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Akamas

From legend to nature’s creations

The Akamas peninsula was probably named after Akamantas, the Athenian warrior
and son of Theseus, who arrived here after the Trojan War.

Legend has it that Akamas is the place where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, met
Adonis. Thousands of visitors enjoy the wildlife, scenery and historic sites of this 230
square kilometre area every year. A key site is the ‘Baths of Aphrodite’, where the
goddess is said to have bathed. This oasis of wildlife, hidden from the prying eye, can
only be reached on foot. Further on is the Fontana Amorosa, a hard-to-reach spring
reputed to endow visitors with youthful desire.

Abandoned churches, monasteries and entire communities have been reclaimed by
nature, often covering the remnants of buildings left behind when people sought
better fortunes in other parts of the island. Strong currents and a rocky coastline
make it less welcoming to swimmers, but a nature-loving visitor will come across the
occasional cove or bay, like an individual paradise.

The area is a designated nature reserve, home to some rare species, such as the turtle
nesting ground and sanctuary at Lara Bay. In some areas, you might even catch a
glimpse of a fox or, more commonly, the occasional, albeit harmless, snake. Lizards,
chameleons, and geckos are frequently seen basking on rocks. Looking skyward, one
may spot a griffon vulture or an owl. The protected status is not limited to the animal
kingdom. The peninsula boasts numerous species of wildflowers, some endemic to
Akamas, including cyclamen, orchids, tulips, turban buttercups, annual and perennial
alyssum, and small shrubs. Remarkably, almost 40, or about a quarter, of all Cyprus’
endemic plant species can be found on this peninsula.

The natural architecture of Akamas is best known for its caves, gorges and nature
trails, which are frequented by visitors who come to see the breathtaking scenery.
One notable figure who has recognised the significance of the area is the esteemed
broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, who filmed part of the series
‘Planet Earth’ here. This monumental series, which took over four years to complete,
was filmed in 64 countries, including a segment on Akamas. Every adventurer aims
to explore the triple gorges of Androlykou and Petratis, as well as the Avakas gorge,
with its sheer cliffs and a stream running through it.

The Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto wrote a poem about the region and its waters which
became known as the Fontana Amorosa. The poem beautifully captures the essence
of the area:

A fruitful rill, by limpid fountain fed,
Waters, all round about, the fertile space.
The land of Venus truly may be said
That passing joyous and delightful place:
For every maid and wife, who there is bred,
Is through the world beside, unmatched in grace:
And Venus wills, till their last hour be tolled,
That Love should warm their bosoms, young and old.

Ludovico Ariosto (1474-1533)