After breakfast, we will be driven to the border, where we will meet our Turkish driver who will be looking after us on the northern side of Cyprus for the day.

Once arriving at the start point for todays hike we embark on this stunning 6 mile hike in the Kyrenia mountains culminating with a short steep climb up to the ancient watch tower of Buffavento, where you will be treated to the most spectacular views of the coastline and inland Cyprus.  It is here where in ancient times any foreign invasion over land or sea could be easily spotted and communicated via beacons to surrounding castles guarding the mountain passage from Kythrea to the north coast in particular.

Once we’ve completed our first day’s hike we will visit the beautiful remains of Bellapais Abbey, one of Cyprus’s most famous sights, before stopping for lunch.  Here we will be treated to a fantastic meze of Turkish food before stopping off to take in the famous ‘Five Fingers’, a uniquely shaped arete.

After a great first day on the Turkish side, we will make our way back to our hotel to enjoy a few drinks at the pool bar before getting ready and wandering out into the nightlife of Ayia Napa and for those wishing to eat again we’ll be visiting one of Ayia Napa’s best restuarants.

Another advantage of visiting Cyprus in the Spring or Autumn is that it’s not as busy so quality and service is at it’s best!

After such a fantastic first day, we now visit Cyprus’s highest mountain range, Troodos.  It’s highest peak being that of Mt Olymypus standing higher than Ben Nevis at 1952m.

We will take on a 7 mile hike in the Platres region of troodos, which takes us past some beautiful water features including the Waterfall of Kefalonia.  Such a beautiful gradual climb before reaching the trail head and returning over some of the most stunning mountain scenery which will leave you understanding just how beautiful this island really is!

Once finished we’ll head down to a fantastic family run authentic Cypriot restaurant situated in the heart of Platres, to indulge ourselves in another meze of many different traditional dishes and dips.

Hopefully feeling full and content, we’ll leave the area and make our way to Paphos on what is an extremely scenic route.

Arriving at solely our own accommodation for the next three nights we can enjoy a dip in the pool and a few cocktails before getting ready to go up into the village of Peigia to another fantastic traditional restaurant for food and/or drinks.

After breakfast we make the short trip to the start of the Avakas gorge hike.  This is again another unique hike showcasing the diverse beauty of the island.  This gorge is in places other worldly and a very popular walk on the island but we’ll be extending it into a 7 mile circular seeing us taking in amazing views of coast as we make our way back down from the trail head!

Arriving back, we will have lunch at the most fantastic barbecue restaurant situated up high on a cliff edge with spectacular views of the coast and mountains.

After this unforgettable lunch experience, we’ll make our way back to spend some time in the sun before getting ready to go out.  Those who prefer to, we will make the short journey to the famous shipwreck to watch the sunset…

Today sees us rest our feet as we drive to the coastal fishing village of Latchi to experience a relaxing boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, where we’ll have an hour to jump off the boat and swim around.  Life vests are available for those who want to swim but might not be the strongest of swimmers.

We then head back to port, where we can sit and have a coffee before heading back.

This afternoon sees us visiting one of my relative’s house to enjoy a poolside barbecue lunch surrounded by her beautiful exotic gardens.  This will be a highlight of the holiday.  Speaking from experience, i’ve had the pleasure of many enjoyable parties here and they are the highlight of my holiday.

After breakfast, we make the couple of hours journey to Machairas, where we will hike a circular route around one of the most famous monasteries in Cyprus.

Post hike we’ll spend some time walking around the monastery and visiting it’s beautiful church before heading to my village in the mountains… Lefkara.

Lefkara is regarded as one of the most beautiful and authentic villages in Cyprus and is famous as once being the only place in Cyprus where they specialised in the crafting of silver and lace.  There are many shops in the village that you can visit to see and even buy embroidered lace or jewellery.

We will mix with the locals tonight and enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful village.

Our Greek Cypriot Odyssey sees us returning to Ayia Napa for our last night!

We arrive back mid morning to have some breakfast before making the short drive to Cape Greco.  Starting at one of Cyprus’s very best beaches we embark on this stunning coastal hike taking in the views from the top of Cape Greko, various sea caves, including, weather permitting, the opportunity to jump from the top of the cliffs into the sea and the natural bridge feature at Napa’s own Blue Lagoon.

Returning back to the start, we’ll enjoy lunch overlooking the beach before having time to either have a few hours at the beach and/or make the short walk to the Cyclops cave.

Another action packed day as we head back to the hotel for our last cocktails around the pool before getting ready to go out for our last supper!

I’m sure there’ll be a lot of reminiscing tonight and even some talk of returning the following year for a similar adventure, such is our confidence that this will be a hiking holiday you’ll want to experience again on the beautiful island of Cyprus; full of history, culture, excellent food, influenced by it’s many neighbours and a spirit of living life to the full…. what’s not to love about Cyprus?

After breakfast, we will be taken to the airport, hopefully reluctant to return back to the hustle and bustle of life at home!

“Then one day, when you least expect it, the great adventure finds you.” – Ewan McGregor