If you’re seeking a real adventure in nature while visiting Cyprus, the Avakas Gorge Nature Trail is an unforgettable experience. Nestled within the rugged Akamas Peninsula, this spectacular walk offers a mix of dramatic scenery, tranquil woodland, and a true sense of the wild.

We tackled the trail as a family during our recent Cyprus holiday — here’s exactly what it was like, along with tips to help you plan your own visit.

Getting to the Avakas Gorge: Our Experience with the Road and Parking

After completing two longer walks earlier in the week — one from the Baths of Aphrodite to the Blue Lagoon, and another across a headland to Lara Beach — our 10-year-old son was not exactly thrilled about a third hike. So to keep the peace, we promised to park as close to the gorge as possible.

The final stretch of road to the Avakas Gorge car park is not for the faint-hearted. The terrain turns from paved to off-road, with loose gravel, bumps, potholes, and uneven tracks winding through hilly countryside.

We had an SUV hire car, which coped well thanks to its higher clearance, but we passed one driver in a low car who had turned around rather than risk the last section. Interestingly, we saw him again later on the trail — he had found a longer route around to reach the car park!

Be aware: many car hire companies in Cyprus do not allow off-road driving. That said, if you love visiting mountains and natural landscapes, you’ll soon realise that many of the most scenic spots involve bumpy tracks. It’s also why you’ll see plenty of quad bike and mountain buggy rentals in the area — it’s part of the adventure.

The Nature Trail: Trees, Wildlife, and Rare Plants

Before reaching the gorge itself, the trail leads you through a nature trail section, where native trees and plants are clearly labelled. If you’re into botany, it’s a lovely addition to the walk. One of the trees that stood out was the carob tree — I had no idea they could grow in this region.

Along the trail, we also came across an information board about Centaurea akamantis — a rare and endangered plant species that grows only in Cyprus and is mostly found in Avakas Gorge. I hadn’t heard of it before, so it was fascinating to learn that this peaceful hiking trail is home to such a unique plant. We didn’t spot the flower itself (easily distracted by the kids!), but it’s something plant lovers might enjoy looking out for.

Here are some photos from the nature trail before entering the gorge:

Entering the Gorge: Beautiful, but Not Without Risk

Once you reach the entrance to the gorge, you’ll be greeted with signs warning you that you enter at your own risk — and it’s not just a formality. There are genuine dangers here, particularly from falling rocks. In fact, during our visit, a few smaller rocks did tumble down quite close to my husband and daughter.

One of the more dramatic moments came when we reached a narrow section of the gorge. After walking through and turning back to take a photo, we noticed a huge boulder wedged high above our heads, nestled between the rock walls. It looked like it had been there a while, but the idea that it could one day fall was more than enough to make us hurry through that part quickly on our return journey and hoping we make it through alive!

Still, the gorge is absolutely stunning — towering limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, and a peaceful stream winding its way along the base. There are sections with large, almost white, rock formations that look like something straight out of a Flintstones film set!

Navigating the Terrain: Fun for Kids, But Take Care

The path through the gorge involves crossing the stream several times using natural stepping stones, which our children found fun and challenging. You’ll need good mobility and sturdy footwear to get through comfortably, as the rocks can be slippery and uneven.

If you’re travelling with young children or anyone with limited mobility, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a flat or paved walk. It’s more of a scramble in places, though manageable for most fit walkers with a sense of adventure.

For us, the walk felt surreal and magical, with the tall cliffs enclosing us in a shady corridor of nature. It’s very different from our experience at Cheddar Gorge in the UK — Avakas felt more enclosed, rugged, and raw. It really gives you the sense of having stepped into another world.

What to Know Before You Go

• Wear proper walking shoes or sturdy trainers. Slippery sandals won’t cut it here.
  
• Watch for falling rocks. Avoid standing around narrow cliff sections.
  
• Don’t attempt in bad weather. Rain can make the path slippery and dangerous, or the stream overflow. Rockfall from above is also more likely in wet conditions.

We visited Cyprus in April, and it wasn’t overcrowded, but it was one of the busier natural landscapes we visited, so I imagine it could get pretty popular in the busy season.

Final Thoughts: Is Avakas Gorge Worth It?

Absolutely. Despite the slightly hair-raising drive and a few wobbly moments in the gorge, the Avakas Gorge Nature Trail was one of the highlights of our Cyprus trip.

It offered a different side to Cyprus — wild, untouched, and peaceful. Our children enjoyed the adventure, the scenery was incredible, and the whole experience was something truly unique.

If you’re exploring the Akamas Peninsula and love natural beauty with a bit of edge, this walk is well worth adding to your itinerary.

Next, why not read 10 Things That Surprised Me About Cyprus or Agios Georgios Harbour Scenic Stop on the Cyprus Coast?

Here’s where the gorge, nature trail and parking can be found: