiful — especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.

• South route (harbour to lighthouse): About 2km one way. Walk past the castle, along the archaeological park perimeter, past rocky coves, to the old lighthouse. The path is partly paved, partly rocky. Sea views the entire way.
• North route (harbour to Tombs of the Kings): About 3km one way along the hotel beach strip. Pass Alykes Beach, SODAP Beach, and reach the Tombs of the Kings entrance. Continue further to reach Coral Bay Road.
• Best time: Early morning (before 8:00am) or late afternoon (after 5:00pm). The midday sun makes this walk uncomfortable in summer.

Caledonia Waterfalls Trail — Mountain Coolness

Distance: 3km round trip · Duration: 1.5-2 hours · Difficulty: Easy-Moderate · Drive from apartment: 1 hour 15 minutes

In the heart of the Troodos Mountains near Platres village, this trail follows a stream through dense pine and oak forest to the Caledonia Waterfall — a 12-metre cascade that's the most photogenic waterfall in Cyprus. The trail is shaded throughout, which makes it a perfect escape from the summer heat — temperatures here are typically 10-15°C cooler than the coast.

• Start point: Either from the trout farm restaurant on the Platres-Troodos road, or from Psilo Dendro picnic site
• Trail surface: Natural path with wooden boardwalks over wet sections. Some uneven steps near the waterfall.
• Combine with: Lunch at the Psilo Dendro trout restaurant (locally farmed trout, grilled over charcoal — excellent). Visit Omodos village on the drive back.

Artemis Trail — The Highest Walk in Cyprus

Distance: 7km loop · Duration: 2.5-3 hours · Difficulty: Easy-Moderate · Drive from apartment: 1 hour 30 minutes

Circling the summit of Mount Olympus (1,952m — the highest point in Cyprus), the Artemis Trail is one of the most unique walks on the island. You're hiking at altitude through ancient black pine forest, with views that can extend to both the southern and northern coasts of Cyprus on clear days.

• Start point: The car park at the summit of Mount Olympus (Chionistra)
• Highlights: Black pines draped in lichen, panoramic views, cool mountain air even in summer
• Note: The summit itself hosts a military radar installation and is fenced off — the trail circles around it
• Temperature: Even in July, expect 20-25°C at this altitude. Bring a light layer.

Hiking Essentials for Paphos

• Water: Carry at least 1.5 litres per person for any hike over 5km. There are no water sources on most trails.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50), hat, and sunglasses. The Cypriot sun is fierce, even in spring and autumn.
• Footwear: Proper hiking shoes for gorge and mountain trails. Trainers are fine for the coastal walk and shorter trails.
• Navigation: Trails are generally well-marked with coloured waymarks. Download offline maps (Google Maps or AllTrails) as mobile signal is patchy in mountain areas.
• Snakes: Cyprus has one venomous snake (the blunt-nosed viper), but encounters are very rare. Stick to marked trails, watch where you step, and you'll be fine.
• Emergency: Call 112 (European emergency number) or 1499 (Cyprus forestry department for mountain rescues).