Akamas National Park
The peninsula takes its name from the mythological hero Akamas, son of Theseus, who came to the area after the Trojan war. The peninsula of Akamas is a unique area, both in terms of geology/ physiography and in terms of flora and fauna.
The area is a unique ecosystem due to a variety of geographical formations such as valleys, caves, and canyons. Here you will find 530 species of native plants (35 are endemic). The species Alyssum Akamasicum and Centaurea Akamantis took their name from the region, while species such as Centaurea Veneris, Tulipa Cypria, Gladiolus Triphyllus and many others are found exclusively or mainly in the region of Akamas. The endemic butterfly Glaucopsyche Paphos is the symbol of the region. In the inaccessible caves of the peninsula, the Mediterranean seal Monachus Monachus could give birth until recently, while the sea turtles Caretta Caretta and Chelonia Mydas still live and breed in some secluded sandy beaches, mainly in the region of Lara.
This area was one of the favorite places of Goddess Aphrodite. According to a legend, after swimming in the crystal waters of the beach, the goddess went to the hill and bathed in a cave, into which a small lake was formed by the waters of a mountain spring dripping inside. This place is called the Baths of Aphrodite. It was here that Adonis saw the goddess and fell in love with her. The Italian poet Ariosto wrote a poem about the this place and Fontana Amorosa, the Source of Love.
If you want to get to know the region, you can take one of the hiking trails and admire the unique landscape. If you want to rest, there is a picnic area at Smigies. Also, this place is ideal for cycling because of the many forest roads.
