Avakas Gorge
The Avakas gorge is located west of Akamas cape, 20 kilometers from Paphos in the homonymous province of Cyprus, in the Pegeia region.
Northwest of Paphos one will find huge rocks hanging from top, bushes growing in the most inaccessible areas and the whole landscape seems hard to believe. This is the picture one will find in one the most popular natural attractions of Cyprus, the Avakas gorge which in ancient Greek means without voice, mute.
Within the state forest of Pegeia, and between the forest Meleti and Lara Beach lies a striking phenomenon of nature created over millions of years of erosion. The Avakas gorge is believed to have emerged from the sea when the whole area rose and it offered shelter, food and water to the people of the area.
Under the huge and steep limestone rocks the Avakas gorge spreads for 3 kilometers and it is not a route for the fainthearted as it can get very narrow at points, it is slippery as the river Avga flows inside and in many cases climbing is required. During heavy rainfall landslides occur and because of this visitors are encouraged to not cross the gorge alone and to inform the authorities that they will cross it. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate clothes and shoes and to carry plenty of water with them.
The homonymous footpath is easy to find and hike as there are signs along the route that show where to go. The starting point is a dirt road above the Toxeutra beach after the parking area to the right. Then after passing many citrus trees and going through a valley with dense natural vegetation, the hiker finally sees the entrance to the gorge. With an altitude of about 50 meters the trail ends at an altitude of about 150 meters and just before the end of it (nearly 1.5 km after the start), the traveler is literally walking through the river which ends up in the vineyards of the village Pano Arodes. The more adventurous and fit visitors can continue walking deep in the gorge for 1.5km more as it becomes increasingly narrow and rugged.
The Avakas gorge is characterized by a rich biodiversity and a particularly attractive environment, which includes two rare species of birds (Blue Rock Thrush and Wallcreeper), making it a favorite place for bird watchers. A wide variety of flora and fauna unfold before the eyes of the visitors, including foxes, frogs, rabbits, eels and the Centaurea akamantis – a rare endemic plant which is mainly found there. Being a paradise for both hikers and nature lovers, it is flooded with thousands of visitors every year. The main habitats are the rocks, lakes, streams and marshes, and it is filled with pines, cypresses, junipers, wild fig trees, ferns, oak trees and wildflowers. Access to Avakas Canyon is easy via the coastal dirt road that starts from Agios Georgios of Pegeia and towards the bay of Lara. Finally, towards the end of the route there is a traditional restaurant, as well as some travel agencies that offer organized visits and jeep safaris in the region.