Our day started similarly as yesterday with breakfast at šCera. Other than me following Karineās example and going for a pizza too, it was pretty much an encore representation of our previous breakfast.
We drove for one hour to the šAphrodite and Adonis Trail Loop. Both trails are in the Akama National Park and are two of the most renowned hiking routes in Cyprus. They are known for their stunning coastal views, rich ecological diversity, and mythological significance. In fact, if you take the time to research the Akamas national park a little you would learn that itās a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 600 plant species (many endemic to the area), 168 bird varieties, 20 different reptiles, 16 butterfly species, and 12 mammal species. Notable plant life includes rare Cyprus tulips (we didnāt see any), Akamas cedar, wild thyme, rockrose, and strawberry trees.
Weāve done a couple of hikes by now and weāve seen a number of small signs explaining to the unaware hiker which plant they are looking at. The signs probably were installed a long while ago as some of them described plants that werenāt there or were identical to other prickly plants weāve seen with wildly different names. I might be uncultured when it comes to the name of plants but I would think āprickly dog roseā and āwild thymeā donāt look identical. If they do, someone needs to have a word with the botanists.
The trail itself is beautiful and charmingā¦ from kilometer 3 to 5. The rest is pretty much a trail or a dirt road with limited sightlines. There is the occasional information panel next to a tree (more likely to be correct) or a prickly bush (most likely wrong). The summit and the way down along the cliff side is stunning however and made the rest worth it.
After our hike we came back to the Airbnb and enjoyed apero on its balcony. Dinner was at šArgo, the Nextdoor neighbour of yesterdayās sub par dinner. They did a much better job. It was simple but good. The only downside is the vegetables and fries are likely from a frozen bag. Everything else was well executed and good.
Tomorrow is our last full day before we start our return. The plan is to hike a gorge said to be the best hiking gorge of Cyprus. Weāre looking forward to it.
