Paphos to Akamas: Jeep Safari, Avakas Gorge & Turtle Bay

Summary

Jeep ride through Cyprus wilds, turtle nests at Lara Bay, cool gorge walks

You’ll bounce out of Paphos by jeep to see shipwrecks and sea caves before hiking through shady Avakas Gorge with a local guide. Watch for turtle nests at Lara Bay, grab lunch near Aphrodite’s legendary baths, then finish with a relaxed wine tasting among Cyprus hills. You’ll leave dusty and smiling—and maybe thinking about those turtles long after.

What’s the experience like?

We jolted out of Paphos in an old jeep that rattled just enough to make us laugh. First stop was the Edro shipwreck—rusted and stubborn against the sea, with waves slapping its hull. Our guide, Andreas, pointed at the sea caves nearby and told us how smugglers used to hide there. I tried picturing it but mostly got distracted by the way the light bounced off wet rocks. The air smelled like salt and engine oil (not unpleasant, somehow). Then we bumped along dirt tracks toward Akamas, dust swirling behind us so thick I could taste it if I opened my mouth.

The Avakas Gorge walk was cooler than I expected—literally shady, with water trickling somewhere out of sight. There were wild oleanders and some plant Andreas called “lentisk”—he crushed a leaf for us to smell (kind of peppery?). At one point we had to squeeze sideways between boulders; I nearly lost my footing and everyone laughed. It felt good to move after all that driving. Birds made these quick darting sounds overhead—I think he said Cyprus warblers? Not sure I’d recognize them again.

Lara Bay was emptier than any beach I’ve seen near hotels—just sand, wind, and those odd wire cages over the turtle nests. No baby turtles this time (wrong season), but seeing all the signs warning about nests made me weirdly protective of them anyway. Andreas explained how foxes try to dig up eggs at night; he shrugged like that’s just life here. We stopped for lunch near the Baths of Aphrodite—simple food under shade trees, nothing fancy but honestly perfect after hiking around in the heat.

Last bit was a winery tucked into green hills—cool stone floors inside, glasses lined up for tasting. The local white was crisp and almost grassy; not sure if that’s a wine word but it fits. We clinked glasses with a couple from Limassol who’d done this day trip from Paphos before (“Best way to see Akamas,” they said). On the drive back, sunburned and tired in that happy way you get after being outside all day, I watched dust trails disappear behind us and thought about those turtle eggs under the sand—quiet now but waiting for their own adventure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeep Safari Akamas National Park Tour

• Visit Shipwreck Edro
• Explore Sea Caves
• Walk through Avakas Gorge
• Visit Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station
• Drive through Akamas forest with swim stop
• Free time for lunch at Baths of Aphrodite
• Visit Baths of Aphrodite grotto
• Wine tasting at local winery

Top questions

How long is the jeep safari from Paphos to Akamas?

The tour lasts most of a day, usually starting in the morning and returning late afternoon or early evening.

Is there hotel pickup included for this Akamas jeep tour?

Yes, pickup is included from your accommodation in Paphos.

Can you swim during this Akamas Peninsula day trip?

There’s usually a swim stop in Akamas forest between April and November if weather allows.

Are meals or drinks included on this tour?

You’ll have free time for lunch (not always included), plus wine tasting at a local winery is part of the experience.

Will we see baby turtles at Lara Bay Turtle Conservation Station?

If you visit during hatching season you might see baby turtles; otherwise you’ll see protected nests marked on the beach.

How difficult is the walk in Avakas Gorge?

The gorge walk involves uneven ground and some squeezing between rocks but is manageable for most fitness levels.

What kind of vehicle is used for this Akamas tour?

You travel in an air-conditioned jeep suited for rough tracks across Akamas Peninsula.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers due to bumpy roads and walking terrain.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by air-conditioned jeep with pickup from your accommodation in Paphos. All parking fees are covered along the route. There’s time set aside for lunch near Aphrodite’s Baths (at your own pace), plus a relaxed wine tasting session at a local winery before heading back home in the evening.