Cyprus my island

Walking at all seasons

Spring
In springtime Cyprus is flowered all over the island. With about 1600 flowering plants a walking holiday in Cyprus is truly worthwhile. The air smells of wild herbs and wild flowers and the fields have thousand of different colors. Yellow, blue and red anemones, red poppy seed, rare orchids,Cypriot cyclamen, gladiolus, iris, tulips, chrysanthemum, hyacinth, daffodils and many more are in full blossom. Cyprus is well known for its numerous orchid species, about 44 different species can be found on the island. The rich world of birds contains more then 100 different types and there are also many butterflies. Especially migratory birds benefit from the favorable situation and weather conditions on the island. The famous pink flamingos coming every year from winter until spring, staying at the salt lake at Larnaca. Important bird species are: flamingo, chaffinch, the Cypriot partridge, nightingale and others. Most of the birds are at the forests of the Troodos mountains.

Summer
In summertime a walking holiday in the higher and cooler regions of the mountains is worthwhile
The mountain walking paths will lead you through fragrant cedars, stone pines, pines and cypress forests. The Cyprus cedar (Cedrus libani var brevifolia) is only found on the island and grows only at 2 sites. You also find carob trees, sycamore trees and oak trees along the walking paths and in the higher regions pines. The walking paths will lead you through splendid view points with the best panorama of the countryside and sea. Some of the walking paths follow along crystal clear streams with waterfalls, where you can refresh your tired feet. The beautiful villages give you the chance to visit some of the numerous chapels and learn
something about the culture of the island.

Autumn
The autumn in Cyprus is still enjoyable warm. The good day temperatures, 33° in September, 28° in October and 22° in November making a walking holiday favorable at this time of the year. Walking along the sea is also possible, even a dip in the sea. The bathing season in Cyprus is one of the longest in the Mediterranean sea and often swimming is possible until end of November.
The average water temperature in September is 29° and in November 22°. Flowers like poinsettia and buttercup are prospering in autumn.

Winter
Mild temperatures and many sunny hours making wintertime an ideal season for walking. The daily temperatures are 15 - 22° and the day has 5 – 7 hours sun.

Walking Routes Troodos

Stavros Agiasmati – Panagia tou Araka Length: 7,5 km Time: 2 – 4 hours
The route is a nature trail in its entirety. On leaving the church of Stavros Agiasmati, it ascends for a while through forested area. It goes then past deserted vineyards and reenters the forest reaching the village of Lagoudhera. It then descends through the village of Lagoudhera from where it follows exiting roads to reach the church of Panagia tou Arakou.

Artemis Trail (Circular) Length: 7 km, Time: 2,5 – 3 hours

The starting point is 300 m from the junction between the road to Olympos mountain peak and Troodos – Prodromos main road. Points of interest: Black pine forest, rare endemic and other species of flora, geological formations of the region. Access to two 500 year old black pines.

Kaledonia Trail Length: 3 km, Time: 1,5 hours

The starting point is about 350 m off the Troodos – Platres main road. The trail goes downstream through dense forest vegetation, along river Kyros Potamos, which flows all the year round. Past the scenic Kaledonia Waterfalls the trail ends at location Psilo Dendro over Pano Platres village.

Adonis Trail Length: 7,5 km Time: 3 – 4 hours

The starting point is 400 m before Baths of Aphrodite. Points of interests are views to Polis, Pafos forest and Akamas peninsula. The path goes past Pyrgos tis Rigainis (Queens Tower). At location Kefalovrysia, where a potable water fountain is found it links up with the Smigies Trail.

Aphrodite Trail Length: 7,5 km Time: 3 – 4 hours

The starting point is the Bath of Aphrodite, where according to legend the goddess bathed. Excellent view points towards Cape Arnaoutis (Akamas),Polis and Pafos forest. Near the ruins of Pyrgos tis Rigainas a huge 100 year old oak tree is located. The trail links with Adonis trail.

Video: Walking in Cyprus