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Avakas Gorge: A Natural Wonder of Cyprus

Hike through a breathtaking limestone gorge carved by the Avgas River on the Akamas Peninsula, a haven for unique flora and fauna.

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Avakas Gorge is a stunning natural formation on the Akamas Peninsula in Cyprus, carved by the Avgas River over millennia. It features towering limestone cliffs, diverse plant and animal life, and a unique microclimate, offering an unforgettable hiking experience.

A brief summary to Avakas Gorge Nature Trail

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking boots or trainers with good grip due to the rocky and sometimes slippery terrain.
  • Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months, as there are no facilities within the gorge.
  • Visit during the spring or autumn months for mild weather and blooming flora.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as the gorge can be prone to flash floods during heavy rains.
  • Take your time to soak up the scenery and enjoy the serenity of this natural wonder.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Paphos, take the B7 road towards Peyia. Follow the signs for Peyia and continue on the B7 for about 15 minutes. Once you reach Peyia, turn onto Avakas Gorge Road (also known as the Avakas Gorge Access Road). Follow this road until you reach the parking area near the entrance of Avakas Gorge Nature Trail. The road from White River Beach to the parking lots is unpaved with potholes and stones. Parking is free. It is recommended to arrive early, as the parking lot can fill up quickly. Note: The road leading to the trailhead can be challenging for standard vehicles. Consider parking before the road gets too bumpy.

  • Public Transport

    From Paphos, take the line 615 bus from Kato Paphos Station to Coral Bay. From Coral Bay, transfer to the 616 bus. After 13 stops on Agiou Georgiou Ave, it is a 38-minute walk to Avakas Gorge. Alternatively, from Paphos, bus line 616 goes to the church Agios Georgios in Peyia. Get off at the bus stop Ag Georgiou Pegias 9, which is the closest to the Avakas Gorge. The walk to the entrance is 3 kilometers. Bus fare from Paphos to Peyia is approximately €3. A taxi from Peyia to the gorge costs approximately €30-€40.

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Discover more about Avakas Gorge Nature Trail

Avakas Gorge, located within the Pegeia State Forest on the Akamas Peninsula, is one of Cyprus's most dramatic natural attractions. The gorge has been sculpted over thousands of years by the Avgas River, which has gradually eroded the soft limestone bedrock, creating a deep ravine with towering cliffs and unique geological formations. The gorge's cliffs are composed of chalk, marls, and reef limestone, revealing layers of Earth's history dating back millions of years. In some areas, the gorge walls reach heights of up to 30 meters, creating a narrow, cathedral-like atmosphere with a cool, shady, and moist environment. The unique microclimate supports a diverse range of plant species, including wild fig trees, oleanders, ferns, and the rare Akamas centaury, an endangered endemic flower. The Avakas Gorge is also a haven for wildlife. Visitors may spot foxes, hares, hedgehogs, various bird species (including the endemic Cyprus wheatear and Cyprus warbler), reptiles like the Stellion lizard, and amphibians such as the marsh frog and tree frog. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Cyprus mouflon, a wild sheep native to the island. Hiking through the Avakas Gorge is an adventure. The Avakas Gorge Nature Trail follows the course of the Avgas River, winding through the heart of the canyon. The trail is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) one way, with varying difficulty. The initial part of the hike is relatively accessible, but as you enter the gorge, the terrain becomes more challenging, with rocky paths, narrow passages, and some scrambling required over boulders. Waterproof shoes are recommended, as you'll likely be wading through shallow streams. The Avakas Gorge is a protected area, part of the Natura 2000 network, ensuring the preservation of its unique biodiversity.

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