Ineia-Akamas website: a digital gateway to nature, culture and heritage in Cyprus

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The Ineia–Akamas website is a newly developed digital platform that brings together the natural, cultural and geographical identity of one of the most remarkable regions of Cyprus. Covering the villages of the Laona plateau and the wider Akamas peninsula, the platform offers an integrated view of landscape, history, geology and local heritage.

Developed with the contribution of the geographers, cartographers and editors of SELAS, the project combines cartographic expertise, geographic documentation and digital mapping to create an accessible and educational experience for visitors, researchers and the local community.

A Digital platform for a unique region

The Ineia–Akamas area is a landscape of exceptional value, where traditional villages, protected nature and complex geology coexist within a relatively small geographical space.

The website serves as a central hub that presents:

  • The villages of the Laona plateau
  • The natural environment of the Akamas peninsula
  • Geological formations and landforms
  • Cultural heritage and traditions
  • Educational and historical material

By bringing all this information together in one digital environment, the platform enhances understanding of the region as a whole, rather than as separate points of interest.

The vision behind the project

The creation of the Ineia–Akamas website is based on a clear vision: to document and promote the region in a way that connects nature, culture and education.

The area is not only a popular destination for visitors, but also an important landscape for environmental awareness, scientific study and cultural preservation.

The platform aims to:

  • Support sustainable tourism
  • Promote environmental education
  • Preserve cultural memory
  • Strengthen local identity
  • Improve access to geographic knowledge

What the website covers

The Ineia–Akamas platform includes detailed information about:

Ineia village

The traditional settlement of Ineia with its own architectural character and cultural identity.

Akamas Peninsula

One of Cyprus’ most important natural areas, known for its biodiversity, coastal landscapes and protected ecosystems.

Geological landscape

The region features a wide variety of rock formations, including limestone, sandstone, marl and the distinctive formations of the Mamonia complex.

Cultural heritage

Traditional practices, agricultural life, local customs and historical continuity across generations.

Educational content

Material designed to support understanding of the relationship between humans and the natural environment.

SELAS Contribution

SELAS contributed to the development of the Ineia–Akamas project through:

  • Geographical documentation of the region
  • Historical and cultural research support
  • Cartographic production and mapping
  • GIS-based spatial representation
  • Development of the official Ineia village website

In addition, SELAS provided services for the creation of the Ineia–Lara Turtle Museum and Educational Centre, supporting the broader effort to preserve and promote the cultural and natural heritage of the area.

Through this work, SELAS helped transform complex spatial and historical data into accessible visual and digital formats that enhance public understanding of the region.

A Tool for Education and Sustainable Development

Beyond tourism, the Ineia-Akamas website functions as an educational resource.

It supports:

  • Schools and academic institutions
  • Researchers and geographers
  • Environmental organisations
  • Local authorities
  • Visitors interested in cultural exploration

By combining maps, descriptions and structured information, the platform encourages a deeper appreciation of the landscape and its long-term preservation.

Why This Project Matters

The Ineia-Akamas region is facing increasing pressures from development, environmental change and tourism activity. Digital documentation plays an important role in ensuring that its identity and value are preserved for future generations.

This project contributes to:

  • Digital preservation of cultural landscapes
  • Awareness of environmental sensitivity
  • Promotion of responsible tourism
  • Strengthening of regional identity

The official Ineia-Akamas website is now available online:

👉 https://ineia-akamas.com.cy/en/home-en/

Visitors can explore the villages, landscapes and cultural information of the region through an interactive and informative digital experience.

About SELAS

SELAS is a Cyprus-based company specializing in cartography, GIS, geospatial analysis and geographic documentation. Through projects involving digital upgrades of communities, SELAS continues to contribute to the documentation, interpretation and digital representation of Cyprus’ natural and cultural heritage.

The Ineia–Akamas website represents more than a digital archive. It is a living platform that connects geography, culture and education in one unified space.

By combining scientific mapping with cultural storytelling, the project highlights the importance of understanding place not only as a location, but as a living system shaped by nature and people over time.

New 3D Relief Wall Maps of the Alps and the UK

We are delighted to announce the expansion of our 3D Relief Map series with two impressive new titles: the magnificent 3D Relief Map of the Alps and the unique 3D Relief Map of the UK.

The splendid 3D Relief Map of the Alps (scale 1:1.200.000) measures 770×570×15 mm and features a vertical exaggeration factor of 6, offering a striking representation of Europe’s most iconic mountain range.

The exceptional 3D Relief Map of the United Kingdom (scale 1:1.100.000) measures 770×570×20 mm and features a boost factor of approximately 10, delivering an impressive three-dimensional visualization of the country’s terrain.

Each map depicts in outstanding detail the natural relief using hypsometric tints, clearly illustrating plains, mountain ranges, valleys, and peaks, as well as hydrographic features such as rivers, lakes, and dams. The road network is carefully classified into categories, including motorways, major highways, and the main railway system.

All settlements and city names are presented in English.

Produced according to the highest cartographic standards and using avant-garde technology, these 3D maps bring a new dimension to cartography. Beyond their educational value, they also represent a distinctive piece of art and make a truly special gift for geography lovers.

The maps are now available in our MapShop.

3D Relief Wall Map of the Alps (in English)

3D Relief Wall Map of the United Kingdom (in English)

Digital Upgrade of Communities

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The Project “Digital Upgrade of Communities aimed at showcasing cultural heritage, increasing visitor numbers, and offering authentic experiences,” announced by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Municipality of Akamas, has been completed. The project constitutes a comprehensive example of digital transformation in the fields of tourism and cultural management.

SELAS undertook the design and implementation of:

  • Interactive digital multimedia applications (multilingual).
  • Digital educational applications based on scientific data in biodiversity and paleontology.
  • Touch-based applications with content grounded in scientific research on ecology and the environment. For the first time, the biodiversity of the area is presented in a digital application through on-site documentation and geospatial visualization of all flora and fauna species.
  • Mapping of thematic routes (hiking & cycling routes) and creation of digital maps.
  • A web platform for the digital promotion of Laona and Akamas, featuring interactive maps and content based on primary research.

This project combines technology, geospatial analysis, and geographical and ecological documentation, linking innovation, geography, ecology, and culture, and contributing to smart and sustainable tourism.

New Polis-Latsi Sea and Culture Museum

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The groundbreaking Polis-Latsi Sea and Culture Museum officially opened its doors to the public on September 2, 2025, showcasing Cyprus’s maritime history through the power of state of the Art technology.

Dedicated exclusively to the island’s maritime history and culture, with particular emphasis on the Akamas region, the Museum utilizes virtual and augmented reality, interactive exhibits, and multimedia projections, offering visitors a multidimensional, immersive journey into Cyprus’s maritime heritage.

The SELAS team had the honor of actively contributing to the realization of this project, undertaking the following:

  • Design of interactive maps for the Museum’s digital displays
  • Creation of printed wall maps, which adorn the “Mediterranean” Hall
  • Editing a regional guide, enriched with geographical, cultural, and historical information
  • Content writing for educational digital applications
  • Content writing for the Museum’s website
  • Scriptwriting for the films presented in the exhibition area

We are proud to have participated in such an important project that promotes and highlights the maritime history of Cyprus through a modern and innovative approach.

New 3D Relief Wall Map of the USA

New 3D Relief Wall Map of the USA

We are happy to announce the launch of the new limited edition of 3D Relief Map of the USA in English.

This unique Relief Map on scale 1:6.800.000, size 77x57cm and a superelevation of 12, gives new dimensions to Cartography.

It depicts in detail the relief of the United States of America with the use of hypsometric tints showing in detail all the plains, the mountain ranges, valleys and peaks, hydrographic features (rivers, lakes, dams etc.) as well as the unique geomorphological landforms. The road network is classified in categories including motorway network, federal highways, and the main railway system.

All settlements and city names are in English.

The 3D Maps have been produced following the highest cartographic standards and avant-garde technology and give a new dimension to Cartography. Further to their educational value, they constitute a unique piece of art for every home and office and a special gift for any occasion.

The Maps are available for sale in our MapShop.

https://www.selas.com.cy/product/3d-relief-wall-map-of-the-usa-in-english

New 3D Relief Wall Map of the Mediterranean

We are happy to announce the launch of the new limited edition of 3D Relief Map of the Mediterranean.

This unique Relief Map on scale 1:5.500.000, size 77x57cm and a superelevation of 20-40, gives new dimensions to Cartography.

It depicts in detail the relief of the Mediterranean area with the use of hypsometric tints showing in detail all the plains, the mountain ranges, valleys and peaks, hydrographic features (rivers, lakes, dams etc.) as well as the unique geomorphological landforms. The road network is classified in categories including motorway network, federal highways, and the main railway system.

All settlements and city names are in English.

The 3D Maps have been produced following the highest cartographic standards and avant-garde technology and give a new dimension to Cartography. Further to their educational value, they constitute a unique piece of art for every home and office and a special gift for any occasion.

The Maps are available for sale in our MapShop.

https://www.selas.com.cy/product/3d-raised-relief-mediterranean-sea/

Topographical & Hiking Maps of Cyprus – 2nd Revised Edition

Discover the most detailed hiking maps of Cyprus, designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the island’s natural beauty with confidence. This second revised edition of Topographical Maps of Cyprus is now available at MapShop.

The publication includes 104 high-quality topographical maps covering the Troodos Mountains and Akamas Peninsula at a scale of 1:25,000, offering precise detail for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor navigation.

The maps are organized into 12 regions across Cyprus, including Akamas, Pafos Forest, Troodos, Pitsilia, Machairas, and more. Each map provides accurate terrain information, trail routes, and key landmarks.

Key Features:

  • Detailed hiking trails including the European E4 path
  • Terrain, elevation, and contour information
  • Forests, rivers, and geological formations
  • Cultural landmarks such as churches, bridges, and traditional sites

The guide also includes a comprehensive section with useful information on hiking safety, nature trails, picnic sites, wineries, and cultural heritage locations, including UNESCO-listed churches.

Designed using UTM grid and WGS84, the maps are fully compatible with GPS systems, making them ideal for both professionals and outdoor explorers.

Whether you are a hiker, trail runner, bikers or nature lover, this publication is the ultimate guide to discovering Cyprus.

Walking and Cycling Routes In the Community of Pano Arodes

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The Community of Pano Arodes, southeast of the Akamas Forest and in the middle of the Laona plateau, enjoys an enviable natural wealth, a rich geodiversity, unique landforms and a remarkable History and Cultural heritage.

For a better exploration of the village, we proceeded, in collaboration with the Community, with the design of three walking and cycling routes with suggested points of interest, inviting the visitor to learn about the unique natural and cultural wealth of the area.

Εκδόθηκαν τέλος έντυποι χάρτες των Διαδρομών για χρήση από τους επισκέπτες.

Mapping the “Aphrodite” Thematic Route

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SELAS undertook the project of the mapping the “Aphrodite” Thematic Route and the design of the maps for the Information Center in the Community of Ineia, in Pafos.

​The thematic linear route “Aphrodite” has as starting point the Information Center in Ineia village and ends at “Alykou” geomorphological landform with a panoramic view towards Lara Bay and Lara beaches.  

It is a very pleasant route which passes among unique geomorphological landforms, Byzantine chapels, stone fountains and a rich flora and fauna. Hikers experience simultaneously the magnificent elevation of the plateau of Laona, at an altitude of about 550 meters and the beneficial effect of the sea.

The “Aphrodite” Thematic Route received a European Honorary Distinction being selected among 297 projects for the European Public Spaces Award.

​​The project was implemented by the Pafos District Administration, within the framework of the Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan, funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility.

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