Source: CNA

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When hiking through the trail you have the opportunity to find all the interesting information on the mountain range of trees, shrubs and plants. Atalante trail is not very difficult to hike through with not many tricky slopes but you should be careful as at certain point you will find projecting stones sticking out.

At 3km from Troodos square, which is the starting point, you will see a spring with potable water and benches to catch a breath before continuing. At 9km, when the route gets you to the main Troodos-Prodromos road, cross it and walk on the Chromium Mine houses forest track for about 200m towards Saint Nicholas of the Roof church. Follow the wooden sign pointing to parallel direction ofo the main road which will lead you back at the starting point. The trail is a NATURA 2000 area.

When you get back at Troodos Square, you can enjoy your coffee, shop in any of the shops there, eat, and if you want, spend the night at a hotel. Near the Square is the Environmental Information Centre, open daily to the public.

Best practices for walkers:

• Stay on the signposted paths on the nature trails so as to reduce the risk of treading on small plants and saplings.
• Avoid smoking and eating when walking on the nature trails.
• Don’t make unnecessary noise. Respect the peace and quiet of others and enjoy the sounds of nature.
• Place your rubbish in the available waste bins or, better still, take it with you.
• Make use of the special camping areas with facilities for visitors.
• Don’t cut the branches of trees or shrubs; don’t cut or uproot plants; don’t carve tree bark.
• It is forbidden to ride motorcycles or bicycles on the nature trails.
• The lighting of fires in any area of the forest, even on roads and in squares, is strictly forbidden. Fires are allowed ONLY in specific areas for barbecues.
• Call the Department of Forests on 1407 (Freephone, 24 hours a day) if you see fire or smoke.
• Remember that we are all guests in the forest. Respect the wildlife of the forest and enjoy the pleasure it offers in a responsible manner.

Photos By: Antonis Constantinides

Info: Troodos Geopark

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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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