Nature Tourism Cyprus
Blessed with the beauty of nature’s best palette, the scenery of Cyprus unfolds across glittering coasts, rolling mountains, fragrant forests and rugged headlands. From the warm shores of the mainland to the unspoiled and cool oasis of the Troodos mountain range, nature lovers, artists, photographers and explorers will all delight in meeting shy creatures, and discovering rare plants that peep out amidst waterfalls, coves, woodland, winding trails and secluded sandy beaches. As the island is on the migration path between Europe, Asia and Africa, Cyprus is a birdwatchers dream, with flocks of flamingos frequenting the salt lakes, and many other significant species passing through or nesting. And deep in the forests, the national animal – the Mouflon – roams freely, with catching a glimpse of this timid, wild sheep a real treat for locals and visitors alike.
Exotic and rare forms of wildlife also give Cyprus a special touch. Green and Loggerhead turtles breed on the island’s sandy beaches in summer, while the Mediterranean Seal and dolphins have also been seen swimming in the warm, calm, crystal clear seas of the island.
Botanists and herbalists will equally appreciate the island’s green side, with a large number of local herbs and endemic plants, including the Cyprus orchid, tulip and crocus waiting to be stumbled upon along winding nature trails and paths less travelled.
From stunning sunrise to breathtaking sunset, the natural allure of Cyprus is both magnificent and inspiring… and all waiting to be uncovered.
Lemesos 2 – Ancient Amathous – Governor’s Beach Cycling Route
This excursion is for mountain bike fanatics who will appreciate the technical difficulties involved. Although there are few level changes, the fact that a large part is on rocky ground calls for a good sense of balance and technical skills.
This route starts where the Lemesos-ancient Amathous route ends and goes in the same direction along the old Lemesos-Lefkosia road for 5km until it reaches the Moni flyover. There it turns off onto a dirt road to the right and heads south towards the coast. It goes past a number of industrial units as well as the Moni quarry where it turns left heading east.This part of the route is full of cycling thrills, ending up at Governor’s Beach.
Difficulty rate: Hard and uneven surface.It requires a good quality mountain bike with 24 speeds and front fork suspension.
Road condition: Apart from the first 5km of paved roads, the rest of the route is on an uneven surface.
Main 13 – Stavros tis Psokas – Pyrgos Cycling Route
The route starts at the Stavros tis Psokas forestry station. It climbs a little to the north until it reaches a fork. The right-hand road leads east to Kykkos, while the road to the left heads west to Pomos and Kato Pyrgos. The latter is a winding downhill road, which emerges at the military camp of Agios Georgios above the Turkish enclave of Kokkina. From there the route turns right heading east to reach the coastal road and Pyrgos 6 kilometres later.
Difficulty rate: Quite a easy course. It requires a road bike with at least 18 gears.
Road condition: Good quality paved road throughout.
Route Description: This excursion is another alternative from Stavros tis Psokas instead of going to the village of Panagia and Pafos. This excursion leads to Pyrgos in the Tilliria region.
Aphrodite (Circular) – Pafos (Paphos) District, Akamas Forest Nature Trail (Rural)
Of special interest on this trail are the Loutra tis Afroditis (Baths of Aphrodite), where, according to legend, the Goddess of Love and Beauty used to take her baths. You will also pass by the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower), which are believed to belong to a Medieval monastery. Also noteworthy is a 500 year old oak tree, which is located near the ruins of the tower. Along the trail you can enjoy excellent views of Cape Arnaoutis, Polis Chrysochous and Pafos (Paphos) Forest. There are two non potable water fountains along the trail; one near the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas, and another between the Loutra tis Afroditis (Baths of Aphrodite) and Kakoskali. The trail connects with the Adonis trail, whilst at its starting point you can visit the Botanical Gardens of Akamas.
Xyliatos (Circular) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail
The trail begins at the overflow of the dam and runs alongside the highest water level point of the dam. It then crosses the artificial bridge over the dam. The uphill trail takes you to the Xyliatos – Lagoudera road, which leads you to the starting point if you follow through the dam’s embankment. The trail connects with another 200-metre trail, which starts from the picnic site ‘Fraktis tou Xyliatou’ (Xyliatos Dam) then follows a small section of the Xyliatos – Lagoudera road, joining with the circular path at the dam’s embankment. The dam itself is also of interest. A section of the path passes through a pine forest where you will encounter varieties of the golden oak tree, strawberry tree, myrtle, oriental alder and rockrose.
Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Shrubby knapweed (Ptilostemon chamaepeuce var. cyprius), Purple Rock Cress (Arabis purpurea), ‘Manouthkia’ (Pterocephalus multiflorus subsp. multiflorus – an evergreen small shrub with pale pink flowers), Cyprus skullcap (Scutellaria cypria subsp. elatior), Thyme (Thymus integer), Wild garlic (Allium willeanum).
Avakas Gorge (Linear) – Pafos (Paphos) District, Akamas Forest Nature Trail
The Avakas Gorge Trail is located in the homonymous gorge, within Pegeia state forest with the end of the trail located inside the gorge. It follows the course of the Avgas River, from where the gorge gets its name and resulted from constant erosive activity on the erodible, sloping limestone rocks composed of loams, chalks, reef and grain limestone and bentonitic clays. The gorge is also a Natura 2000 area. The trail firstly follows a dirt road (closed to private vehicles) through an open valley, then takes you into the gorge. In its last section, the trail is in the stream, in which water usually flows throughout the year. The route through the gorge is characterised by thick vegetation and a particularly attractive, shady and moist environment.
Flora: While hiking you can study the indigenous plants: lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus), Phoenician juniper (Juniperus phoenicea), terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus), thorny broom (Calycotome villosa), common smilax (Smilax aspera), oleander (Nerium oleander), storax (Styrax officinalis), and the endemic endangered Akamas centaury (Centaurea akamantis).
Adonis (Circular) – Pafos (Paphos) District, Akamas Forest Nature Trail
This trail offers beautiful views of Polis Chrysochous, the Pafos (Paphos) Forest and the Akamas peninsula. The path runs past Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower) and connects with the Smigies trail at Kefalovrysia (where there is a fountain of non potable water), and with the Afroditi trail at Pyrgos tis Rigainas. Also noteworthy is the 500 year old oak tree, which is located near the ruins of the tower. To return full circle, the trail follows the main road that connects the Loutra tis Afroditis (Baths of Aphrodite) with Polis for about 400 metres. At the starting point of the trail you can visit the Botanical Gardens of Akamas.
Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Cyprus Bosea (Bosea cypria), Shrubby knapweed (Ptilostemon chamaepeuce var. cyprius), Entire – Leaved Horehound (Acanthoprasium integrifolium), Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana var. tenuifolium), Cyprus Golden Drop (Onosma fruticosa), Cyprus sage (Phlomis cypria var. occidentalis).
Athalassa National Forest Park Cycling Route
Located south of Lefkosia (Nicosia), and to the east of the Lefkosia – Lemesos (Limassol) motorway, the Athalassa National Forest Park has a 16km bicycle path that was created at the initiative of the Forestry Department. It is a popular area for locals who go there for exercise and recreation.
Aphrodite (Circular) – Pafos (Paphos) District, Akamas Forest Nature Trail
Of special interest on this trail are the Loutra tis Afroditis (Baths of Aphrodite), where, according to legend, the Goddess of Love and Beauty used to take her baths. You will also pass by the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas (Queen’s Tower), which are believed to belong to a Medieval monastery. Also noteworthy is a 500 year old oak tree, which is located near the ruins of the tower. Along the trail you can enjoy excellent views of Cape Arnaoutis, Polis Chrysochous and Pafos (Paphos) Forest. There are two non potable water fountains along the trail; one near the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas, and another between the Loutra tis Afroditis (Baths of Aphrodite) and Kakoskali. The trail connects with the Adonis trail, whilst at its starting point you can visit the Botanical Gardens of Akamas.
Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Cyprus Golden – Drop (Onosma fruticosa), Cyprus sage (Phlomis cypria var. occidentalis).
