PAFOS HIDDEN GEMS | 8-Day Road Tour
A CHALLENGING TOUR
On this tour we will take you on the most scenic and less travelled routes of the Paphos region.
We’ve hand-selected the best quality, lowest traffic mountain roads - watch out for the occasional herd of goats! On the way we will pass by picturesque villages untouched by time, ancient historical landmarks dating back to the first Greek colonization, the rugged peninsula of Akamas, luscious vineyards of Omodos and the glistening blue mediterranean waters of Aphrodite’s Rock.
A challenging tour, suggested to have long saddle hour experience.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay at a luxury hotel on the waterfront of Paphos for the entire week
Visit the sun-drenched vines of the Laona wine region in Paphos and indulge in the local wines
Visit and Olive oil museum and learn about the tradition of Carob extract
Bathe in the Birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of beauty and love and visit Kourion, an Ancient Greek Citadelle
Enjoy the most authentic traditional meals and deserts that the region has to offer
Learn the story of Cyprus from a local Cypriot Guide
FITNESS LEVEL
Average to Expert.
This tour requires a good fitness level, the ability to ride on consecutive days and good bike handling skills.
BEST TOURING PERIODS
March, April, May, September, October, November
ACCOMMODATION
This entire week of riding is based out of a single 4* luxury hotel on the waterfront of Paphos town. We invite you to unpack and unwind for the week as our experienced guides take care of all the rest!
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After your arrival at the airport board a private shuttle that will transport you to the trip start location. Your guide will be waiting to welcome you and help you get settled into your room. The frst day is dedicated to bike set-up and adjustments. Later this afternoon, when everybody in the group has arrived at the hotel, we will gather for an aperitif and introduction. Your Activate Cyprus Guides will go over the details of the week and answer any questions you have.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Paphos
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Distance: 74Km | Total Ascent: 1447m
Rise and shine! Today is our first day on the bike. This ride is designed to explore the surroundings of Paphos area and to help you get acquainted with your new bike. We will ride east toward the iconic Episkopi village. It is situated in an idyllic location on the east bank of the Ezousa river surrounded by greenery, as the trees by the riverbank, having an abundant supply of water, have grown dense and lofty.
The village entrance is marked by a steep rock that dominates the village and the valley underneath. Few meters away is the Saint Ilarion Church that dates back to 1192 (the Frankish period of Cyprus). According to tradition, the Saint led an ascetic life in this isolated location.
The cave where he lived and died in 371 AD watches over the settlement. In the village there is also a chapel of Archangelou Michael and the new church of Saint Ilarion. Our Ride loops back through Diarizos Valley all the away to Paphos. You may expect rolling hills and some steeper more sustained climbs today.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Paphos.
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Distance: 80km | Total Ascent: 1360m
This morning we take of for another glorious ride under the Cyprus Sun. We will head north toward the Akamas Peninsula, passing through the sun-drenched vineyards of Kathikas and Droushia. These are some of the most pristine locations for the Laona wine region of Cyprus.
It is a route of unique interest; here the wine lover and the gourmet eater can drop into wineries for a spontaneous tasting and taste their varied and individualistic wines, in combination with the tasty specialties of Cypriot food. What is more, the surrounding area is blessed with spending views of both the mountains and the sea, unlike anywhere else in the island. The biggest highlight of the route today is the celebrated Akamas National Part, a real playground for the lovers of the outdoors. The diverse characteristics of the Akamas morphology, the fora and the wildlife rightfully make it a rare habitat. This ride is a feast for the eye, the ears, and the taste-buds!
Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Paphos.
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Distance: 119km | Total Ascent: 1770m
Start your day with an early and energizing breakfast this morning, as we will be faced with the most challenging ride of the week!
Starting from sea level we will climb all the way to Omodos village, found at 1000m above sea level. The ascent is sustained and demanding but the stunning views definitely make up for it. We will stop for a well-deserved lunch in a local taverna in the old square. Spend a moment to admire the Byzantine church decorating the square; it is one of the most ancient churches of Cyprus built by Saint Helen. Our ride from here is mostly downhill, through breathtaking serene quiet roads. We ride first through the dazzling pine forest of Paphos and then through the rolling foothills of the Limassol district. Next top, traditional village of Anogyra. Cyprus has a long held a tradition in Carob syrup production and Pastelli making -a dense and sweet bar of nuts- and this area is the heart of the production. Time to widen your gastronomic horizons! Visit the Olive oil museum after lunch and learn all about the local production of extra virgin Olive oil. After this stop we head back on the coastal road to Paphos. Congrats! This one was a ride to remember!
Accommodation: 4* Hotel , Paphos
DAY BY DAY
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Distance: 53km | Total Ascent: 400m
Recovery Day!
Today we’ve planned a short recovery ride, well needed after the challenges of the previous rides. We don’t want you to forget that you are here on a vacation! Riding along the coast on easy pace we will make a stop to enjoy a cup of cofee and the Cypriot Sunshine. You deserve it! The destination of our ride is one of the most visited sites in the Paphos region, the “rock of the Greek” otherwise called “Petra tou Romiou”. According to Greek Mythology, this location is the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite (Venus).
Legend has it that Aphrodite, being the daughter of Zeus and the Sea, emerged from the water and foams of the waves [Aphro(Αφρός): foam ; -dite(Ανάδυση): emerges from the water]. You better pack your swimsuit because today you get to bathe in Aphrodite’s birthplace; who knows perhaps you will be blessed with beauty and youth by the goddess.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel , Paphos
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Distance: 106Km| Total Ascent: 1030m
After such a rejuvenating day on the coast we get back on our beloved two wheels for another long riding adventure! Today we’ll start in the same direction as yesterday and enjoy the stunning clifside coast toward the “Petra tou Romiou”. We will not stop at the rock however; we will continue riding through some of the most unspoiled coastal terrain of the week. The terrain is rolling, we will either be going up or down, but the climbs are fairly short and manageable.
Soon we will reach one of the most important ancient Greek sites, the Kourion Ancient Citadel and Theater. The city-kingdom was built on the hills of the area and overlooked and controlled the fertile valley of the river Kouris. According to archaeological fnds, evidence suggests that Kourion was associated with the Greek legend of Argos of Peloponnese, and that its inhabitants believed they were descendants of Argean immigrants. The once-fourishing kingdom was eventually destroyed in a severe earthquake in 365 AD. The magnifcent Greco-Roman theatre - the site’s centerpiece - was built in the 2nd century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD. Take your time to enjoy this rarely found marble and let it travel you in history. When you are ready, we will take the same route back to the hotel and enjoy the priceless scenery for one more time.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel , Paphos
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Distance: 77Km | Total Ascent: 1030m
On our last day on the bike we will be passing through the Diarizos Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Cyprus with breathtaking scenery. It is a place famous for its authenticity and its connection to agricultural tradition. The feeling that time has come to a pause is not uncommon when riding through this valley. Sun drenched hay in the warmer months and green foelds of young hay in the winter months add to the views. Sooner or later we’ll run into a folk of sheep grazing. First village we encounter is an abandoned one, the village of Souskiou; which has been uninhabited since 1974 and truly travels us to an older Cyprus, when living conditions were much different.
Soon we will ride through another locally famous region called “Xasampoulia”. This region is defined by a huge rock, that was broken in half when the road was constructed. It now rises on either side of the road. It is famous for some rebels that used to live there back in the 1800’s. Their story has been passed along generation by generation through folk signing and is of course evolved around the love of their leader for a beautiful woman. We can talk more about the myths and tales of traditional Cyprus while indulging into a delicious lunch in Café Oasis, a true oasis in this remote valley. After lunch we’ll make our way bad to the hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with old and newly found friends. Tonight let’s raise our glasses to an adventurous week full of memories!
Accommodation: 4* Hotel , Paphos
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Departure.
On your last day you have a chance for some last-minute purchases, souvenirs and gifts can be found in the shops near Paphos harbor. Once you are ready return to the hotel where you will bid farewell to your guides and fellow riders and board a private shuttle to Paphos airport.
What is included?
Airport transfers (Paphos Airport), 7 nights Accommodation in a 4* coastal hotel, Services of an experienced local cycling guide, Breakfast and Dinner, Photos videos in digital album, T-shirt memorabilia
What’s not included?
Airfares, Bike rental, Escort vehicle, Insurance, Personal snacks or lunch, Entry fees to museums archaeological sites and theme parks, Hotel Upgrades, Personal Expenses.
**All extras can be arranged upon request
What to pack
We know you come to Cyprus to sport those short sleeves but if you are visiting the mountains in October or November we recommend having some rain proof gear. While we can provide you with pedals and saddles we do recommend that you bring your own to ensure you are most comfortable.
Cost
€969 per person, based on a 10 person group. Single Supplement: €250
Not an expert but still up for a challenge?
Make it your own! Our tours are totally customisable in duration and skill level. All you have to do is let us know what you are looking for.