Coral Bay to Adonis Baths: Quad & Buggy Tour with Turtle Bay

4.71

(137 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the dust — that dry, sun-warmed scent of Cyprus clinging to my shirt as we rattled out of Coral Bay in a line of buggies. There was this weird thrill in steering off-road, bouncing past old olive trees and flashes of wildflowers. Our guide, Andreas, kept shouting back little stories over the engine noise. He pointed out Pegeia’s hills and said something about Venetian settlers — I only caught half of it because someone’s helmet was crooked and we all started laughing. The sea was always just there on the left, blue but not show-offy.

We stopped by the shipwreck — EDRO III — hulking and silent against the rocks. It looked like it had been dropped there by some bored god. Andreas told us about the Albanian and Egyptian crew being rescued years ago. I tried to imagine that storm but mostly I just heard the waves slapping metal. Then came Lara Bay, where the sand felt different underfoot, softer somehow. There were these little wire cages protecting turtle nests; he explained how rare the green turtles are now. A couple of us waded in for a swim while others grabbed cold drinks at a shack nearby (not included, but nobody minded). The air tasted salty and sweet at once.

The ride into Akamas got bumpier — my arms still ache thinking about it — but suddenly we were surrounded by pine smells and birds you don’t see back home. Andreas showed us where seals used to hide in sea caves before people came around too much. We passed old ruins near St George’s; he waved toward Yeronisos Island and said it used to be part of the mainland, which I’m still not sure I believe but it sounded good in the moment.

By the time we reached Adonis Baths, I was sweaty and grinning like an idiot. The waterfall wasn’t huge but it felt secret somehow, shaded by trees with sunlight flickering through leaves onto green water. Some local kids were already splashing around (entrance isn’t included — bring cash). Jumping in after them was freezing for a second then perfect. Someone said this is where Aphrodite met Adonis; maybe that’s true or maybe it’s just what you say when you’re somewhere beautiful with strangers who suddenly feel like friends. Anyway, I still think about that cold rush every time I hear water running now.