There are some natural monuments in Cyprus that definitely stand out. For their untamed beauty and history. After all, the whole of Cyprus is a monument to nature and history. In this category of monuments that stand out is Akamas.
Akamas and its rich history
Akamas is a famous cape at the northwestern tip of Cyprus on the homonymous peninsula and the homonymous forest in Paphos Province. It is the cape of the island. There, you can admire the newest and tallest lighthouse in Cyprus, built in 1989, an iron structure with a height of 21 meters. Its name comes from Akamas, a local settler, son of Minos and Phaedra or son of Theseus. Another version of the story says that it was named after the “akaos” – unburned, because it was the only part of Cyprus that had not been burned by the Arab pirates. Ptolemy described it as “a densely forested area divided between two hills elevated to the north”. Until 2000, the British Army and Navy used the site as a firing range for military exercises.
Cyprus and Akamas, a destination for nature lovers
The area of Akamas also has a variety of geomorphological characteristics, including deep valleys, caves, gorges, sea caves, islets, each of which has its own flora and fauna resulting in the creation of various microclimates in the area. What stands out is undoubtedly the Avakas gorge, which is accessed via a path. This spreads along the riverbed of the river “Eggs” and is covered around by dense vegetation. The gorge is characterized by rich biodiversity and is an ideal destination for bird watchers.
The natural beauty of Cyprus and Akamas explains why it is an attraction for nature lovers. Even scientists from all over the world arrive there. There is no doubt that Akamas, with its enormous natural, historical and cultural wealth, deserves our attention as it is a real natural treasure.
External photography source: Photo by Manos Botrini fromthe book Akamas. Nature, Myth, Man
Cyprus: The charming medieval Monastery of Agia Napa
Frequently Asked Questions
Akamas is a famous cape located at the northwestern tip of Cyprus in the Paphos Province. It consists of a homonymous peninsula and forest, and is known for its untamed natural beauty, rich history, and diverse flora and fauna. The area is home to the newest and tallest lighthouse in Cyprus, built in 1989, which stands 21 meters tall.
The name Akamas comes from a local settler who was either the son of Minos and Phaedra or the son of Theseus, depending on the version of the story. Another version suggests the name derives from the word 'akaos,' meaning unburned, because Akamas was the only part of Cyprus that had not been burned by Arab pirates during their raids.
The Akamas area features diverse geomorphological characteristics including deep valleys, caves, gorges, sea caves, and islets. The most notable attraction is the Avakas gorge, which can be accessed via a hiking path along the riverbed of the Eggs river. The gorge is covered with dense vegetation and is known for its rich biodiversity, making it ideal for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Akamas is a major destination for nature lovers and scientists worldwide due to its enormous natural, historical, and cultural wealth. The area's variety of microclimates, rich biodiversity, and geomorphological characteristics make it an ideal location for studying ecosystems, bird watching, and exploring pristine natural habitats. It is considered a real natural treasure of Cyprus.
Until the year 2000, the Akamas area was used by the British Army and Navy as a firing range for military exercises. Since then, it has been preserved and developed as a natural monument and tourist destination, allowing visitors to experience its historical significance and natural beauty without military activities.
