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An Island of Surprises

Cyprus's mythical beauty
 
Experience two landscapes – the coast and the Troodos – on this self-guided, two-centre walking holiday, with hire car included. The island boasts a rich flora and fauna, plus world heritage archaeology and a famously warm, hospitable culture.
An Island of Surprises. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
An Island of Surprises. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday on Cyprus

Renowned for its hospitality, that is as warm as the plentiful sunshine, Cyprus is an island rich in history and full of surprises; of soaring, pine-clad mountains, numerous tiny frescoed churches and dramatic, internationally important, archaeological sites. There is so much to discover here, from diverse flowers, unexpectedly alpine-like valleys and views that stretch as far as the coast, to traditional hamlets with inviting tavernas and friendly people.
In the west, on the Akamas Peninsula, near where Aphrodite is said to have bathed after her trysts, is a landscape of azure seas and goat-grazed slopes, ablaze with flowers in early spring. The Troodos Mountains offer a striking contrast, where you access the island’s best walking from a top-quality ‘village hotel’. With the freedom a hire car brings, you have the pick of our varied routes, each with sweeping views to reward the walker, and opportunities to see some of the island’s best ancient treasures.
 
Gallery
 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.

    In the mountains, temperatures will often be lower than the figures given above for the coast.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 14 15 17 21 25 29 32 32 30 26 21 16
    mm 97 75 56 25 15 4 2 3 3 27 49 102
  • Arrival in Neo Chorio
    Night 1: at the Tavros Apartment-Hotel in Neo Chorio or Aphrodite Beach Hotel in nearby Polis Chryosochous (the first of 3 nights here).
    As your first night's accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.
  • Choice of walks within a 10-minute drive of Neo Chorio: 10km to 14km
    You are within easy reach of a selection of walking trails, plus historical sites such as the Polis Archaeological Museum.

    Akamas Peninsula: 14km, 5hrs; ascent/descent 430m
    Starting from the famous Baths of Aphrodite, a natural grotto, you follow the coastline past scattered, quiet coves. The return leg takes you on a steady climb up onto the backbone of the Akamas Peninsula from where you have views towards the Bay of Chrysochou.

    Aphrodonis Trail: 10km, 4.5hrs; ascent/descent 450m
    This walk is a combination of two marked nature trails – 'Adonis' and 'Aphrodite'. You begin with an ascent along the Adonis Nature Trail to the heights of the peninsula and continue along the panoramic Aphrodite Trail via the ruins of Pyrgos tis Reginas (Queen’s Tower). From here, you ascend via some truly spectacular coastal viewpoints, before looping back down to the Baths of Aphrodite. The paths are narrow in places, and there is a (fairly short) steep rocky stretch dropping down to the Baths where you need to watch your footing.

    Smigies Nature Trail: 13.5km, 4hrs; ascent/descent 360m
    Enjoy an easy circuit inland from Neo Chorio with far-reaching views over both sides of the Akamas Peninsula.
     
    Walk the Aphrodonis Trail
    Akamas Peninsula: 14km
    Aphrodonis Trail: 10km
    Smigies Nature Trail: 13.5km
  • Drive from Neo Chorio to Kalopanayiotis
    After two days of walking on the Akamas Peninsula by the coast, you enjoy a very different day as you travel east by car towards the Troodos Mountains. En route, we suggest stopping in Paphos to visit the archaeological park whose Roman mosaics are considered to be some of the most impressive in the world. Your next destination is the village of Kalopanayiotis, clinging to a steep hillside in the Marathasa Valley, where you stay at Casale Panayiotis for the last four nights. The village itself is worthy of exploration: it has a rich Byzantine heritage, with six chapels and the UNESCO-listed Agios Ioannis Lambadistis monastery, with its astonishing frescoes and small museum.  
    Visit the Paphos archaeological park
  • Choice of walks from Kalopanayiotis: 9km to 14km
    There is great walking from here – in our view, the best in the Troodos: seek out the small church of Panagia Asinou, follow the Atalante Trail around the peak of Mount Olympus, or explore the Madari Ridge – a highlight for many with its incredible views.

    Around Kalopanayiotis: 9km, 3.5hrs; ascent/descent 420m
    Explore the quiet heart of the Marathasa Valley on this route from your hotel, which includes an optional ascent to a fabulous viewpoint over the village.

    Madari Ridge: 12km, 4.5hrs; ascent/descent 650m
    This fabulous walk offers panoramic views from the ridge to both the northern Turkish coast and over southern Cyprus. At the end of the ridge stands Cyprus’s second highest peak, Mount Adelfoi (1,612 metres), topped by a fire watch tower which you can climb. The route is accompanied by botanical signs identifying over 50 plants, bushes and trees, while the descent from the ridge takes you through pretty mixed woodland, including a stand of Cyprus cedars.

    Agios Theodoros to Panagia Asinou: 13km, 4hrs; ascent/descent 470m
    It’s only a 35km drive through the pretty Solea valley to the start of this walk, and an even prettier onwards stroll to reach one of Cyprus’s most famous small churches. Wandering past orchards and olive groves, you rise through lightly shaded woodland to cross the pass of Selladi Zefkis before reaching the church known as Panagia Asinou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby, you’ll find the Forviotissa taverna, which offers refreshments to the weary traveller.

    Atalante & Mount Olympus: 14km, 4.5hrs; ascent/descent 185m
    Explore the flanks of Mount Olympus, the island’s highest peak (1,952 metres), as you walk across pine-covered slopes that offer constant views through the trees towards the distant coast. (Path may be closed early in the season due to snow.)
    Enjoy a range of walks around Kalopanayiotis
    Around Kalopanayiotis: 9km
    Madari Ridge: 12km
    Agios Theodoros to Panagia Asinou: 13km
    Atalante and Mount Olympus: 14km
 

Accommodation

Your two bases are very different, but both very welcoming. 

On the Akamas Peninsula we work with more than one hotel, as shown below. Both are hand-picked by us and, unless there is a price implication (in which case we will contact you to discuss your options), we will tell you which one we have booked for you on your booking confirmation. Wherever you stay, we recommend adding an extra night if you’d like a day of relaxation by the sea.
 

Extend your stay

 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 7 nights: 01 September 2023 - 31 December 2023, 05 February 2024 - 31 May 2024 & 01 September 2024 - 31 December 2024

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    1 Sep - 31 Oct 2023 £1095 £420
    1 - 30 Nov 2023 £805 £375
    1 - 16 Dec 2023 £905 £375
    17 - 24 Dec 2023 £995 £415
    5 Feb - 29 Mar 2024 £935 £365
    30 Mar - 6 Apr 2024 £985 £455
    7 - 19 Apr 2024 £1065 £425
    20 - 30 Apr 2024 £1015 £455
    1 - 24 May 2024 £985 £455
    1 Sep - 31 Oct 2024 £1250 £480
    1 - 30 Nov 2024 £920 £430
    1 - 16 Dec 2024 £985 £455
    17 - 24 Dec 2024 £1095 £455
    3rd & 4th person discount -£50 to -£290
    Single traveller supplement £50 to £295

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Price includes: 7 days' category B car hire (eg Citroen C3 or similar with air conditioning and manual transmission)

    Driving time to first hotel: 1h from Paphos, 2h from Larnaca
    Driving time from last hotel: 2h to Paphos, 2h to Larnaca

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Casale Panayiotis, Kalopanayiotis
    Junior suite: 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2023 £16
    Junior suite: 05 Feb - 31 May 2024 £18
    Junior suite: 01 Sep - 31 Dec 2024 £18

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Prices include an additional day's car hire
    Tavros Apartment-Hotel, Neo Chorio (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 Sep - 31 Oct 2023 £70 £106
    01 Nov - 30 Nov 2023 £58 £84
    01 Mar - 31 Mar 2024 £66 £96
    01 Apr - 31 May 2024 £80 £121
    01 Sep - 31 Oct 2024 £80 £121
    01 Nov - 30 Nov 2024 £66 £96
    Casale Panayiotis, Kalopanayiotis (B&B) Double room Single room
    01 Sep - 31 Oct 2023 £122 £186
    01 Nov - 31 Dec 2023 £110 £176
    05 Feb - 03 Apr 2024 £125 £196
    04 Apr - 16 Apr 2024 £150 £232
    17 Apr - 31 May 2024 £125 £196
    01 Sep - 31 Oct 2024 £140 £213
    01 Nov - 31 Dec 2024 £125 £200
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Paphos or Larnaca

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  you may need to fly via another airport. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Belfast Intl. - Paphos jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Larnaca Blue Air,  TUI 
    Birmingham - Paphos jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Bournemouth - Paphos Ryanair,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Larnaca easyJet,  TUI 
    Bristol - Paphos easyJet,  jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Cardiff - Paphos TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Nottingham East Midlands - Paphos jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Larnaca jet2 
    Edinburgh - Paphos easyJet,  jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Exeter - Paphos TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Larnaca jet2,  TUI 
    Glasgow - Paphos jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Larnaca jet2 
    Leeds Bradford - Paphos jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Liverpool - Larnaca easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Larnaca easyJet,  TUI 
    Gatwick - Paphos British Airways,  easyJet,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Larnaca British Airways 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Larnaca Blue Air,  TUI 
    Luton - Paphos easyJet,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Larnaca jet2,  TUI 
    Stansted - Paphos jet2,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Larnaca TUI 
    Manchester - Paphos easyJet,  jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Larnaca TUI 
    Newcastle - Paphos jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Paphos TUI 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  you may need to fly via another airport. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service. Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 1 dinner
    7 breakfasts
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • 7 days' category B car hire
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 9 reviews
  • Ms G Bullivant
    London
    29 April 2023

    A superb holiday - the contrast of coastal and mountain walking was a lovely balance. Great accommodation (especially Casale, which is superb), lovely food (huge portions, as is the Cypriot way!), and a lovely mix of scenery and history. Excellent mobile phone coverage everywhere, including remote walks we did, which is reassuring as we were the only people on all the mountain walks we did. Coastal walks were much busier.

  • Mr P Trickett
    Wakefield
    12 April 2023

    The accomodation at both places was excellent with that at Casala Panayiotis being quite unique.

  • Mrs V Fisher
    Salisbury
    25 March 2023

    In addition to the Inntravel walks there were a number of locally signposted walks from Casale Panayiotis and the shorter walk around the top of Mount Olympos which made great alternatives. Loutraki Restaurant at Casale Panayiotis, whilst not all traditional Cypriot food, was really lovely with great food, views and service. All restaurants and shops we visited took Apple Pay. Excellent 5G mobile reception across the island!

  • Mr D James
    London
    25 March 2023

    Worth mentioning restaurants in Neo Chorio mostly shut pre April except Smidges Taverna

    Good trad Taverna in second resort Theoxenia

    Good advice that cash needed for meals

  • Mr S Bennett
    Nuneaton
    09 March 2023

    We would definitely recommend staying at both our accommodations - Tavros Hotel apartments in Neo Chorio and Casale Panayiotis in Kalopanayiotis. Odessius was a lovely host, welcoming us with chilled lemonade at Tavros. Breakfast choices were good and omelette, scrambled eggs, etc cooked to order. The pool looked very inviting but we weren't brave enough to try it as early season! It was nice to be able to cook our own simple meal one evening using up a 'doggie bag' that we took from Smigies Taverna in the village where the food was excellent with very generous portions. The staff at Casale P were lovely - always smiling, very helpful and attentive both in the hotel and also in their Byzantino and Pantheon restaurants. Breakfast choices were amazing with gorgeous mountain views from the breakfast room.

     

  • anon
    29 September 2022

    This was a perfectly well-balanced week offering two quite different locations - coast & mountains, which afforded both excellent walking opportunities and cultural attractions, archaeological and historical. We would definitely recommend visits to the UNESCO site of Nea Pafos and Kykkos Monastery, and the wonderful UNESCO Byzantine churches in the Troodos mountains should not be missed. Beware the time of year! We shortened a couple of the long walks because of temperatures reaching the mid-30sC, and our visit was in late September/early October.

  • Mrs S, Leeds
    02 April 2022

    Extremely well chosen hotels and routes meant that we had excellent accommodation and real variety of walking, more so than almost any other Inntravel holiday we have taken. We could not complete the Atalante trail at Troodos because of late lying snow. But there is a nice Persephone trail starting from near the Police Station which meant we did not miss out on walking there - though even that had some snow!

  • Mrs Annabelle Ingram
    Plymouth
    10 November 2021

    The walking was definitely the highlight for me. I loved them! The age limit of Avis Hire Car company is a real problem, I would be prevented from going on this holiday in future. [Inntravel note: There is currently no upper age limit for car hire with Avis in Cyprus.]

  • Dr F Woodard
    Cirencester
    30 October 2021

    Fantastic walking holiday. The walks are very different but all stunning. The directions are easy to follow and they are all so well worth it. The 2 sites worked well for us although we were late (early Nov) so not many restaurants open. Booking and getting tickets very smooth. Dora and family and staff in Tavros Hotel Apartments could not have been nicer and the setting and accommodation in Casale Panayiotis was amazing! 
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from A to B, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. If/when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation, meaning that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.

    For more detailed information, see our walking holidays in Europe page.
  • Yes, prior to going on holiday you will be able to download GPX tracks so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you use them – our detailed, step-by-step route notes remain the principal means of guiding you from A to B – but we provide them as a secondary means of navigation for additional reassurance when walking.
  • We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. The fee for this service is £35 per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Cyprus, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • The official languages are Greek and Turkish. The currency is the Euro. Cypriot time is GMT/UTC + 2. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 2.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • You are the best judge of your child’s/children’s capabilities. We are happy to take bookings for families of older children/teenagers if they walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved. Please note that the bedrooms at most of the accommodation we use will normally only sleep a maximum of 3 people, and sometimes only 2.
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