Jeep Safari to Akamas National Park: Avakas Gorge Tour from Paphos

Unusual natural landscape These formations are priceless it takes thousands of years to create them

A rocky path between rugged mountain boulders The route through the gorge is characterised by thick vegetation and a particularly attractive, shady and moist environment. While hiking you can study the indigenous plants: lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus), Phoenician juniper (Juniperus phoenicea), terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus), thorny broom (Calycotome villosa), common smilax (Smilax aspera), oleander (Nerium oleander), storax (Styrax officinalis), and the endemic endangered Akamas centaury (Centaurea akamantis). The main species of fauna found in the area are: Mammals: Fox, hare, hedgehog. Birds: Cyprus wheatear (endemic), Cyprus warbler (endemic), scops owl (endemic), partridge, little owl, kestrel, wild pigeon. Reptiles: Stellion lizard. Amphibians: Marsh frog, iridescent frog, tree frog.

On a secluded beach away from hotels, shops, and any public facilities, the tiny wooden Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station helps baby turtles hatch and head for the sea. Sometimes during hatching season, there will be water tanks with tiny sea turtles inside that have just come out of their eggs at the station. At other times, you'll encounter iron cages and signs scattered along the beach warning of turtle nests buried in the sand underneath. Cages protect them from predators such as birds and foxes.

Way trough Akamas forest

Free time for a lunch

Swimming in crystal clear water

In the shady garden there is a grotto where, according to the legend, Aphrodite took baths

2 waterfalls, 2 lagoons - a paradise for lovers of natural beauty According to the Greek mythology, Aphrodite – the Goddess of love and Adonis – the God of beauty and desire were madly in love. It is said that the citizens of Paphos are descendants of the two lovers. Artemis, the Goddess of hunting was envious of their love and was trying to find a way to kill Adonis. The first two times, Adonis was really lucky but the third time, a man distinguished as wild boar fatally wounded him. He returned back to the baths, where he died in the arms of Aphrodite.