If you would rather drive than be driven, the quad and buggy safari is the most hands-on way to see the wild north-west of Cyprus. The route heads into the Akamas peninsula, a protected area of scrubby hills, gorges and empty beaches, and uses dirt tracks that ordinary cars cannot reach. You ride in a convoy behind a guide, in a quad bike or a two-seat buggy, and the trip includes a stop at Lara Bay, a wide sandy beach long known as a nesting site for sea turtles, and a visit to the Adonis Falls, a small waterfall and pool tucked into the hillside. This is a fun, dusty, slightly muddy outing that suits adventurous couples, groups of friends and teenagers, and the buggy option lets passengers share the ride. It is not a race; guides set a steady pace, stop to give instructions and photograph the scenery, and make sure everyone is comfortable on the machine before the tracks get rougher. The views from the hills over the Mediterranean are some of the best on the island, and the sense of reaching remote places on your own wheels is the reason people book it.
How it works
You reserve a place for your date, then are collected from the Paphos area or meet at the base, where you are given a safety briefing, helmets and a short practice session to get used to the controls. A valid driving licence is normally required for the driver, and age and weight limits apply to drivers and passengers, so check the conditions for your date when you book.
The group then rides out in convoy, stopping at viewpoints, Lara Bay and the falls before returning to the base. The total outing takes around four hours.
What to expect
Much of the ride is on unpaved tracks that can be bumpy, dusty in dry weather and muddy after rain, so you will get dirty. Expect hill climbs, dry riverbeds and the occasional steep descent, taken slowly and under the guide’s direction. At Lara Bay you can walk on the beach, and at the Adonis Falls there is time for photographs.
Wear closed shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dusty, bring sunglasses to keep the grit out of your eyes, and carry water. Helmets are provided, and many operators also supply goggles or masks.
Making the most of it
Choose a morning departure in summer to avoid the strongest heat, and an afternoon or midday trip in cooler months. Stay a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, follow the guide’s signals and never exceed the pace they set. Lara Bay and the surrounding Akamas area are protected, so stay on the marked tracks and take your litter with you, particularly near the turtle nesting beaches.
If you prefer a calmer pace, the jeep safari covers similar ground with a driver at the wheel, and the Blue Lagoon trip combines well on another day.
Bring a spare layer for evening departures, since temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down, and tie back long hair under the helmet. Your guide will also explain the hand signals used on the ride, so listen carefully at the briefing, and let them know if you have any back or neck problems, since the tracks can be bumpy.
What to expect
The experience
A guided four-hour convoy ride on quad bikes or buggies over dirt tracks in the Akamas, with stops at Lara Bay and the Adonis Falls.
Best time
Morning in summer or midday in cooler months, on a dry day.
How long
About four hours from briefing to return.
Tips
Wear closed shoes and old clothes, bring sunglasses and water, and have a valid driving licence if you will be driving.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adventurous couples, friends and teenagers who want an active day out.
- Families
- Buggy passengers can share the ride, but age and size limits apply, so check before you book.
- Couples
- Share a buggy and enjoy the coastal views, with the falls and beach for a break.
- Pair with
- The Blue Lagoon and Akamas jeep safari for a different view of the same landscape.
- Time needed
- Half a day including transfers.
Good questions
Do I need a driving licence?+
Normally the driver must hold a valid licence, but conditions vary by operator, so check the details for your date.
Is it suitable for children?+
Minimum ages apply for drivers, and passengers must meet height or age rules. Check the conditions before you book.
Will I get dirty?+
Yes, the tracks are dusty or muddy depending on the weather. Wear old clothes and closed shoes.
Can I swim at Lara Bay?+
The stop is usually for walking and photographs, and the beach is a protected turtle-nesting area, so follow the guide’s instructions.
What if it rains?+
Tours may be altered or cancelled in heavy rain for safety. The operator will usually offer another date or a refund.
