Overview:

Avakas Gorge is a spectacularly narrow canyon located on the eastern edge of the Akamas Peninsula, in the Paphos district of Cyprus. The gorge is about 3 km long and up to 100 metres deep in some areas. Many colourful rocks line the walls of the canyon, which form a jagged backdrop for the clear, emerald water below. The gorge is home to various rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, and is part of the Akamas National Park, a designated protected area. Numerous activities are available in the area, including hiking, wildswimming, and mountain biking. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. Avakas Gorge is a unique and stunning canyon located in the Limassol District of Cyprus. 2. It was formed thousands of years ago by the effects of water flowing and the splitting of limestone rocks. 3. The gorge is an incredibly steep ravine, reaching staggering depths of up to 170m at points. 4. Its walls are made up of rugged and textured limestone rocks in a range of shades. 5. The base of the gorge is transected by the Avakas River, which is both gorgeous and a haven for wildlife. 6. Its natural beauty and impressive human history make Avakas Gorge a great place to explore and take photographs. 7. The area is well-known for its rich variety of reptile and amphibian species, some of which are rarely seen elsewhere. 8. Visitors to the gorge can enjoy a number of hiking trails, as well as camping and other overnight stays. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Avakas Gorge is one of the most unusual and beautiful geological sites in Cyprus. Located in Akamas National Park, the gorge runs west-east along the Akamas Peninsula and is formed by columns of hard sedimentary rocks. The name of the gorge comes from the ancient Greek word "Avakas" which means "to open up". The canyon of Avakas Gorge was formed some 25-30 million years ago by the erosion of the surrounding limestone. It is believed that the gorge was first engraved by a dramatic event such as an earthquake and then the sea and its current worked on the rocks to make them even more fragile. The legend says that the divine Nymphs of the sea created Avakas Gorge with their trident in order to open a secret pathway to Poseidon's kingdom. Through the millennia, many battles and naval skirmishes had been fought between Phoenicians, Egyptians, Cretans and Greeks for the control of the Mediterranean sea. The gorge's incredible beauty has been known for centuries. Avakas Gorge has been used by fishermen and locals to hide their boats from the enemy. During the Ottoman rule, local people would hide their boats in the lower part of the gorge, inaccessible even to the Turkish navy. Much later, in the 1960s, the gorge was surveyed by Sir J.L. Myres. He then proposed to designate the area of Avakas as a nature reserve due to its unique geological value. Today, Avakas Gorge attracts a lot of tourists who come to experience the beauty of the gorge and the tranquility of Akamas National Park. Those who visit can expect to find narrow limestone cliffs, amazing plant and animal life and breathtaking views. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Avakas Gorge is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Kyrenia mountain range in Cyprus. 2. It is known for its stunning views, unique rock formations, and fascinating history. 3. The gorge is located near the village of Avakas, and was formed by an ancient earthquake that occurred thousands of years ago. 4. Avakas Gorge covers an area of around 6km long and up to 300m deep. 5. It is home to over 70 species of birds, including Bonelli's Eagle, Long-Legged Buzzard, and Eleonora’s Falcon. 6. The gorge offers plenty of outdoor activities, including trekking, biking, bird watching, and swimming. 7. The picturesque landscape surrounding Avakas Gorge has been used as the backdrop to numerous films, commercials, and tv shows. 8. In 2016, Avakas Gorge was officially designated a protected area and is now listed as a Site of Community Importance under the European Union’s Habitats Directive. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.