Cyprus Finest (issue 2, Spring 2018) #8 Cyprus Finest (issue 2, Spring 2018) | Page 6

THE ADVENTURER’S HEAVEN
Timeless
landmarks
of Cyprus:
AVAKAS
GORGE
Avakas Gorge is one of the most spectacular
sites in Cyprus, but is toured by only a handful
of tourists and holiday-makers. If you are a
lover of vivid impressions, walking, hiking
obstacle trails, nature riddles and rare plants,
then Avakas is just the spot you need to visit!
A
VAKAS is a trekker’s paradise.
Here, you will plunge into breath-
taking views of the endless
diversity of local flora and fauna,
including the endangered spices — ​Centau-
rea akamantis, which is endemic, has violet
flowers and is unique to this gorge. You can
recognise it by the nameplate attached to it as
are all rare species in this wildlife sanctuary.
Apparently carved from the limestone in
the area, the gorge rises to about 30 metres
and then becomes too narrow at one point,
making it quite the challenge to get across.
The signposted serpentine trail snakes along
the river which created the natural wonder
6
thousands of years ago. In the rainy season, it
can turn into a rush. Do not be afraid, as there
is a special route in the gorge, traced by the
Forest Department of the Ministry of Agricul-
ture, Rural Development and Environment