The E4 runs 12,300 km from Gibraltar via Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece to Cyprus. It is one of twelve European long-distance paths. The Cypriot part opened in 2005 and varies between 539 km and 660 km depending on which variation you choose. The route is easily accessible because it runs from Pafos airport to Larnaca airport. If you come from the E4 itself, the boat from Crete is a common way to start the trail.
No lack of variation
The E4 in Cyprus is a trail with a lot of variety; coasts and cliffs, forests, national parks, archaic villages, and farmlands together with mountains in the Troodos Mountains. You walk through a landscape of high ecological, historical, archaeological, cultural, and even scientific value. For
example, at Larnaca, you walk alongside a salt lake. Next to this, Cyprus has many endemic species, such as the Cypriot mouse, the golden oak, and the Cyprus cedar. The latter is abundant, especially when the trail runs through Cedar valley. The trail starts and ends with many coasts and cliffs, but in between, you walk through a lot of forests, farmlands, and mountains that you might not expect so quickly on the relatively small island. The highest point in Cyprus can be found in Troodos National Park, with Mount Olympus (1952 meters) is touched upon by the route for a few kilometers. Although the Troodos national park is also a popular hiking area, the E4 is still a quiet route. In the winter months, the chance of meeting another long-distance hiker is very small and the vegetation of some trails indicates a quiet route.
In the footsteps of Aphrodite
Cyprus is also known as Aphrodite’s Island. At 25 km from Pafos, you can find the rock of Aphrodite in the sea. She is the goddess of beauty, love, sexuality, and fertility. According to legend, Aphrodite was born from the sea at this rock. The trail also passes Loutra in Afroditis; the baths of Aphrodite. This is one example since mythology can be found more often on the island. The country has several short trails, sometimes lauded by names such as the Adonis, Aphrodite, and Artemis trails.
Hiking on a torn island
Since 1974, the island has been administratively divided into Northern Cyprus and Southern Cyprus due to the Turkish occupation of the northern part. However, this separation is only recognized by Turkey. The route runs entirely through the southern part and as a walker, you, therefore, do not notice anything of the division. If you speak to the indigenous people, you will soon notice that the country’s pain is great. The chance of meeting a refugee of your own country is large with the seizure of one-third of the country. A part of the capital Nicosia and the once popular coastal city of Famagusta, also known as the ghost town of Cyprus, which has since 2021 been open to tourists.
Do not forget
A few items to rememeber on the E4 in Cyprus:
- On Sundays and Wednesdays, there are hunting days, especially in the western part of Cyprus. Make sure you are visible and have bright colors with you.
- There are snakes in Cyprus, of which the Levantine viper is venomous. Take this into account in particular with water sources.
- Bring sun protection in summer, and rainwear in winter
- Campingaz is dominant and usually the only one to be found in local supermarkets.
- Threaded gas cans can be obtained in hardware stores in the cities.
- Find other thru-hiking necessities on our thru-hiking complete packing list.
Best time to travel
The E4 in Cyprus can be walked all year round. However, many catering establishments are closed in winter, making the route more challenging to walk if you do not want to camp. This makes thorough planning a must. There is a relatively large amount of rain from December to March. Usually more in January than in the Netherlands in the same month, but the temperature at sea level is usually still around 16-18 degrees. In the summer months, it is not uncommon to walk in temperatures above 30 degrees. Keep in mind that in the winter in the Troodos Mountains, there can be snow and the climate can be downright harsh.
Good to know
- As a remnant of the English colonization period from 1925 to 1960, most Cypriots generally speak good English, but cars still drive on the left side of the road. Keep this in mind when the trail overlaps with the road.
- Cyprus, despite the pleasant climate in winter, has a clear off-season in winter, where catering is often closed and villages look deserted.
- Water is readily available from various water sources along the trail. This is not always drinkable, so take a water filter with you.
- Wild camping is allowed, but not in national parks. Not even on the Akamas peninsula, through which the trail runs for 36 km. Therefore plan your route carefully.
Useful links
Trail-info
Guide
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