Newspaper I Simerini, made an extensive dedication to a beautiful summer destination, Paphos, revealing their hidden treasures.

Shipwrecks in Chloraka and Pegeia

On the way to the Sea Caves in Pegeia, starting from Paphos, the visitor will meet two shipwrecks. Dimitrios II and EDRO 3. The first ran aground on land in the sea of ​​Chloraka 20 years ago and is a reference point for locals and foreigners. The hollow frame, photographed thousands of times, creates unique images for the photography lovers, especially in the sunset.

A few kilometers down, you will see the EDRO 3 which is there since December 2011. A reference point and attraction for visitors from all over Cyprus since the first moment. There is no profile of someone in Cyprus who loves to travel and is crazy about photos that does not have a photo of EDRO 3, especially during sunset, with the background of a ship under the flag of Sierra Leone.

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The waterfall of Kritou Terra and the Limniospilios of Kallepia

it has been the end destination for many travellers who arrive in Kritou Terra to visit the unique spectacle of Nature for the two years. Of course, last year we also had a period where the area was closed after the Community Council decided to protect the area from excessive traffic which could be dangerous.

This year, a new masterpiece of Nature, the Limniospilios in Kallepia came to add another point of interest to the many Paphos has to demonstrate. It is a cave immersed in a small lake surrounded by wild vegetation and is an impressive image for lovers of exotic photo frames.

The gorge of Avakas

Timeless value and definitely a unique experience. An area near the beach of Toxeftra that is worth visiting, especially if you are a fan of adventure and hiking.

The sculpted rocks at the point we all have in mind, as the Avaka Gorge, will reward you with a beautiful photo reminiscent of a combination of Jordan Stone and Amazon, in miniature of course.

Baths of Adonis

A private space that one needs approval to enter but definitely once in a lifetime experience everyone must have. Two waterfalls, one about 20 meters and a smaller one well hidden in an exotic wild vegetation compose a landscape worth photographing and posting on your Social Media accounts.

The area of ​​Xamilis or as widely known … Blue Lagoon

The most famous beach in Cyprus for the turquoise color of its waters. Either by land or sea, if you visit the area of ​​Xamili as the locals call it, or Blue Lagoon as most people know it, you will only benefit from your visit. In the first case if you go by boat, you will enjoy all the magic of the area, from Latchi to the Amorosa Fountain. if you go by buggy again you will have the opportunity to visit the Tower of Regina, the Mountain of the Savior but also to see Akamas inland.

Semi-mountain getaways

Finally, if you want to move towards the semi-mountains, a route that you must definitely follow is to Agios Nikolaos to see the Tzielefos Bridge. In the Venetian building, especially during this summer, you will enjoy the fresh crystal-clear water that still flows towards the dam of Arminos and of course you will relax with the birdsong. The route is unique and suitable for groups with motorcycles, given that everyone will be careful.

On the opposite bank, i.e on the parallel side where the dry river is located, it is worth visiting the protected monastery of Panagia Sindi which stands haughtily and dominates the area between Pentalia and Kelokedara since the 16th century.

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In the Akamas Peninsula, within the forest of Pegeia, lies the most impressive and renowned gorge of Cyprus, the “Avakas Gorge”. This particular gorge is considered to be one of the masterpieces of Cypriot nature and a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Thousands of visitors rush to visit it every year because of the scenery’s beauty and tranquility as created by the great artist of all time…nature.

The canyon is accessed by a path that stretches along the Avgas riverbed and is surrounded by thick vegetation. Walking down the path, it suddenly narrows, and you will find yourself surrounded by high cliffs which are basically the entrance of the gorge. Initially, the height is about 45m and as you move forward it reaches 150m height. The water in the river flows all year round and is the “life giver” of the dense vegetation. The closer you get to the deep inside of the gorge, the narrower the access. The route is 1.5 kilometers long till the trail ends. For the more adventurous types, the journey can be continued, but caution is advised as there are many rocks and natural obstacles that you will need to pass through. This wonderful route ends at the bank of the river, among the wonderful vineyards of Pano Arodes village.

The canyon area is characterized by rich biodiversity with wide variety of flora and fauna species such as foxes, frogs, rabbits, eels and a fairly large variety of birds. The place is a “paradise” for bird watchers, as the true lovers of the “sport”, visit the area every year.

For the casual visitors, the gorge is an oasis of beauty, relaxation and coolness, especially during the hot summer months. The combination of running water, cool air and absolute tranquility is best suited for someone who wants to get closer to nature. The serenity of the area is intertwined with the name of the canyon since “Avakis” in ancient Greek means speechless which translates into a location full of tranquility and silence.

The smells of flowers, shrubs, soil are very intense, capable of awakening primitive human instincts and reminding us of our old relationship with nature. The variety of colors offered by the different vegetation types is astonishing and there are times when the landscape looks unreal. Narrow sharp limestone walls, rocks hanging overhead as they swing, shrubs with huge branches sprouting in the most incredible places.

In order to reach the gorge, you must follow Pafou – Agios Georgios Pegia Street. From there, enter the Akamas National Park, following the dirt road for about 2.5Km, until reaching the bay of Toxeftra and following the right diversion, either by car or on foot for another 900 meters, you will reach the specially designed parking lot. The entrance to the canyon is well hidden by lush citrus orchards that is giving you a first taste of what follows.

Visiting the canyon, however, requires careful attention and respect. During the winter, the “Avgas” river can become rapid and quite dangerous. Also, during heavy rain there is a possibility of rock slipping. The balance of fauna and flora in the area is particularly sensitive, which is why it is strictly forbidden to cut bushes and flowers, generate intense noise while requiring great care with the management of each visitor’s rubbish. The area is presently kept fairly clean so it must remain.

Therefore, if you are a lover of botany, geology, bird watching, or nature in general and you want to get closer to natural surroundings and places, don’t forget to visit the Avakas Gorge.

Photos: Maria Papanikola

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