The beautiful Akamas Peninsula covers about 230 sq kms and is located on the north west coast of Cyprus, near Paphos.

The peninsula is home to untouched landscapes, cliffs, sandy bays, sand dunes, deep gorges, pine and juniper forests,maquis forests and 530 species of plant, 126 of which are endemic to Cyprus.

An abundance of wildlife is found here, including 168 varieties of birds, 20 types of reptiles, 12 types of mammals and 16 different species of butterfly.

Lara Bay, where the endangered green turtles and hawks-bill turtles breed and are protected by UNESCO, is located in the Akamas Peninsula.

There are lots of bargain holidays to Cyprus available which enable you to visit this fascinating area. Here are a few of the places on the Akamas peninsula that i have visited while holidaying on this wonderful island.

Lara Bay

This is my favourite beach. Here you can see the turtles who come here to build their nests and lay their eggs year after year.

Coral Bay

This is a lovely sandy beach where you can just relax or partake in one of the many watersports available here.

Lempa Neolithic Village

The earliest settlers to Cyprus made Lempa their home more than 5500 years ago. Archaeologists have rebuilt homes here which date back to the Chalkolithic era.

Agios Georgios and Cape Drepano

On the headland of Cape Drepano is the once Byzantine Cathedral with its fascinating floors which are made up of mosaics of sea creatures.

Cape Arnaoutis

Forming the western tip of Cyprus, although very barren, this is a beautiful headland of limestone cliffs.

Latsi

A small harbour with clean pebble beaches and excellent fish restaurants.

Polis

Here you will find a small museum and the church og Agios Andronikos which has some very nice frescoes.

Pano Panagia

Near to this quaint hillside village is the monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa with its collection of icons.

Drouseia

This small village stands on a wooded ridge high in the Akamas penisula and offers the best views of the beaches and surrounding area.