The Aphrodite Trail is one of Akamas’ signature walks, blending myth, history, and some of the finest viewpoints in the region. It begins at the Baths of Aphrodite and climbs steadily above the coast, so the reward builds with every section of the ascent. Along the way, the route passes places tied to local legend and reaches open views over Polis Chrysochous, the headlands, and Pafos Forest. If you want a scenic hike with a strong sense of place, this is one of the island’s most memorable classics.
The trail passes places strongly tied to local legend, especially the Baths themselves, where Aphrodite is said to have bathed. It also shares part of its route with the Adonis Trail and leads past the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas, believed to be connected to a medieval monastery. Higher up, the route opens towards Polis Chrysochous, Pafos Forest, and the surrounding headlands.
Compared with many short sightseeing trails, this one feels more like a proper hike. In summer, the climb can feel tough in exposed sections, so an early start, water, and sun protection make a real difference.
Reviews
Really nice hike of moderate difficulty. After checking out the Baths of Aphrodite, which were very crowded, we started the hike uphill. The first three kilometres are not easy: there is a quick ascent, followed by a flatter section, and then the hardest part, where you climb for about a kilometre under the open sun. Once you reach the highest point after roughly three kilometres, the view is breathtaking and well worth the effort. From there, you have a steep descent for about two kilometres. It is not particularly dangerous, but I wouldn’t recommend it for completely inexperienced hikers. The sea view along this section are great. The trail then meets a dirt road that follows the coast all the way back to the starting point. This part is easy, but passing quads and cars create quite a lot of dust, which is not very pleasant, though still manageable. Shouldn’t hold you back from hiking. After finishing the hike, I’d recommend going straight to the Blue Lagoon for a swim. keep in mind that most of the route is exposed to the sun, so bring plenty of water and proper sun protection.
One of the top 3 trails in the country no matter the season.