Aphrodite Trails

Introduction
Cyprus Cyprus

Cyprus is an island of great beauty and endless variety. Golden beaches and rugged coastline are contrasted by an impressive backdrop of unusual mountain ranges. Greek temples, Roman remains, Byzantine churches and Crusader castles, all inspire fascinating excursions. In Winter, Cyprus has the mildest climate in the Mediterranean. Here, the sun shines almost every day. Get away from the cold and snow and experience an amazing riding holiday! It is also an ideal year round destination - ready to welcome you in Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall!

You will get to know the ‘real’ Cyprus - far away from civilization. Instead of cars we will meet herds of sheep and goats and revel in nature. Your accommodations are in charming vacation apartments with a sunny terrace. Reliable and sure-footed horses will take you on your daily rides into the pretty Mediterranean  landscape of southern Cyprus - across the countryside, through the many fields, forests and over the mountain crests.

Accomodation

You stay in lovely renovated houses in the village with a typical Mediterranean flair, or if you prefer you can overnight in a small beach hotel - about 15 minutes by car from the center.

Breakfast and dinner are included. The riding holidays do not include lunches (except  if you are on the all-day rides - there will be a picnic).

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

 HACKING OUT ON TRAILS IN CYPRUS:

* Riding on lovely horses
* Qualified Riding instructors/guides
* Lovely country side

There are lots of varied trails which lead us through riverbeds, gentle hills and beautiful fields, where we pass by very old olive trees and orange plantations. One of our daily trails is the Choirokoitia ride. Over gentle hills with a spectacular view of the country side and the sea, our way leads us close to the village Choirokoitia, where we will have a traditional picnic next to a church built in the 12th century.
Another special highlight is our beach ride! Passing by the villages Asgatha and Pentakomo, our trail leads us through more stunning country side with a nearly constant sea view. Apart from passing goat herds, the beautiful rural landscape makes us forget about civilization. Arriving at the white rocks, we ride along the seaside to Governors Beach. A late lunch will be served in one of the restaurants.

The farm is centrally located between Limassol and Larnaca in a beautiful orange valley surrounded by gentle hills. The serenity and peace of the area reflects on the 14 horses. They all have lovely characters and enjoy their big paddocks with open stables.

The farm was established 18 years ago by Marisa who is Swiss and together with her husband and three children they live next door to the horses.

In 1999 she started a trekking centre with 10 horses and since then takes guests from all over the world in to the beauty of the Cypriot landscape on the back of these surefooted, well trained horses.

It has been since 2005 now that Claudia Ruzicka has joined the farm. A qualified horsewoman, she is leading the trails and
also gives riding lessons for beginners and advanced riders. She always makes sure that the guests and the horses are well looked after at any time.

Children up to 12 years will be provided with a body protector and all riders will be provided with riding hats (free of charge).

Itinerary

Flexible Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Dinner.

Day 2: We ride over hills to Tochni where you enjoy your lunch  (opportunity to swim here). Tochni is a small, beautiful village located at the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, between Limassol and Larnaca. On the ride back we pass the village of Kalavasos.  About 2 hrs riding.

Day 3: After crossing a riverbed we reach the sparkling turquoise ocean. We  stop and have a picnic lunch while the horses take a break. Next, our journey takes us to the calm and sandy Governors’s Beach.  About 2 hrs riding.

Day 4: Today we have a long ride along the clear blue waters to the white cliffs, with an opportunity to swim. Later we stop for lunch at a small traditional Cypriot restaurant. In the afternoon we ride on to the Ayios Georgios Alamanou monastery for a visit.  About 5 hrs riding.

Day 5: Our morning begins with another ride along the sandy beaches, then we head off for a ride through the village of Pentakomo. Here we have a picnic lunch on a hill with a great panorama view.  In the afternoon, a nice canter will take us back home.  About 5 hrs riding.

Day 6:  Ride over hills to the village of Asgathe.  After our picnic under the olive trees we ride back following a trail through a river valley and pine forests. About 2 hrs riding.

Day 7: On our last riding day, we ride to Chirokitia village and follow a hilly ridge down to the valley. Our break is beside an old church from the 12^th century. About 2hrs riding.

Day 8: Breakfast and departure.
***subject to change

Rates and Dates for Aphrodite Trails

Dates Note: Arrival and departure can be on any day of the week!

Other Info
Meeting: Larnaca
Airport: Larnaca
Transfer: Larnaca airport. Then best to rent a car from the center for duration of stay!

Climate:

Cyprus enjoys a wonderfully Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine year round and enjoys world-wide fame for it.  Long dry summers and mild winters are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer is a time of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breeze creates a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas. Winters are mild, with some rain and snow on Troodos Mountains.

Sunshine:
Cyprus offers on the average annually over 320 sun days and is thus a favorable vacation destination for sun lovers. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets can be viewed through the whole year. During the day sunshine is quite strong. Sun protection is recommended over the midday.

Cyprus water temperatures:
The swimming season practically starts from April and does not end until November. The water temperature reaches values of approx. 28°C in summer and 16°C in winter.

Average Temperature (°C)

30 22 15 8 0

Jan 11.4

Feb 12.3

Mar 14.2

Apr 17.3

May 21.4

Jun 24.8

Jul 27.3

Aug 28.0

Sep 26.0

Oct 23.1

Nov 17.6

Dec 13.7