The Akamas Peninsula

Akamas is the westernmost point of Cyprus and the least developed, a peninsula of limestone, juniper and gorge cut off from the resort coast by the absence of proper roads. The Avakas gorge narrows to a slot where the walls almost meet overhead and a stream runs through boulders. Lara Bay is one of the Mediterranean's important loggerhead and green turtle nesting beaches, protected with a conservation station and access restrictions in season. The Blue Lagoon at the tip has water of a colour that pulls every boat from Latchi. Two marked nature trails, Aphrodite and Adonis, climb from the Baths of Aphrodite through juniper scrub with long coastal views.

The landscape

• Avakas Gorge - a slot canyon walk between near-touching walls.
• Lara Bay - protected turtle nesting beach with a conservation station.
• The Blue Lagoon - the swimming stop at the peninsula's tip, reached by boat.
• Aphrodite and Adonis trails - marked walking routes from the Baths of Aphrodite.

When to go

Spring for wildflowers and green gorges, autumn for warm sea and empty trails. Summer is very hot with no shade on the trails, and turtle nesting season brings restrictions at Lara. Avakas gorge closes after heavy rain because of rockfall and flash flooding.

Before you go

The tracks into the peninsula are rough and rental agreements frequently prohibit them, so people either take a boat, join a jeep tour or walk. Avakas is prone to rockfall and closes when unstable; take the closure seriously. At Lara, turtle protection rules restrict vehicles and beach use in season and are enforced.

Nearby

Polis and Latchi are the gateways; Paphos and its archaeological park lie south.