Category: Uncategorized

A group of young adventurers gathered at Gerakopetra in the late afternoon for an exciting rock climbing session. They got a hands-on introduction to top-rope climbing and took on the thrilling challenge of abseiling down the rock face. To build teamwork, participants were encouraged to belay one another—a powerful exercise in learning how to support a peer and carry the responsibility for someone else’s safety. We wrapped up the climbing with a reflection session, giving everyone a space to share how they overcame their fears and discuss the personal growth and skills they developed.

Because the crags in Innia are part of a protected NATURA 2000 area, the event also featured a dedicated workshop on “Best Practices for Environmental Sustainability during Rock Climbing.” Participants learned how climbers can actively respect nature, protect local wildlife, and preserve these beautiful natural landscapes for future adventures.

A fantastic family rock climbing event took palace at the Gerakopetra climbing site, giving parents and children a wonderful opportunity to climb, support, and encourage one another. Parents even took on belaying duties, creating a beautiful space for building deeper trust and connection with their kids. Before hitting the rock, everyone participated in a hands-on rope skills session, learning how to properly wear a harness and tie a secure figure-8 knot.

The adventure continued with a cultural tour of Ineia’s local treasures, including the Ineia-Lara Turtle Museum and the Basketry Museum in the heart of the village. By exploring these local attractions, our group not only learned about traditional arts and crafts but also gained a deeper respect for protected natural areas like Lara Beach—fostering a stronger commitment to environmental conservation while supporting the local community.

A diverse group of young adventurers— from total beginners to seasoned climbers—recently gathered at the magnificent crag of Gerakopetra for an unforgettable day of top-rope climbing. Guided by a certified instructor and our dedicated team members, participants learned to climb and safely belay one another in a deeply supportive, encouraging environment. True to our values, we wrapped up the session with a clean-up, leaving Gerakopetra even cleaner than we found it.

The adventure continued with a cozy campsite setup at Innia’s primary school, giving everyone a chance to relax and bond. To support the local community, the group headed to a nearby tavern for a delicious dinner and some great conversations with the locals. We ended the perfect day by gathering around a campfire for an outdoor movie night under the stars, before everyone turned into their tents for a peaceful night’s sleep and a group breakfast the next morning.

Working in small groups, participants joined a friendly orienteering competition through the scenic lanes of Innia. The event required teams to track down checkpoints situated near the village’s unknown landmarks, uncovering the quiet charm of this secluded Akamas locale. This activity went far beyond a standard race; it forced teammates to sync their efforts, communicate clearly, and rely on one another’s strengths. While discovering the local heritage and striking landscapes, participants sharpened their collaborative problem-solving skills and developed stronger bonds.

The excitement carried over into a bouldering workshop at Kalimera Rock. After a safety briefing and warm-up, the group tackled various climbing paths, pushing their physical and mental limits. The rock face became a space for self-development, forcing participants to overcome self-doubt and build personal resilience. The group really helped each other grow. Climbers got energy from everyone’s cheers and completely trusted their teammates to keep them safe. In the end, the biggest win was seeing first-time climbers overcome their fear, trust their team, and climb higher than they ever thought they could. The event wrapped up with a delicious traditional meal at a local tavern.

Highlighting the power of inclusion, a truly unique bouldering session at the “Kalimera  Rock” brought together individuals with and without disabilities to climb together. Operating on a peer-to-peer basis, participants shared the rock face, learned climbing techniques together,  supported one another’s efforts, reinforced and congratulated each other. This shared adventure did far more than teach a new sport—it actively cultivated deep empathy, broke down social barriers, and directly challenged deeply rooted stereotypes regarding the capabilities of people with disabilities. 

The adventure continued with an exciting trail run along a special thematic route. The path led runners past the impressive rock formations of the climbing area, offering a peaceful escape and stunning views. With its rolling terrain and challenging hills, the route also provided a fantastic workout and excellent training for the participants. 

Simultaneously, another dedicated group of participants took part in a ‘plogging’ activity—an eco-friendly initiative combining trail running with litter collection. As they jogged along the paths, the volunteers actively gathered discarded trash, turning their workout into a mission for the environment. Thanks to their hard work and community spirit, they left the protected, sensitive Akamas National Park significantly cleaner than they found it.

Divided into teams, participants set off on an exciting orienteering adventure through the picturesque village of Innia. The control points were strategically hidden among the village’s secret gems, offering a unique opportunity to uncover the hidden beauty of this remote Akamas destination. As they navigated the course, participants didn’t just chase checkpoints; they immersed themselves in local history and culture, all while enjoying the breathtaking scenery around them.

Another highlight of the “Innia’s Green Adventure” project was a family bouldering session at Kalimera Rock. After a safety briefing and warm-up, parents and children tackled the natural rock face together, with routes tailored for both beginners and adults. The rock climbing site became a space for incredible family bonding as everyone cheered each other on. The best part of the day was watching young first-time climbers courageously face their fears. Safely guided by instructors and their parents as spotters, these brave kids trusted their instincts and successfully conquered the rock face, creating an unforgettable moment of family joy. 

Turtle Museum

Visitors of all ages, including parents and children, explored the extraordinary Ineia Turtle Museum (www.inniaturtlemuseum.com.cy). The museum offered  a unique blend of education, fun, and discovery for our participants. The group toured the exhibits, watched award-winning documentaries, and enjoyed an immersive experience enhanced by interactive presentations, smart applications, and rich audiovisual material. Participants showed great enthusiasm for the conservation and protection initiatives for sea turtles at Lara Beach and some of them showed interest to support the volunteering work during the summer period. 

Next, participants moved to the ‘Kalimera’ rock climbing site to practice bouldering and explore the surrounding landscape. To ensure a personalized experience, the crowd was divided into two smaller groups. The first group dove into bouldering—a type of rock climbing performed on short rock faces without ropes or harnesses, focusing instead on agility, strength, and technique over a safety mat with a spotter. Meanwhile, the second group set off to hike and explore the surrounding rock formations. Halfway through the session, the two groups switched roles so everyone could enjoy both activities. During the hike, participants admired the region’s unique geology, taking in a vibrant physical environment painted with the bright, rich colors of local flora. For those on the rock, bouldering proved to be a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience, pushing participants to solve problems with their movement while building powerful confidence with every successful support.

Gerakopetra

Even a winter chill couldn’t slow down the diverse group of young people who joined us at the Gerakopetra climbing site! Despite the rainy weather in the days leading up to the event, our participants arrived fully prepared, thanks to the briefing notes on proper layering.

The wet weather didn’t dampen their spirits as they dove into the world of top-rope climbing. The day began with a practical session on climbing equipment, where participants learned not just how to use the gear, but also how to properly maintain it for ultimate safety. From there, they moved directly to the climbing part. The youth challenged themselves on a variety of climbing routes, practicing proper top-rope techniques and taking turns belaying their peers. It was a fantastic day of building trust, learning new skills, and proving that outdoor adventure doesn’t stop when the weather gets cold.

The day wrapped up with an fascinating geology workshop that helped participants connect deeper with the landscape. They learned about the area’s highly significant rock formations, discovered the specific names and history of the rocks, and discussed essential eco-friendly practices.

Finally, the participants visited a local winery to learn about Cyprus’s culture and traditions. They met the wine producers and toured a museum dedicated to local wine history. To wrap up the experience, everyone enjoyed a wine tasting paired with a variety of traditional snacks.

Thematic route Aphrodite

During the event, participants hiked the thematic route “Aphrodite” (ineiatrails_en – Ίνεια Ακάμας | Ινεια – Ineia Akamas, Cyprus ). Hikers enjoyed a scenic walk between the sea and the majestic 550-meter-high plateau. The trail featured stunning, continuous views of the impressive Koratzis and Alykous rock formations, alongside traditional fountains and three historic chapels: Agios Iakovos, Agios Agapios, and Archangelos Michail. Above all, the path rewarded visitors with a spectacular panoramic view of Lara Bay and the Akamas Peninsula.

Cypriot breakfast and coffee followed in the central square of the village, giving the participants the opportunity to relax and discuss their experiences. The curtain of the event fell in the yard of the elementary school with a highly dynamic slackline workshop! There, the participants had the opportunity to experience a first, exciting experience, trying to balance on a special strap tied between two trees. This is a unique athletic challenge with multiple benefits for the body and the mind. Beyond the obvious — the spectacular improvement in balance and coordination — slacklining is a top workout for the whole body.