Polis Trail Guide: Aphrodite Loop and Town Walk
Walkers use Polis as a base. The trails start at the Baths of Aphrodite, about 11 km west of the town, and there is a short walk in town. Polis Chrysochous is in Paphos District, north-west Cyprus. Prices are in euros.
Trail summary
| Walk | Length | Time | Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aphrodite Nature Trail | 7.5 km circular | 3 to 4 hours | Baths of Aphrodite |
| Adonis loop | 7.5 km | 3 to 4 hours | About 400 m before the Baths |
Aphrodite Nature Trail
The loop begins and ends at the Baths. Its highest point is about 330 to 370 m. Along the way are the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas, an old oak and views to Cape Arnaoutis and Polis. Two fountains on the route do not give drinking water, so carry enough.
Adonis loop
The highest point is 319 m on the official page. Part of the route is shared with the Aphrodite trail.
Polis town walk
Start at the Marion-Arsinoe museum on Leoforos Makariou III. Entry is free, from Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:00 and on Saturday 09:00 to 15:00, and it is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Then cross the main square and look at the outside of Agios Andronikos church. A March 2023 notice closed the church to the public, so check access.
Water and heat
- Fill bottles in town, not on the trail.
- Start early in the warm months, before the midday heat.
- Wear shoes with grip and bring a hat and sun cream.
- Check the weather before you set out, and carry a phone.
Combining walks
Because the Adonis loop starts about 400 m before the Baths and shares part of its route with the Aphrodite trail, the two can be combined into a long day. They are two 7.5 km loops of 3 to 4 hours each, so plan on most of a day and take food as well as water.
After the walk
The Baths of Aphrodite are free to enter, and visitors are asked to stay out of the grotto pool, so cool off at the sea instead. Polis Municipal Beach has deep golden sand and a 2026 Blue Flag, and the Camping Site (Dasoudi) beach has sand and pebbles. Lifeguards work both from April to October. Latchi harbour, a short drive back toward Polis, has fish tavernas.
Roads beyond the Baths
Tarmac ends near the Baths. The track toward Fontana Amorosa is unpaved, with potholes, loose stone and steep drops, and quad-bike accidents are frequent. A normal rental car is not suited to it, and most rental contracts exclude unpaved roads, so walkers should go on foot or by bike, or join a guided tour.
Getting to the start
Bus route 622 serves Polis, Prodromi, Latchi and the Baths of Aphrodite. See pafosbuses.com or call +357 8000 5588 for times. By road, tarmac ends near the Baths.
Closed
Avakas Gorge has been closed to visitors since 6 December 2025. It is on the Pegeia and Kathikas side, not near Polis.
Read the VisitCyprus trail page for the route description, see the Cyprus Mail Avakas report and browse guided walks around Polis .
Read more: see the Polis sights guide and the Polis activities guide .