Majestic flora and fauna in Akamas Peninsula

When visiting a place you want to explore it in depth in order to familiarise with it. You want to learn about its past and history, as well as to admire the nature that is hidden in it. In order to do so, a lot of people also like going camping to feel closer to nature. Others prefer hiking and walking in the nature.

 Paphos has the privilege to offer whatever a visitor wants;  it is a place for all kind of tastes. As we already know, Paphos has a lot of places linked to mythology. The baths of Aphrodite & Adonis are great examples of it and definitely worth visiting!

So when you decide to visit the spectacular baths of Aphrodite and explore that area, please don’t miss out on hiking to Akamas Peninsula.

Akamas península

The Akamas peninsula is located in Paphos,  the western side of Cyprus.  The name Akamas originates from an Athenian warrior, the son of Thesseus, who after the Trojan war moved to Cyprus and found shelter at the peninsula. The area covers 230 km and  includes one of the most breathtaking gorges in Cyprus.

Akamas peninsula is a unique area, both geographically and geologically, regarding of course both flora and fauna. Also, it has amazing sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, beautiful valleys and it is considered to be the location with the greatest natural beauty, as it is unaffected by development and human intervention.

Akamas' ecology system

The amount and the variety of flora and fauna that can be found in that small area, it is simply amazing. Many types of migratory birds, reptiles, foxes, endemic plants and wild flowers have been spotted in there, while wild flowers, such as cyclamen, turban buttercups, alyssum, and Cyprus tulip, different types of orchid and rock roses (yellow, white and black) can be also found in the peninsula. The number of endemic plants in the peninsula is 39, when the entire Cyprus has 128 species in total. Imagine!! The endemic plants mostly seen are: anthemis tricolor, arenaria rhodia ssp. cypria, asperula cypria, astragalus cuprious and a lot more.

Last but not least the fauna of this location is quite impressive. Specifically, at Lara Bay a turtle hatchery can be found, where the eggs are protected. Akamas has been recognized as one of Europe's 22 endemism areas .  It is in addition, one of the only three European areas hosting two or more, restricted range species of birds.

The Akamas beaches are of a great importance for being the last large unspoiled costal area and one of the most important sea turtle nesting areas in the Mediterranean. According to IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta-Caretta) and the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) are considered “vulnerable” and “endangered” species. The number of nesting can be as low as 325-375 annually.

Akamas Peninsula

Akamas Peninsula National Park, Neo Chorio, Chipre

Whatever you're after, a visit to Akamas' majestic nature will definitely guarantee an unforgettable experience. Get ready and enjoy what nature offers !