A break from the water today, which on Cyprus is not a bad thing. There is so much else to do on this beautiful island.
Have a ride on a Quad or Buggy for instance and enjoy the beautiful landscape or discover the ancient history on this island.
Today we decided to have a Buggy and ride thru Akamas in the Lara Beach direction. Lara Beach is known for it's Turtles. They nest here every year.
We got the Buggy from Petrides Rentals, between Polis and Latchi. Spend time with them before and that was always a pleasure. They offer great and reliable rides.
First heading was Androlikou. A small town completely abandoned when the Turks invaded the Island in 1974. Since about 6 years now people start to rebuild this little town and life here again. The road to Androlikou is thru a nice landscape with lots of goats and some pigs running around.
Streets in Androlikou are sometimes very narrow. It is still a bit weird to see so many abandoned houses. The village is halfway there, about 50% is rebuild and people moved in again, the rest of the 'ruins' .... we shall see, maybe someday it is all good again and full of life.
After Androlikou went moved on to Ineia, a little village with a great view over Akamas and the Westcoast. From here you can see Lara Beach along the Hammerhead shaped coastline. This place is simple but always a Frappé stop for us. Just a little break before we move on. Cheapest Frappé on the island and very friendly people.
From Ineia it is a long way down to the coast, dirt-roads only and sometimes very steep and full of rocks, glad we have a buggy :)
Views on this track are sometimes phenomenal. From so many angles you can look down to the coastline, always be careful what path you take tho, some just end in the middle of nowhere and you have to return. Been there, done that in the past years so trust us.
Finally down at the coast after 40 minutes of bumps and dust you find some donkeys. This means you are close to Lara Café and can have a Frappé stop with some homemade cake. Lara Café has a good view over the beach, not Lara Beach tho! Lara Beach is on the other side of the Hammerhead shape on this coast. On the left is Lara Café, on the right is Lara Beach. Lot's of people mix them up, so did we in the past years.
Leaving Lara Café and head for Lara Beach, only 15 minutes from here if you take the correct path. If not it might take you over an hour, just make sure you have to see the ocean on the left. Before we leave Lara Café there are more donkeys.
Finally at Lara Beach. It is nicely enclosed and hard to reach. This is good because Lara Beach is a unique birth ground for the endangered Loggerhead and the Green Turtle. Mid May to the end of August
Joke at the wheel and heading up the mountains again in the direction of Neo Chorio. This bit is just a lot of fun, great sceneries and speed :)
The ride through Neo Chorio is great. Its a small village with loads of character and narrow streets. If you ever want to visit Cyprus you might wanna stay here. Close to Akamas, close to the coast, nice restaurants and awesome atmosphere.
Let's not forget to mention all the nice people on this island. Cyprus is known for heartwarming and friendly people who have set a standard for hospitality. Great day, great ride. Rent a Buggy is good because it combines great fun with breathtaking nature and a good dose of culture. Best way to go around the island and experience Cyprus' diversity.
