Latchi Hiking Guide: Trails, Heat, Gear

Latchi works as a base for walkers who want half-day routes. Trails start either at the Baths of Aphrodite or at the Smigies picnic site, and one coastal route runs to Polis. This guide covers each by length and difficulty, then gear and safety.

Easy: Latchi to Polis

The seafront route to Polis is flat and about 4 km one way by road distance. It suits a slow morning, and you can return by bus 622 or by taxi. Polis has cafes and a free museum, open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:00 and Saturday 09:00 to 15:00.

Easy to moderate: Smigies

Smigies, a Forestry Department picnic site about 2.5 km from Neo Chorio, is the start of two walks in the Akamas Forest. The short circular nature trail is 2.5 km and takes about an hour. The long trail is 6 km and takes about two hours. Both trails run between 273 m and 388 m above sea level. VisitCyprus publishes the route.

Moderate: Aphrodite Nature Trail

The loop starts at the Baths of Aphrodite and runs 7.5 km, which takes 3 to 4 hours. It passes the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas. Carry your own water because the fountains on the route are not drinkable. The Baths themselves are free to enter, and visitors are asked not to swim or wade in the pool.

Moderate: Adonis loop

The Adonis loop is another 7.5 km circuit and begins about 400 m before the Baths of Aphrodite. Walkers with a full morning can look at the garden first and then choose either trail.

Demanding: the track to the Blue Lagoon

Past the Baths the tarmac ends. The track on to Fontana Amorosa and the Blue Lagoon has exposed drops and takes about 6 km each way, so 1.5 to 2 hours in each direction. It is an out-and-back walk, so plan water and daylight for a double leg. A boat from Latchi harbour reaches the same lagoon in 30 to 45 minutes.

Not open

Avakas Gorge has been closed to visitors since 6 December 2025 and lies on the Pegeia and Kathikas side. Check with the Forestry Department before heading that way.

Gear and heat

  • Closed shoes with grip, a hat and sunscreen.
  • Water for the whole walk, more in summer. Midday heat from June to August is severe, so start at first light.
  • A phone with a charged battery. Tell someone your route.
  • No feeding or chasing wildlife, and keep to paths. The Akamas is part of the Natura 2000 network.
  • Winter is pleasant for walking in the Akamas.

Getting to the trailheads

Bus 622 reaches the Baths of Aphrodite from Polis bus station via Prodromi and Latchi. From Polis it leaves at 06:00, then hourly from 08:00 to 12:00 and hourly from 14:00 to 18:00. Back from the Baths it leaves at 06:30, then hourly from 08:30 to 12:30 and hourly from 14:30 to 18:30. For fares check pafosbuses.com or call +357 8000 5588.

Find guides on Latchi hiking tours , and see the VisitCyprus Smigies page and the route 622 page .

Read more: Latchi sightseeing and Latchi day trips .