Category: Discover Cyprus

Kampos tou Livadiou (Circular) – Lemesos (Limassol) / Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

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GPS coordinates of the starting point: Lat: 34.936231 Lon: 32.889129
GPS coordinates of the ending point: Lat: 34.936231 Lon: 32.889129
Altitude of the starting point: 1,680m
Altitude of the highest peak: 1,700m
Altitude of the end peak: 1,680m
Starting point: The road that leads to Kampos tou Livadiou picnic site.
Length: 3km
Estimated duration: 1.5 hour
Difficulty rate: 1 – 2

 

Points of interest: The first 1,000 metres of the trail are common with the Kampos tou Livadiou – Mnimata Piskopon Trail. With its positioning near the edge of a cliff, the trail offers views toward Chromium River, Solea Valley, Morfou Bay and the tip of Chionistra. It is particularly enjoyable as it passes through thickets of black pine and a significant number of century­ old black pines and junipers. There are also points of geological interest (dunite, harzburgite). The entire trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park, which is a Natura 2000 area. The picnic site of ‘Kampos tou Livadiou’ has drinking water.

Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Cyprus skullcap (Scutellaria cypria subsp. cypria), Troodos Alyson (Alyssum troodi), golden oak (Quercus alnifolia), Troodos sage (Salvia willeana) and the indigenous barberry (Berberis cretica) and white beam (Sorbus aria ssp.cretica).

 

Psilondentro (Tall Tree) – Pouziaris (Circular) ­- Lemesos (Limassol) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

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GPS coordinates of the starting point: Lat: 34.895957 Lon: 32.869154
GPS coordinates of the ending point: Lat: 34.920633 Lon: 32.881826
Altitude of the starting point: 1,178m
Altitude of the highest peak: 1,718m
Altitude of the end peak: 1,178m
Starting point: The crossing point of the forest road Platres – Mesa Potamos with the tourist road Moniatis – Platres – Troodos, close to the Psilodentro (Tall Tree).
Length: 9km
Estimated duration: 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty rate: 3 (very challenging due to the uphill and downhill areas of the route)

 

Points of interest: For the first kilometre, the path passes through dense clusters of Calabrian pine trees, whilst on the third kilometre at the points with a higher altitude it passes through an impressive and dense black pine forest (Pinus nigra subsp.pallasiana). At points along the trail you will experience panoramic views. The path is located within the National Forest Park of Troodos.

Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: 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), Troodos Sage (Salvia willeana).

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 snake (endemic), Cyprus lizard.

Kalidonia (Linear) – Lemesos (Limassol) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

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GPS coordinates of the starting point: Lat: 34.914670 Lon: 32.870569
GPS coordinates of the ending point: Lat: 34.895785 Lon: 32.868541
Altitude of the starting point: 1,571m
Altitude of the highest peak: 1,571m
Altitude of the end peak: 1,238m
Starting point: (a) 350m from the main road of Troodos Square ­ Platres, 3km from the square. You can also access the starting point from the old Troodos ­ Platres road, after the Presidential Summer Residence
(b) At the Psilodentro (Tall Tree) above Pano (Upper) Platres.
Length: 3km
Estimated duration: 1.5 hour
Difficulty rate: 3

 

Points of interest: From the starting point (a) the trail passes through a dense forest and then runs alongside the Cold River (Krios Potamos), which has running water all year round. It then passes by the Kalidonia Waterfall and finishes at the Psilodentro in Pano Platres. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park. In Troodos Square you will find the Environmental Information Centre for the Troodos National Forest Park.

Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Troodos sage (Salvia willeana), Purple Rock ­ Cress (Arabis purpurea), Thorny gorse (Genista fasselata subsp. crudelis), Urse mint (Mentha longifolia subsp. cyprica), Aphrodite’s spurge (Euphorbia veneris), Golden oak (Quercus alnifolia).

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 snake (endemic).

Persephone (Linear) – Lemesos (Limassol) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

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GPS coordinates of the starting point: Lat: 34.920443 Lon: 32.881202
GPS coordinates of the ending point: Lat: 34.908118 Lon: 32.903485
Altitude of the starting point: 1,733m
Altitude of the highest peak: 1,733m
Altitude of the end peak: 1,654m
Starting point: 150m south of Troodos Square, in the direction of the police station.
Length: 3km
Estimated duration: 1 hour
Difficulty rate: 1

 

Points of interest: The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park, and for the first two kilometres of the route, you will pass through dense black pine forest. The ending point at Makria Kontarka offers stunning views. The Kampos tou Livadiou picnic area is located two kilometres from Troodos Square ­ in the direction of Karvounas ­ and at a distance of 2.5 kilometres, you will find the ‘Armyrolivado’ and ‘Livadi tou Pasia’ picnic sites. The Environmental Information Centre for the Troodos National Forest Park can be found in Troodos Square.

Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Golden oak (Quercus alnifolia), Cyprus Skullcap (Scutellaria cypria subsp. cypria), Troodos catmint (Nepeta troodi), Cyprus Germander (Teucrium cyprium subsp. cyprium), Manouthkia (Pterocephalus multiflorus subsp. multiflorus – an evergreen small shrub with pale pink flowers), Troodos sage (Salvia willeana).

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 snake (endemic).

Artemis (Circular) – Lemesos (Limassol) District, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

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GPS coordinates of the starting point: Lat: 34.933166 Lon: 32.871986
GPS coordinates of the ending point: Lat: 34.933221 Lon: 32.871964
Altitude of the starting point: 1,835m
Altitude of the highest peak: 1,850m
Altitude of the end peak: 1,835m
Starting point: 300m from where the Chionistra road meets the Troodos – Prodromos road.
Length: 7km
Estimated duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
Difficulty rate: 1

 

Points of interest: The trail passes through the black pine forest where you will also encounter rare species of flora and rock formations of the area. You can find two perennial black pine trees (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana) that are around 500 years old. Of historic interest are ‘The teishia tis palaias choras’ ruins of makeshift fortifications built in the last years of the Venetian occupation of Cyprus (1571 AD) by a group of Venetian generals attempting to defend themselves against the Ottomans. The route circles around the top of Mount Olympos (Chionistra) at an altitude of 1,850 metres, offering an excellent view in all directions. The trail is located within the Troodos National Forest Park and you will find the Environmental Information Centre for the Troodos National Forest Park at a distance of 2.2km from the trail.

Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Cyprus Skullcap (Scutellaria cypria subsp. cypria), Spurge (Euphorbia cassia subsp. rigoi), Cyprus germander (Teucrium cyprium subsp. cyprium), Troodos sage (Salvia willeana), Pondikangathos (common subshrub) (Astragalus echinus subsp. chionistrae).

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 snake (endemic).

Atalanti (Circular) – Lemesos (Limassol) / Lefkosia (Nicosia) Districts, Troodos Forest Nature Trail

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GPS coordinates of the starting point: Lat: 34.924239 Lon: 32.880879
GPS coordinates of the ending point: Lat: 34.924275 Lon: 32.880956
Altitude of the starting point: 1,725m
Altitude of the highest peak: 1,830m
Altitude of the end peak: 1,748m
Starting point: Troodos Square.
Length: 14km
Estimated duration: 4 – 5 hours
Difficulty rate: 2

 

Points of interest: The trail goes around Chionistra mountain at an altitude of 1,700­-1,750 metres, passing through dense areas of black pine trees (Pinus nigra subsp.pallasiana) and Foetid Juniper (Juniperus foeditissima). One of the largest trees ­ Foetid Juniper ­ is found on the trail; it is 800 years old. There are wonderful views of all the areas of the island. The entrance tunnel of the chrome mine ­ which has been out of service since 1982 is particularly interesting. The first finishing point of the trail is nine kilometres along the Troodos-Prodromos road. To continue on the trail you must cross the main road and walk on the forest road of Katoikies Chromiou towards Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis church for around 200m, where a wooden sign points your direction;  the trail is approximately parallel to the main road and ends at Troodos Square, where you will find the Environmental Information Centre of Troodos National Forest Park. A fountain with drinking water is located three kilometres from the starting point heading towards Troodos Square.

Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Golden oak (Quercus alnifolia), Manouthkia (Pterocephalus multiflorus subsp. multiflorus – an evergreen small shrub with pale pink flowers), Urse mint (Mentha longifolia subsp. cyprica), Troodos Alison  (Alyssum troodi).

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

Mammals: Mouflon, Fox, hare, hedgehog.

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

Reptiles: Cyprus viper, Cyprus snake (endemic).

Teisia tis Madaris (Circular) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) / Lemesos (Limassol) Districts, Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail

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GPS coordinates of the starting point: Lat: 34.951404 Lon: 32.999168
GPS coordinates of the ending point: Lat: 34.951404 Lon: 32.999168
Altitude of the starting point: 1,582m
Altitude of the highest peak: 1,582m
Altitude of the end peak: 1,582m
Starting point: Close to the Madari fire lookout tower, near the ending point of the Doxa soi o Theos – Madari trail.
Length: 3km
Estimated duration: 1.5 hour
Difficulty rate: 3

 

Points of interest: There are tall, impressive cliffs along the trail, as well as areas of geological interest. You will also encounter beautiful views of the Mesaoria Plain and Morfou Bay. The trail connects with the Madari – Doxa soi o Theos trail and the Madari – Selladi tou Karamanli trail. The path is at an altitude of 1,600 metres. At the highest point of Adelfoi mountain (1,613 metres), you will find the Madari fire lookout tower.

Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Troodos rose (Rosa chionistrae), Troodos cat­mint (Nepeta troodi), Star­ of­ Bethlehem (Ornithogalum chionophilum), Chamomile (Anthemis plutonia), ‘Manouthkia’ (Pterocephalus multiflorus subsp. multiflorus – an evergreen small shrub with pale pink flowers), Golden oak (Quercus alnifolia), Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia), Cyprus crocus (Crocus cyprius), 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

Doxa soi o Theos – Pyrofylakio (Fire Lookout Station) Madaris (Linear) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail

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GPS coordinates of the starting point: Lat: 34.956223 Lon: 32.963155
GPS coordinates of the ending point: Lat: 34.956147 Lon: 32.995126
Altitude of the starting point: 1,338m
Altitude of the highest peak: 1,609m
Altitude of the end peak: 1,582m
Starting point: (a) At Doxa soi o Theos, 2km from Kyperounta and 5km from Spilia, on the Kyperounta – Spilia road.
(b) At the Madari fire lookout tower.
Length: 3.8km
Estimated duration: 2 hours
Difficulty rate: 3

 

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.

Agia Eirini – Limeria (Linear) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail

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GPS coordinates of the starting point: Lat: 34.980599 Lon: 32.968808
GPS coordinates of the ending point: Lat: 34.990647 Lon: 32.950746
Altitude of the starting point: 906m
Altitude of the highest peak: 1,217m
Altitude of the end peak: 1,204m
Starting point: Agia Eirini Village.
Length: 5km
Estimated duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty rate: 3 (steep uphill route)

 

Points of interest: The trail passes through a Calabrian pine forest with beautiful view spots of the Bay of Morfou (central­ west part of Cyprus). At Selladi tis Straorouthkias, the trail joins with the Kourdali – Limeria trail, and both trails share a common route for the next two kilometres. The trail ends at the location of Limeria with its many hideouts that were used during the anti­colonial National struggle war of 1955-19­59. Some six kilometres north of Agia Eirini Village there is a picnic site: ‘Kapoura’, which is situated next to the Kapoura Forest Station.

Flora: While hiking you can study the endemic plants: Golden oak (Quercus alnifolia), Thyme (Thymus integer), ‘Manouthkia’ (Pterocephalus multiflorus subsp. multiflorus – an evergreen small shrub with pale pink flowers), Cyprus skullcap (Scutellaria cypria subsp. cypria).

Fauna: The main species 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.

Xyliatos (Circular) – Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, Adelfoi Forest Nature Trail

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GPS coordinates of the starting point: Lat: 35.009318 Lon: 33.036420
GPS coordinates of the ending point: Lat: 35.009318 Lon: 33.036420
Altitude of the starting point: 543m
Altitude of the highest peak: 601m
Altitude of the end peak: 543m
Starting point: (a) The overflow of the dam, (b) The dam’s picnic site.
Length: 3.8km
Estimated duration: 1 – 1.5 hour
Difficulty rate: 2

 

Points of interest: 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).

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

Mammals: Fox, hare, hedgehog.

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

Fish: Trout, carp, bass.

Amphibians: Frogs.