Hiking in Avakas Gorge, Paphos

What type of traveller are you? Are you an adventurer, a conformist, a thrill seeker, a collector, a self-improver? Maybe an escapist, a pilgrim, a pioneer, an occasional, an oblivious or genuinely curious? I know you're now probably thinking but relax...whatever your type is, you should definitely not miss out on visiting the Avakas Gorge, while in Cyprus!

The Avakas Gorge is highly recommended for hiking. It is considered one of the most beautiful gorges in Cyprus. It is specifically located in Paphos at the start of Akamas peninsula, 16kilometers west of Paphos.  

As we already know, Akamas peninsula is very famous for its rich flora and fauna and especially, for the endemic plant of centauria akamantis that vastly grows in there. In Avakas Gorge this endemic plant is a key element and can be found in every corner of the gorge. Impressive, isn't it?!

The Avakas Gorge,  was created by a raging stream which was flowing over the limestone thousands of years, creating walls up to 30 meters in height and magnificent rock formations. Due to its formation, this gorge is considered to be one of the most difficult for hiking. Except its rocky surrounding, there are slippery places and a lot of rocks and stones that the visitors have to climb in order  to continue their path. 

As I mentioned before, the Avakas Gorge "key element" is the endemic planta centauria akamantis. Apart from this special plant, visitors can find junipers, pine trees, cypresses, oaks, wild fig trees as well as various other tree types, and a lot of different types of wildflowers. In regards to the fauna the animal life is rich and at the gorge, where foxes, hares, falcons, crows, night owls, butterflies, as well as various types of reptiles live. In addition, fruit bats live there, which are difficult to be seen, but if you are lucky you can spot them.

The best period to visit the Avakas Gorge is during spring or autumn, when the temperature is mild and the gorge doesn't get too hot. During summertime, it is not recommendable to visit, as it gets too hot -unless you planning to visit it early in the morning. Also, you need to get well prepared before getting there; a bottle of water, snacks, sun protection, hats -as you will spend most of the time under the sun- are required. Also during winter time, the small streams become a torrent and the water levels raise, so for safety reasons, you should better avoid visiting it during that time!

So prepare yourself, lace your shoes up and go for a unique hiking experience to this beautiful place.