Aphrodite’s Ride: Cycling Cyprus from Mountains to Sea

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $150 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Aphrodite’s Ride is a spectacular cycling journey across Cyprus, blending mountain challenges, coastal beauty, and deep cultural discovery. From sunlit salt lakes and traditional villages to mythological landmarks and the turquoise Mediterranean, this fully supported tour reveals the island’s soul—one unforgettable ride at a time.

Cyclists ride quiet, scenic roads through the Troodos Mountains, passing UNESCO-listed painted churches, ancient olive groves, and stone villages where traditions remain unchanged. Cultural highlights include guided walking tours in Nicosia—with a rare crossing of the Green Line—and historic Paphos, along with authentic local experiences such as halloumi cheese making and regional wine tasting.

Designed for experienced cyclists and e-bike riders, the tour features rewarding climbs, exhilarating descents, and flexible route options to accommodate varying abilities. Carefully placed rest days and cultural excursions allow time to recover, explore, and connect with Cyprus beyond the bike.

From Aphrodite’s Baths to sweeping coastal routes, Aphrodite’s Ride weaves together myth, landscape, and movement—where every kilometer tells a story.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Larnaca
Arrive in Larnaca and transfer to the hotel. Assemble bikes, relax after travel, stroll the palm-lined promenade, or enjoy a seaside dinner overlooking the Mediterranean. Bike fitting for those that rented bikes will begin around 1pm. Ride leader will send a welcome email with Larnaca hotel information.

First group meeting: 6:00 pm

Day 2 – Larnaca → Pano Lefkara
26.7 miles | 2,638 ft
Ride past Larnaca’s salt lakes, often filled with birdlife, before heading inland. Stop at Loulla's Halloumi Making House (est. 1923) for a taste of Cypriot tradition. Finish in the lace-famous village of Pano Lefkara.
Overnight: Pano Lefkara

Day 3 – Pano Lefkara → Agros
32.9 miles | 4,593 ft
A classic Troodos mountain day with steady climbs, forested roads, and panoramic views. Arrive in Agros, known for rose products and warm village hospitality.
Overnight: Agros

Day 4 – Cultural Day: Nicosia (No Cycling)
Transfer to Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital, followed by a guided walking tour including a crossing of the Green Line into Northern Cyprus. A powerful and unique cultural experience. Return to Agros.
Overnight: Agros

Day 5 – Agros → Troodos Mountains
14.3 miles | 2,953 ft
Short, steep, and scenic climb deeper into the Troodos Mountains. Afternoon free to relax, hike, or enjoy the mountain setting.
Overnight: Troodos Mountains

Day 6 – Troodos Mountains → Kalopanagiotis
24.9 miles | 2,195 ft
Descend through pine forests and rural backroads, passing a UNESCO-listed painted church. Optional morning hike before riding.
Overnight: Kalopanagiotis

Day 7 – Kalopanagiotis → Pomos
47.2 miles | 3,963 ft
A stunning transition from mountains to sea, with long scenic stretches and cooling coastal breezes.
Overnight: Pomos

Day 8 – Pomos → Aphrodite’s Baths → Paphos
54.1 miles | 3,320 ft
Ride along the dramatic northwest coast, stopping at Aphrodite’s Baths, then continue to historic Paphos.
Overnight: Paphos

Day 9 – Paphos Walking Tour (No Cycling)
Guided walking tour of UNESCO archaeological sites, mosaics, harbor fort, and old town. Afternoon free.
Overnight: Paphos

Day 10 – Paphos Loop Ride (Options Available)
Standard: 39.8 miles | 3,402 ft
Easier Options Available
Flexible routes showcase rolling countryside and coastal views.
Overnight: Paphos

Day 11 – Paphos → Pissouri
35.4 miles | 2,953 ft
Ride inland via Agios Thomas to the legendary ancient olive tree of Avdimou.
Overnight: Pissouri

Day 12 – Pissouri Beach & Archaeology Day
Easy coastal spin to Kourion, combining recovery riding with archaeology and sea views.
Overnight: Pissouri

Day 13 – Pissouri Loop & Wine Tasting
31.1 miles | 1,969 ft
Scenic loop through vineyards with optional wine tasting or cultural activity.
Overnight: Pissouri

Day 14 – Rest Day in Pissouri
Rest, swim, stroll the village, and prepare bikes for departure.
Overnight: Pissouri

Day 15 – Departure
Transfer to the airport and farewell Cyprus.

Ride Rating

This will be a challenging ride! The trip is rated a 4B, with daily averages of 35 miles and 3,500 feet of climbing. The longest day is 54 miles and the hardest day has 4,600 feet of climbing. Grades may exceed 8% to reach hill-towns. Using a different metric, the number of feet per mile, a difficult ride is widely recognized as 100 feet per mile. A moderate ride is 50 feet per mile. This tour averages 100 feet per mile. Longer options are available.

·Average: ~35 miles / ~3,500 ft climbing per ride day

·Longest day: 54 miles

·Hardest day: ~4,600 ft climbing

·Grades may exceed 8%

·Terrain: Mostly quiet roads, some moderate traffic

·Difficulty: ~100 ft climbing per mile

·Longer and easier options available on select days

Health and Safety

Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

Cue Sheets, Maps, GPS Files

Ride with GPS links with generated cue sheets will be provided so riders can download routes to their devices. It is each rider’s responsibility to be familiar with the use of their GPS unit or phone app prior to the start of the tour.

Weather

Late October to early November in Cyprus is ideal for cycling:

·Daytime highs: 65–75°F (18–24°C)

·Cooler evenings in the mountains

·Low humidity

·Minimal rainfall

Perfect conditions for long rides and cultural exploration.

Lodging & Meals

·14 nights in a mix of modern city hotels, mountain lodges, retreats, and resorts

·14 breakfasts

·Daily light lunches & ride snacks

·12 dinners with wine, beer, and soft drinks

·Daily Happy/Social Hour

·Vegetarian and special dietary needs accommodated when possible

Logistics

·Tour Start: October 25, 2027 (Larnaca)

·Tour End: November 9, 2027

·Nearest Airport: Larnaca International Airport (LCA)

·Distance from Larnaca International Airport to the starting hotel area in Larnaca is approximately 3–6 miles (10–15 minutes by taxi or shuttle). Ride leader will send a welcome email with Larnaca  hotel information.

·Distance from the ending location in Pissouri to Larnaca International Airport is approximately 102–104 km (about 63–65 miles), with a typical transfer time of about 1 hour. Please do not make any flight reservations before 2:00pm

Participants may bring their own bikes or rent through the tour operator. E-bikes and tandems are welcome; however, rental e-bike numbers are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Riders planning to rent an e-bike must contact the Ride Coordinator prior to signing up to confirm availability. Greek Cycle Holidays will provide bike box storage and transfer to last hotel. Bike fitting for rentals will occur on arrival day.

Cost & Administration

Tour Cost: $5,900 USD (double occupancy)

·Deposit: $3,000 due at sign-up

·Second payment: $2,900 due March 31, 2027

Rental Bike Cost: 

· €370 –road bike (optional)

· €580 –e-bike (optional)

Single Supplement: $1,495

Included

·14 nights lodging

·12 Dinners

·14 Breakfasts

·Daily light lunches and snacks

·Ride support vehicle & luggage transfer

·Museum and site entry fees

·Happy hour drinks

·Bike box storage

·Basic spare parts & emergency support

·Tips

·BAC cycle jersey

·Maps, GPX/TCX files, cue sheets

Not Included

·Flights

·Pre/post-tour hotels

·Bike rental

·Travel insurance is not required for visa-free travelers (e.g., US citizens). If a visa is required, proof of travel insurance must be provided upon arrival.

Singles & Solos Policy

Singles (riders sharing a room with a roommate) and Solos (riders occupying a room by themselves) are both welcome. The solo supplement payment is $1495 and is due within a month of signing up for the tour. Singles should attempt to find their own roommate, but the Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. After the receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the tour and given a month from when they sign up to find one. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC fee and credit card processing fees) or pay the $1,495 solo supplement fee and stay on the tour. If a single pays the solo supplement fee, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. If they find a roommate, the solo supplement will be refunded.

Solo supplement payments may be made in one of two ways:

1.By check made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check. Checks should be mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.

2.By Zelle. This is how to use Zelle for a solo supplement payment:

·In your online bank account, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient, with email address treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org

·Initiate a payment

·In the Message block enter the name of your ride

If you have questions about using Zelle to make the solo supplement payment, contact Nancy Bohnett (nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org) in the BAC office.
NOTE: Only solo supplement payments may be paid via Zelle. All other tour payments must be made by credit card through the BAC website.

Eu European Travel Information And Authorization System (Etias) Travel Authorization

ETIAS will not be implemented until about 6 months after the EU completes its Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals. The EES is anticipated to be functional sometime in 2025, but that is also uncertain. The ETIAS process will require short-term travelers to apply online, pay a small fee (€7 – roughly $7.40) and then wait up to 96 hours for applications to be approved. The authorization is good for a three-year period or until the traveler’s passport expires – whichever comes first. Unlike the ETA, ETIAS will not be required for a layover as long as you remain within the airport's international transit area and do not leave to enter the country itself. For all of these programs, airlines will be required to notify passengers of requirements in enough time in advance of their flights to complete the process. BAC will continue to update members as the things change.

Cancellation Policy

The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Greek Cycle Holidays supports the BAC cancellation policy but does not provide any refunds for cancellations less than 60 days prior to the departure of the tour.

Ride Participant Responsibility

Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

Commercial Operator Insurance: Greek Cycle Holidays carries 300K of general liability insurance.  The insurance policy for the tour is attached under Ride Leader Docs.  Additional information can be obtained by contacting the ride coordinator.

Insurance Statement

BAC maintains two insurance policies: a) United States, and b) Foreign (all other countries). Both the U.S. and Foreign policies are considered secondary policies to your personal medical insurance policy. They are subject to a $1000 deductible and may not cover all expenses related to an accident. Copies of the current policies are located under the “Docs” tab on the BAC website.

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. While touring in the U.S, the BAC insurance includes coverage for injuries due to accidents during the bike trip. Members’ personal insurance will need to cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected illness (i.e. treatment for unexpected illnesses, including Covid, are not covered).

While touring internationally, i.e., outside of the U.S., BAC maintains Foreign accident insurance to assist with expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies (including sudden and unexpected sickness), and repatriation. Insurance will apply door-to-door for treatment and travel for a maximum of 90 days overall. Coverage extends to a limited period spanning the published BAC trip dates, allowing for side trips occurring before and after the BAC ride; the limitation period is 7 days before or after the published BAC trip dates. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine.

Sign-up

To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. There is a $150.00 international ride fee. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by clicking the name at the top of this Ride Description.