Akamas Gorge Walk (Avakas Gorge, Cyprus)

The Akamas Gorge, better known as Avakas Gorge, is one of the most striking natural wonders in Cyprus — a deep limestone canyon carved over millennia by the Avgas River. It lies on the western edge of the Akamas Peninsula, a rugged and unspoiled region in the Paphos District, around 30–40 minutes’ drive from Paphos town and about 15 minutes from Coral Bay or Peyia. The Akamas Peninsula is a designated National Park, prized for its biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and sense of wilderness that contrasts with the island’s more developed coast.

The walk begins from a small car park and picnic area at the end of an unpaved road, just beyond the turning for Lara Beach. The start of the trail follows a wide, open riverbed through scrubland dotted with juniper, carob, and oleander bushes. The first kilometre is gentle and sun-exposed, leading you gradually into the narrowing gorge. Soon, the towering limestone walls close in — some rising up to 30 metres high — and the air becomes cool and damp. The path twists and winds alongside the trickling stream, passing smooth boulders, pools, and mossy rocks.

This central section of the Avakas Gorge feels almost primeval. Sunlight filters down through the narrow opening above, casting golden shafts on the water below. You may hear the sound of goats clambering far above on the cliffs, or spot the delicate wild figs and ferns that cling to the shaded rock walls. It’s a place of almost cinematic beauty, perfect for photography or simply for pausing to take in the silence.

The main walking route is an out-and-back trail of about 6 kilometres (3½–4 miles), taking roughly 2 to 2½ hours return, depending on pace and how far you choose to go into the gorge. The terrain varies from flat gravel to uneven, rocky surfaces, and there are a few spots where you’ll need to step carefully over stones or shallow water crossings. For those looking for a longer adventure, it’s possible to continue beyond the narrow gorge up to the plateau above, where the path meets a dirt track. From there, a loop route of about 10 kilometres (3–4 hours total) brings you back down to the car park via open countryside and views of the Akamas hills.

Because of the shaded and sometimes slippery surfaces, sturdy walking shoes are essential, and it’s best to avoid the gorge after heavy rainfall, when flash floods can occur. The ideal times to visit are spring and autumn, when the temperatures are mild and the gorge vegetation is at its greenest. Early morning is also the best time to avoid crowds and catch the most magical light filtering through the rock walls.

After completing the walk, a perfect finale awaits just a short drive away at The Last Castle (Viklari) — one of Cyprus’s most charming rustic tavernas. Perched high on a hill overlooking Lara Bay and the shimmering coastline of the Akamas, The Last Castle is renowned for its simple, authentic barbecue menu: tender chicken or pork souvlaki cooked over open coals, served with mountain potatoes, crisp salad, and local wine poured from clay jugs. There’s no menu and no frills — just honest food, generous hospitality, and a spectacular panoramic view over the Mediterranean.

In essence, the Akamas Gorge walk combines the best of Cyprus in a single experience: unspoiled wilderness, geological drama, peace and seclusion, and the warmth of Cypriot hospitality at the end of the trail. Whether you’re a keen hiker, a photographer, or simply a lover of nature and good food, this is a must-do day trip that captures the soul of the island’s wild west.

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