Akamas Coast & Troodos Mountains Hiking
Stay in Polis for western coastal trails, then head up to the Marathasa Valley for ridge hikes and painted churches.
A two-stage hiking itinerary based on popular walking tours: first, stay in Polis to hike the Akamas sea cliffs and forest trails, then transfer to the Marathasa Valley for mountain loops and ridge walks. Daily hikes range from 9 to 14 km, driving to the trailheads without carrying heavy luggage. This route avoids the peak summer heat and bypasses the southern coastal cities, making it perfect for hikers of moderate fitness who prefer spring or autumn walking.
Snow may still lie on high ground in early March; June to August is extremely hot and unsuitable for exposed coastal sections.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive & Transfer to Polis
Paphos（Agios Neophytos Monastery）
Pick up your rental car at Paphos Airport and drive about 1 hour to Polis, with an optional stop at St. Neophytos Monastery along the way. Check in by evening.
Stay: Polis
Day 2 · Akamas Coastal Trail
Paphos（Baths of Aphrodite、Akamas Peninsula）
Drive about 10 minutes from Polis to the Baths of Aphrodite car park, then hike about 14 km along the coast (approx. 5 hours).
There is very little shade along the route; avoid this hike in summer. Arrive at the car park before 09:30 during peak season.
Stay: Polis
Day 3 · Smygies Forest Loop
Smygies Nature Trail → Paphos（Latchi Harbour）
Drive about 20 minutes from Polis to Neo Chorio. Hike the inland loop of about 12 km (approx. 4.5 hours), returning via Latchi Harbour.
Do not drive regular cars deep into the unpaved sections; park at the trailhead and walk.
Stay: Polis
Day 4 · Transfer up to the Troodos Mountains
Paphos（Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery） → Nicosia（Kykkos Monastery）
Drive from Polis towards the monastery and Cedar Valley to the Marathasa Valley (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours on mountain roads), making stops along the way.
The road through Cedar Valley is narrow and winding; fill up your tank before setting off.
Stay: Kalopanayiotis
Day 5 · Marathasa Valley Village Loop
Kalopanayiotis
Set off from the village on a loop hike of about 9 km (approx. 3.5 hours, 420 m ascent), and rest in the village in the afternoon.
You can also visit the World Heritage site of St. John Lampadistis Monastery.
Stay: Kalopanayiotis
Day 6 · Madari Ridge Hike
Drive about 1 hour to the start of the ridge trail. Hike about 12 km (approx. 4.5 hours, 650 m ascent), and visit Lagoudera on the way.
The ridge can be very windy; do not hike after snowfall. The church is often locked, so you must find the caretaker to open it.
Stay: Kalopanayiotis
Day 7 · Hike to Panagia tis Asinou Church
Nicosia（Panagia Phorbiotissa (Asinou)）
Drive about 35 km to Agios Theodoros village, then hike about 13 km to Asinou (approx. 4 hours). You will need to pre-book a taxi to bring you back.
Stay: Kalopanayiotis
Day 8 · Solea Valley & Departure
Nicosia（Church of St Nicholas of the Roof、Kakopetria）
Drive about 40 minutes from the village to Kakopetria, then take the highway via Nicosia for about 1.5 hours to Larnaca Airport.