One of the best things about Cyprus is its scenic views and how it allows visitors to experience nature. Cyprus allows visitors to have a more immersive experience in nature through mountain biking. Not only are the views beautiful but the trails themselves are exciting. There is quite the variation in terms of the terrain: it shifts from smooth tracks to jagged and bumpy trails, not to mention the zigzags and the unpredictable slopes. It’s sure to get the adrenaline going.
What to expect from the trails
There are several different mountain biking trails in Cyprus and they offer a mixture of elements that make the ride all even more thrilling. One stands to pass through picturesque gorges and raw gravel patches that become easier or harder to bike on depending on the weather. There are also trails that feature more difficult elements like rocky uneven inclines and unforgiving terrain. There is plenty of variety when it comes to choosing where to ride here.
When is the best time to go Mountain Biking in Cyprus
If one plans to follow the rather popular trails, which mean the rides will be long, proper planning is important. It is best to go when the weather is comfortable to ride long hours in. For Cyprus, the more popular times of the year to go biking is some time between October and May. This is when the temperature does not fall too low nor go too far up from 24° C. Also, the dryer months are more ideal especially for beginners.
Different Mountain Biking Trails
Mountain biking is not a very rigid sport. If one wants to go mountain biking, there is no absolute need to follow a strict route. On the other hand, there are some tried and tested trails that both locals and visitors have tried, tested and even enjoyed repeatedly.
For example, there is this one route called the Akamas Loop. It goes around the Akamas nature reserve and provides riders with a spectacular view of the mountain range and the seaside. There are options or alternative routes for the different difficulties as well so both seasoned bikers and beginners alike are drawn to this trail. The ride is about 50km long and takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete.
There is also another trail called the “bomb run” which is a 35 km ride in the far west of Cyprus. This one makes for a shorter and faster ride but is more suited for more experience riders as there are fast descents and very challenging uphill segments.
There are literally hundreds of trails to choose from which offers a great variation in terms of views and degree of difficulty.
Here are a few sites that list top mountain biking routes in Cyprus:
Getting the gear
Especially for tourists or visitors, it hardly makes sense to bring one’s own mountain bike and other gears on the plane just to be able to ride in Cyprus, right? Fortunately, there are several companies that rent out mountain bikes and complete gears. Not only this, these company usually also offer guided mountain bike tours as well.
How much does renting cost?
Renting mountain bikes in Cyprus costs around €12 to €20 per day. There are also group tour packages (some last up to 7 days) that start from about €60 for group tours and from €200 for individual or private packages. We list a few links to where you can avail of these rentals below.
Where to rent mountain bikes in Paphos:
Where to rent mountain bikes in Larnaca:
Where to rent mountain bikes in Limassol
Between Larnaca and Limassol, there is also the company Activate.
