Author: Christos

Points of interest: The trail passes through thickets of black pine and follows a route by the cliff’s edge, with views toward Chromium River, Solea Valley, Morfou Bay and the tip of Chionistra. The rich vegetation at the beginning of the trail, comprised of black pine and foetid juniper, gradually gives way to Calabrian pine at lower altitudes (below 1,400 metres). The whole trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park, which is a Natura 2000 area. The route ends up on the Platania – Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis forest road. For the first kilometre the route is common with the Kampos tou Livadiou Trail. At the end of the trail you have the choice between three routes that end up at Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, the village of Kakopetria or Platania Forest Station. ‘Kampos tou Livadiou’ picnic site, situated near the starting point, has potable water.

Flora: While hiking you can study the indigenous plants: white beam (Sorbus aria ssp. cretica), barberry (Berberis cretica), terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus), strawberry tree (Arbutus adrachnae) and the endemic golden oak (Quercus alnifolia).

Points of interest: The Livadi Trail, which is wheelchair accessible, is located within Troodos National Forest Park – a Natura 2000 area. The course takes you through a black pine and foetid juniper forest, where you will have the chance to admire some century­ old trees. A viewpoint, where you can see Chromium River and Solea Valley, is available on the route. To complete the trail, turn back at the viewpoint and follow the same route for about 100 metres, then take the route on the right, as indicated by the sign. Tree loggings have not taken place in these forests since 1972, since the principal management objective for this forest area is the conservation of biodiversity, water resources and the landscape. ‘Kampos tou Livadiou’ picnic site has drinking water. The Troodos Visitor Centre, which holds information on the Troodos mountain range, its flora and its fauna, is located In Troodos Square.

Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Troodos viper­grass (Scorzonera troodea), Troodos spurge (Euphorbia cassia subsp. rigoi), golden oak (Quercus alnifolia), and the indigenous barberry (Berberis cretica), white beam (Sorbus aria ssp.cretica) and bracken (Pteridium aquilinum).

Points of interest: There are panoramic views in all directions when you reach an altitude of around 1,400­-1,600m along the Madari ridge. The path ends close to the top of Adelfoi mountain (1,613 metres). The walk offers the opportunity to climb up the Madari fire lookout tower, which overlooks the area. The trail connects with other nature trails in the area, such as: the Madari ­ Selladi  tou Karamanli path, Teisia tis Madaris and the Doxa soi o Theos ­ Moutti tis Choras path. There is a fountain with drinking water at starting point (a).

Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Shrubby knapweed (Ptilostemon chamaepeuce var. cyprius), Golden oak (Quercus alnifolia), Purple Rock Cress (Arabis purpurea), ‘Manouthkia’  (Pterocephalus multiflorus subsp. multiflorus – an evergreen small shrub with pale pink flowers), Cyprus skullcap (Scutellaria cypria subsp. cypria), Thyme (Thymus integer).

Fauna: The main species of fauna found in the area are:

Mammals: Fox, hare, hedgehog.

Birds: Bonelli’s eagle, Eurasian jay, Wood  pigeon, partridge, Cyprus warbler (endemic), Cyprus wheatear (endemic).

Reptiles: Cyprus viper, Cyprus lizard, Black whip snake.