Akamas and Blue Lagoon Land Rover Jeep Safari Paphos
Overview
This seven-hour Land Rover jeep safari takes you from Paphos into the wild Akamas Peninsula, off the tarmac and along dirt tracks that ordinary cars cannot use. With a driver and English-speaking guide you visit the sea caves of Peyia, walk through Avakas Gorge, see Lara Bay, stop at the Baths of Aphrodite and swim at the Blue Lagoon. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and lunch at a local taverna is paid separately. It suits adventurous travellers, couples and families with older children who enjoy nature and a bumpy ride.
Highlights
- Hotel pickup and drop-off with a driver and English-speaking guide
- Off-road ride in a Land Rover through the Akamas Peninsula
- Walk through Avakas Gorge, a narrow canyon with high limestone walls
- See Lara Bay, an important nesting beach for sea turtles
- Swim in the clear turquoise water of the Blue Lagoon
- Stop at the Baths of Aphrodite, a legendary spring and pool
- About 7 hours covering the best of the north-west coast in one day
Full Description
Sea caves at Peyia and the coast road
The day begins with a drive out of Paphos to the sea caves near Peyia, a stretch of cliffs where the waves have worn hollows and arches into the limestone. It is a short photo stop but a good way to begin, and the light on the water is beautiful in the morning. Many travellers pick a Paphos jeep safari because it links several coastal sights in one day.
From here the route leaves the tarmac and starts to follow tracks through the scrub above the sea. The guide points out plants and birds, and the ride becomes bumpy and fun. Sit back, hold on and bring a scarf or sunglasses for the dust.
Avakas Gorge and the Akamas Peninsula
Akamas is the wildest corner of Cyprus, a national park of rocky headlands, juniper scrub and hidden bays that has been spared from development. The highlight is Avakas Gorge, a narrow canyon with limestone walls that tower about 30 metres above the path. You walk along the gorge for around 45 minutes with the guide, seeing wild plants and rock formations.
Anyone searching for what to do in the Akamas Peninsula will find this trip covers it in the easiest way, because Akamas has few paved roads and the tracks can be rough. Comfortable shoes are important for the gorge, and the walk is easy but uneven. Please stay on the path and keep a distance from cliff edges.
Lara Bay and the turtle beaches
Lara Bay is a long, empty sandy beach that is one of the most important nesting sites for green and loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean. A conservation project protects the eggs during the season, and the beach is left largely natural, with no sunbeds or buildings. The guide explains why turtles come here and how visitors can help protect them.
Nesting takes place from about June to August, and young turtles hatch later in the summer, so timing affects what you see. Do not walk on marked nests, do not use lights on the beach at night and take all your litter away. If you would like to see turtles in the water, our turtle watching trip from Paphos is a good addition to your stay.
Baths of Aphrodite and the Blue Lagoon
The Baths of Aphrodite is a small natural pool shaded by a fig tree, where, according to legend, the goddess of love bathed. It is a short walk from the parking area and a pleasant stop with a botanical trail. The route then heads to the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered bay with clear turquoise water where you have time to swim and relax.
A local taverna near Latchi is used for the lunch break of about an hour, and lunch is not included in the price. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun cream and water. In winter, or when swimming is not possible, the guide adapts the day so that you still enjoy the coast.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickup in PaphosThe driver collects you at around 08:30 in a Land Rover jeep.
- Sea caves at PeyiaA photo stop above the sea caves, about 15 minutes.
- Avakas GorgeA guided walk of about 45 minutes through the limestone canyon.
- Lara BayA stop at the turtle nesting beach, about 30 minutes.
- Akamas off-road drive and viewpointA scenic track drive through the peninsula with a viewpoint for photos.
- Blue Lagoon swimAbout one hour to swim and relax in the turquoise bay.
- Lunch in Latchi and Baths of AphroditeA one-hour lunch at a taverna, then a short stop at the legendary spring.
- Return to PaphosDrive back through villages and drop-off after about 7 hours.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Driver and English-speaking guide
- Transport by Land Rover jeep
Not included
- Lunch (available to buy at the taverna)
- Tips
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- Babies under 1 year old
- People with back problems
- Wheelchair users
Meeting point
Pickup is from your hotel or accommodation in the Paphos area, at around 08:30. Your exact pickup time is confirmed after booking. Please be ready in the lobby and give a clear address, since off-road vehicles are collected along a route.
Important information
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking in a gorge
- Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and water
- Lunch is not included, but there is a one-hour break at a taverna where you can buy your own
- Carry cash for lunch and any extras
- When booking for children, carry a copy of their ID in case age is checked
- Avoid booking if you have back problems, as the tracks are bumpy
- The route may change because of conditions beyond our control
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Akamas and Blue Lagoon jeep safari cost?
The price depends on the number of travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with a driver and English-speaking guide.
How long is the jeep safari?
About 7 hours, including the off-road drive, a walk in the gorge, a swim and a lunch break.
Is the safari suitable for children?
Yes, for children who are comfortable in a bumpy vehicle. It is not suitable for babies under one year old.
Is lunch included?
No. There is a one-hour lunch stop at a traditional taverna where you can buy your own meal.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and water. A light layer helps in the shade of the gorge.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. Check the booking panel for live dates.
Can we swim at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, when the sea allows. In winter or rough weather the guide adapts the day.
Is the Akamas jeep safari worth it?
Yes, if you want to see the wild north-west coast, which is hard to reach without a 4x4.
What is the best time of year for the safari?
Spring and autumn are pleasant for walking, and summer is best for swimming. Turtle nesting is mainly from June to August.