Rides in Cyprus

Rides in Cyprus exist for one reason: the Akamas peninsula has no paved road across it. Everything west of Neo Chorio — the gorges, the Lara turtle beach, the track up to Fontana Amorosa — is loose limestone and washouts, which is why jeep safaris in Cyprus are the standard way in. A full-day 4x4 run covers the Avakas gorge, the Baths of Aphrodite and the Blue Lagoon overlook with a swim stop; half-days stay closer to Latchi. The vehicles are open-sided, the track is genuinely rough, and that is the point.

Quad tours in Cyprus split by coast. Out of Paphos and Latchi they follow the same Akamas tracks in smaller groups, two to four hours, with the guide leading; from Ayia Napa and Protaras they run the red-earth trails inland from Cape Greco and along the coast to Konnos Bay. No licence is needed for the passenger seat, and automatic machines mean most first-timers are riding comfortably within ten minutes.

Horse riding in Cyprus is quieter and mostly happens away from the coast — stables around Paphos and in the Troodos foothills run one- and two-hour rides through carob groves and vineyards, and beach rides on the western sand out of season. Buggy tours in Cyprus are the middle option: two seats, roll cage, and enough clearance for the Akamas riverbeds. Whatever you take, book the morning slot in July and August, and expect to arrive back covered in dust — the limestone here gets everywhere.