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Akamas Peninsula

At the far southwest of the Akamas Peninsula is Lara Beach, accessible by car and most famous for the green and loggerhead turtles that breed at its turtle hatchery. Beyond, this part of western Cyprus juts almost defiantly into the Mediterranean and is one of the island’s last remaining wildernesses. Visitors can still traverse the peninsula as long as they’re prepared to walk, ride a trail bike or bump along in a sturdy 4WD. If you are visiting the mythical Baths of Aphrodite, you can leave your car in the free car park and stride out from there.

The peninsula is home to abundant flora and fauna, including some 600 plant species, 35 of them unique to Cyprus. There are also 68 bird species, 12 types of mammal (including foxes and hedgehogs), 20 species of reptile and many butterflies, such as the native Glaucopsyche pafos, the symbol of the region.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Akamas Peninsula.

  • See

    Lara Beach

    This stunning unspoilt beach has clean, calm water and pristine sands for those who want to escape people and parasols. The beach is most famous, however, for being home to a turtle hatchery; this is one of the world's few remaining havens for green and logger-head turtles to nest. Volunteers monitor the female turtles and around June and July collect their eggs to place in the hatchery, to protect them from predators and inquisitive tots. Monk seals also dwell in the sea caves around the peninsula.

  • See

    Agios Andronikos

    This 16th-century church was latterly a mosque and the centre of local Turkish Cypriot religious life. Don’t miss the fine Byzantine frescos that were hidden behind whitewash for decades. Sitting on the western side of town, the church can only be visited in groups of 10 or more. The key is held at the Archaeological Museum.

  • See

    Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoe

    Housed in a handsome neoclassical building, the museum comprises two galleries: one spanning the history of the area from neolithic to medieval times, while the second includes the rich haul that was found at the graves at nearby Marion and Arsinoe, including some stunning statuettes and elaborate gold jewellery dating from Roman times.

  • See

    Camp Site Beach

    The nearest stretch of sand is a good beach and convenient if you don’t want to move far from Polis and fancy a picnic, or are camping there. It’s sandy, with natural shade from fragrant eucalyptus trees. There’s a beach restaurant and lifeguards.

  • See

    Aphrodite Beach

    This lovely, calm beach is clearly signposted on the way to the Baths of Aphrodite. It’s good for children, with its clear, swimmable waters and comfortably small pebbles.

  • See

    Baths of Aphrodite

    These mythical baths attract a steady crowd, who possibly expect more than they find. Surrounded by fig trees and filled with the relaxing sound of running water, the grotto is a nice spot away from the heat, but it’s far from the luxurious setting that may be associated with a goddess of such amorous prowess.

  • See

    Olive Tree

    Look for this extraordinary olive tree close to the museum; its trunk is almost split in two, but it still produces olives after 600 years.