Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Akamas Heights
If you're spending any time in the Pafos area, make sure you check out the Akamas
Heights region. Most of the villages have great agrotourism-restored traditional houses for
rent (check
www.agrotourism.com.cy
); the food in the tavernas, cooked for the locals, is
generally delicious; the atmosphere is peaceful; and the hiking possibilities are fantastic.
And did we mention the beaches? This area has some of the best in the South.
The villages of Akamas Heights can be visited en route to Polis, on the picturesque
western road (E701/709). There's no public transport to get to these villages, the beaches
or Avgas Gorge. The climb to the heights starts at Pegeia, populated mainly by well-
heeled Brits. From here you can head northwest towards the southern approach to the
Akamas Peninsula.
Lara & Agios Georgios Beaches
There is a real treat on the southwestern side of the Akamas Peninsula. Approached by a
rough but driveable track from Agios Georgios, around 21km north of Coral Bay, the fam-
ous Lara coastal area is mercifully undeveloped. Backed by desert-like scrubland, tinged
with dark ochre, and studded with gorse, bushy pines and seasonal wildflowers, it is set
against a distant backdrop of low-lying hills. Look for the signs to Lara Restaurant, where
you can stop for a drink or snack on the vast terrace overlooking pristine
Lara Bay
, with
its shingle and dark sand.
The more famous
Lara Beach
lies in the next cove, separated by a headland and
cupped by lime rocks. Aside from the modest cafeteria-bar near the entrance, there is no
development here; the beach is sandy and the water is clean and calm. Also serving as a
turtle hatchery
, this is one of the few remaining havens for green and loggerhead turtles
to nest, so sun loungers and umbrellas are not allowed. Monk seals also dwell in the sea
caves around the peninsula.
The path towards the beach is a dirt track but can be driven on by 'normal' (2WD) cars,
in dry weather - although you should take care when parking not to get stuck in the sand.
Also, if you are renting a car you may be specifically told that you should not drive off
road. If you feel uneasy, go for a 4WD rental vehicle or take a tour.
If you would rather not retrace your path to Agios Georgios, take the signposted paved
road to
Ineia
(8km) near the entrance to Lara Restaurant; this is a pretty drive which
winds between pine-clad hills and valleys.
Agios Georgios Beach
can be reached by road from Polis (via Pegeia) or Pafos (via
Coral Bay). It is a 100m stretch of shadeless sand and rock with a modest harbour, but
beach umbrellas and loungers are available for hire. There is a small beach bar and, up on
