Lusso Travel Ltd, No. 1 Glasshouse - 1LG1,
Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK10 4TG
At the island’s western edge, the Akamas Peninsula is one of Cyprus’s last remaining wildernesses, attracting walkers, nature lovers and off-road enthusiasts in equal measure.
Making up the north-west tip of Cyprus, the Akamas Peninsula is one of the wildest, least inhabited and beautiful spots on the island.
Exploring means either renting a 4x4, signing up for a jeep safari or stepping aboard a boat to view the peninsula from the water.
Many of the most popular walking routes either start at or incorporate the Baths of Aphrodite and boast beautiful views of the sea and Troodos mountains.
The peninsula is home to wealth of wildlife, though top billing goes to the green and loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs on the near-deserted beaches.
The fishing village of Latchi, set between the peninsula and the north coast town of Polis, is well worth a stop for its tranquil vibe, Blue Flag beach and harbourfront seafood tavernas.
There are no main roads on the Akamas Peninsula, just dirt tracks and footpaths, but if you don’t fancy hiring a 4x4, a range of excellent jeep safaris can help you explore the area. A number of well-marked walking trails also crisscross the peninsula, including the eight-kilometre Aphrodite Trail, which begins and ends at the Baths of Aphrodite, a spring-fed pool in a natural cave where according to legend the goddess of love met her greatest amor, the handsome young Adonis.
Above all, the peninsula is known for its extraordinary range of wildlife, including green and loggerhead turtles that come to nest each year at Lara Beach, a stunningly unspoiled spot in the far south-west of the peninsula. Also worth a detour is the delightful fishing village of Latchi, near the sensational Anassa hotel.
One of the standout properties on the Cypriot luxury hotel scene, Anassa continues to be a firm favourite among discerning travellers, and for good reason. It is sophisticated, secluded and serene, with internal and external spaces inspired by its surroundings and the sea.