The island has excellent conditions for cycling, especially between October and April, where temperatures range between 15 and 25 ° C and average rainfall is low compared to other European countries.
There are about 40 of the most important cycling routes in Cyprus. They differ in terms of difficulty as well as surface, length and height. While traveling, you can learn about the culture, flora and fauna of the island at the same time.
Nicosia
Routes whose starting point is in Nicosia or its vicinity lead mainly through the surrounding villages known for their local products (wine, halloumi cheese, smoked meat), historic monasteries and churches, olive groves and forests. surface and height. As a rule, these are more difficult routes, requiring appropriate equipment, although in the vicinity of Nicosia there are also easier routes, such as the 16-kilometer route leading through the Athalassa National Park.
Limassol
Bicycle routes, the starting point (sometimes destination) of which is Limassol, are usually short stretches of several kilometers along the coast, but with varying degrees of difficulty. Traveling through them, we will encounter monuments (the ruins of Amathus, the church of Agia Varvara, Kourion or the Sanctuary of Apollo), eucalyptus groves, beaches (including the famous Governor's Beach) as well as tourist areas full of shops, taverns, pubs, hotels and restaurants. Some of them cut not too deep into the land and lead through the surrounding villages in the Commandaria region - known for the production of the famous sweet drink - Commandaria wine. These routes are already several dozen kilometers long and are more challenging than the above-mentioned short stretches along the coast.
Larnaca and Agia Napa region
The surroundings of Larnaca are usually relatively short and easy to cover sections, often leading along the coast and forest areas (e.g. Rizoelia forest) and located right next to places such as the Church of St. Lazarus, Hala Sultan Tekesi mosque, Stavrovouni monastery, S alt Lake, where in winter you can see many species of birds with pink flamingos at the forefront, the Neolithic Choirokoitia settlement and the surrounding charming villages. These routes have a rather constant height and the surface does not change rapidly.
The area around Agia Napa is primarily beautiful landscapes(around Cape Greko), villages such as Liopetri or Frenaros called "Kokkinochoria" or "red earth", where the soil is fertile and produces first-class strawberries or potatoes. There are also places related to the history and culture of Cyprus (the medieval Xylofagou tower located near the village of the same name). These routes are usually quite long (60-80 km in length), but not too difficult.
Paphos and Polis
The routes marked out in this region are not long (15-30 km), but they are difficult and you will need a mountain bike to cover them. Those laid out in the vicinity of Paphos have a different surface (asph alt roads alternating with unpaved roads) and a rather constant height. Wandering the bicycle routes in the vicinity of Paphos, you pass banana and orange groves, churches, monasteries, the vicinity of golf courses such as Tsada Golf Club or forests (eg Timi Forest). If Paphos is the destination of the selected route, then depending on the starting point on the route, they will wait:
- from the side of the Troodos Mountains: historic monasteries, 10 of which are on the UNESCO list, villages hidden in the mountains, wooded areas;
- from Limassol side: Aphrodite's Rock, Episkopi Military Base, Geroskipou Beach;
- the section from Paphos to Polis runs along the west coast of Cyprus and passes Coral Bay, Agios Georgios Church and Avakas Gorge.
North of Paphos, in the vicinity of Polis and the Akamas Peninsula, there are also several cycling routes, which, although not the easiest ones, lead through some of the most charming corners of Cyprus. They are characterized by an exceptionally diverse surface and short distances (approx. 20-30 km). Baths of Aphrodite, Lara beach known as the "turtle beach", the lighthouse on Cape Arnaoutis are places that cyclists will pass by, all surrounded by the lush nature of the Akamas peninsula.
There are stopping points on the routes, especially the longer ones. where you can replenish your water supply and rest.
The most convenient way to get the brochure "Cyprus - Cycling Routes", where you can find detailed maps of each cycling route. The maps show stopping places or possible accommodation options (both in a hotel and in an agritourist village).
In Cyprus, there are four Cycling Centers associated with the Cyprus Cycling Federation (based in the capital of Nicosia) are located in:
- Tochni (Troodos Mountains) - Cyprus Villages Bike Center;
- Larnaca and Limassol - Thomas Wegmueller Sitw Ltd;
- Paphos - Aliathon Holiday Bike Center;
- Pissouri -Biketrek Cyprus;
Centers cooperate with many hotelsCypriots and Tour Operators and invite their clients to use organized tours, as well as to rent bikes individually. Individual tourists can also use their services.
Remember!
- There is left-hand traffic in Cyprus
- When driving together with other people, drive "goose" so as not to endanger other vehicles
- Avoid main and congested city roads, take alternative routes that are less crowded
- Always wear a safety helmet on your head
- Always have a set of tools at hand, necessary for any repairs or maintenance of your bike
- Prepare for sudden changes in weather and carry a raincoat
- Cycling is actually allowed everywhere except freeways.