Where are the best nature spots in Cyprus? Inland and on the Akamas, in pine forest at 1,900 metres, limestone gorges, waterfalls and a beach where turtles still nest, all within two hours of each other.
Most visitors never leave the coast and miss every one of them.
Plan ahead: almost all of these need a car, so compare hire cars on Auto Europe (affiliate link), or book guided jeep safaris, boat trips and hikes on Klook (affiliate link).
Nature in Cyprus at a Glance
- Best overall: the Akamas peninsula, the last undeveloped stretch of coast
- Most dramatic: Avakas Gorge
- Best in summer: Caledonia Waterfalls and the Troodos
- Best season: March to May, then autumn
- Weakest part: almost all of them need a hire car
What Are the Ten Best Nature Spots in Cyprus?
1. The Troodos Mountains
The centre of the island and the place that most changes what people think Cyprus is. It has dense pine forest, stone villages, Byzantine churches and Mount Olympus at 1,952 metres, which holds snow in January and February and has a small ski area.
In summer the range runs several degrees cooler than the coast, which is why Cypriot families drive up for lunch. It is roughly an hour and a half from Limassol or Paphos, and our guides to hiking in Cyprus and the Troodos mountain taverns cover it in detail.
2. The Akamas Peninsula
The northwest corner of the island and the last genuinely undeveloped stretch of Cypriot coast. It has sea caves, cliffs, empty beaches and a protected status that has kept the hotels out.
The Blue Lagoon, reachable by boat from Latchi or by rough track, has the clearest water in Cyprus. Access is limited and the roads are poor, which is exactly why it has survived, and it sits around 45 minutes from Paphos. Boat trips and jeep safaris to the area are listed on Klook (affiliate link).
3. Avakas Gorge
On the edge of the Akamas and the most dramatic single feature on the island. The path follows a streambed into a limestone canyon that narrows until the walls stand vertically only a few metres apart.
It runs around 3km and involves scrambling over wet rock, so wear proper shoes and avoid it after heavy rain, because the gorge floods. It is roughly 30km from Paphos.
4. Cape Greco
The southeastern tip, between Ayia Napa and Protaras. Low limestone cliffs, sea caves cut into the rock, a natural stone bridge and water in a colour that photographs badly because nobody believes it.
A network of easy trails means you can walk for half an hour or half a day, and it is good for snorkelling, diving, sunsets and children. Our Ayia Napa and Protaras guide covers the surrounding area.
5. Lara Bay and the Turtle Conservation Station
On the Akamas, and one of the most important loggerhead and green turtle nesting sites in the Mediterranean. The conservation station protects the nests through the summer season and explains the work.
There are no facilities at all, so bring water, food and shade. Parts of the beach are restricted during nesting, which runs roughly June to August, and a vehicle with clearance helps on the track in.
6. Caledonia Waterfalls
In the Troodos, following the Kryos Potamos river through pine forest to one of the highest falls in Cyprus. The walk is short at around 3km and shaded most of the way, which makes it one of the few comfortable summer options.
The path crosses the water several times, so expect wet feet and take it slowly on the rocks.
7. Petra tou Romiou, Aphrodite’s Rock
The stack of rock rising out of the sea on the road between Paphos and Limassol, and according to legend the birthplace of Aphrodite. The shore is pebble and the current can be strong, so it is better for looking than swimming.
Come for sunset, and use the viewing point above the road, which gives the better photograph.
8. Adonis Baths Waterfalls
In the countryside above Paphos, a set of natural rock pools fed by a waterfall and tied by legend to Adonis. It is considerably more developed than the Troodos falls, with an entry fee and facilities.
It is easy to reach and good with children, though it is a managed attraction rather than wilderness, so set expectations accordingly.
9. Paphos Forest
One of the largest forested areas in Cyprus and among the emptiest places on the island. Towering pines, remote villages, hidden monasteries and very few visitors.
This is also the main habitat of the mouflon, the wild sheep that is the national animal of Cyprus, though sightings need luck and an early start.
10. Akamas Forest
The forested interior of the Akamas peninsula, botanically the richest part of the island. Rare orchids and a significant number of endemic plant species grow here, alongside strong birdwatching.
Jeep safaris run from Paphos and Latchi if you would rather not tackle the tracks yourself.
What Else Is Worth a Detour?
Ten places cannot cover an island this varied, and a few more are worth the time if you have it.
- The salt lakes of Larnaca and Akrotiri: shallow lakes that fill with water in winter and attract flamingos and other migrating birds, with Larnaca Salt Lake minutes from the airport.
- Cedar Valley: a remote part of the Paphos Forest where the Cyprus cedar grows, a tree found nowhere else, reached by a long drive on rough roads that rewards you with quiet.
- Fontana Amorosa: a spring and a small beach on the Akamas coast, linked by legend to Aphrodite, and easy to combine with a day around Latchi.
- The Kakopetria river walks: gentle paths along the water through the village and into the forest above it, good for a relaxed half day in summer.
How Do You Combine Them in a Day?
Because the places cluster, a few combinations work well. They are suggestions rather than rules, but they save driving.
- One day from Paphos: Petra tou Romiou in the morning, Adonis Baths at midday, and the Akamas coast for the afternoon.
- One day from the Troodos: Caledonia Waterfalls early, a village lunch in Platres or Kakopetria, and a walk through the pine forest after.
- One day in the east: Cape Greco at sunrise, a swim, then the Larnaca Salt Lake on the way back in winter.
- Two days in the west: Avakas Gorge and the Blue Lagoon one day, Lara Bay and the Akamas Forest the next, with a night in Polis or Latchi.
Our one week itinerary shows how to fit these around the rest of a trip.
Where Should You Stay and Eat?
Pick a base near the cluster you want. Paphos is the best base for the Akamas, Avakas, Adonis Baths and Aphrodite’s Rock, and is 15 to 20 minutes from Paphos Airport. Limassol works for the Troodos and Caledonia Waterfalls, around 45 to 60 minutes from Larnaca Airport and roughly an hour and a half from the high villages. Ayia Napa or Protaras is the base for Cape Greco, 40 to 45 minutes from Larnaca Airport.
- Paphos and the Akamas: see our Paphos guide, then eat at Grazie, or in Polis at Moustakallis Tavern.
- Troodos days from Limassol: see our Limassol guide and reviews of Amara, Parklane and The GrandResort. For lunch up the mountain, see the Troodos mountain taverns.
- Cape Greco: see our Ayia Napa and Protaras guide and our Adams Beach review.
Our guide to where to stay in Cyprus compares the regions, and the best restaurants in Cyprus ranking covers dinner. If you would rather not drive on arrival, pre-book a transfer with KiwiTaxi or GetTransfer (affiliate links).
What Wildlife Might You See?
Nature in Cyprus is quieter than in Africa or the Alps, but it is there if you look. Besides the mouflon and the turtles, the island has the Cyprus warbler and other endemic birds, a wide range of reptiles, and a long list of wildflowers that peak in spring.
Flamingos arrive on the salt lakes in winter, and the whole island lies on a major bird migration route in spring and autumn. Our wildlife guide covers what lives where and when to look.
How Do You Visit Responsibly?
Most of these places survive because few people reach them, so a little care matters.
- Take all your rubbish with you, because bins are rare outside the main sites.
- Keep to marked paths, especially in the Akamas and on the turtle beaches.
- Never light a fire or throw away a cigarette, as the forests burn easily in summer.
- Respect turtle nesting signs and keep lights and dogs away from the beaches at night.
- Do not pick wildflowers or disturb orchids, many of which are protected.
When Should You Go?
Spring, from March to May, is the best window for all of it. The island is green, the wildflowers are out and the temperature is comfortable, with autumn the second choice. In July and August restrict yourself to the Troodos or to early mornings, because the heat at sea level is serious.
A hire car is close to essential, since public transport does not reach most of these places and several need reasonable ground clearance. Compare options on Auto Europe (affiliate link). Our guide to getting around Cyprus covers driving, and what to pack for Cyprus covers shoes, sun protection and the rest.
Who Are These Places For?
They suit travellers with a hire car who want more from Cyprus than a beach, and families who can handle a short walk. Spring and autumn visitors get the most from them.
Look elsewhere if you have no car or are only visiting in the peak of summer and want shade-free sightseeing. In that case, stick to the Troodos and Cape Greco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Beautiful Place in Cyprus?
The Akamas peninsula, on most reckonings, because it is the last part of the coast left undeveloped. Avakas Gorge is the most dramatic single sight.
Do You Need a Car?
For almost all of these, yes. Cape Greco is the only one easily reached without one. Compare hire cars on Auto Europe (affiliate link), or join a guided tour from Klook (affiliate link) if you would rather not drive.
When Can You See Turtles at Lara Bay?
Nesting season runs roughly June to August, with hatching later in summer. Access is restricted in places to protect the nests.
Is There Wildlife in Cyprus?
Yes, including mouflon in the Paphos Forest, turtles at Lara and flamingos on the Larnaca and Akrotiri salt lakes in winter. Birdlife across the Akamas is strong during migration.
Can You Swim at These Places?
At the Blue Lagoon, Cape Greco and Lara, yes. At Aphrodite’s Rock it is possible, but the pebbles and current make it uncomfortable.
Which Places Are Best With Children?
Cape Greco, Adonis Baths and the Caledonia Waterfalls are the easiest. Avakas Gorge and the Akamas tracks are better for older children and adults, and our guide to Cyprus with children has more.
Can You Visit in Winter?
Yes. The coast and the Akamas are pleasant and the salt lakes fill with birds, though the Troodos can be snowy, so check conditions before driving up. Our winter guide has more.
Do You Need to Book Anything?
Not for most of these. Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon and jeep safaris on the Akamas are worth booking ahead in summer, and are listed on Klook (affiliate link). Sort mobile data for navigation with an Airalo (affiliate link) eSIM, since signal drops in the hills.
Where Should I Stay to Visit These Places?
Paphos for the Akamas and Adonis Baths, Limassol for the Troodos, Ayia Napa or Protaras for Cape Greco. See where to stay in Cyprus.
How Do I Get There From the Airport?
Paphos Airport is 15 to 20 minutes from Paphos, and Larnaca Airport is 45 to 60 minutes from Limassol and 40 to 45 minutes from Ayia Napa. Pre-book a taxi with KiwiTaxi (affiliate link).
Where Can I Eat After a Day Out?
Village tavernas near each site are the best option. See the best restaurants in Cyprus and the Troodos mountain taverns.
Final Thoughts
The beaches are what bring people to Cyprus and the interior is what surprises them. A morning in a limestone gorge and an afternoon in pine forest at 1,800 metres is an entirely reasonable day here, which is not true of many islands this size.
For the coast, our guide to the best beaches in Cyprus covers where to swim, our best restaurants in Cyprus covers where to eat, and how we review explains how we choose.