The Avakas Canyon, 26 km from Paphos, is an amazing place. There are no direct buses and the best way to get there is to rent a car. The path to the canyon lies along the sea, so from the start the journey promises to be very scenic. There is a parking lot not far from your destination, and then you have to walk another 15-30 minutes.
At the very beginning, the gorge resembles an ordinary hiking trail, after which cliffs begin to appear and narrow, and a mountain stream flows through. At the very end of the trail, there is barely any sunlight through the gap.
Why to go to Avakas Gorge
This is the perfect place for hikers, wildlife and extreme hikers. The trail goes up and down into the mountains.
| English ALT | Russian ALT | English Title | Russian Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking trail through Avakas Gorge | Пешеходный маршрут через ущелье Авакас | Hiking in Avakas Gorge | Пешеходная прогулка по ущелью Авакас |
| Natural rock formations in Avakas Gorge | Естественные формации из камней в ущелье Авакас | Stunning rock formations of Avakas Gorge | Удивительные формации из камней ущелья Авакас |
| Sun shining through Avakas Gorge | Солнце светит сквозь ущелье Авакас | Sunlight in Avakas Gorge | Солнечный свет в ущелье Авакас |
| Clear water flowing through Avakas Gorge | Чистая вода течет через ущелье Авакас | Crystal clear water in Avakas Gorge | Прозрачная вода в ущелье Авакас |
| Narrow paths in Avakas Gorge | Узкие тропинки в ущелье Авакас | Exploring the narrow paths of Avakas Gorge | Исследование узких тропинок ущелья Авакас |
| Lush greenery in Avakas Gorge | Буйная зелень в ущелье Авакас | The verdant beauty of Avakas Gorge | Зеленая красота ущелья Авакас |
| Bridges crossing Avakas Gorge | Мосты, пересекающие ущелье Авакас | Crossing bridges in Avakas Gorge | Пересечение мостов в ущелье Авакас |
| Canyoning in Avakas Gorge | Каньонинг в ущелье Авакас | Adventure of canyoning in Avakas Gorge | Приключения каньонинга в ущелье Авакас |
| Wildlife of Avakas Gorge | Дикая природа ущелья Авакас | Discovering wildlife in Avakas Gorge | Открытие дикой природы ущелья Авакас |
Not far from the parking lot is the family-run Viklari Tavern. The Last Castle, where you can have a good meal and enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the cliffs.
Near the gorge is Lara Beach, which has the status of a nature reserve. Here the turtles lay their eggs. You can also enjoy a quiet holiday by the sea on the sandy beach.
| English ALT | Russian ALT | English Title | Russian Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden sands of Lara Beach | Золотистый песок пляжа Лара | Relaxing on the golden sands of Lara Beach | Отдых на золотистом песке пляжа Лара |
| Endangered turtle nesting site at Lara Beach | Место гнездования уязвимой черепахи на пляже Лара | Protecting the endangered turtles at Lara Beach | Защита уязвимых черепах на пляже Лара |
| Turquoise waters of Lara Beach | Бирюзовые воды пляжа Лара | Swimming in crystal clear waters of Lara Beach | Купание в прозрачных водах пляжа Лара |
| Rock formations at Lara Beach | Каменные образования на пляже Лара | Admiring the rock formations of Lara Beach | Восхищение каменными образованиями пляжа Лара |
| Sun loungers and parasols at Lara Beach | Лежаки и зонты на пляже Лара | Enjoying the sun at Lara Beach | Наслаждение солнцем на пляже Лара |
| View of Lara Beach from above | Вид на пляж Лара сверху | Aerial view of Lara Beach | Вид на пляж Лара с высоты |
| Surfing in the waves at Lara Beach | Серфинг в волнах на пляже Лара | Catching waves at Lara Beach | Поймать волны на пляже Лара |
| Peaceful atmosphere of Lara Beach | Мирная атмосфера пляжа Лара | Escaping to the tranquility of Lara Beach | Убежище в спокойствии пляжа Лара |
| Watching the sunset at Lara Beach | Наблюдение за закатом на пляже Лара | Capturing the sunset at Lara Beach | Захват заката на пляже Лара |
In the morning you can get up close and personal with a herd of mountain goats and goats that come down to the gorge to drink before the crowds of tourists arrive.
Take great scenic photos and enjoy the local nature.
When is the best time to visit
Avakas Gorge is a must-see if you vacation in Cyprus. Spring and Fall is an ideal time to visit. Outdoors is still warm, cool and not a huge crowd of tourists. It's worth coming here in the summer if you want to go all the way. Because of the heat, the creek almost dries out and the road becomes easier. It is best to leave at 7-8 in the morning. Winter is unusual in its own way, but there is a chance that the gorge will be closed because of the frequent rains. The creek fills up, and a torrential flow can knock you off your feet. It is also a dangerous time because of the abundance of falling rocks.
Tips
- Choose comfortable, athletic shoes. Quick-dry sneakers or special rubber sandals will do.
- Take plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, and headgear.
- Be careful and watch out for rocks may fall, even in the dry season.
Avacas Gorge is the perfect place to feel like Indiano Jones, overcoming obstacles and blending in with the wilderness.
