Offering a myriad of contrasts, Cyprus is the perfect destination for a week's cycling. Combining rural tranquility with landscapes of citrus groves, vineyards studded with olive trees, banana plantations and azure coastal waters, you explore a secret side of Aphrodite's Isle that many visitors never see. A visit to historic Paphos is included too, so full of antiquities that UNESCO designated the entire town a World Heritage Site.
The cycling is both varied and relaxed as you pedal through attractive white villages and along gentle traffic-free trails below rolling hills brimming with colorful cyclamen. Occasional climbs are rewarded by spectacular vistas, and there’s always a welcoming tavern or a tempting picnic spot en route too! The coast is never far away either if you fancy a dip.
Tour Details
Duration
8 Days/7 Nights
Location
Cyprus
Season
Selected Dates Year Round
Tour Type
Combo
Nearest City
Paphos
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Cyprus
Fully Guided
No
Support Vehicles
Yes
Bike Rentals Available
Yes
Accommodations
The family-run hotels offer a welcoming taste of the real Cypprus; including a rural farmhouse with a lovely citrus scented courtyard, presided over by Mrs Angela - a real character! Two hotels are by the sea - spectacular sunsets provide the perfect backdrop to a relaxing aperitif on the terrace.
Dining
Continental breakfast and all evening meals are included.
Rates
$2,035.00 - $2,231.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cyprus A representative will meet you at Paphos airport and and take you to Tassos' and Gregoria's coastal hotel near Polis (one hour) in time for dinner on the panoramic terrace.
Day 2: North Coast Circular Cycling 30km/19mi Enjoy a lovely cycle today as you pedal along the coast to the fabled Baths of Aphrodite, your path lined with carob and eucalyptus groves. This trickling waterfall is said to be where the Goddess of Love bathed with her lover, Adonis. Nearby Lachi's colorful harbor is a scenic spot for a leisurely lunch - on a clear day you can see as far as the Taurus Mountains in Turkey. Perhaps, you’ll continue along the easy coastal tracks to Polis, a lively resort with an interesting archaeological museum dating back to 7BC, or return along the gentle sea-breezed path for a dip in the sea by your hotel.
Day 3: Polis to Kato Akourdaleia 31km/20mi Leaving the sea at your heels, a panoramic track bright with orchids weaves you inland to the abandoned village of Androlikou. Sweeping views, with Mt Olympus crowning the horizon, continue as you climb towards Drouseia. Time passes slowly here: old ladies dressed in black sit by their doorsteps to watch the world go by. Visit the lovely church with its shaded courtyard, a great spot for a lazy picnic lunch, before the downhill swoosh to sleepy Kato Akourdaleia. The air's perfumed by the groves of orange and lemon trees that line your path as you approach our stunning farmhouse hotel.
Day 4: Exploring Kato Akourdaleia Today you might just like to relax in tiny Kato Akourdaleia, friendly locals gather at the hotel at lunchtime to put the world to rights, why not join in! It's a perfect place to enjoy a panoramic stroll through the vines and citrus groves. The more energetic can cycle to Ayia Ekaterini, a lovely Byzantine church with incredible views to the shimmering waters of the northern coast.
Day 5: Kato Akourdaleia/Agios Georgiostis Peyias 34km/21mi A gentle freewheel to the white washed villages of Miliou and Giolou, the tiny houses bedecked with bright cyclamen seem untouched by time. Pedaling through quiet lanes flanked by vines to the abandoned village of Theletra, your only company will be the rock thrushes that chirrup overhead. In contrast, the lively wine village of Kathikas is perfect for an al fresco lunch at one of the traditional tavernas. The day ends with an exhilarating downhill thrill - spectacular balcony views over the coastline to Paphos - to uour family run hotel in the charming fishing hamlet of Agios Georgios tis Peyias. You spend three nights here.
Day 6: Exploring Paphos Perhaps explore the historical treasure trove of nearby Paphos today - it's jus 30 minutes (pay locally) on the public bus. Unmissable sights include the Hellenistic Tombs of the Kings and the exquisite Roman mosaics dating back to the second century. After a fresh seafood lunch at the bustling harbor, explore the old town's market, ablaze with local color. Otherwise, in fine weather, your hotel has a lovely pool and is just a stone's throw from the beach if you fancy a dip.
Day 7: Coastal Cycling to Lara Bay 30km/19mi Gentle pedaling today through lemon groves and banana plantations leads you to some of the most unspoiled coastline on Cyprus, along the Akamas peninsula's western flank. A haven for wildlife, you'll wheel along with falcons circling overhead and shy goats hiding in the crevices of spectacular rock formations. You reach Lara Bay, an idyllic marine reserve offering a tranquil picnic spot as gentle azure waters lap the golden shore. There is time for a swim before heading back to the hotel for a final aperitif on the moonlit terrace.
Day 8: Leave Cyprus You will be taken to Paphos/Larnaca airport for your flight home.
Notes
Trip Highlights:
Wonderfully varied cycling: coastal trails, traditional trails, traditional rural villages, dramatic scenery.
Friendly family-run hotels, by the sea or with an outdoor pool; superb meals.
320 days of sunshine a year - perfect for year round cycling.
Exotic Mediterranean flora; orchids, citrus groves, vineyards and olive trees.
Level of Difficulty: Longest day 15-24 miles/25-40 km: climbs are either easy, or short get-off-and-push ones. No problems but in hot weather, be prepared to start early and take it easy.
Independent Tours: Independent tours allow you to follow any route you choose using maps and detailed notes. Breakaway Adventures suggests routes using quiet country lanes, and going by the places they think are most interesting. There are route options for avoiding hills, and suggestions for detours and off-road explorations.
"Independent" doesn't mean unsupported, though. Local staff will greet you at the train station and take you by mini-van to the first hotel. You'll attend a briefing session, where your Breakaway Adventures representative will fit you with your bike, tell you all about the things to see and do, and help you map out a route if you have a special side trip you'd like to make. During the briefing session, you'll also have a chance to meet any other travelers who are booked on the tour. Although the tours are not intended as a group experience, people often make friends on these independent tours and enjoy the opportunity to meet others - but if you’re not so inclined you're free to travel at your own pace. There are rarely more than six or eight people on any independent cycling tour, so you can be as sociable, or otherwise, as you choose.
On independent tours, you move on between hotels every two days: your luggage is transported for you, so you don't need to carry a lot in your panniers (provided). In-between days are an opportunity for exploring locally, with the help of detailed maps and notes. You can cycle on the off days, or just opt for relaxation!
On independent tours Breakaway Adventure’s staff clean and carefully check every bike before it goes out, so don't expect many problems. If anything does go wrong, your rep come out to your hotel and put it right. And your Breakaway Adventure reps are only a phone call away if you have any problems! They’ll also give you a puncture repair kit. Due to hygiene and safety concerns, cycling helmets are not provided. However, it is strongly recommended that you bring your own cycling helmet.
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