Cape Greco National Forest Park — 8 Best Hiking Trails on One Map
Cape Greco National Forest Park is 385 hectares of limestone peninsula on the eastern end of Cyprus, between Ayia Napa and Protaras. Limestone-creta landscape, marine caves, a natural rock arch over the water, a network of marked trails running along cliffs and through a pine forest — all within 15 km of Ayia Napa’s center.
A section of the European long-distance path E4 runs through the park. But it’s not just one trail — it’s a network of 8 marked routes of varying lengths and difficulty, allowing you to spend from 1 to 6 hours in the park.
Getting to Cape Greco
GPS center of the park (main parking): 34.9712° N, 34.0762° E. The park is located off the B16 road between Ayia Napa (8 km west) and Protaras (7 km north).
From Ayia Napa: B16 road east, approx. 15–20 minutes. From Protaras: B16 road south, approx. 10–15 minutes. From Larnaka: Road to Ayia Napa, then B16, approx. 60 km, 55 minutes.
Parking: Two main parking areas:
- At the Agios Anargyroi chapel (GPS: 34.9712° N, 34.0762° E) — seasonal paid parking 2–3 EUR
- At the trail junction at Cape Greco (GPS: 34.9616° N, 34.0760° E) — free
Park entry: Free. Trails are marked, trail maps available at entrance signs.
Trail 1: Cape Greco Coastal Walk (E4 segments) — 5 km
Type: Linear or loop combining several trails Difficulty: Moderate Time: 2 hours
Runs along the cliffs of the western side of Cape Greco with views of the sea. The route includes a viewpoint over the Sea Caves (naturally eroded caves at the waterline), a walk through a pine forest, and a descent to Konnos Bay (optional).
Key points: Cape Greco Lighthouse (GPS: 34.9616° N, 34.0760° E) — active, not accessible inside, but views from the surroundings. Agios Anargyroi chapel (little healing saints) — a small Greek chapel carved into the limestone rock, open for prayer.
Trail 2: Sea Caves Loop — 3 km
Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour
Leads to rocky platforms overlooking the marine caves. Caves: Natural cavities carved by waves in the limestone — openings 5–15 meters, depth a few meters, accessible from the sea side (by kayak or by entering the water).
From the cliff edge: Turquoise water in the depths, cave shade, foam of waves. Ideal for photographers.
Note: The cliff edge is not fenced — keep a distance of 3+ meters.
Trail 3: Korakas Bridge Trail — 2.5 km
Type: Linear (out-and-back) Difficulty: Easy Time: 45 minutes
Leads to a natural limestone arch ("Korakas Bridge") over the water. The arch has a span of approximately 8 meters, standing on a cliff 20 m above the sea. One of the most photographed spots in Cyprus.
Along the way: Several rocky platforms with sea views, popular swimming spots (depth at the arch: 6–8 m, safe in calm weather for capable swimmers).
Trail 4: Kamara tou Koraka (E4 Main) — 7 km
Type: Loop Difficulty: Moderate / Difficult Time: 2.5–3 hours
The longest loop in the park, encompassing the western and eastern cliffs of the peninsula. Views of both coastlines simultaneously at several points. Pine forest in the middle, open terrain at the cliffs.
Key stops: 180° viewpoint in the middle of the loop (GPS: 34.9649° N, 34.0768° E) — the best view of the Blue Lagoon Cape Greco from the land side.
Trail 5: Cape Greco Cliffs (north side) — 4 km
Type: Linear Difficulty: Easy / Moderate Time: 1.5 hours
The north side of the peninsula towards Konnos Bay. Pine forest, several descents to small coves (rocky access), views of Konnos Bay from the east.
Trail 6: Upper Trail (within the forest) — 3.5 km
Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour
Forest path through Aleppo pine — shade in summer, soft surface. No sea views, but a good option in the heat (temperature in the forest 5–8°C lower).
Trail 7: Ayia Napa — Cape Greco (E4 segment) — 10 km
Type: Linear Difficulty: Moderate Time: 3–3.5 hours
Official section of the European long-distance path E4 leading from the center of Ayia Napa to Cape Greco. Route along the southern coast, through several small coves and cliff sections. Requires transport to one end.
Trail 8: Cape Greco — Konnos Bay — Protaras (E4 full) — 16 km
Type: Linear (transversal) Difficulty: Difficult / Long Time: 4.5–5 hours
A full-day hike through the entire park and along the coast towards Protaras. Full E4 in this section. Requires return transport or organization of a car at the end.
Flora and Fauna of Cape Greco National Forest Park
Plants:
- Pistacia lentiscus (lentisk): Aromatic shrub, dominates in the maquis
- Pinus brutia (Cretan pine): Main forest species, resin at cuts
- Euphoria cyparissias and other rock endemics
- Wild orchids (Ophrys spp.) in spring (February–April)
Animals:
- Cypriot agama on sunny rocks
- Trojan lizard in leaf litter
- Hoopoe (Upupa epops): Spring migrant
- Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus): Nests on Cape Greco cliffs
Practical Tips
Water: No water sources on the trails. Minimum 1.5 l per person for long trails (4+ km). Hours: Park open 24 hours. Best: 7:00–11:00 (before the heat) and 17:00–19:30 (evening, sunset). Season: Spring (March–May) = flowers, green, moderate. Summer (June–August) = hot, go in the morning. Autumn (September–October) = ideal temperature, tranquility. Shoes: Good-soled shoes required on all trails — rocky, limestone slabs. No flip-flops. Children: Trails 1, 2, 3, 6 suitable for children from 5 years old with adults.
Food near the Park
No restaurants within the park. Nearest:
- Konnos Bay bar (at Konnos beach, 2 km from the park): Drinks, light snacks
- Restaurants in Protaras (7 km): Full offer
- Ayia Napa (8 km): Everything — taverns, fast food, ice cream
Hotels and apartments near Cape Greco National Forest Park on CyprusBooker — filter "Ayia Napa" or "Cape Greco/Protaras". A few small boutique hotels directly on the trails.