The nature of love: what to look for in Akamas Nature Park in Cyprus

The Akamas National Nature Park, on the peninsula of the same name, will offer travelers a fantastic experience. The reserve, located fifty kilometers from the city of Paphos, is relatively small – about 230 square meters. km, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to explore its landscapes in one trip. Akamas is listed by UNESCO: it is now home to unique plants, butterflies and animals, including loggerhead turtles and Cypriot bighorn sheep, bizarre animals with finely twisted horns (although you don’t manage to encounter one mouflon during a walk, you will always be able to see it – it is depicted on Cypriot coins). The coast of Akamas is dotted with caves and legend has it that this is where Aphrodite met her admirers. Travelers are guaranteed long walks through the picturesque surroundings, alone with nature – don’t forget to bring a suitable pair of shoes!

The view of the bay of the peninsula is the calling card of Akamas. It opens in all its splendor, for example, from the Anassa hotel (from ancient Greek this word translates as “queen”). The hotel looks like a real Byzantine village: white walls, tiles, wild stones, wooden windows and doors… There is even a central square and a church with a bell tower! Guests are welcomed into elegantly furnished rooms, suites and villas.

One of the most beautiful beaches in northwest Cyprus is Asprokremnos, with coarse, golden sand and water whose richness has been compared to a peacock’s tail. Anassa is right.

The picturesque “Path of Aphrodite” runs along Akamas and leads to the bath of the goddess, but mere mortals are only allowed to wash here. This will surely benefit youth and beauty, but it would be much safer to resort to thalassotherapy, especially since there is a Thalassa Spa center nearby, which uses water from Chrysochous Bay to its procedures.

Beauty connoisseurs will be interested to know that they use cosmetics from the Augustinus Bader and Tata Harper brands, and since 2024 the spa menu has added products from Subtle Energies, an Australian family business that combines the principles of Ayurveda and aromatherapy to treat not only physical beauty and youth, but also mental and emotional well-being. To get as close as possible to the standards of a beauty goddess, you can try the new Rejuvenate and Restore procedure – a two-hour face and body massage using products based on the active substances of mogra and ashwagandha .

In Cyprus, they know a lot about gastronomy and generously season their dishes with fragrant herbs (by the way, they grow directly on the territory of the resort). Don’t forget to taste local specialties such as fried halloumi cheese and meze appetizers, served at Pelagos Restaurant. And if you miss Asian dishes or French cuisine, go to Basiliko or Helios.