Cyprus and Cycling – Perfection!

Posted on 18. Oct, 2012 by Dan Collins in Cyprus

This is a Guest Post by Monarch

The beautiful island of Cyprus, with its truly remarkable scenery, continues to attract visitors from around the world. This year there was an impressive 5% increase in the number of people visiting the island compared to last year, and, as flights to Cyprus are more affordable than ever, this destination is the perfect spot for a Mediterranean break. Many people tend to equate Cyprus with the beach and sun, and while those are readily available, the island has much more to offer, particularly for outdoor adventurers and cycling enthusiasts.

What better way to explore the amazingly diverse landscape than to embark on a cycling adventure throughout the lush countryside?  There’s something for everyone on this magical island, from challenging mule paths and single track routes to forest trails lined with sweet smelling pine trees. Even those who don’t cycle regularly are well catered for with some beautiful, long, flat coastal roads to cruise along.

I know what you’re thinking – you don’t go on holiday to work out!? Not to worry, Cyprus offers plenty of relaxation opportunities too. With the heat peaking at midday, particularly during the summer months, you’ll probably want to reserve that time of day for a relaxing kick back by the cool waters of the pool with a cold drink in hand. That’s fine – you deserve it!

During the cooler mornings and evenings however, or outside of the peak summer months, Cyprus is a wicked place to be explored by pedal-power.

The west side of the island is home to the best routes and most varied cycle tracks. You can explore the lost villages of Lysos where a muscle burning ascend is rewarded with a picturesque descent through Melandra, Zacharia, Istinjo and Sarama which have been abandoned since the mid 1970’s. This route offers some forest trails, some concrete road and some challenging gravel paths through the ‘gorgeous gorge’. This course is just under 30km in length. Be warned though, the last 4k are uphill, so you’ll need to be relatively fit.

If the idea of negotiating gravel and uphill climbs at the end of a day’s cycling sounds too strenuous, you could take on the somewhat easier Drouseia to Latchi harbour route. This is a 20km ride that is almost completely downhill –you will need the assistance of a car to drop you off and pick you up though. There’s a local service run by Wheelie Cyprus who will be happy to help if you don’t have your own transport.

Whatever your level of cycling expertise, Cyprus has outstanding variety, scenery and unspoilt landscape that can be enjoyed at your own pace.

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