With a delay of a good six weeks, the tour finally starts shortly before the turn of the year 23/24. Unfortunately, the Balkan countries fall victim to the shortened schedule for the time being. We decided to take the Fast Track to Cyprus (4.1) and therefore kind of rushed through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia in just a few days. All these wonderful countries deserve to be explored at length. We will make up for this at some point.
Once we arrive in Greece, we experience our first Wake-up Call in Thessaloniki (4.2.). During a routine check of the reduction gears, we discover oil leaking from the rear axle. The journey through Greece and Turkey becomes a thrill until we finally get our Mog repaired in Cyprus.
But now there's no more time to lose - after all, we've driven all 3,000 kilometres to explore and adventure in Cyprus. Off we go on The Akamas Offroad Adventure (4.3.) We bravely fight our way through muddy tracks and climbs close to 100%, which is still feasible for Unimogs. (Watch the Video proof!) Our fearlessness is finally rewarded with fantastic (overnight) pitches on Cyprus' Lonely Beaches.
The Troodos Mountains form a significant part of Cyprus. We immerse ourselves in a world of great historical significance for our planet and are amazed by the numerous magnificent monasteries and wild moufflons. Finally, we drive Up to the highest Peak in the Troodos Mountains (4.4), Mount Olympos, on the most fantastic panoramic roads and enjoy the nature and the distant views of all parts of the island.
An exploration of Cyprus would not be complete without a visit to the divided capital Nicosia & Northern Cyprus (4.5.), the Turkish part of this green island. Cyprus also has a lot to offer politically and culturally.
We leave this fantastic island with a heavy heart, as duty calls us home again unexpectedly soon. Via Turkey and a smart shortcut to The Island Paradise Chios (4.6.), (Chios Video) we finally reach Greece, the discovery of which has been postponed until a later adventure.
1. Akamas National Forest Park
starting from Toxeftra Beach all the way north to the Blue Lagoon (24Km adventurous offroad)
2. Troodos Mountains
once across from northwest to southeast on various asphalted or dirt roads 100+Km
3. Northern Cyprus Coastal Road
along the North coast between Dipkarpaz and Esentepe an 85 Km of perfectly asphalted panorama road
4. Episkopi
from Kourion Beach via Episkopi to Paramali high above Zapalo Bay one of the sunniest scenic drives on U.K. territory!
1. Golden Beach, Karpas Peninsula, Northern Cyprus
2. Troodos Mountain Monasteries, such as Kykkos, Panagia of Machairas or Agios Georgios Alamanos
3. Zacs Hill Caves, Akama National Forest Park, Cyprus
4. Governor's Beach, next to PROTEAS research facility, Pentakomo, Cyprus
1. Nicosia, the divided capital
2. Rocks of Aphrodite
3. Mouflon, the National animal of Cyprus
4. Artemis Trail at Mount Olympos
1. Blue Lagoon
35°05'00.0"N 32°18'21.3"E
2. Akama National Forest Park near Lara Beach
34°57'28.7"N 32°19'28.3"E
3. Ayia Napa Sea Caves
34°58'06.2"N 34°03'16.5"E
4. Larnaca Salt Lake
34°53'57.2"N 33°36'55.6"E