Hiking Trails & Adventure
Nature trails for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing
If adventure is your element, Ineia and its trails will captivate you! Discover routes through dense forests and vineyards, traverse rocky slopes with panoramic sea views, and enjoy the ultimate hiking or cycling experience. From easy, relaxing trails to challenging routes that will test your endurance, each path has its own story and magic.
Ineia is an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and adventure. From the thematic Aphrodite Route, approximately 2.25 km long, to the paths in the neighboring Akamas National Park, the variety of options is vast, catering to all levels of experience.
Amid shady oak trees, vineyards, and dense vegetation, the rich flora and fauna of Akamas unfold before you. Remarkable endemic plants, the sounds of birds, and the serene silence interrupted only by the wind and your footsteps, accompany you along every trail.
Whether you are a first-time hiker or an experienced cyclist, Ineia’s trails offer experiences for everyone, from gentle walks to extreme climbs and breathtaking cycling routes. Rent a bike, pack a backpack with water and snacks, and prepare to discover a unique world where adventure awaits at every step.
Thematic Route “Aphrodite”
A journey through the nature and memories of Ineia
In the western part of Ineia, a fascinating thematic linear route of approximately two kilometers reveals the character of this beautiful village. Α journey that unites past and present, beauty and authenticity.
The starting point of the route is the Information Center, an impressive example of modern architecture. Simple yet striking, its design harmoniously integrates visitors into the surrounding landscape, quietly guiding them toward the path that lies ahead. Information, maps and audiovisual material prepare the visitor, cultivating knowledge as well as anticipation for the experience that follows. And the moment you step out of the Information Center, you are already immersed in the journey: in the colors, sounds and images of the place.
The “Aphrodite” Thematic Route can be followed by car or, preferably, by walking.
The route is pleasant, since the walker can simultaneously experience the beneficial effect of the sea and the majestic elevation of the plateau at an altitude of about 550 meters. It is also fascinating, as it showcases the unique geomorphological formations Korakis (or Koratzis, as the locals call it) and Alykous, two impressive natural structures visible throughout the route, as well as the village’s two traditional fountains, the two hilltop Byzantine chapels of Agios Iakovos and Agios Agapios, and the small chapel of Archangelos Michail. Above all, visitors will enjoy the panoramic view of the Lara Bay and the Akamas Peninsula.
Route Characteristics
Linear Route
Length 2.25 χλμ.
Difficulty Level
Easy
Starting point - Information Center
The starting point of the route is the Information Center, opposite the chapel of Archangel Michael. The chapel, with its characteristic stone architecture, was built in 1950 on the site of an older chapel dedicated to Archangel Michail. It was donated by Mr. Charalambos S. Koutis, who originates Ineia.
Esso Pigi & Vota Fountain
Following the downhill cobblestone road towards ‘Esso Pigi’, after about 750m, you will see on the left-hand side the small fountain of Vota, as the locals call it, but the water of the fountain is not potable. Reaching the stone-built fountain of ‘Esso Pigi’ with its three arches, you will be amazed by its architecture. An outdoor space, landscaped with local stone, hosts various community events. The fountain, which supplied water to the residents and their animals (horses and oxen) in the past, as well as the old washhouse, have been preserved, and at the same time the place has been restored. This was where the women of the village used to meet, washing their clothes with ‘alousiva’ (ash water), drying them on the dry stone walls and then carrying them home along with a jug of water.
Chapels of Agios Iakovos & Agios Agapios
Returning from Esso Pigi, you continue towards the unique chapels of Agios Iakovos and Agios Agapios. The medieval church of Agios Iakovos and the attached chapel of Agios Agapios are a rare example of a double church from the 12th century with visible remains of frescoes.
Mega Pigadi
From the chapels, you continue towards Mega Pigadi, among native bushes and traditional fruit trees. Mega Pigadi is a stone-built reservoir, built in 1950, for the water supply and irrigation needs of the village. It is today is the main source of water for the community.
Route towards the Landforms
Από το Μέγα Πηγάδι From Mega Pigadi, you can continue straight down the route towards the well-known landforms of Ineia with a slight downward direction for about 300m. Along the way, there are viewing platforms with panoramic views of the Lara peninsula and the hinterland.
Footbridge & Stream
Just before continuing, you can cross the stream via the footbridge that was built as part of the route which offers better views and easier passage.
Koraki (Koratzi) Landform
On the left stands the imposing landform of Koraki. A heavily fragmented rock with rich vegetation and fauna.
ΓAlykou Landform
The route towards the Alykou landform is smooth with isolated trees. At a distance of 450 meters, you will find the imposing landform of Alykou surrounded by wild.
End of the Route – Lara View
At the end of the route there is a rest area, from where you can gaze out into the distance and be amazed by the magnificent unspoilt landscape down to the sea and the beaches of Lara.
From here you can follow a downward road to reach the beaches of Lara. Arriving at the coastal road of Pegeia-Lara, follow the signs, and on the right, less than 1km away, you will see the southern bay of Lara or Loura stretching in front of you. Continuing your itinerary for another kilometre, you can reach the northern bay of Lara or Ammoudi, where the turtle hatchery is located. Between and in front of the two bays is the Salt lake of Lara.
The Aphrodite thematic route is not merely a walk through space. It is a journey through time. At every every step, Ineia whispers stories. The landscape becomes memory… and memory, a living presence.
