Cyprus - Cycling

You don't have to be super fit to explore Cyprus by mountain bike. Around the resorts there is plenty of fairly flat farmland, and it doesn't take long to find yourself among rolling fields and woodland. With its network of rugged tracks - suitable only for mountain bikes or 4WD vehicles - the Akamas Peninsula is ideal territory.Cyprus hosts two annual mountain bike races, the Afxentia International each spring and the Ayia Napa International each November.

Mountain Walking  - Walking through the cool forests and rugged valleys of the Troodos brings you closer to Cyprus's natural beauty and wildlife than any other way of exploring the island. Spring and autumn are the best times to head for the hills.

Popular Cylce Trails include:

Agia Napa Promenade  9.5 km (6 miles) there and back from central Agia Napa to Agia Thekla, on the flat all the way.

Around Pafos -  Starting by the harbour, take in Pafos's main sights in a 5-km (3-mile) ride.

Psilodendro Forest -  A ride through pine woods from the Troodos Resort to Kaledonia Falls -13 km (8 miles), all downhill.

Troodos Forest  - Starting at Psilo Dendro, a shady 10-km (6-mile) run to Kato Amiantos.

Troodos to Kryos Potamos  - A short but fairly energetic 8 km (5 miles) on wooded slopes.

Pyrgos to Governor`s Beach  - A 13-km (8-mile) downhill run from the Troodos foothills ends at one of the island's better beaches.

 Lythrodontas-Lefkara  - A challenging 14.5-km 19-mile) ride to the pretty lacemakers' village.

Akrotiri and the Salt Lake  - Look out for flamingoes and pelicans as you make this 30-km 119-mile) circuit (on the flat) of the lagoon.

 Yialias Loop - Mountain breezes take some of the heat out of this 32-km (20-mile) tour, starting and finishing at Lythrodontas.

The Akamas Peninsula ! - The 20-km (125-mile} journey from Agios Georgios to Lakki is rewarding for tougher riders.