The main road north from Paphos takes you to Chrysochou Bay, which runs from the tip of the Akamas Peninsular in the west to Pomos Point in the east. The main villages of significance are Polis and the fishing harbour of Latchi. The more adventurous can find many fine undiscovered beaches, further to the east but most tourists head for the beach resorts on the coast near Latchi and Polis. Romantics, however, usually head further west till the road reaches a parking lot by the Baths of Aphrodite, in the heart of the Akamas National Park.
The Akamas National Park lies on the west coast of Cyprus, a truly pictorial part of the island. It has an area coverage of 230 square kilometres containing valleys, gorges and wide sandy bays.
The wildlife diversity is crucial for the ecology in the Mediterranean. In this spectacular environment there are 168 varieties of birds, 20 different reptiles, 16 species of butterfly and 12 different mammals not to mention its very rich variety of fauna. The important significance of the Akamas Peninsula has been duly noted.
The European Council has included it in its Mediterranean Protection Programme. The Cyprus Government has yet to fully declare it as a National Park for tourist.
The famous landmark of Akamas and the most recognizable landscape is the Blue Lagoon, in the transparent waters of which snorkelling is popular and swimming.
The Akamas National Park is a deserted unspoilt region of hills and rocky shores in the far northwest corner of Cyprus. This wild uninhabited region has spectacular landscapes and has become a habitat for several species of flora and fauna unique to the Mediterranean. The area is a haven for birds and other wildlife such as shrews, hedgehogs and foxes. Several species of snake and lizards are indigenous. Monk seals are also known to dwell in the sea caves around the coast. Many areas are now officially protected and only a few dirt tracks penetrate the peninsula. Safari style jeep tours of the area can be booked in the local towns and several nature trails have been established for walkers.