compose Guest time Aug 11, 2026 comment 0

Last fall, Marek Švančara and Lucia Tureková bikepacked a modified version of the Cyprus Crossing route, riding 675 kilometers from the west side of the island to the east over three weeks. Find a short written recap, their trip video, and a collection of photos here…

Words and photos by Lucia Turekova and Marek Svancara

The choice of Cyprus as our next bikepacking destination was rather spontaneous. As autumn temperatures in Slovakia dropped, escaping to the Mediterranean felt like the perfect idea. Only after arriving did we realize how much more the island had to offer than sunshine alone. From the very first kilometers, Cyprus revealed its true character: endless gravel roads, brutally steep climbs, relentless heat, and spectacular scenery.

Riding fully loaded bikes through quiet farm tracks, ancient olive groves, mountain villages, and fragrant pine forests made every day physically demanding and incredibly rewarding. The Troodos Mountains offered some of the best gravel riding of the trip, while the climb to Mount Olympus rewarded us with panoramic views across the island.

The journey was about much more than cycling. Walking across Ledra Street in Nicosia, crossing from the Greek Cypriot side into the Turkish Cypriot side, was one of the most memorable moments of the trip. As we continued into Northern Cyprus, the landscape and atmosphere shifted once again.

The Kyrenia Mountains, the enormous Turkish flag on the hillside, and even an unexpected stop at a military exercise highlighted the island’s unique political and cultural contrasts. Small acts of kindness—like soldiers offering us cold drinking water while we waited—became some of the memories that stayed with us the longest.

Like every adventure, this one didn’t go entirely according to plan. Fatigue, a street dog bite, and vaccination forced us to slow down, choosing easier roads, fewer climbs, and shorter daily distances instead of chasing our original itinerary. In the end, that turned out to be the right decision.

Cyprus gave us exactly what we were ready for: unforgettable riding, constantly changing landscapes, and experiences that went far beyond the kilometers we covered. We returned home tired but grateful, carrying memories and lessons that only a journey like this can offer.

Bikepacking Cyprus Gravel Route

Further Reading

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