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Cape Cavo Greco

A walk through the national park located at Cape Greco is one of the most impressive adventures when visiting Cyprus. Unique landscapes, a large number of natural and man-made attractions, ample opportunities for recreation on the water and comfortably equipped areas for picnics attracts many tourists from all over the world. The title of national park was awarded in 1993, and in the XXI century it was included in the environmental program Natura 2000 of the EU.

The main characteristics of Cape Greco in Cyprus

Cape Greco in Cyprus
The cape is located in the southeastern part of Cyprus.

The cape is located in the southeast of the island and territorially belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, dominated by the Greek population. Most of it is occupied by the 385-hectare Cavo Greco State Forest Park. The Lagous Peninsula, which is the eastern tip, is a closed area leased to Great Britain.

There is a British military base, Dekelia, with a powerful radar station controlling the air and sea space of the Mediterranean.

Location and coordinates

Cape Greco is conveniently located between the 2 most popular resorts on the east coast. They are part of the historical district of Famagusta (although the capital itself is under the control of the Turkish government), and the area between them because of the reddish hue of the soil is called Kokkinohoria. They are visited by more than 50% of the tourists coming to the country in a year, which provides the park with a continuous flow of visitors.

This:

  1. The village of Ayia Napa, which from a small fishing village has become a center of youth entertainment with a large number of nightclubs, restaurants, discos and hotels (175 buildings for rent as apartments). No other place in Europe has such a large number (17) beaches, marked by the International Association of Tourism Blue Flags.
  2. The city of Protaras, specializing in a quiet family vacation. Couples with children come here from abroad and from Cyprus itself. Here are the most beautiful beaches with golden sand, water parks, shopping centers and gourmet restaurants.

At sea, the cape is a natural boundary between the bays of Famagusta and Ayia Napa. It is also considered the southeasternmost point of the European Union.

History and legends associated with Cavo Greco

Cavo Greco has since ancient times been considered the abode of Scylla, a nightmarish mythological creature that attacked passing ships and could lick up to 12 people off the deck at once. In Homer’s “Odyssey” it is described as a many-headed Aya-Napa monster, and Herodotus relays the local legend of a half-woman half-dog rampaging in coastal waters.

The current Cypriots claim that the aggressiveness of the beast has diminished over time. Now the fishermen complain only about tangled or torn nets and rare, not too clear visions of an ugly silhouette near the surface, but they talk about these phenomena with such fervor that they create a stir and constantly fuel the interest of visiting divers to meet the “filico teras” (a friendly monster).

In Greek mythology, Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. And although, according to eyewitnesses, it happened on the opposite shore of the island, the temple of Aphrodite was erected for some reason on Cape Greco. This is also where the annual mystery feasts in her honor were held.

Already in the 21st century. archaeologists found in these places Neolithic site – the traces of prehistoric man, which immediately pushed back the date of the original development of Cyprus.

Park at Cavo Greco
Cavo Greco Forest Park.

Why and when to visit

The best time to visit this corner of Cyprus is from late February to May, when rare orchids and other endemic plants are in bloom: irises, crocuses, sand lilies and the dwarf rose called “Sapphire Blue”.

This is the most romantic time when the influx of tourists is just beginning and there are not too many people yet.

Ways to get to Cape Cavo Greco

The journey to the national park is most convenient to start at Larnaca International Airport, from where you can take the bus number 711 to Protaras or Ayia Napa in 1.5 hours and €1.5 comfortably.

From the resorts you can:

  • walk, if age and physical fitness allow;
  • go by car (the most reasonable prices for a cab on the sites Myrentakar and EuroEurope – about €20);
  • ride a rented bicycle (the distance to the entrance of the reserve is only 8 km, and the cost of a day’s rental does not exceed €8);
  • Take the bus that runs between the cities (given that from Ayia Napa it leaves under number 101, and from Protaras returns under number 102).

Main attractions of Cape Greco

The Greek Cape is a well-kept and carefully planned recreation area and open-air museum. It provides convenient approaches to all natural attractions, equipped with viewing platforms and places for entertainment. Swimming in the most picturesque places and free sightseeing of cultural monuments are allowed.

Map of the Cape
A map of the sights of the Cape.

Cavo Greco National Park

It is one of the top 10 most visited attractions on the island, but did not have conservation status until 1993.

As a result of human carelessness and natural-climatic features (weathering of the soil), all forest plantations on the promontory were lost and today only late stands of dwarf olive and pine trees remain. But there are many rare shrubs and flowers, among which the collection of 36 species of wild orchids stands out.

A section of the popular “Aphrodite’s Way,” an E4 hiking route that includes travel through several countries, passes through the park.

In the reserve there are numerous excursions, there are all conditions for both relaxing and active recreation.

Blue Lagoon

Cavo Blue Lagoon is a place where nature is preserved in its pristine purity. Surrounded by wild cliffs and rock formations, the sea has an unusual turquoise hue and transparency. Here you can swim, which is actively used by fans of scuba diving, which is a passion to explore the local underwater caves. For people who do not have equipment, no less picturesque half-submerged grottoes are available. It is only accessible on foot from the Bridge of Sinners.

The Trail and the Temple of Aphrodite

At the entrance to the park is the Ecological Research Center, opposite which are the ruins of the ancient temple of Cyprida Aphrodite and the beginning of the walking trail of the same name. Nothing is left of the former sanctuary except ruins that have grown into the ground, and so the organizers were forced to erect a bronze memorial marker on the site. The road itself runs along the flat area above the sea, past the Blue Lagoon, and is quite accessible to people of even the most advanced age.

Bridge of lovers

It is a natural arch created by the winds and waves over the surface of the sea. Love Bridge itself is only 3 km from Ayia Napa and is a favorite pastime place for young people in the evening. Crowds of boys and girls gather here to admire the unimaginable beauty of the sunset and to perform an ancient ritual. It is believed that if you kiss your loved one on this bridge and simultaneously make a wish, it will surely come true.

Bridge of lovers
The Bridge of Lovers is a popular place for photos.

Natural Bridge Arch of Coracas

This unusual natural formation is also called the Raven’s Arch or Kamara tou Koraka.

The graceful arc of stone that spans from one rock to the next is inaccessible to the public for 2 reasons:

  • it is too dangerous for tourists (in the central part of the bridge is only 25 cm wide);
  • The destruction, weathering, and cracking of the rock continues, indicating the possible imminent loss of this landmark.

Agioi Anargyroi Chapel

Orthodox chapel of Ayia Anargyri (“Holy Hands”) in honor of healers Kosma and Damian was built in the 80-ies of XX century. It is made in an expressly simple style, but in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature – the coast and sea. A staircase of 40 steps carved into the rock here one can descend into the very cave where the saints found a spring of hydrogen sulfide water with which they cured human and animal diseases in the 3rd century.

Kavos Lookout

It is located on top of a cliff, to which a hiking trail leads. The ascent is gentle enough that even a child can cope with it. The only thing to tire of is that it is 2 km from the base (the ice cream truck is located there). From the height you can see the sea. It is believed that on a clear day you can see the distant Israeli shore and the mountains above Haifa.

There is also a memorial Monument of Peace.

Sea Cave Complex

Sea Gaves (Sea, or Royal, caves) – another natural phenomenon created by water and wind in the rocks of the coastal promontory. It is one of the iconic places where newlyweds love to come during their wedding ceremony. There are always a lot of tourists (at any time of day) taking pictures of an almost alien landscape. The names “Eye of a Needle”, “Shark’s Mouth”, “Royal Treasure Trove” excite the imagination and remind us of the legend that medieval pirates hid their looted treasures here.

The Wish Tree

Another place with which the ancient folk belief is connected is a sprawling juniper tree that literally miraculously grew in a corner of the promontory that was blown away from all sides. Newlyweds also come here to be photographed. It is believed that a kiss under its branches will maintain peace and harmony in the family for many years, and the wish is sure to come true. Visitors leave colorful ribbons in the branches as a memento of their visit (and as a sign of making a pact with Destiny).

Monument of Peace

The Monument of Peace, or the Bird Monument (not to be confused with the more publicized structure of the same name in Limassol) is located on the hill where the Kavos Lookout is located. It is a small and not at all pathos stele, symbolizing the sunrise, in the rays of which soaring pigeons bathe. The inscription on the plinth reads: “From Cyprus to the world, from the world to Eternity. The monument was erected in 2000. It is not fenced, and you can freely take pictures near it.

Cyclops Cave

Not far from Ayia Napa, near the popular beach of Konnos Bay, is the Cave of Cyclops, where Odysseus and his companions, captured by a one-eyed giant, were allegedly held prisoner. There is a neat and tidy path to a small cozy grotto with a beautiful view of the sea. But you shouldn’t expect any special impressions here. It’s just a nice romantic place, enshrouded in the glory of an ancient Homeric legend.

Cyclops Cave at Cape Greco
Cyclops Cave.

Connaught Bay Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, surrounded on 3 sides by beautiful rocks and coniferous groves, the beach of Konnos Bay is located 3 km from Protaras on the road to Ayia Napa. There is a bus stop (Nos. 101/102) and a parking lot at the hotel with the same name. In high season, you have to arrive here before 09:30 in the morning to have time to take a seat, although there are fewer people here than at the prestigious recreation areas in the city limits. Its length is 200 m and width varies from 20 to 50 m. From the freeway there are comfortable descents with wooden steps.

Medveditsa Rock

On the shore near the British military base, amidst a pile of boulders and rocks, is another unusual work of natural forces. It is a huge boulder (despite its name, it looks little like a rock), which, from a well-placed angle, resembles a raised paw of a brown bear leaning toward the sea. It is not open to everyone, but to take a good picture, tourists are constantly coming here.

What other attractions are worth visiting

On and around the cape there are many equally impressive and glorious places that can interest the traveler:

  • Church of Elijah the Prophet (near the Tree of Wishes);
  • the cave temple of the 40 martyrs of Sebastia;
  • little Calvary;
  • Cavo Greco Visitor Center Museum.

Near the Cape Sea Museum, Sculpture Square in Ayia Napa, the elegant tombs of Makronisos, Water World.

Attractions on the map

It is best to use a guidebook or a booklet (available at the visitor’s center or in the lobby of any spa hotel) to orient yourself in the park.

What to do at Cape Greco

The range of entertainment offered by the administration, quite wide and is not reduced to monotonous walks on a set route. Visitors are free to choose what they want to do: take a hike through the monuments or swim, have a photo shoot at the sightseeing area or have a picnic in nature, for which there are special places everywhere.

Hike the hiking trail

Hiking the hiking trails of Kavos, Aphrodite and Adonis is the most popular attraction for tourists. Each of them is laid out in such a way that guests of the island get the maximum pleasure from the views and scenery. This is the best way to create a vivid collection of exotic photos as a keepsake or for Instagram. Some sections are in places that can be called dangerous (the so-called “goat trails”), which pleasantly tickles the nerves, creates difficulties and at the same time does not threaten the traveler.

Take a tour

Cyprus has a well-developed system of individual excursions (up to 4 people). A walk or a trip with a Russian-speaking guide (such as the mega-popular “Treasures of Cavo Greco” or fascinating “Sights of the Cape, Protaras and Ayia Napa: the most interesting”) will cost you from €105 to €120. At the same time, their format is quite free, and if tourists want to swim during a visit to the Blue Lagoon, no one will prevent them.

Go scuba diving or snorkeling

Surprisingly clear water and many underwater surprises in the form of caves (the longest – 900 m), caves or ancient amphorae left after shipwrecks, contribute to the development of diving (scuba diving) and snorkeling (swimming with flippers and snorkel) in Kavo Park. You can rent any equipment (from €20). And since the depth near the cape is less than 12 meters, the area is considered safe, even for beginners.

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