Paphos: Avakas Gorge & Turtle Bay Jeep Tour with Donkey Farm

If you’re looking for a day out that combines adventure, nature, and a touch of local flavor, this 7-hour jeep tour from Paphos offers a well-rounded glimpse of Cyprus’s scenic and cultural highlights. Hosted by Safari Dimitris, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guide, stunning vistas, and authentic experiences. It’s perfect for those who want to see a variety of sites without rushing from place to place.

What we particularly like about this trip is its balance of adventure and relaxation. Traveling in an all-terrain vehicle, you’ll explore rugged landscapes that are inaccessible by regular car, and every stop is thoughtfully chosen to showcase Cyprus’s natural beauty and local traditions. Plus, the inclusion of a seaside seafood lunch at Porto Latsi truly seals the experience with a delicious taste of the coast.

That said, one consideration is the bumpy ride—the jeep adventure involves some off-road driving that can be quite lively, so comfort and grip shoes are recommended. Also, this is a full-day tour, so if you prefer more leisure time at each stop or a more relaxed pace, you might feel slightly rushed.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers, families with kids (the energy and humor of the guide keep everyone entertained), and anyone eager to see a good slice of Cyprus’s natural landscapes and local culture without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

• Small group size (limited to 8 participants) means more personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Expert guide with a passion for sharing Cyprus’s stories, plants, and wildlife.
• Diverse itinerary including Avakas Gorge, Turtle Bay, Baths of Aphrodite, donkey farm, and scenic villages.
• Authentic local experiences like buying traditional coffee or sampling seafood at a seaside restaurant.
• Adventure and comfort combine in a lively jeep ride with ample photo opportunities.
• Value for money considering the variety of stops, a knowledgeable guide, and included visits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Convenient Pickup and Transport

The adventure begins with hotel pickups in Paphos, in a small all-terrain vehicle. This personalized approach means you avoid the hassle of navigating yourself and get picked up close to your accommodation. The journey itself is part of the fun, with a lively driver—Dimitris—who’s renowned for his humor, off-road driving skills, and playlist of music that keeps the energy high. Several reviews mention the bouncy ride, which can be quite exciting, especially on uneven terrain, so wearing comfortable, grippy shoes is advisable.

The Scenic Sea Caves and Peyia

After a short drive of about 25 minutes, you arrive at the Sea Caves near Peyia. This spot offers incredible natural formations where the turquoise waters crash against ancient rock. It’s a popular photography stop, so bring your camera. Several visitors highlight the beauty of this location and the fact that it’s a perfect setting for capturing the essence of Cyprus’s rugged coastline.

Exploring Agios Georgios Church and Avakas Gorge

Next, the tour takes you to St. George’s Church, a quaint historical site that offers a glimpse into local religious traditions. From there, the highlight is the Avakas Gorge, a dramatic canyon with limestone cliffs towering above narrow passages. The guided walk here lasts about an hour, and the scenery is breathtaking. The towering cliffs, carved over thousands of years, create a dramatic backdrop for photos and a chance to appreciate the natural erosive power of water and wind.

Several reviews praise the guide’s knowledge about the flora and fauna—spotting rare orchids, foxes, and hares is a common highlight. The narrow, winding trail provides stunning views and a real sense of adventure. Expect some light hiking, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

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Turtle Bay and Lara Bay

Continuing along the coast, the tour stops at Lara Bay, a protected habitat for rare sea turtles. Here, you’ll have about an hour to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the untouched beach. Many reviewers talk about the charm of this beach and its significance as a conservation area. It’s a rare opportunity to see a beach that’s not overrun with travelers and where sea turtles still nest.

The Akamas Peninsula and National Park

The Akamas Peninsula is a highlight for nature lovers. The guided tour here offers panoramic views and the chance to see an area rich with wildlife, plant species, and unspoiled landscape. The scenery is truly inspiring, and many visitors note how the landscape here makes the entire trip worthwhile. It’s less about touristy attractions and more about experiencing real natural beauty.

Lunch at Porto Latsi

Around midday, you’ll stop at Latchi Harbour for a seafood lunch at one of the water-side restaurants. Many guests find this to be a real treat—fresh fish, local specialties, and a relaxed atmosphere. The opportunity to buy lunch directly from the restaurant adds to the sense of being part of the local scene, rather than just a tourist.

Baths of Aphrodite: Myth and Reality

A quick drive takes you to the Baths of Aphrodite, a site shrouded in myth as the bathing place of the goddess of love. The spot offers scenic views and photo opportunities, with a chance to learn about the legend associated with the site. Visitors often find the setting charming and evocative, adding a touch of mythic magic to the day.

Donkey Farm and Traditional Village

Next, a stop at a donkey farm turns out to be a favorite among families and animal lovers. Visitors interact with friendly donkeys, take photos, and learn about local farming traditions. The guide’s storytelling and the donkeys’ gentle nature make this a memorable stop.

Finally, a visit to a traditional Cypriot village where you can enjoy a locally brewed coffee in a copper brikia pot offers a taste of everyday life on the island. Many reviews highlight the friendliness of the local hosts and the authenticity of this experience.

Wrapping Up the Day

The tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Paphos, often with some final remarks from your guide. Throughout the day, the small group size ensures a relaxed, personable experience, and many reviewers comment on the guide’s enthusiasm, humor, and depth of knowledge.

Analyzing the Value

At roughly 7 hours, the tour covers a lot of ground—from rugged gorges and wild beaches to mythic sites and local farms. The price includes guide services, jeep transportation, and the donkey farm visit, which many see as good value, especially considering the diversity of experiences packed into one day. Meals and drinks are extra, but the lunch at Porto Latsi is well regarded for its quality and affordability.

What truly elevates this experience is the personal touch of the guide—many reviews praise Dimitris for his energy, humor, and genuine passion for Cyprus. His storytelling makes the sites come alive, turning what could be a simple sightseeing tour into a lively adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you enjoy adventure, beautiful scenery, and authentic local moments, this tour is a strong pick. It’s particularly suitable for active travelers, families, or groups who appreciate a lively guide and are comfortable with some off-road driving. If you prefer a slow-paced, more leisurely visit at each stop, you might find the schedule a bit tight. But for those craving a full day of exploration and fun, it’s hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention children enjoying the experience, especially because the guide keeps the mood lively and engaging. The donkey farm and scenic stops are family-friendly.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are advised due to walking and light hiking, especially in Avakas Gorge. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and beachwear are recommended, as there’s plenty of time outdoors.

How long is each stop?
Most stops range from 15 to 25 minutes, with longer periods at Lara Bay and the lunch stop. The detailed itinerary ensures a well-paced day, but some may want to carry snacks and water.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there’s an opportunity to buy lunch at Porto Latsi, which many find worth the extra expense for fresh seafood and a scenic environment.

What’s the most exciting part of the tour?
Many say the Avakas Gorge walk and the scenic views of the Akamas Peninsula are the highlights, offering dramatic natural scenery and a real sense of adventure.

Are there any physical demands?
Some walking and light hiking are involved, particularly at Avakas Gorge. The off-road jeep ride can be bumpy, so those with mobility concerns should consider this.

Final Thoughts

This Paphos jeep tour offers a well-rounded day that balances adventure, natural beauty, and local culture. It’s designed for travelers who want more than just passive sightseeing—you’ll get a taste of Cyprus’s wild landscapes, mythic sites, and friendly farms, all with a lively, engaging guide leading the way. The numerous glowing reviews attest to its value, especially for those who enjoy a mix of fun and education.

If you’re seeking a memorable, action-packed day with plenty of opportunities for photos, interaction, and authentic experiences, this tour is a great choice. Just be ready for some bumpy rides and a full schedule that ensures you see the best of Cyprus’s natural and cultural highlights in one go.

You can check availability for your dates here: