The naturally fast flowing, yet bumpy surfaces offer a variety of cross-country biking trails to explore with as many technical thrills as desired. The 79 sq km Akamas area is a perfect location for off-road cyclists of all abilities to test their fitness and technical skills.
Akamas Peninsula
Often referred to as the Jewel of Southern Cyprus, the Akamas is the last remaining coastal region in Southern Cyprus to have escaped the threat of tourist development. A true outdoor paradise, the area, together with the Troodos Mountains, is the best location for intrepid mountain bikers looking to explore uninhabited territory.
Whilst the only local inhabitants likely to be seen are goats and the occasional 4x4 farm vehicle, route finding is relatively straightforward, despite the lack of any detailed maps. The majestic coastline on either side of the peninsula acts as a good compass bearing to guide the way and the only limitation to all day biking is how often you are prepared to climb up and down the 400 m high hilly landscape.
Varied Biking Terrain in Cyprus
- Spectacular gorges with loose rock and steep descents.
- Technical rocky goat tracks to challenge any biker’s technical abilities.
- Short but tricky single track on sections of the many nature trails in the region.
- Rough rugged gravel pistes that change according to the season - in summer expect dry, loose and dusty conditions requiring extra special bike handling skills; in winter, the compacted, rain-washed tracks are far more rideable at speed.
Suggested MTB Routes in Cyprus
- An easy linear route is the 15 km classic ridge ride from Drouseia village situated at 600 m above sea level to Neo Chorio, overlooking beautiful Chrysochous Bay below. Riders should follow the E4 long distance track that begins just outside the deserted village of Pittokopos, some 3 km after leaving Drouseia. Easy to navigate and ride, the route is 90% downhill and offers spectacular views of Lara Bay to the west, one of the few locations in the Mediterranean where giant turtles come to nest.
- A far more challenging route can be found by following the "bomb run", fondly nicknamed by local riders as it traverses the far west of the peninsula, which the British used for bombing practice in the 80’s. This 35 km loop takes in the best of the single track to be found in the area and mixes fast rugged descents with gruelling hill climbs.
Best Time to Cycle in Cyprus
The traditional biking season in Cyprus is October to early May. With daytime temperatures varying between 18-24 degrees, conditions are perfect for all day mountain biking and the landscape is fresh and green after winter rains. In spring the Akamas is awash with a myriad of wild flowers and fragrant herbs adding vivid colour and unique aromas to any biking adventure.
The Akamas Peninsula in western Cyprus offers the cross-country mountain biker a wide variety of trails both challenging and easy. Visit in spring and discover some of the best off-road cycling on the island.
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