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Cultural sights on Cyprus

Cyprus – Island of the Sun

Deserted beaches, turtles and wild donkeys

8 Days / 7 Nights
Walking
Cultural sights on Cyprus

The Karpas Peninsula in Cyprus is one of the nearly untouched natural paradises, making it an ideal destination for a hiking holiday. Its wild, rugged landscape offers stunning trails along picturesque coastlines, golden sandy beaches, and lush green hills. Traditional villages, historical ruins, and the famous wild donkeys make the region truly unique. Enjoy the interplay of beautiful nature and captivating cultural sites, all complemented by the warm hospitality of the Cypriots.

After your arrival, take some time to wander through the enchanting downtown area of Famagusta. On the first day of your adventure, a transfer will whisk you away to Salamis, where ancient ruins whisper stories of the past. As you journey onward, breathtaking views of the shimmering sea and rugged coastline will accompany you to the majestic castle of Kantara, before you continue to the picturesque village of Kuruova. Along the way to the southern coast, you’ll traverse a scenic mountain ridge, with cultural treasures like rock tombs adding a rich layer of history to your route.

Savor the vibrant atmosphere of the coastal town of Balci, all while keeping the sparkling sea in your sights as you journey toward Eleousas. On Day 5 of your adventure, you’ll meander through lush orchards and fragrant lemon groves, guiding you to the delightful village of Dipkarpas. As you near the end of the peninsula, you'll again stroll along the sun-kissed southern coast, where the gentle waves serenade you. The excursion to Cape Andreas promises to be one of the tours highlights—take a moment to truly relax and unwind on the beach, letting the warmth of the sun and the soothing rhythm of the sea lift your spirits and set your soul free.

  • The former metropolis of Salamis: It was likely founded in the 11th century BC and served as an important cultural and economic center of the island for centuries. The ruins of Salamis include impressive remnants, such as a large Roman theater, baths, a basilica, and several temples.
  • Authentic Cyprus in Dipkarpas: It is characterized by its idyllic location and traditional architecture, featuring distinctive stone houses and narrow streets that preserve the charm of bygone days. Dipkarpas is known for its friendly, mixed community of Greek and Turkish Cypriots, which lends the village a unique cultural atmosphere.
  • The easternmost point of Cyprus at Cape Andreas: Venture out to Cape Andreas, where you'll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the rugged coastline of the Karpas Peninsula. Nearby lies the small yet significant Apostolos Andreas Monastery, an important pilgrimage site for Christians.

Hiking on the Karpas Peninsula is a delightful experience that doesn’t require excessive effort. Each day, you’ll traverse between nine and seventeen kilometers, with every stage revealing breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean landscape and sparkling sea. As you wander along these scenic trails, you’ll be immersed in the natural beauty and tranquility of this enchanting region.

A hiking holiday in Cyprus beautifully intertwines the island's rich history and culture with its stunning landscapes. Explore this captivating land and let the overwhelming beauty between the coastline and mountain ridges wash over you.

Itinerary at a glance

Experience fascinating contrasts between nature and culture on Cyprus: immerse yourself in the history of the ancient ruined city of Salamis and enjoy the untouched beauty of Golden Beach in Karpas National Park.

Ottoman mosques, Gothic churches and Venetian fortifications characterize the cityscape.

Drive to Salamis, where you will explore the extensive ancient ruined city with the royal tombs and the monastery of St. Barnabas. The combination of ruins, dunes and sea panorama will inspire you. In spring, the extensive area is covered in yellow acacia blossom. You will then visit the crusader castle of Kantara and hike with magnificent views of the sea. Overnight stay in Kuruova, a small village on the south coast.

Today you hike over a mountain ridge to Agios Thyrsos church on the south coast. On the way, you will come across rock tombs and two ancient statues hidden between bushes. Your overnight accommodation is surrounded by palm trees and has its own sandy beach.

On your ridge walk, you follow the coastline, always accompanied by beautiful sea views. You will reach the Eleousa Monastery, a Cypriot Orthodox church building that is still used on feast days. You may also discover native orchids along the way and get to know the flora of Cyprus better.

With magnificent views of the sea, we head back along the ridge to Dipkarpas, the last village on the peninsula. The village consists of many small, widely scattered farmsteads with gardens and fields, lemon and orange groves. Hibiscus, jasmine, bougainvillea and oleander blossoms adorn the houses.

Your route today takes you to the fascinating south coast, which not only delights with its impressive nature, but is also home to various bird species such as herring gulls and peregrine falcons. Located directly by the sea, you will spend two nights at the Livana Hotel and can enjoy the sound of the waves and the salty sea air.

Hike in the heart of Karpas National Park. In the morning, a short transfer to St. Andrew's Monastery, an important pilgrimage site for both Greeks and Turks. On your hike you are sure to see the shy wild donkeys, of which there are many here. Your destination is Cape Andreas, where a temple to Aphrodite once greeted sailors. You will then reach a mile-long, untouched sandy beach, one of the few places in the Mediterranean where turtles can still lay their eggs.

Day
08
Departure or extension

Difficulty level

Walking

Easy to moderately difficult hikes lasting between 3 and 5.5 hours. You hike over mountain ridges with wonderful panoramic views and along the coast. The hikes are manageable with a good basic level of fitness without too much effort.

Prices & Dates

You can book an extra night for any day of your tour. Prices on request!

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in typical middle-class hotels and apartments, often located by the beach
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Transfer according to program
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Transfer from Larnaca airport (Greek part) to Famagusta, costs EUR 80 per trip (1-3 persons), reservation required, payable on site.
  • Transfer from the south coast to Larnaca airport (Greek part), costs EUR 120 per trip (1-3 persons), reservation required, payable on site.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Larnaca Airport (Greek part). The easiest way is by optional transfer to Famagusta and back at the end of the trip.
  • Arrival and departure by public transport is not recommended.

Things to note

  • Minimum number of participants: 2 people
  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price.
  • This tour is a partner tour.
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