Avakas Gorge Trail

Published on 8th of October, 2024

Avakas Gorge is one of the attractions in Cyprus that is rarely visited by “typical” tourists. However, if you love thrilling experiences, adventure, and overcoming obstacles, you will definitely like it! The gorge is located near Paphos, and the only way to get there is by car since buses don’t go in that direction. Nevertheless, you can take a bus to a point closer to the gorge and walk the remaining distance. The car ride takes about 20 minutes, and there is a designated parking area nearby. There, you will also find a gazebo with a table and benches, as well as a spring with fresh water.

The length of the gorge is 3 km. A wide path leads to it, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. Next to it is the Akamas Nature Reserve, home to many wild mountain goats that can often be spotted on the cliffs.

Important Features to Know About in Advance

As you approach the gorge, the road begins to narrow, and just before the entrance, you will face an unpleasant surprise...

Everyone who wants to admire the beauty of Avakas is warned about the possible dangers, and from that point on, you proceed at your own risk. Therefore, it is crucial to follow safety precautions!

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes with no heels and preferably secure ones: shoes, slippers, etc., are not recommended. You simply won’t be able to walk on the rocks in them. In addition, a stream flows through the bottom of the gorge. If you are traveling between April and June, it’s better to wear quick-drying clothes. You will likely slip a few times, and your regular shoes will squish with water for the rest of the path.

Avoid visiting the gorge in cloudy weather. The rain can turn the harmless stream into a powerful flow within minutes, sweeping away everything in its path, including unlucky tourists. Additionally, the rain can erode the ground, causing rockfalls. There are many warning signs about dangerous spots in the gorge—make sure to stay away from these areas!

In hot weather, bring water and a towel—you’ll feel like you’re in a sauna among the sun-heated rocks. On sunny days, a hat will also come in handy.

So, Let’s Go!

Upon entering the gorge, you find yourself in a natural corridor, where the walls are formed by rocky cliffs. Moving deeper inside, it feels as if you are walking through a narrowing passage. In some places, the rocks hang right over your head. It’s both eerie and incredibly beautiful. The walls of the gorge have a “wavy” surface, making it a perfect spot for photography—you will get some of the most stunning shots here. The massive overhanging boulders evoke indescribable emotions and allow you to feel the sheer power of nature and its limitless might. Many consider this gorge to be a place of strength.

The Minotaur’s Dwelling

One of the most mysterious and enigmatic places in the gorge is closed to tourists. You can’t reach it without special equipment—the entrance is a narrow passage leading downwards. There, at a depth of 70 meters, are ancient catacombs where, according to legend, the Minotaur once lived. This labyrinth has not yet been fully explored, but arrowheads and clay pots have already been discovered there. Therefore, the myth of the man with the head of a bull might actually have some truth to it.

A Place for Everyone!

The surface area of the gorge is also very beautiful. Cypress trees, junipers, pines, numerous wildflowers, and lush shrubs grow here. When walking, you need to be careful—besides lizards, there are also snakes in the area.

Next to the Avakas Gorge, you will find picturesque ruins, creating a kind of open-air museum. There are household items and unusual rock fragments scattered around. You can also stroll through the only banana plantation in Cyprus and relax and refresh yourself at a local tavern.

Coordinates for GPS:

Parking before the entrance to the gorge:
34.920524, 32.337793