The Avakas Gorge, the canyon of the Akamas peninsula

Avakas is the walk in Akamas that produces the most photos, and the one that demands the most respect. It’s a narrow canyon with water in the bottom for most of the year and walls that squeeze the sky into a slit. I’ll describe it, explain the approach and list the precautions. The whole peninsula is covered in Akamas peninsula.

What the gorge is like

Akamas Municipality describes a canyon about 2 km long and 3 to 10 m wide, carved by the Avgas river, which gives it its name, with a huge boulder wedged between the walls. The sources disagree on how high those walls are. The Pafos tourism board says up to 30 m and the council more than 80. The river has worn through limestone, marl and clay over thousands of years, and the area is part of the Natura 2000 network.

The vegetation is thick and damp, with junipers, pines, cypresses, oaks, wild figs and oleanders. On the vertical walls grows the Akamas centaury, an endangered plant found only here and in two neighbouring gorges, with fewer than 800 plants in the world. Foxes, hares and falcons live here too, along with fruit bats you’ll only spot with luck.

How do you get to the Avakas Gorge?

The official trail leaves the road from Agios Georgios at Peyia to Toxeftra. After 2.5 km, where Toxeftra Bay begins, take a track heading east that’s closed to private cars. It crosses an open valley, enters the gorge, and the final stretch runs in the stream bed itself, which usually has water all year. According to OpenStreetMap, the gorge lies within Peyia.

The council also mentions an approach from above, via a country road towards Pano Arodes, with the best views from the top, but warns that getting there can be tricky.

If you are staying the night, see the best hotel deals in Coral Bay for your dates: the well-placed rooms go fast.

What to know before you go

The Pafos tourism board rates it a difficult route, with a very narrow section, slippery patches and places where you have to scramble over rocks, and advises sports clothing and footwear. It recommends spring and autumn, since summer is too hot and in winter the stream becomes a torrent with deep water.

One thing I couldn’t confirm is whether the trail is open right now. I have no permitted official source saying so, so check before you go. And keep your phone charged, as 112 is the emergency number across the island. Bring a hat as well, because the first part of the walk crosses an open valley before the walls close in.

Where to stay

The nearest area with hotels is Coral Bay, from where the coast road takes you to Toxeftra. If you enjoy walking, Lara beach is on the same coast, a little further north. If it leaves you wanting more walking, see hiking in Cyprus. And to explore this coast on dirt tracks without risking your hire car’s insurance, read jeep safari in Cyprus.

So you do not lose the morning at the ticket office, browse tickets and tours in Avakas Gorge on GetYourGuide.

If you would rather go at your own pace, see the car hire deals in Paphos: the earlier you book, the more cars are left to choose from.

If you are staying the night, see the best hotel deals in Coral Bay for your dates: the well-placed rooms go fast.