On the Paphos end of Cyrpus, there is just so much to do. Along with the ancient Greek and Roman ruins, there are also lots of natural history. One of our favourites by far was Avakas Gorge. Located on the Akamas Peninsula we only did a bit of the gorge walk with our kids but it was well worth the trip.
Avakas Gorge
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The Avakas Gorge can be found on the Akamas Peninsula North of Paphos and Coral Bay. It was carved out of the limestone over 1000s of years by the stream that today you walk through and over numerous times as you meander through the rocks at the bottom of the gorge.
Getting to Avakas Gorge
Avakas Gorge is around 16km from Paphos at the start of the Akamas Peninsula. It is difficult to reach in a standard car so a 4 x 4 is advised.
However, you can do as we did which was drive in and park at the bottom and then walk up to the enterance in the heat. We did it and there may have been some moaning from everyone on how hot it was but it meant that we could go in our normal car without risking it getting trapped in the sand.
We discovered that in Paphos and Coral Bay there were companies that would take you out to the Akamas Peninsula but it was more for an offroading adventure experience than to get off the vehicles and explore.
Facilities at Avakas Gorge
Before you get into the Gorge at the top where there is a car park there is a restuarant. And down in the car park there are bathrooms as well as a tap to get drinking water.
However, once you enter the gorge there is nothing!
How Much does it Cost for Avakas Gorge
It's free to go in. So if you can do the journey in your hire car rather than on an organised tour it doesn't cost anything.
What to Take with you to Explore Avakas Gorge with Children
This is not a trip you can do with flipflops. The stones and path can be slippery and small.
All 4 of us wore walking sandals with more structure to them. I wouldn't advise walking boots unless you have ones that dry easily as even in the middle of the summer we walked through the stream a number of times.
Don't forget lots of water, some snacks as well as hats and sun-cream as although it can be in the shade when you are in the sun it blazes down.
What to Expect in the Avakas Gorge
We visited in August and it was very hot! However, because once you enter the gorge you are in the shade from the sides as well as a stream running through it was really refreshing and a pleasant walk.
We didn't go all the way just about 1.5km as past that point our walking shoes and the legs of the kids weren't coping very well.
However, just the small part we did was worth the journey and it was a favourite of ours.
Why you should visit The Avakas Gorge with Kids
I'm handing over to the kids to give you are idea of why you should visit with them!
T's review of Avakas Gorge
I really liked the gorge it was full of plants and we saw goats too! We also got to splash in the stream.
What I didn't like was the walk to it. It was hot and long. I wish Mummy and Daddy had got a better car that could have got up the sand from the airport.
J's Review of Avakas Gorge
It was amazing. Did you know there were goats in it. They climb the rock faces and you can see them easily.
Along the gorge we read the information signs learning about the rocks and nature.
But the best bit was walking in the stream and getting wet!
World-Schooling at Avakas Gorge
We love to learn as we travel and Avakas Gorge gave us plenty of opportunities.
Throughout the gorge there are information signs. Featuring facts about the plants, animals and the geology of the area.
For me it was a great opportunity to talk about the power of water, look at the rock formation and the layers that you can see that have been exposed as well as see some of the plants and animals that are native to the island that you don't normally see around the more tourist areas.
What is there to do around Avakas Gorge with Kids
As Avakas Gorge is near Paphos there is plenty to do.
But, if you are heading further into the Akamas Peninsula then we really recommend continuing down the road and visiting Lara Beach and the Sea Turtle Project there.
If you want to explore more here are some fantastic tours available from Get Your Guide on the Akamas Peninsula that will show you a little more of the area. The beach buggy tour will get you all the way to Lara Beach as above to see the Sea Turtles without you needing to hire a 4x4
We are linking up at
Avakas Gorge with Kids
Overall
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Parent's Review
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Kid's Review
Summary
This was a beautiful escape from the tourist areas and the beaches on the island. It was surprisingly cool and amazing to walk through. There is a bit of a walk in the heat to get there but in August when we visited it was virtually empty and although we saw a few others walking through there really wasn't many.
You do need to carry your own water with you and snacks.
Also, wear shoes that you are fine getting wet and have a good grip to them as you will have to walk through the stream and over slippery boulders a few times.
It was well worth a visit and when we return with the kids as they will be older we will hopefully make the full trip through the gorge.
Pros
- Beautiful Scenery
- A really different side to the island than the beaches, historical sites and tourist destinations
- We loved the learning with information boards and notices throughout
Cons
- To park really close and avoid the 1km walk uphill you really need to go with a 4x4. However don't let it put you off as the walk was worth it
This looks like a really interesting day out. We’re considering going to Cyprus next year so I’ll definitely bear it in mind. #Mondayescapes
We loved Cyprus - not so much the big tourist areas but the places like this that are on the island begging to be explored.
I love that the goats were such a highlight for the kids! Sounds like a perfect place to cool off from the August heat. #MondayEscapes
Animals and goats will always be a highlight for the kids! Wherever we go if it's not checking out the local zoo or aquarium it is find real nature this is why a Safari is very high on my list of things to do and yes... a much-needed place to cool down in August.
My kids love animals too, so they'd love the goats. Looks like a great place to travel with kids #mondayescapes
It's fantastic - the kids adored it and the goats made it for them I think!
Looks beautiful, I do love to get off the beaten track when we travel. Avoiding tourist spots is a must for us.
Us too - I'm not great with crowds and if it is a must-see tourist attraction then we head there first thing in the morning and leave as the tour buses arrive.
This looks absolutely beautiful! I would be the one trying to do it in flip-flops 🙂 I have visited Cyprus pre kids but would love to go back with the three little ones. Thanks for linking up to Monday Escapes 🙂
It was fun with the kids - they loved all the different things as well as the pool days that we had