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
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