The Akamas Area
The Sea Caves at Peyia
Just one kilometer east of the church at Ayios Georgios is the stretch of coastline known as the Sea Caves. Here the soft white chalk has over many years been eroded by the sea into a sequence of caves and arches.
Some of the caves are best explored from the sea. The walls inside are a vivid green and purple as they change in the waters reflections. The Mediterranean Monk Seal used to breed here but now this seal is very rarely seen in the area.
Legend says that during the Saracen raids the local people were forced to hide in the Forest. When they returned to their coastal homes they saw many rocks in front of the shore thrown there by St. George to scare away the invaders. In honor of the Saint who saved them the villagers built a church not far away.
The Harbor at Ayios Georgios
The sleepy harbor of Ayios Georgios is a popular place to start a tour of the Akamas. This area used to be far more populated and in Roman times there was a large thriving town nearby .Excavations are still taking place in the area and evidence dating back to the 6th century suggests that there were at least three churches in the area. . The large church of Ayios Georgios which dominates the cliff face was built in 1928 with money raised by the locals. Near to the big church is a smaller one built in the 19th century. Locals call this the church for lovers.
Lara - a paradise for Turtles.
The Lara area is one of the most beautiful in Cyprus, unspoilt with golden sandy beaches and since the early 70s the home of a conservation project to save the Green and the Loggerhead Turtle.
The Avakas Gorge
The Avakas Gorge takes its name from the Greek word for impassable. It is 8 kilometers in length and has a catchment area of nearly 9 square kilometers. In places the sides of the Gorge are different colors, red, green, and black .Rare orchids can sometimes be seen and maybe a vulture flying high searching for food. In the water that flows through the gorge small fish can be seen and during springtime and summer there is an abundance of freshwater snails. .
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