The path follows the coast with rich vegetation and great views to the sea combining wonderful blue sea and the green of the forest.
It ends at the chapel of St. Anargyroi, built over a sea cave where likely some ascetics lived at times. If you belong among the more adventurous types, you might want to try to dive off the cliff near the chapel.
The trail connects with the Konnos - Cave of Cyclops, Saints Anargyroi - Sea Caves and Profitis Elias - Konnos.
The cave of the Cyclops
The southeastern part of Famagusta district is full of historical places, unknown to most people, well hidden by nature. The cave of the Cyclops belongs in this category. The cave is located within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Paralimni, about 700 meters east of "Konnos beach". Access to the cave is done in 2 ways. Specifically, if you have a SUV type car, follow the road of Protaras in the Konnos and just before the ascent of Gresian Park hotel, there is a dirt road, but it is rough. That is why we recommend the second route, which requires a bit of walking. Leave your car in the parking lot of the wonderful beach of Konnos, head for a swim if the weather permits and follow the nature trail north of the beach, climbing a nearby hill. Carefully though, because in some places the path is steep but it will truly reward you. After about 15 minutes you will reach the cave.
The point is located at a height of about 15 meters above the sea level. It is a magnificent cave, an area more than 100 sq.m. It has two large entrances, but one is for "few" because it is camouflaged by dense vegetation. The height of the cave varied, since in some places you can comfortably walk in others the ceiling is quite low, not suitable for claustrophobic. Here the light is low so make sure to bring along a flashlight.
The history of the cave seems to be quite high as there are signs of life dating back to pre-Neolithic era. The name of the cave comes from mythology, which states that the cave was inhabited by a Cyclopes family shipwrecked on the island after a storm. The Cyclops was anthropomorphic mythological beings of gigantic dimensions, eyed, with their eye in the middle of their forehead. They had Thracian origin and was famous masons (in those assigned the building of massive proportions walls took their name the Mycenaean period). After several wars, they were forced to leave their homeland and settle in other places such as Crete and Lycia. In the cave area are ancient quarries. Perhaps the pioneers quarryworkers was that the Cyclops family.
Before the development of tourism in the Protaras area, the area there was quite inaccessible, known only to the inhabitants of the surrounding area. According to recent reports (around 1920), the cave was used by local residents for hiding from the British colonialists a Cypriot fugitive from Xylofagou, which later helped to leave Cyprus. During the National Liberation struggle 1955-59, the cave was used as a hideout of EOKA fighters. According to various testimonies, found in the cave and the then Deputy Commander and Head of Sector EOKA Gregoris Afxentiou, who allegedly asked water and bread by a shepherd in the area. In return he offered his watch, but which the shepherd refused to take when he learned the identity of the man who was opposite him. The cave was also used as a shelter from the harsh weather conditions of the shepherds of the surrounding area.
Apart from the cave, great interest is the Marine area of the surrounding area as an excellent diving spot for diving enthusiasts, with rich marine life. Looking to the horizon, you can see opposite the cave chapel of St. Anargyroi and the antennas of the French radio station at Cape Greco.
This area is one of the most beautiful landscapes of Free Famagusta and definitely worth a visit. All that remains to us is to wish you "good tracks".
Starting point: (a) the Konnos Beach, between Protaras and Cape Greko, (b) Chapel Saint Anargyroi, with access from the main road Protaras - Cape Greco near Kavos
Trail length: 1,4 km
Considerable time: 0.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 1
Format: Linear
ADDRESS: Protaras, Cavo Greco Area