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Nature Trails
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Cyprus is a haven for the nature lover. Its wide variety of landscape - from the dunes of the sun baked coastland, to the snowy peaks of the Troodos mountains – is home to an astounding number of flora and fauna species, considering the size of the island. There are 8 main areas which each have various trails to be explored by the keen walker.
Akamas is the easternmost point of the three major flora zones of Europe, and the number of plant species alone comes up to 600. Situated at the western point of Cyprus, Akamas is said to have been named after the son of Theseus who came to the island and founded Akamantis. According to mythology, Akamas was also the place where Aphrodite and Adonis had their love trysts. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and is ideal for walking, cycling, swimming, diving, fishing, cruising on small craft and birdwatching.
This is a mountainous region east of Troodos, filled with a large variety of ecosystems and landscapes. The area is covered with natural pine forests, and golden oak. The main products of this area are apples, pears, cherries, peaches, grapes and vegetables. Pisylia has 8 nature trails.
The National Forest Park of Athalassa is situated at the south-eastern edge of the capital, and covers an area of 840 hectares. Over 500 trees, shrubs and herbs have been recorded in the area, 12 of which are endemic. A network of trails has been created covering 20 kms.
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Troodos Mountains
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Troodos National Forest Park is at the centre of the island, and covers an area of 9337 hectares. The area is suitable for a number of activities such as hiking, skiing, mountain cycling, nature study and picnics. Over 700 plant species have been recorded, making this area the richest botanical garden of Cyprus. The area’s geology is of world-wide importance – and is a centre for scientific study. There are 10 nature trails covering an a total length of 50 kms.
The 4 trails in this area are near these picturesque villages, and the area of Kionia in the Machairas Forest. The rich flora of the area includes a rare plant, strictly protected by the bern Convention, the Lefkara Astragalus.
This is a National Forest Park at the Southeastern end of the island between Agia Napa and Paralimni. It offers a wide range of activities such as swimming, diving, towed parachute, fishing, rowing, cycling, riding, climbing, air sports and hiking. There are about 300 plant species in the area, together with a wide variety of fauna. To date 9 trails have been constructed.
This Forest Station is in the heart of the Paphos forest, the largest and most beautiful pine forest on the island. The station has a hostel, cafeteria and picnic area. Nearby is the well known Cedar Valley. The 3 trails in this area cover a total length of 9.5 kms.
Kyparissia is situated about 10 kms from Lemesos. The most interesting feature of this area is the Kyparissia river with its steep banks. The vegetation consists of mixed thickets of pine, cypress, olive and cistus.
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