The E4 is the name of the European long distance path which runs from Gibraltar through to Cyprus. While the 640km section of the trail in Cyprus is too challenging for a week-long tour, both in terms of gradient and kilometers per day, keen cyclists wishing to cycle the E4 may want to ride some of the best sections on the north west of the island.
Take a Week’s Tour of the E4 near the Town of Polis
The town of Polis lies 35km from Paphos on the north west of Cyprus and its unspoilt environment is the perfect place for outdoor lovers. The E4 winds its way from the outskirts of Paphos through the Akamas peninsula and numerous hillside villages in the area before heading high into the pine-clad mountains above Polis.
Keen touring cyclists may wish to carry their baggage with them, although Polis offers a central base from which to explore the most scenic parts of the E4 trail, without having to carry a heavy load; after all, most of the trail is off-road, so the less you have to carry the better!
Explore the Akamas Peninsula by Bike
The beautiful Akamas peninsula is the last remaining section of coastline in the Republic of Cyprus to be untouched by development. Explore the rugged, mainly vehicle-width E4 trail by heading to the village of Neo Chorio and then cycling along the ridge of the Akamas towards Drouseia village. From there, head over to Kritou Terra, and then down through a couple of other villages back to the main road and Polis itself, a ride of around 30km.
A quick look at the tourist map of Paphos will show the E4 running along the coast of the Akamas. This is another section of the route worth exploring by heading towards the end of the peninsula itself from Neo Chorio village, along the coast and then upwards on a tough 5.5km hill climb back to the same village, a ride of 45km from Polis centre.
Other Recommended Sections of the E4
While the various trails on the Akamas will occupy many riders for most of the week, here are some other favourite sections:
Stavros tis Psokas to Lysos – Lysos lies 550m above Polis and is the last village before heading high into the mountains. It’s a tough road climb up to Lysos so you may want to hire a taxi to conserve energy before riding steeply up to the top of the hill above Lysos and then onwards to the deserted village of Melandra to pick up the E4 trail. Follow it all the way to Stavros if you have the energy for the gruelling 12km climb from the valley floor, then either return the same way or descend on the road back to Polis for a tough 45km ride in total.
Pelathousa to Lysos – Pelathousa is a tiny village just outside Polis, easily accessible from the town. Follow the E4 trail via Peristerona and Meladeia villages, and then continue onwards, staying above Lysos village as far as Abtoulinas Junction. A favourite way back to the coast is then to divert from the E4 trail itself, and follow a forest track downhill to a picnic site called Ayios Merkourios. From here, the trail eventually opens out to pass the Makounta dam, then simply ride through Argaka village to a welcome beer at the Fly Again pub on the main coast road.
Best Time to Cycle the E4 Trail
The best months to cycle the E4 trail are October to end May when daytime temperatures are usually between 18-24 degrees near the coast. Choose spring if you want to ride amid a lush green landscape after the winter rains; trails will also be firm and compacted, making it easier to cycle on otherwise loose, dry and dusty terrain.
In spring be prepared, however, for wet feet in places as water makes its way down from the mountains to the valleys below; take a change of clothing with you in case you fall in when crossing one of the small streams, especially on the E4 descent from Stavros forest station!
The E4 long distance trail offers some of the best cross country mountain biking in Cyprus and, while the trail is steep in places, the north west sections near Polis can be managed by most keen cyclists in the space of a week.
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
Join the Conversation