Cyprus Coasts
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Coast Description:
Lara Toxeftra (Akamas)
The visitor will come across the beaches of Lara and Toxeftra in northwest of Pafos. The beach of Toxeftra is a sandy coast and it is characterised by west winds and huge waves. We can also find the sea turtles Caretta caretta and Chelonia Mydas. Very close from there, the famous Avakas Gorge exists. In the west of the coast we find Lara bay. The vegetation of the area and the magnificent golden beach combined with the virgin nature and the emerald crystal clear waters, give Lara a unique beauty.
Lara’s beaches as well as the nearby beaches (mainly the beach of Toxeftra) are a nesting area for the sea turtle Chelonia Mydas (green turtles) and the Caretta caretta.
Flora and fauna of Akamas Akamas
Peninsula is an area with great ecological importance for 530 species of vegetation, from which 39 are endemic species (found only in Cyprus) and 25 others have been characterized as very rare. The fauna, like flora, is particularly rich in Akamas peninsula. With all this variety in vegetation, Akamas is the only area in Cyprus which combines flat and forest vegetation.
For information: Pafos-Tourist Information Office, tel: 26 932841
Petra tou Romiou (Rock of Aphrodite)
This is a magnificent natural beach. The Petra (rock) tou Romiou, known as the Rock of Aphrodite, is a cluster of small and big rocks, almost adjacent to the beach, therefore they create a natural system of protection. The beach is covered with thin, multicolour shingle and the waters are usually crystal and clear. According to legend, Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot.
The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou “The Rock of the Greek” is associated with the legendary frontier-guard of Byzantine times Digenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens pirates away from the beach with amazing strength. It is said that he heaved this large rock into the sea destroying the enemy’s ship.
For information: Pafos-Tourist Information Office, tel: 26 932841
Kourion Beach
The Kourion Beach is located in the Akrotiri area, Limassol district. The long, open beach is at the base of the hill where the ruins of Ancient Kourion and the famous ancient theatre exist. This sandy beach spreads to a magnificent sight view, while the rocky cliffs leave a huge stripe of land, which forms this beautiful beach. The beach is sandy. The big south waves are offering the bathers the joy of playing with them. Today, the magnificent Graeco-Roman theatre is fully restored and used for musical and theatrical performances.
For information: Limassol- Tourist Information Office, tel: 25362756
Baths of Aphrodite and Asprokremmos Beach
Asprokremmos beach is located in the east end of Akamas Peninsula. This beach is been characterized by the magnificent greenish rocks which divide the bay into three smaller, the thin multicolour shingle and the crystal coastal water having with the emerald colour. The beach of Asprokremmos is of special environmental interest since it is one of the nesting regions for the sea turtle Caretta caretta and also a region where the monk seal Monachus monachus has a cave.
The Baths of Aphrodite are to be found, west of Asprokremmos beach. The beach near the grotto, is a small rocky bay, surrounded with beautiful greenish rocks that reach the sea in order to create a magnificent landscape. According to the legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to take her beauty baths in a pool of a natural grotto, shaded by a fig tree, which can still be visited. Nature trails set off from Baths of Aphrodite to Akamas, leading nature lovers to incomparable views of unspoiled land.
For information: Polis Chrysohous -Tourist Information Office in Polis, tel. 26 322468
Cape Kiti beach – Lighthouse of Pervolia
The coast of Pharos Pervolion is the “leg” of Cape Kiti with eastern orientation. It is a quiet beach, with natural beauty, a background of high hills from the Cape and a beautiful lighthouse. The beach is suitable for those who wish to swim in tranquility. The remarkable Byzantine church of Angeloktisti (means “Built by the Angels”) is been build on the 11th century and has a rare and fine 6th century mosaic of the Virgin Mary and Child between the two archangels.
The lighthouse in Pervolia, at the edge of Cape Kiti, was constructed during the British Colonial Era. With its light, it has saved many ships from hitting on the submerged rocks which are spread all over the coastal area and in deeper waters.
For information: Larnaka-Tourist Information Office, tel: 24 654322
Cape Greco – Ammochostos
The Cape is one of the island’s National Forest Parks. The sea at Cape Greco is unique. It has a deep blue, crystal colour which is created by the rocks of the region and the intense vegetation. At Konnos region, one may enjoy a golden beach, in a closed bay with pine trees that reach the sea. At Agious Anargyrous diving straight from the rocks to beautiful crystal water, is a unique experience.
From the west side of the Cape towards Agia Napa, the sea caves make swimming exciting. The vegetation is dominated by coastal shrubs of which the most frequent observed species is Juniperus Phoenicea and plants such as chrysanthemums, wild onions, poppies, anemones.
There are about 300 plant species in the area, 11 of which are endemic. The fauna includes species such as partridge, wood pigeon, crow, owl, as well as a large number of migratory birds.
For information:
Agia Napa Tourist Information Office, tel: 23 721796
Paralimni – Protaras Tourist Information Office, tel : 23 832865