Mountain biking facts
- Recommended travel time
September to June
- Flight connections
Edelweiss tips:
Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, boasts a remarkable cycling infrastructure. Former Swiss professional cyclist Thomas Wegmüller runs his bikeCyprus Cycling Centre in Pissouri Bay – a good half-hour’s drive from Paphos. It is a popular destination for professional cyclists and ambitious amateur cyclists, as well as families who love cycling. bikeCyprus offers camps, cycling holidays, self-guided tours and guided tours. However, you can also set off on your own, either on your own bike or using equipment hired locally.
Top mountain bike trails in southern Cyprus
By mountain bike from Larnaca to Paphos Medium
Cycling enthusiasts in Cyprus are head over wheels for exploring two Edelweiss destinations, Larnaca and Paphos, via their biking trails. It is advisable to start with the easier section, heading from Larnaca to the little village of Kofinou. On the way, you’ll pass Anglisides, a village surrounded by olive trees. The site itself is famous for a tree that stands in the centre of the village and is estimated to be around 700 years old. The destination for this stage is Kofinou, which is the starting or finishing point for numerous cycle tours.
- Tour duration 2 hrs 30 min
- Distance 28.4 km
- Ascent 490 m
- Descent -490 m
The second stage: from Kofinou to Paphos Difficult
The second stage is about twice as long as the first and follows the old road from the capital, Nicosia, via Limassol to Paphos. Although there are only short uphill sections along the long, tarmac route, a good mountain bike with several gears is still recommended. From Kofinou, the route heads south through the well-known fishing village of Potamos to Limassol, then continues westwards, past the ancient city of Kourion and the picturesque Petra tou Romiou – Aphrodite’s Rock – to Paphos.
- Tour duration 9 hrs 24 min
- Distance 130 km
- Ascent 1,570 m
- Descent -1,710 m
Historical round tour Difficult
Anyone hopping on a mountain bike in Cyprus is (almost) always embarking on a sightseeing tour as well, as you’ll come across historical sights every few kilometres or so on your journey around this fascinating island. A particularly impressive and wonderfully long tour is the circular trail from Larnaca beach via the ‘red villages’ – so called because of the fertile red soil – and Cape Greco, which is effectively the easternmost point of the island. Then onwards through Paralimni, home to Cyprus’ largest village square, and the historic town of Deryneia, back to Larnaca.
- Tour duration 7 hrs 05 min
- Distance 116 km
- Ascent 490 m
- Descent -490 m
Stunning views Difficult
A good 35 kilometres west of Larnaca, at the foot of the Machairas Mountains, lies Lythrodontas. We recommend a tour that takes in the most beautiful views in the area. They stretch from Larnaca Bay across the Mesaoria alluvial plain to the Pentadaktylos Mountains. Passing through Vavatsinia on the edge of the Troodos Mountains, the route follows a steep path past the summit of Moutti tou Pelekanou and back to Lythrodontas. Steep climbs and long descents along gravel tracks, some of which are narrow, are sure to thrill any cyclist.
- Tour duration 5 hrs 50 min
- Distance 54.3 km
- Ascent 1,730 m
- Descent -1,730 m
The ‘divine tour’ to Lionheart’s Castle Difficult
Starting from Governor’s Beach, this tour takes you along the divine coast, through the historic site of Amathus, to Limassol. The route then takes you across the Akrotiri Peninsula to Kourion. On the way, if you feel like it and have the time, you can take a refreshing dip in the sea at Pissouri Bay. The climb to Pissouri, which takes just under half an hour, is rewarded with a stunning view across the plain to the Troodos Mountains. On the way back, you’ll pass the Crusader castle of Kolossi, where Richard the Lionheart once got married.
- Tour duration 10 hrs 16 min
- Distance 141 km
- Ascent 1,620 m
- Descent -1,620 m
The path to youthful beauty Difficult
This route runs from Paphos all the way up the west coast to the Akamas Peninsula. Depending on the time of year, it’s well worth taking a detour to Lara Bay, where sea turtles lay their eggs. Drinking water for thirsty cyclists is available at the Agios Kononas Chapel. From there, the trail leads over the Akamas ridge to its destination: the Baths of Aphrodite. According to legend, bathing in this pool bestows youthful beauty and vigour. Unfortunately, this is strictly prohibited. So, to round off this tour, which features a few steep climbs and uneven terrain, a dip in the sea is definitely the way to go.
- Tour duration 7 hrs 02 min
- Distance 87.3 km
- Ascent 1,490 m
- Descent -1,490 m
Bike hire at the destination
- Sunny Cycles Cyprus, Larnaca
- Zypernbike Bike Station, Larnaca
- Larnaca Pro Cycle Hire
- Mountain biking in Cyprus: Paphos
- Cyprus E-Bike, Paphos
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