Paphos: Hiking, River Landscapes and Wine Route

The Paphos district combines hiking trails, a river landscape that carries water seasonally, and a wine route. For trip planning, it is worth keeping these themes separate: the Aphrodite Circular Hiking Trail has an estimated walking time, Avakas Gorge is shaped by a trail through Pegeia State Forest and the course of the Avgas River, and the season matters on the Xeros River. These differences can help you plan your stay around the time required, the landscape and the time of year.

Hiking trails with different profiles

The estimated walking time for the Aphrodite Circular Hiking Trail is given as three to four hours. This provides a time guide for planning and makes the trail a multi-hour hiking experience. The Aphrodite Hiking Trail is also connected to the Adonis Hiking Trail. This connection distinguishes the two trails from routes that merely have similar names but are otherwise independent. If you are planning a hiking day, you can use the stated duration as a starting point and tailor your plans to your own preferences.

The Avakas Gorge Hiking Trail offers a different hiking experience. It runs through Avakas Gorge in Pegeia State Forest and follows the course of the Avgas River; the gorge is a Natura 2000 site. Its route through the forest, the gorge and the course of the river all shape the description of this trail. Important for planning your visit: the hiking trail is currently temporarily closed. Check its access status before planning to visit at a later date.

Seasons and the wine route

The Xeros River Valley offers a landscape with a different seasonal character. The Xeros River carries water only during the winter and spring months. If the river's flow matters to your trip, these are the relevant seasons. So, for a winter or spring trip, the river's flow should be viewed differently than during a stay outside these months.

Alongside hiking, the Vouni Panagias–Ambelitis Wine Route offers another regional focus. The route includes ten wineries; the number may change. It highlights wineries along a named route and gives Paphos district a focus on wine as well as nature experiences. This offers a different starting point for trip planning than a hiking trail's walking time: here, the wine route itself takes centre stage. Seven wine routes have been established across Cyprus to promote the value and quality of Cypriot wine and the island's long winemaking tradition.

Hiking trails in Cyprus

It is also worth looking at Cyprus as a whole for a broader perspective. The island's hiking trails vary in length and difficulty, ranging from three to 176 kilometres. Cyprus's nature trails are divided into three difficulty categories. These figures describe the variety of hiking trails across the island, while the examples from Paphos offer their own points of reference through their walking times, connections or routes.

If you are looking for a hotel in Paphos, your trip's main focus can help you decide where to stay. A multi-hour hiking trail, a gorge with a clearly identified river course, a valley with seasonal water flow and a wine route are different reasons to visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Agios Georgios, Paphos, Kouklia, Pomos, Peyia, Poli Crysochous, Drouseia, Argaka, Lysos, Goudi, Kathikas, Miliou, Statos-Ay. Photios, Choletria, Pano Arodes, Chrysochou, Neo Chorio, Nea Dimmata, Mandria, Nikokleia, Kissonerga, Tremithousa, Amargeti, Agia Marina, Skoulli, Lasa, Arsos, Tsada, Kritou Tera, Kato Akourdaleia, Chlorakas, Pano Panagia, Agios Dimitrianos, Simou, Koilineia, Koili, Choulou, Salamiou, Fyti, Giolou, Kallepia, Letymvou, Polemi, Steni, Timi, Mesa Chorio, Anarita, Pentalia, Stroumpi, Kynousa, Drymou, Theletra, Nata, Agios Nikolaos, Geroskipou, Kelokedara, Mesana and Coral Bay.

For the broader travel overview: Cyprus.